Supplements can help fill gaps in your diet, but they’re not magic. This page collects clear, practical info so you know what to watch for: label claims, testing, interactions with medicines, and who should avoid specific products. I’ll point out simple checks you can do in minutes and the most common red flags to skip.
Start with the label. Look at serving size, active ingredients, and daily values. If a product hides amounts behind a “proprietary blend,” that’s a warning sign — you don’t know how much of each ingredient you’re getting. Prefer products that list exact doses and avoid those promising instant cures or huge results with tiny doses.
Check for third-party testing. Certifications like USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab mean a batch was tested for contaminants and accuracy. That doesn’t guarantee effectiveness, but it lowers the chance of harmful impurities or wrong doses. If a seller can’t show a certificate, consider another brand.
Watch ingredient names and synonyms. Some plant extracts are listed under botanical or Latin names — know what you’re buying. For example, cassava shows up in our content as a food-based supplement; always confirm processing and possible allergens before trying it.
Buy from reputable pharmacies or well-known retailers. When ordering online, check for a secure checkout, clear return policy, and visible contact info. Read user reviews but treat them carefully — a small number of glowing or negative reviews may be fake. If a price seems insanely low, that’s often a red flag for counterfeit or expired products.
Mind interactions. Supplements can change how prescription medicines work. Common examples: some herbal products affect blood thinners, and thyroid-related supplements can interfere with diabetes meds. Tell your doctor or pharmacist what you plan to take, especially if you’re on blood pressure, heart, or blood-thinning drugs.
Think about who should be cautious. Pregnant or breastfeeding people, young children, and people with serious illnesses should get medical advice before starting any supplement. Even otherwise healthy adults should check with a provider if they take regular meds or have chronic conditions.
Store supplements properly: cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Check expiration dates and toss any product that smells off or looks discolored. Keep them away from kids and pets.
On this site you’ll find helpful articles about specific supplements and related topics — from weight-loss supplements like Tiratricol to nutrition-focused pieces on cassava. Use those articles to learn specifics, but treat each as a starting point, not medical advice.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ask questions, check labels and testing, and talk with a healthcare pro when in doubt. That simple approach keeps you safer and gets better results from the supplements you choose.
