5 reasons to stop buying supplements on Amazon
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Have you ever found yourself going down some deep rabbit holes on Amazon, searching for the perfect supplement?
Maybe you're looking for a solution for better focus and energy, or anti-aging, or to prevent bloating.
You're scrolling through countless options... evaluating the fine print on the labels... crowdsourcing wisdom from online reviews...
Some swear by a magical supplement that gave them superhuman energy and glowing skin, while others share tales of unexpected rashes and gastrointestinal distress that kept them on the toilet for days.
Navigating the vast sea of 1-star horror stories and glowing 5-star reviews can be totally overwhelming — I get it.
You're not sure what's worth the investment and what to steer clear from.
Here's the thing...
Not all supplements are created equal — and neither are their suppliers.
When it comes to supplements, ensuring you're getting the highest quality from a trusted source in the most bio-available form is crucial.
It can mean the difference between supplements that support your health versus supplements that end up being money down the literal drain (aka expensive pee).
Or worse, supplements that cause serious side effects.
Amazon has become a common place to shop for supplements, but unfortunately it's a bit like the Wild West in terms of quality and regulations.
Here are 5 reasons why I no longer purchase supplements from Amazon:
1) Inaccurate/Misleading Product Labels
Product labels should tell you exactly what you're ingesting, right? Researchers from the University of Mississippi and the Uniformed Services University tested 30 immune support supplements bought on Amazon. They found that 17 of 30 products had inaccurate labels; 13 were misbranded; and 9 had additional components detected but not claimed on the label.
Inaccurate product labels can be dangerous, especially when certain doses of ingredients or unlisted ingredients are contraindicated with health conditions, prescriptions, or other supplements.
2) Counterfeit Products
In the days of advanced technology, it's too easy for third-party sellers to create fake supplements with look-alike packaging of name brands and sell them for a "discounted" price. There are multiple instances of counterfeit products being discovered on Amazon (here, here, and here). Unfortunately, it's difficult for regulators to keep up with the counterfeiters since the marketplace is so vast.
3) Adulterated Ingredients
When you buy supplements from less reputable sellers, you risk getting ingredients contaminated with chemicals, fillers, harmful substances, and even illegal pharmaceuticals (!). These ingredients can cause serious side effects or interact with other prescriptions or supplements.
4) Lack of Quality Control
Have you ever gotten a rancid bottle of omega 3s or maybe probiotics that smell a little funky? Light, heat, and time all degrade the quality and potency of supplements. Amazon warehouses and storage are not temperature- or light-regulated to preserve supplements according to the manufacturer's standards. Even if your supplement brand is trustworthy, if it sits in a hot, humid storage room, the effectiveness of the supplement drops.
5) Expired or Near-Expiry Products
Most supplements have a "best by" or "use by" date. Sellers may try to offload products that are expired or nearly expired, leaving unsuspecting buyers with supplements that are less potent or even potentially harmful. And if the supplement wasn't stored properly and got exposed to heat? That "best by" date is actually a lot sooner than the marked date.
When it comes to your health, the convenience of 2-day shipping isn't worth the risk.
There's a better option... Fullscript.
Fullscript is where you can trust that you're getting professional-grade supplements and wellness products that are effective, contain the listed ingredients, and are stored and shipped with standards that maintain product purity.
It's an online dispensary for well-known brands, like Thorne, Klaire Labs, Quicksilver Scientific, Standard Process, Pure Encapsulations, NOW Foods, Vital Proteins, Burt's Bees, Four Sigmatic, and hundreds of others.
They also have non-tox and low-tox beauty products like shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, mouthwash, lip balm, essential oils, lotion, body oils, and more.
All brands available in the Fullscript catalog undergo a thorough vetting process to ensure that they are compliant with the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards to protect you from unsafe and incorrect ingredients.
On top of that, all of Fullscript’s distribution centers adhere to safety codes and follow manufacturer standards for proper storage.
The Fullscript platform is also HIPAA-compliant, has automatic refill features, and educational wellness resources.
This is why I trust Fullscript as my practitioner dispensary and why I have my clients order their supplements through it.
When you create your account, you can get access to the hundreds of quality brands in my Fullscript dispensary too.
You'll also receive a discount off all products and free shipping on orders over $50.
Even better, you can use your HSA and FSA spending accounts to purchase supplements via Fullscript. It's a win-win-win 🙌🏼
Create your account and get access to professional-grade supplements today!
When you shop via my Fullscript dispensary, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting my small business!
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please visit here.