Spotting Fake Or Contaminated Supplements

Common signs of a potentially counterfeit product

Prices significantly below the typical market rate, packaging with spelling errors or inconsistent branding, and purchases from unofficial third-party sellers rather than authorized retailers are all warning signs worth taking seriously.

Why buying from authorized sources matters

Purchasing directly from a brand's official website or clearly authorized retailers significantly reduces the risk of counterfeit or expired products compared to unverified marketplace sellers, even on otherwise reputable platforms.

Checking batch numbers and expiry dates

Legitimate products have clear batch numbers and expiry dates that can often be verified against the manufacturer's website — a quick check worth doing, particularly for higher-cost supplements.

What to do if something seems off

Unusual taste, texture, or smell compared to a previous purchase of the same product is worth taking seriously — discontinuing use and contacting the manufacturer or retailer directly rather than continuing to use a product that seems suspicious.