The supplement industry is probably one of the fastest
growing, wildly evolving markets out there at the moment. Even someone who is
actively researching the market will be quickly overwhelmed by the advances in
product design and scientific development. As with any profitable market, you
will have legitimate companies attempting to create effective products and
other companies just trying to make a quick buck. Being able to decipher from
quality products and the rest of the market is key in getting the most for your
hard earned money. The following is a quick list of what to watch out for while
shopping the markets. Keep in mind there will be occasions where a product
fitting one of the following categories will actually be legitimate. These can
be pointed out to you by a qualified professional (not a sales representative).
The “Laundry List” Products
These are
products with an ingredient listing which stretches for miles. Although the
original idea of its design had merit, the end result is a product full of
ingredients with minimal, ineffective dosages. Also, with such an extensive
list of products the occurrence of interactions, within the container over
time, increase dramatically. The exception to the rule is multivitamin
products. These products will contain a full compliment of vitamin and minerals
along with herbs/supplements. Most vitamin/minerals only require small dosages
so it is conceivable to create an effective product. Like any other area of
supplements there are the good and the bad, speak to a professional to help
weed out the right products for you.
The “Miracle” Products
These are
products that make every beneficial claim under the sun. The claims are usually
not set to one specific area, such as joint health, but to multiple unrelated
areas. Weight loss is a big one manufacturers like to pin to their products,
that’s usually a red flag. What is even worse these products are usually one
ingredient and in low dosages. These products usually explode onto the market,
peak, and then crash and disappear to allow room for the next miracle product.
Just stay away from these products altogether.
“Super foods”
This is a
term that the supplement industry has tried to splatter over as many products
as possible. Super foods are items such as fruits, vegetables, etc. They
provide great health benefits at a fairly small amount due to their
macronutrient ratios and phytochemicals present. Examples of every day super
foods are blueberries, broccoli, and spinach. The term super food tends to be
added to “Miracle” products explained above. Unlike other areas of the
supplement industry, there do tend to be some pretty decent super food
formulas, just be cautious of low dosage supplements explained earlier.
Weight loss Supplements
This area
is without a doubt the biggest portion of the supplement industry. I think
almost everyone at some point has used a product from this area, even I. Because
of its immense customer base it is one of the worst offenders when it comes to
bad product design. Its almost impossible to suggest what not to look for, but
a few good supplements to look for while reviewing over this section are
L-Carnitine, CLA(Conjugated Linoleic Acid), Caffeine, Omega-3 oils(as part of the
diet), and Lecithin. Best weight loss comes from exercise and a healthy diet (not
a fad diet). Commit to a healthy lifestyle, and if you choose, try a few
supplemental aids.
HgH (Human Growth Hormone) Supplements
This sports
supplement area of the industry was in the media recently due to Ray Lewis’
statement of using deer antler velvet during his recovery from injury. From the
research I have conducted, deer antler velvet seems to be another ineffective
product. It may contain some GH potentiating chemicals, but these products are
digested (destroyed) due to the high acidic environment of the stomach.
Unfortunately it’s just another marketed item as are many of the HgH products
on the market today. There are a few supplements that provide clinical evidence
on their ability to elevate GH levels. A few of these supplements are
L-Arginine and Mucuna Pruriens (Providing L-Dopa). Usually it’s best to steer
clear of this section unless you are being instructed by a qualified
professional.
Walking
into a supplement retailer and shopping for the right products can be a rather
daunting task. Your best option is to become an informed consumer. Be
knowledgeable of the products you are looking for, review the labeling and
supplemental facts, and be aware if something sounds too good to be true. It is
more than likely the case. There are some really great products out there to
aid you in whatever goals you have, the problem is digging through all the
others to find them. I hope this article helps in any of your future shopping
trips.
Michael
Petrinjak, CFT
Evolve
Training Systems
