Bades: Fraud and fakes – deep immersion
Part 1: What is dietary supplements and why there are so many disputes around them?
Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrated sources of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and other plant components that are designed to supplement the usual diet. They are available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, bars, etc. Bades are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of diseases. This is a key difference, which is often eroded in advertising campaigns and misleads consumers.
Bad regulation:
Unlike drugs that undergo strict clinical trials and are approved by regulatory authorities (for example, FDA in the USA or EMA in Europe) before entering the market, dietary supplements are usually regulated as food. This means that manufacturers are not required to prove the effectiveness of their products or the safety of their use before sale. In Russia, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out by Rospotrebnadzor. The process of registration of dietary supplements involves the provision of documents confirming its composition, safety and compliance with the requirements of hygiene and sanitation. However, the depth of the test is much less than for drugs.
Why do disputes arise?
Around the dietary supplements, fierce disputes flare up for several reasons:
- Unproven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements do not have a sufficient scientific base confirming their declared useful properties. Advertising often exaggerates or distorts existing data, creating false hopes among consumers.
- The risk of fakes: Unscrupulous manufacturers are popular with dietary supplements and a lack of strict control to produce fakes containing not declared ingredients, hazardous substances or just a placebo.
- Safety problems: Some dietary supplements can cause side effects or interact with drugs, especially with improper use or use in high doses.
- Replacing traditional treatment: People, believing in the miraculous properties of dietary supplements, can abandon the necessary treatment, which leads to a deterioration in health.
- Marketing manipulations: Advertising campaigns of dietary supplements often use aggressive promotion methods, appeal to the emotions and fears of consumers, mislead them regarding the real properties of the product.
Key terms and definitions:
- Biologically active additives (dietary supplements): Concentrated sources of nutrients designed to supplement the diet.
- Nutricevtiki: Bades intended for the correction of nutrition and prevention of diseases associated with a deficiency of nutrients.
- Parafarmetzetics: Bades designed to maintain the functional activity of organs and systems of the body.
- Placebo: A substance that does not have real healing properties, but has a positive effect on the body due to the patient’s faith in its effectiveness.
- Side effects: Unwanted reactions of the body that occur during the intake of dietary supplement.
- Interaction with drugs: Changing the effectiveness of the drug with simultaneous administration with dietary supplements.
Part 2: fraudulent schemes in the dietary supplement industry
The Badov industry, unfortunately, is a fertile soil for fraudulent schemes. Unscrupulous companies use various tactics to deceive consumers and make a profit. Understanding these schemes will help you avoid deception and make a conscious choice.
1. Exaggerated promises and unfinished statements:
This is perhaps the most common form of fraud. Dad manufacturers claim that their products can treat cancer, diabetes, arthritis, eliminate excess weight, improve memory, etc. They use loud statements that are not backed up by scientific evidence. Often, advertising uses the words “clinically proven”, “recommended doctors”, “latest development”, but when checking it turns out that these statements are false or greatly exaggerated.
Examples:
- Bad, promising “a complete cure for psoriasis in a week.”
- “A unique weight loss complex, which allows you to drop 10 kg per month without diets and exercises.”
- “A natural drug to increase immunity that protects against all diseases.”
How to recognize:
- Be skeptical to any statements about miraculous properties.
- Look for scientific research confirming the effectiveness of the product.
- Check how reliable the sources of information are.
- Pay attention to the lack of side effects in advertising. Any active ingredient can have side effects.
2. Using celebrities and “doctors” to promote:
Many companies hire celebrities or create fake “doctors” and “experts” to promote their products. Celebrities receive money for advertising, and their recommendations are not always based on real experience or knowledge. Fake “doctors” often use science jargon to create the impression of expertia, and promote dietary supplements as an alternative to traditional treatment.
Examples:
- Advertising Bada with the participation of a popular actress, who claims that this product helped her preserve her youth and beauty.
- An Internet site created on behalf of the “Doctor of Medical Sciences”, which recommends a certain dietary supplement as “the best remedy for the treatment of joints.”
How to recognize:
- Do not trust blindly the recommendations of celebrities.
- Check the qualifications and reputation of “experts”.
- Remember that real doctors will not advertise dietary supplements as a replacement for medicines.
3. Hidden ingredients and dangerous additives:
Unscrupulous manufacturers can add ingredients not indicated on the label to dietary supplements. It can be cheap fillers, dangerous chemicals or even drugs that can cause serious side effects or interact with other drugs. For example, sibuturine (a prohibited substance causing heart problems) or laxatives is often added to dietary supplements for weight loss.
