Fakes! How to distinguish original dietary supplements: tips

Fakes of dietary supplements: how to distinguish original biologically active additives. Detailed leadership.

I. The scale of the problem of the fakes of dietary supplements and their danger

The falsification of biologically active additives (BAD) is a serious problem that has a negative impact on consumer health and undermining the trust in the industry as a whole. Fakes of dietary supplements can vary from products containing the wrong amount of declared ingredients, to additives containing dangerous or even toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides or unresolved pharmaceuticals.

A. The threat to consumer health

Reception of falsified dietary supplements can lead to various negative health consequences, including:

1. Lack of expected effect: If the dietary supplement does not contain stated active ingredients in sufficient quantities, it will not have the expected therapeutic effect. This is especially dangerous for people using dietary supplements for the treatment or prevention of specific diseases. For example, a fake dietary supplement with vitamin D will not help replenish the deficiency of vitamin, which can lead to a deterioration in the health of bones and the immune system.

2. Side effects: Falsified dietary supplements may contain ingredients that are not indicated on the label, which can cause undesirable side effects. These effects can vary from lungs, such as nausea and diarrhea, to serious, such as allergic reactions, damage to the liver or kidneys, and even death. For example, in fake dietary supplements, sibuturine (a prohibited substance causing cardiovascular diseases) and phenolphthalein (laxative, causing cancer) were found for weight loss.

3. Interaction with drugs: Falsified dietary supplements may contain ingredients that interact with the drugs taken, enhancing or weakening their effect. This can lead to serious consequences, especially for people taking medications for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease. For example, a fake dietary supplement containing warfarin (anticoagulant) can enhance the effect of the drug and lead to bleeding.

4. Toxicity: Falsified dietary supplements can be contaminated with toxic substances such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), pesticides or microorganisms. The prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to serious diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders and organs damage. For example, in fake herbal dietary supplements, high levels of lead were found, which can cause irreversible damage to the brain and kidneys.

5. Delay of the necessary treatment: The use of falsified dietary supplements instead of appropriate medical treatment can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases. This can worsen the prognosis of the disease and reduce the chances of recovery. For example, a person suffering from depression may rely on a fake dietary supplement to improve mood, instead of seeking help from a qualified specialist.

B. Economic consequences

The fake of dietary supplements not only poses a threat to consumer health, but also has a negative impact on the economy, undermining trust in the industry and creating dishonest competition.

1. Damage to the reputation of manufacturers: Falsification of dietary supplements is damaged by the reputation of legal manufacturers, who invest significant funds in research, development and quality control. When consumers are faced with fake products, they lose confidence in the entire industry, which can lead to a decrease in sales and profits.

2. Tax evasion: The production and sale of fake dietary supplements is often associated with tax evasion, which causes damage to the state budget. Unscrupulous manufacturers do not pay tax and profit taxes, which creates dishonest competition with legal companies.

3. Loss of jobs: Contrafact products undermine the legal business, which can lead to loss of jobs in the industry production and sale of dietary supplements. When consumers buy fake products, they refuse to buy legal products, which leads to a decrease in demand and reduction in production.

4. Health costs: Treatment of diseases caused by the use of falsified dietary supplements lies with a burden on the healthcare system. Consumers affected by fakes need medical care, which increases the costs of treatment and rehabilitation.

II. Ways to identify fake dietary supplements

The identification of fake dietary supplements can be a difficult task, since they often look very similar to original products. However, there are a number of signs that should be paid attention to when buying dietary supplements to reduce the risk of acquiring a fake.

A. Verification of packaging and marking

Bad packaging and marking are important sources of product information. Carefully study the packaging and marking for the presence of the following signs of fake:

1. Spelling and grammatical errors: Fake products often contain spelling and grammatical errors in the text on the packaging and label. Original manufacturers usually pay great attention to the quality of the text, so the presence of errors should cause suspicion. Carefully read the text on the package, paying attention to the correctness of writing words, punctuation and grammatical constructions.

2. Fuzzy or blurry seal: Poor printing on packaging and label may indicate a fake. Original manufacturers use high -quality printing equipment, which provides a clear and bright image. Pay attention to the clarity of the text, logos and images on the package. If the seal is blurry, fuzzy or has defects, this may be a sign of fake.

3. Non -compliance with colors and fonts: Fake products may have a non -compliance of colors and fonts on the packaging and label compared to the original product. Original manufacturers use certain colors and fonts in their branding, which should be consistent on all products. Compare the colors and fonts on the package with images of the original product on the Internet or in the store. If there are noticeable differences, this may be a sign of fake.

4. Lack or incomplete information about the manufacturer: On the package of the dietary supplement, complete information about the manufacturer, including the name of the company, address, phone and website, should indicate. The absence or incomplete information about the manufacturer should cause suspicion. Check information about the manufacturer on the Internet to make sure that the company exists and has a good reputation.

5. Lack or fake party number and expiration date: On the package of the dietary supplement, the batch number and shelf life should be indicated. The batch number allows you to track the origin of the product and the date of production. The expiration date indicates the period during which the product retains its properties. The absence or fake party number and shelf life is a serious sign of fake. Check that the batch number and shelf life are printed clearly and are not damaged.

6. Violation of the integrity of the package: Check the packaging for the presence of signs of damage or autopsy. If the packaging is damaged, torn or has traces of autopsy, this may be a sign that the product has been forged or replaced. Pay attention to the integrity of the protective film, seals and lids.

