7 Essential Considerations When Choosing Supplements
Figuring out which dietary supplements to take can be as tricky as finding your way in the Wild West. It's challenging because there are countless companies out there, each claiming to be the best and promising incredible results. To make matters worse, the market is cluttered with subpar and misleading supplements. Are you aware that supplement manufacturers aren't bound by the same stringent rules as prescription medications, meaning they're not obligated to demonstrate the safety or effectiveness of their products? (see JAMA study)
It's concerning to note that a significant portion of widely available dietary supplements are inaccurately labeled, contain insufficient active ingredients, or are tainted with impurities and substances that are prohibited. This shows us that the unregulated supplement industry isn't watched over very closely, so we need to be really careful about what we choose to use. Because of this, I've put together seven important tips to help you pick supplements that are safe and actually work.
7 Critical Factors to Consider When Buying Supplements
Prioritize Quality Over Cost: While bargain hunting can be rewarding, when it comes to supplements, you often get what you pay for. Quality ingredients and manufacturing processes can make a difference in how effective a supplement is and, more importantly, how safe it is for consumption.
Seek Transparency in Labeling: Trustworthy brands will list all ingredients, including active and inactive components, on their labels. Be wary of products with vague descriptions such as "proprietary blends," which can conceal the true nature and quantity of the ingredients.
Inspect for Third-Party Testing: Supplements are not regulated by the FDA for safety and efficacy before they hit the market, so third-party testing becomes crucial. This means an independent organization has reviewed the product for quality and purity. Brands like dotFIT go above and beyond by ensuring their products are rigorously tested and verified.
Research the Brand’s Reputation: Spend some time investigating the brand. Look into their history, recall records, and what other consumers have to say about their products. A brand’s reputation is often a reflection of the quality and reliability of their products.
Understand the Source: Where ingredients come from matters. The best supplements are those with ingredients that are ethically sourced and verified for purity.
Beware of Outrageous Claims: If a supplement promises a quick fix or sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate supplements and their manufacturers will stick to claims that are backed by scientific evidence and will not venture into the realm of the miraculous.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional for Supplement Safety: Prior to making any decisions about supplements, it's crucial to have a conversation with a healthcare provider. They can help ascertain whether there's a genuine need for a supplement and advise on the appropriate dosage. This step is essential to ensure that your supplement intake is tailored to your unique health requirements, rather than based on self-assessment.
dotFIT Partnership
With this being said, we are excited to announce our partnership with dotFIT, a brand that exemplifies the stringent criteria we believe in. dotFIT is not only committed to delivering high-quality supplements but also prioritizes consumer education and transparency. Their products undergo independent testing to guarantee that what's on the label is what's in the bottle—no more, no less. With an impressive array of offerings designed to support a wide range of health and fitness goals, dotFIT stands out in an industry that is often mired in confusion and controversy.
If building muscle is your aim, dotFIT has three excellent supplements that I personally utilize and can vouch for in helping you reach your muscle gain goals. These products include:
Creatine Monohydrate: a tried and tested supplement that has been proven effective over time.
WheySmooth: a supplement that helps ensure you consume enough high-quality protein, which is essential for gaining muscle.
N07 Rage3: a powerful pre-workout supplement designed to promote blood flow and maximize your muscle pump.
If you're looking for more than just muscle-building supplements, I recommend checking out dotFIT's online store. They have a wide selection of high-quality supplements, and their multivitamin is one I really like.
I hope this helps you out! And remember, if you have any questions or need help with anything, just reach out to us. We're here for you.