Examples:
- In the dietary supplement, sildenafil (Viagra) was found to increase potency, which can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases.
- In the dietary supplement, phenylpropanolamine (prohibited stimulator) was found for weight loss, which can cause strokes.
How to recognize:
- Buy dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers and in reliable places.
- Pay attention to any strange smells, tastes or colors of the product.
- If you feel bad after receiving a dietary supplement, immediately stop using it and consult a doctor.
- If possible, choose dietary supplements that have undergone an independent examination and have appropriate certificates.
4. Pyramids of sales and network marketing:
Some companies use a sales or network marketing pyramid to spread dietary supplements. In these schemes, people earn money not only on the sale of the product, but also to attract new distributors. Often distributors exaggerate the properties of the product in order to attract new customers and get commission. As a result, consumers overpay for dietary supplements that can be ineffective or even harmful.
Examples:
- A company offering “unique” dietary supplements for health and requiring distributors to buy large volumes of products for resale.
- A website promising “easy earnings” on the sale of dietary supplements and attract new distributors.
How to recognize:
- Be careful with companies that focus on attracting new distributors, and not on the sale of the product.
- Check the reputation of the company and reviews of other people.
- Do not invest in dubious schemes that promise quick and easy earnings.
5. Internet captivity and fake sites:
The Internet has become fertile soil for scammers selling fake or ineffective dietary supplements. They create fake sites that look professionally and convincingly, and use aggressive advertising to attract customers. Consumers often become victims of such scammers, sending money for products that they never receive, or receiving fakes containing dangerous ingredients.
Examples:
- A fake site selling “miracle tablets for weight loss” at a low price.
- A site disguised as the official website of the famous dietary supplement manufacturer, but selling fakes.
How to recognize:
- Check the domain name and site address.
- Look for signs of professional design and competent content.
- Pay attention to the reviews of other customers.
- Do not trust sites offering too low prices or requiring prepayment.
- Use a secure connection (https) when making purchases on the Internet.
6. “Free” probes and automatic subscriptions:
Some companies offer “free” dietary supplements to get contact information and automatically sign them for a paid newsletter or automatic product delivery. Consumers often do not notice a small font in the conditions of the action and are drawn into unwanted subscriptions, which are difficult to refuse.
Examples:
- Advertising of a “free” dietary trafficant, requiring specifying a credit card data to pay for delivery.
- Automatic subscription to monthly dietary supplements after receiving a “free” probe.
How to recognize:
- Carefully read the conditions of any action, especially a small font.
- Be careful with offers requiring indicating a credit card data to obtain a “free” product.
- Check how easy it is to unsubscribe from the newsletter or automatic delivery of products.
7. Using fear and anxiety:
Fraudsters often use the fear and anxiety of consumers to sell their dietary supplements. They exaggerate their health risks and offer their products as the “only solution” to the problem. For example, they can argue that all foods contain toxins and that only their dietary supplements can cleanse the body and protect from diseases.
Examples:
- Advertising of Bad, claiming that he “protects against cancer” and “prolongs life.”
- A website that spreads misinformation about the dangers of vaccines and offers dietary supplements as an alternative.
How to recognize:
- Be skeptical to any statements sowing panic and causing fear.
- Look for information from reliable sources such as doctors and medical organizations.
- Do not succumb to emotional pressure and make decisions consciously.
Part 3: How to distinguish a fake from the original?
Unfortunately, a fake of dietary supplements is a serious problem that can harm health. To protect yourself, it is important to know how to distinguish a fake from the original product.
1. The appearance of the packaging:
- Print quality: The original packaging should have a clear, bright and high -quality seal. Fakes often have blurry fonts, dull colors and uneven edges.
- Grammar errors: Carefully check the text on the packaging for the presence of grammatical and spelling errors. Fakes often contain errors that manufacturers of the original product would not make.
- Information compliance: Compare the information on the packaging with information on the manufacturer’s official website. Make sure that all ingredients, dosages and recommendations coincide.
- Protective elements: Many manufacturers use special protective elements such as holograms, watermarks or QR codes to protect their products from fakes. Make sure these elements are present on the package and look truly.
- The integrity of the package: Check if the packaging is damaged. Make sure there are no traces of autopsy, scratches or other damage.
2. The appearance of the product:
- Color and smell: Pay attention to the color and smell of the product. The original product should have a characteristic color and smell corresponding to the declared ingredients. Fakes often have an unnatural color or unpleasant odor.
