Written by, Jack Shen Lim (Honorary Treasurer, Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society)
Vitamins and minerals are important nutrients required for our bodies to function optimally. The shortage of vitamins and minerals in our diet can be detrimental to our health. To complicate matters, our requirements for such nutrients are different in different conditions or stages in our lives and also dependent on our daily diet.
This is where supplements can help. Dietary supplements ensure that our body receives sufficient nutrients, prevent sickness and maintain wellness. However, there are so many different brands of supplements in the market and it can be difficult for consumers to discern what is best for them. Here are five ways that can help you decide.
Ensure that the product is safe and registered
The primary consideration before choosing any supplement is to ensure that it is safe to consume and vetted by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Take a good look at the packaging of the product in question and pay attention to the manufacturer and expiry date. Look for any inconsistencies on the packaging and if you are buying a tablet or capsule, look out for the registration number. This number starts with a MAL code which indicates that it is approved by the MOH. For further confirmation you can look this up online with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
Get it from a reliable source
It is also important to ensure that you get the supplement from a reliable source like a pharmacy or an established retail store. Almost all supplements have specific storage conditions to ensure that its efficacy is maintained so if you are unsure of the source, you cannot be sure that this is maintained. In addition, brand reputation of a supplement is a good way to determine that the product is reliable. Established brands with a long history in the market and good feedback from other users are good choices to consider.
Read the details
The label of any supplement will show its serving size and active ingredients. Pay extra attention to the content of the supplement and avoid products with exaggerated claims – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
Be careful
There is a need to exercise caution when you decide on starting a supplement as some ingredients may be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions or taking medications. This is especially true for multi-ingredient products promoted to improve lifestyle conditions such as weight loss or sexual health.
Ask your friendly pharmacist
Last but not least, if you think all of the above is a handful to deal with, ask your friendly pharmacist at any community pharmacy for assistance. Pharmacists are well versed in recommending supplements and can help you choose the right product to achieve optimum results.
