We’re all striving for better health. And you don’t have to look any further than the supplement section of your favorite store to determine that “magic” can come in the form of a pill.

Supplements have reached an all-time high in our quest for improving our health. Of course, most of us have no idea what supplements are right for our lifestyle. Instead, it’s a guessing game of what to take.

Are you buying something that will truly give you the results you’re looking for? Or are you buying something that can put you at greater risk?

Watch Where You Shop

While the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements, bigger stores do pay attention to quality and reputation. They don’t want to be associated with supplement producers that put them at greater risk of a lawsuit. Because they pay attention to the news, they are more likely to pull brands that have trouble, or put their customers at risk. Shopping at a larger store often means you have less risk.

Avoid Certain Types Of Supplements

Some supplements automatically fall into risky categories. Remember the weight-loss scare where a number of supplements included an amphetamine-like drug called sibutramine that damaged health? This substance has been banned throughout many western world cultures. If a supplement makes guarantees that seem too good to be true, they probably are.

This Isn’t The Time To Bargain Hunt

If a company is mass producing a supplement and trying to gain revue share, chances are it’s in it for the money only. The best supplements on the market charge a higher price because they are concerned with quality. Pay attention to where the ingredients are sourced. Because of lack of regulation and poor manufacturing, avoid supplements made in China.

Do Your Research

Why are you taking the supplement in the first place? Do you know all you can about the effects? Are you working with a medical practitioner, or you taking something based on an article? The internet gives you access to all kinds of resources - use it to determine if you trust the company you’re about to do business with.

Above all, consult with experts before you dive into a new nutrition routine. Only an expert can provide you with enough information on how a supplement will work with your health condition, and help you navigate the supplemental world to ensure you are taking the right dosage to be safe and effective.