Are you hoping to get in a little better shape and hit the gym in the new year? You should be careful picking supplements that you’re pairing with a workout.
In 2023, more than half of Americans took nutritional supplements, spending more than $50 billion, according to market analysis by Grand View Research.
“But much of what they’re gulping down are just useless,” said Kevin Brassler, an executive editor with Washington Consumer’s Checkbook, an independent, nonprofit consumer organization.
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His group has found that much of them are marketed deceptively and there is very little government oversight over ingredients or the overall effectiveness of nutritional supplements.
“They’re not permitted to make claims like, ‘Oh, it’s a cure for the common cold,’” Brassler said. “But they can and they do claim to do things like ‘Boost your immune system.'” These vague claims, they’re usually completely unfounded.”
He said those “misleading” ads can extend to supplements that claim to boost your memory or improve energy levels. Those often contain ingredients that have never been proved effective.
Brasler said some supplements are proven to be beneficial, such as Vitamin D which helps prevent osteoporosis and maintain healthy bones.
If you decide to take a nutritional supplement, he said to make sure that they’re certified by Consumer Lab, U.S. Pharmacopeia or the National Sanitation Foundation.
“These are independent organizations that check that the products that are being sold contain the ingredients on their labels,” said Brassler.