- Consistency: Check the consistency of the product. The tablets should be even and smooth, capsules – intact and intact, powders – homogeneous and without lumps.
- Form and size: Compare the shape and size of the product with information on the packaging or on the official website of the manufacturer. Make sure they coincide.
- The presence of extraneous impurities: Carefully inspect the product for the presence of extraneous impurities, such as dust, hair or other particles.
3. Marking and certification:
- Certificate of state registration (SGR): The Bad packaging must indicate the certificate of state registration (SGR) issued by Rospotrebnadzor. Check the authenticity of the SGR on the Rospotrebnadzor website.
- Correspondence sign: Some dietary supplements undergo voluntary certification and receive a conformity sign. The presence of a sign of conformity may be an additional confirmation of the quality of the product.
- Information about the manufacturer: The packaging must indicate complete information about the manufacturer, including the company’s name, address and contact details. Check this information on the manufacturer’s website.
- Best before date: Check the expiration date of the product. Do not buy dietary supplements with an expired shelf life.
- Composition: Carefully study the composition of the product. Make sure that all ingredients are indicated on the label and that there are no suspicious or unknown substances.
4. Place of purchase:
- Reliable pharmacies and shops: Buy dietary supplements only in trusted pharmacies and stores licensed for the sale of pharmaceutical products. Avoid shopping on dubious sites or illegal sellers.
- Official distributors: If possible, buy dietary supplements directly from the official distributors of the manufacturer.
- Beware of discounts and promotions: Be careful with offers of too low prices or great discounts. This can be a sign of fake or poor -quality product.
5. Checking authenticity on the manufacturer’s website:
Many manufacturers provide the opportunity to check the authenticity of their products on their website. For this, it is usually required to enter a special code indicated on the packaging.
6. Laboratory analysis:
If you have doubts about the authenticity of Bad, you can hand it over to laboratory analysis. The analysis will determine the composition of the product and identify the presence of fake or dangerous ingredients.
What to do if you bought a fake:
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Replace the fake in Rospotrebnadzor and to law enforcement agencies.
- Contact the doctor if you felt bad after taking a fake dietary supplement.
- Leave a review about the seller of fake goods on the Internet to warn other buyers.
Part 4: risks associated with improper use of dietary supplements
Dietary supplements, despite their popularity, are not harmless additives. Incorrect use can lead to undesirable consequences for health.
1. Side effects:
Like any other active substances, dietary supplements can cause side effects. These effects can be easy (for example, nausea, diarrhea, headache) or serious (for example, allergic reactions, liver damage, heart problems).
Examples:
- Vitamin C in high doses can cause stomach disorder.
- Ginseng can increase blood pressure and cause insomnia.
- St. John’s wort can cause photosensitization (increased sensitivity to sunlight).
Factors affecting the risk of side effects:
- Dosage: The higher the dose of dietary supplements, the higher the risk of side effects.
- Individual sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to certain ingredients than others.
- The presence of concomitant diseases: People with certain diseases (for example, diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart) are more at risk of side effects of dietary supplements.
- Simultaneous intake with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, or causing undesirable side effects.
2. Interaction with drugs:
Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. This is especially important to consider people taking medications according to a doctor’s prescription.
Examples:
- St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants, contraceptives and some other drugs.
- Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants (diluting blood).
- Grapefruit juice can enhance the effect of some drugs such as statins (drugs to reduce cholesterol).
3. Overdose:
Reception of dietary supplements in high doses can lead to an overdose that can be dangerous to health. Symptoms of overdose can vary depending on the type of dietary supplement, but may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, convulsions and even death.
Examples:
- An overdose of vitamin D can lead to nausea, vomiting, weakness, pain in bones and kidney problems.
- An overdose of iron can lead to damage to the liver, heart and other organs.
4. Replacing traditional treatment:
One of the largest dangers associated with dietary supplements is their replacement for traditional treatment. People who believe in the miraculous properties of dietary supplements can abandon the necessary treatment, which leads to a deterioration in health and progression of diseases.
Examples:
- A person with cancer, refusing chemotherapy and taking dietary supplements in the hope of healing.
- A person with diabetes, stopping medication and trying to control blood sugar with dietary supplements.
5. Lack of quality control:
Unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not undergo strict quality control. This means that the composition of the product may not correspond to the declared on the label, and that it may contain dangerous impurities or pollutants.
