Introduction
With the growing interest in a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, dietary supplements (DS) are becoming increasingly popular. However, as demand grows, so does the number of counterfeits on the market. Low-quality or counterfeit DS can be not only useless, but also dangerous to health. In this article, we will discuss how to distinguish counterfeit DS from originals , what to look for when buying, and what steps to take to protect yourself.
What are dietary supplements and why are they needed?
Dietary supplements (biologically active additives) are concentrates of natural or natural-identical substances intended to support the normal functioning of the body, replenish the deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. They are not drugs, but can help improve health if used correctly.
Why do fakes appear?
Counterfeit dietary supplements are a profitable business for fraudsters. Reasons for their distribution:
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High demand for popular brands.
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Online trading where it is difficult to verify authenticity.
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Low level of control in some countries.
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Lack of awareness among buyers.
How to distinguish counterfeit dietary supplements: step-by-step instructions
1. Checking the packaging
The genuine product is always released in high-quality packaging:
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Smooth printing, without smudged inscriptions and errors.
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Integral protective seal or foil under the lid.
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Availability of barcode, serial number and production date.
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Availability of information in Russian if the goods were imported legally.
📌 Tip: Compare the packaging with the manufacturer's official website.
2. Checking the composition and instructions
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The instructions must be detailed and contain all components, dosage, and contraindications.
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The composition should not contain any “magic” or unknown components.
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If a therapeutic effect is indicated, this is an alarming signal. Dietary supplements do not treat, but maintain health .
3. Availability of certificates and registrations
In Russia, the sale of dietary supplements is regulated by Rospotrebnadzor. Search:
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Certificate of state registration (SGR).
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EAC sign (if the product is from the Customs Union).
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Quality certificates from the manufacturer.
🔍 Check the documents on the Rospotrebnadzor website or through the online database "Honest SIGN".
4. Buy in trusted places
Avoid shopping:
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On dubious marketplaces without reviews.
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On social networks, through "cheap offers".
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From "consultants" without official representation.
Where to buy safely:
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Pharmacies and online pharmacy stores.
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Official websites of manufacturers.
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Licensed distributors.
5. Price comparison
Too low a price is almost always a sign of a fake.
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Compare prices on the official website and in different stores.
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If the difference is more than 30–40%, you should be wary.
6. Reviews and brand reputation
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Study real reviews on independent platforms (for example, Otzovik, iRecommend).
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Check how long the company has been operating on the market.
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Look for scientific research or clinical trials.
What to do if you suspect a fake?
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Do not use the product. Better to be safe than sorry.
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Contact the manufacturer. Often the packaging indicates a method for verifying authenticity (QR code, hotline).
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Report to Rospotrebnadzor. This will help stop the spread of counterfeits.
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Check the serial number. Many brands provide this check on their website.
Counterfeit Dietary Supplements: Possible Risks
Low-quality or counterfeit supplements may contain:
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Heavy metals and toxic impurities.
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Pharmacological substances (in violation of the law).
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Inaccurate composition, which makes taking it pointless or harmful.
⚠️ Bottom line: Using counterfeit dietary supplements can lead to poisoning, allergies, and problems with the liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Conclusion
Understanding how to distinguish counterfeit dietary supplements is the task of everyone who cares about their health. Never trust random sources and "miracle pills". Use proven recommendations, check the products before buying and be attentive to your body.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Is it possible to identify a fake by taste?
Sometimes yes, especially if the product has a distinct chemical or bitter taste. But it is better to focus on the packaging and documents.
❓ Are dietary supplements required to have certificates?
Yes, in the Russian Federation dietary supplements are subject to state registration. Without SGR, they are illegal products.
❓ Are all foreign dietary supplements counterfeit?
No. But when ordering from foreign sites, there is a high risk of getting a fake. It is better to buy from official suppliers.
The dietary supplement market is oversaturated today. Counterfeits, aggressive marketing, promises of "miracle results" – all this creates confusion and mistrust. But health is not an area where you should save or take risks.
If you want to be sure of quality, safety and real effectiveness, focus on brands with a reputation . One of these is HEISEN st. from ALPHAMALE.ltd . This is a product that speaks for itself:
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Transparent composition, without "magic" and marketing dust.
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Production according to international standards.
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Real reviews, real results.
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Honesty from design to formula.
💬 Check it out yourself. HEISEN st. is not just a dietary supplement. It is a habit of taking care of yourself on a different level.
👉 Buy only from official suppliers, don't be fooled by "cheap and fast", and choose what works. Like HEISEN.