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BlogQualityFake Supplements: How to Tell If Supplements Are Fake or Genuine
With so many supplements on the market, quality standards, including accuracy and safety, can vary significantly among supplement manufacturers. Whether they contain the wrong botanical species or are impersonating a genuine product, fake supplements can cause illness and influence patient plan success.
Keep reading below to learn more about how to tell if supplements are fake and key indicators to look out for.
TheFDA doesn’t pre-approve dietary supplements, so the label may not accurately reflect the ingredients or quality of the product, increasing the risk of counterfeit or unsafe supplements. (2)(9)
Counterfeit supplements may have incorrect ingredients listed, impurities or fillers, incorrect or missing labels, and suspicious packaging containing misspelled words, missing lot numbers, or no tamper-evident seals. (1)(4)
Fake supplements can cause serious health issues, including toxic reactions, bacterial contamination, and liver or kidney damage due to mislabeled ingredients or harmful fillers. (1)(6)(8)(9)
To verify authenticity, purchase supplements from trusted sources, inspect the packaging and product closely, and research the brand to ensure it follows good manufacturing practices and has legitimate certifications. (1)
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Fake supplements can appear similar to genuine supplements at first glance but differ significantly in ingredients and quality. Fake supplements may have:
A chemical substance claiming to be a dietary supplement
Impurities and filler ingredients not listed on the label
Packaging that’s impersonating a reputable company (1)
Dangers of fake supplements
Patients rely on providers, manufacturers, and retailers for health and supplement information. Fake dietary supplements may be convincingly marketed, have a price tag that attracts consumers, and even be sold at well-known retailers. Unfortunately, these big-box stores and e-commerce sites often don’t have rigorous supplement quality assurance. (2)(5)
This oversight may expose consumers to potentially harmful chemicals or even banned substances. Fake products may contain mislabeled ingredients, toxic doses, or impurities that can cause illness, such as bacteria or mold. (1) Taking fake health supplements may cause undesirable side effects, such as chest pain, fatigue, or a rash. They can also lead to more severe reactions, such as heart, kidney, or liver damage. (6)(8)(9)
Educating your patients about the differences between a genuine and fake product can be helpful during onboarding and follow-up appointments.
Identify fake supplements by performing a supplement authenticity check on any products purchased from an unknown or suspicious retail store. Examine any available resources, such as the website, capsule, or bottle.
1. Consider the retailer
Large stores and online retailers often have poorly defined quality standards for the supplements they sell. A study using immune supplement products purchased on Amazon found that many had inaccurate labels and misleading claims. (2)
2. Examine the packaging
Another way to ensure that supplements are legitimate and safe is to examine the Supplement Facts label and packaging. Look for mistakes, misspelled words, or unfamiliar fonts on the label—this could indicate the supplement is fake.
Good-quality supplements should have tamper-evident seals, lot numbers, and contact information for the brand. Third-party supplement testing seals can also confirm current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and label claims such as non-GMO and gluten-free certification.
Fake supplements are often misleading, using claims such as “100% natural” or “safe” on their label or website. (9)
3. Inspect the supplement
Fake products often have missing or additional ingredients not listed on the Supplement Facts label. (2) Whether it’s a powder or capsule, examine the supplement for an abnormally pungent smell or irregular texture. A patient taking a counterfeit supplement may report that the product has an unusual smell or bad aftertaste.
4. Research the brand
A quick web search can further inform whether your patient is taking a genuine dietary supplement. Original supplements typically have a website with a clear brand story highlighting their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices. Contact and location information should also be present. Some original brand websites also list which reputable retailers carry their products.
Reputable dietary supplement brands are transparent about their products, which usually undergo multiple quality checks and rigorous testing.
Watch out for counterfeit supplements
Fake products are, unfortunately, relatively common and may contain dangerous ingredients that cause adverse effects, such as chest pain. That’s why knowing how to tell if supplements are fake is important. Examining the supplement label, packaging, and retailer can help determine whether a supplement is fake or genuine. If you discover a fake supplement, report your findings to the FDA as soon as possible.
Look for supplements with clear, accurate labels, tamper-evident seals, expiration dates, and certifications from third-party organizations. Check for a reputable brand with transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices.
How can you tell if a supplement company is legitimate?
A legitimate supplement company typically has a professional website with clear contact information, transparent sourcing and manufacturing processes, certifications from third-party testers, and a consistent, credible brand presence.
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Join 100,000 healthcare providers who rely on Fullscript to dispense top-quality supplements and labs to their patients.
The information in this article is intended for healthcare practitioners for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for informed medical, legal, or financial advice. Practitioners should rely on their own professional training and judgement, and consult appropriate legal, financial, or clinical experts when necessary.
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