6. False hopes and disappointment:
Many people have high hopes for dietary supplements, expecting them to save them from diseases or help achieve the desired results. However, often dietary supplements have no effect, which leads to disappointment and empty waste of money.
7. Incorrect diagnostics:
Reception of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of the disease and complicate the correct diagnosis. This can lead to a delay at the beginning of treatment and a worsening prognosis.
How to avoid risks associated with improper use of dietary supplements:
- Consult a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement, be sure to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your individual needs, take into account possible risks and interactions with drugs, and give recommendations on the safe and effective use of dietary supplements.
- Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers: Buy dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers and in reliable places, such as pharmacies.
- Read the label carefully: Read the label carefully and follow the recommendations for the dosage and the method of application.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose: Do not exceed the recommended dose of dietary supplements.
- Report the doctor about all the dietary supplements: Tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements that you take, especially if you take drugs according to the prescription.
- Pay attention to side effects: Pay attention to any side effects and stop taking dietary supplements if they arise.
- Do not replace dietary supplements with traditional treatment: Do not replace dietary supplements with traditional treatment without consulting a doctor.
Part 5: Tips for safe choice and use of dietary supplements
With the right approach, dietary supplements can be beneficial, but it is important to observe caution and adhere to certain rules.
1. Define your needs:
Before buying dietary supplements, determine if you really need it. Do not take dietary supplements just like that, “for prevention.” Consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine what nutrients you lack, and whether you need additives.
2. Learn the information:
Before buying a dietary supplement, carefully study the information about it. Read the reviews of other people, look for scientific research confirming its effectiveness and safety. Check the reputation of the manufacturer and distributor.
3. Choose high -quality dietary supplements:
Choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers with a good reputation. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates and certificate of state registration (SGR). Avoid shopping on dubious sites or illegal sellers.
4. Read the label carefully:
Read the Bad label carefully before buying. Make sure that you understand the composition of the product, dosage and method of use. Pay attention to warnings and contraindications.
5. Consult a doctor:
Before taking any dietary supplement, be sure to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your individual needs, take into account possible risks and interactions with drugs, and give recommendations on the safe and effective use of dietary supplements.
6. Start with small doses:
Start taking dietary supplements with small doses and gradually increase the dose to the recommended label. This will allow you to evaluate your individual tolerance and avoid side effects.
7. Follow the recommendations for use:
Follow the recommendations for the use of dietary supplements indicated on the label or data by a doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose and do not take dietary supplement longer than the recommended period.
8. Follow your condition:
Follow your condition during the admission of Bad. Pay attention to any changes in well -being, such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, skin rashes, etc. If you feel bad, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
9. Do not replace dietary supplements with traditional treatment:
Do not replace dietary supplements with traditional treatment without consulting a doctor. Bades are not medicines and cannot cure diseases. They can be useful as an addition to traditional treatment, but should not replace it.
10. Keep the dietary supplement correctly:
Keep dietary supplements in accordance with the recommendations on the label. Usually they should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from light and inaccessible to children.
11. Do not trust blindly advertising:
Do not trust blindly advertising of dietary supplements. Advertising often exaggerates or distorts the properties of the product. Look for information from reliable sources and make decisions consciously.
12. Pay attention to the reviews:
Pay attention to other people’s reviews about the dietary supplement, but do not rely on them completely. Reviews can be subjective and not always reflect the real picture.
13. Be skeptical to miraculous promises:
Be skeptical to any statements about the miraculous properties of dietary supplements. There are no dietary supplements that could cure all diseases or solve all health problems.
14. Do not buy dietary supplements from unknown sellers:
Do not buy dietary supplements from unknown sellers, especially on the Internet. There is a high risk of buying a fake or poor -quality product.
15. Report suspicious cases:
If you are faced with a suspicious case associated with dietary supplements, report this to Rospotrebnadzor or law enforcement agencies.
Where to look for reliable information about dietary supplements:
- Rospotrebnadzor website: Contains information about registered dietary supplements, requirements for their quality and safety.
- Sites of medical organizations and universities: Contain scientific articles and reviews about dietary supplements.
- Sites of doctors and nutritionists: Contain information about dietary supplements from the point of view of professionals.
- Authoritative Internet resources about health: Contain reviews and reviews about dietary supplements.
Following these tips, you can make a conscious choice and use dietary supplements safely and efficiently. Remember that dietary supplements are not a magic wand, but only an addition to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. The most important thing is to take care of your health and consult a doctor before taking any additives.