5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Supplements Online
The online supplement maze, and how to find your way through it.
By Ignatius Anane-Ansah, pharmacist
Shopping for supplements online can feel like walking into a giant maze. With so many brands, buzzwords and bold claims, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or to end up with products that don’t work.
As a lifestyle pharmacist, I’ve helped countless people navigate the world of supplements and avoid common pitfalls. Here are the five mistakes I see most often, and how to make smarter choices.
1. Buying the cheapest option
We all love a bargain, but with supplements, “cheap” often means low quality. Many inexpensive brands cut corners with fillers, synthetic ingredients or poor-quality raw materials your body can’t absorb well.
The fix: Choose supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency, like the ones in my Fullscript store.
2. Ignoring interactions with medications
Some supplements interfere with medications, reducing their effect or causing harm. St. John’s Wort can interact with antidepressants, for example, and fish oil may increase bleeding risk with blood thinners.
The fix: Check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional before starting something new. I’m happy to check for you.
3. Falling for unproven claims
“Cures cancer!” “Burns fat instantly!” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Supplements support your health; they don’t perform miracles.
The fix: Stick to products backed by science. I only recommend supplements with solid research behind them.
4. Overlooking dose and form
Even the best supplement won’t help at the wrong dose, or in a form your body can’t absorb. Magnesium oxide, for example, is poorly absorbed compared with magnesium glycinate or citrate.
The fix: Choose the right form and dose for your needs. Not sure? I can help you work it out.
5. Shopping without a plan
Many people buy supplements without a clear goal. That often means taking things you don’t need, and missing the ones that would help.
The fix: Start with your health goals and what you already take. A short consultation can turn a cupboard of bottles into a plan.