7. Unusual smell or taste: If the dietary supplement has an unusual smell or taste, this can be a sign of fake or pollution. Original products usually have a neutral smell and taste or specific smell and taste characteristic of ingredients. If the smell or taste of the product differs from the usual, do not use it.

B. Checking the authenticity of certificates and licenses

The production and sale of dietary supplements are regulated by state bodies. Check the availability of information on certificates and licenses issued by the relevant authorities on the package of dietary supplements.

1. Certificate of conformity (GOST R): In Russia, dietary supplements must comply with GOST R requirements and have a certificate of conformity. The presence of a certificate of conformity indicates that the product has passed the necessary tests and meets the established quality and safety standards. Check the presence of a sign of conformity (RST) on the package.

2. Certificate of state registration (SGR): In the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), dietary supplements are subject to state registration and must have a certificate of state registration (SGR). The SCR confirms that the product has passed the examination and meets the safety requirements. Check the availability of the SCR number on the package.

3. License for pharmaceutical activities: If dietary supplements are sold in a pharmacy, make sure that the pharmacy has a license for pharmaceutical activities. The license confirms that the pharmacy has the right to sell medicines and dietary supplements. Ask the pharmacist to present a license for pharmaceutical activities.

4. Checking the authenticity of documents: Check the authenticity of certificates and licenses on the websites of the corresponding state bodies. On the websites of Rospotrebnadzor and Roszdravnadzor, you can check information about registered dietary supplements and licensed pharmacies.

C. Analysis of the composition and ingredients

Carefully study the composition and ingredients of the dietary supplement indicated on the label. Compare the composition of the product with the information presented on the manufacturer’s website or in other sources.

1. Compliance of the declared composition with the actual: Make sure that the declared composition of the dietary supplement corresponds to the actual composition. Pay attention to the presence of all these ingredients and their number. If there are doubts about the product, contact a specialist for laboratory analysis.

2. The presence of prohibited or dangerous ingredients: Check the presence in the dietary supplement of prohibited or dangerous ingredients, such as sibutramin, phenolftalein, hormones, stimulants and heavy metals. Information about prohibited and dangerous ingredients can be found on the websites of Rospotrebnadzor and other state bodies.

3. Compliance of the dosage of ingredients with recommendations: Make sure that the dosage of the ingredients in the dietary supplement corresponds to the recommendations of specialists and does not exceed the permissible levels. Exceeding permissible levels can lead to side effects and negative health consequences.

4. The presence of allergens: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement for allergens, such as gluten, lactose, soy, nuts, fish and seafood. If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients, do not use this product.

D. Analysis of prices and places of acquisition

The price and place of the acquisition of dietary supplements can be indicators of fake.

1. Too low price: If the price of dietary supplements is much lower than that of other sellers, this may be a sign of fake. Fake products are often sold at a reduced price to attract customers. Compare the price of the product from different sellers and be careful with offers that seem too profitable.

2. Acquisition from unreliable sellers: Buy dietary supplements only from reliable sellers, such as pharmacies, specialized stores and official websites of manufacturers. Avoid buying dietary supplements from non -authorized sellers, in markets, on the Internet or on social networks.

3. Lack of a check or trademark: If the seller does not provide a check or trademark, this may be a sign that the product is fake. A check and trademark are a confirmation of the purchase and a guarantee of product quality.

E. Using mobile applications to verify authenticity

There are currently mobile applications that allow you to check the authenticity of the dietary supplement by scanning the barcode or QR code on the package. These applications can provide information about the manufacturer, product composition, certificates and licenses.

1. Applications for scanning barcodes: There are various applications for scanning barcodes that allow you to get information about the product, including the name of the manufacturer, the composition of the product and the country of origin. Use these applications to check the authenticity of the dietary supplement.

2. Applications for checking QR codes: Some dietary supplements use QR codes on packaging that contain information about the product, including certificates and licenses. Use applications for scanning QR code to obtain this information.

III. Actions when detecting a fake

If you suspect that you have purchased a fake dietary supplement, you need to take the following actions:

1. Stop using the product: Stop the use of dietary supplements immediately if you suspect that it is fake.

2. Report about the fake: Report the fake to Rospotrebnadzor and Roszdravnadzor. These bodies are engaged in product quality and safety control and take measures to suppress the production and sale of fake dietary supplements.

3. Consult a doctor: If you felt a deterioration in health after taking a dietary supplement, consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary treatment.

4. Save packaging and check: Keep the packaging and Bad check as evidence of the purchase. These documents may be needed during the investigation.

5. File a complaint to the seller: File a complaint to the seller from whom you purchased a fake dietary supplement. Require a refund or replacement of a product.

IV. Preventive measures

You can prevent the acquisition of a fake dietary supplement by observing the following preventive measures:

1. Buy dietary supplements only from reliable sellers: Bad only from trusted and reliable sellers, such as pharmacies, specialized stores and official websites of manufacturers.

2. Check the packaging and marking: Carefully check the packaging and marking of dietary supplements for signs of fake.

3. Study the composition and ingredients: Carefully study the composition and ingredients of the dietary supplement indicated on the label.

4. Pay attention to the price: Be careful with offers that seem too profitable.

5. Use mobile applications for authenticity: Use mobile applications to check the authenticity of dietary supplements.

6. Feel free to ask questions: Feel free to ask questions to the pharmacist or seller about the product.

7. Be vigilant: Be vigilant and attentive when buying dietary supplements.

Compliance with these simple tips will help you reduce the risk of acquiring a fake Bad and protect your health. Remember that your health is the most valuable thing you have! Be attentive to what you buy and use.