Bad: how to recognize a fake and protect yourself
1. What are dietary supplements and why are they faked?
Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances designed for direct consumption with food or introduction into food products. They are not drugs and are used to maintain the normal function of the body, replenish the deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances, as well as for the prevention of various diseases.
The popularity of dietary supplements is growing every year, because people care more about their health and strive for a healthy lifestyle. This growing demand creates favorable soil for scammers who fake dietary supplements in order to make quick profit. Fents of dietary supplements are a serious problem, since such products may contain harmful substances, not correspond to the declared composition or be completely useless. The use of fake dietary supplements can lead to serious health consequences, including allergic reactions, poisoning and aggravation of existing diseases.
The main reasons for the fake of dietary supplements are:
- High profitability: The production and sale of fake dietary supplements cost fraudsters much cheaper than the production of original products, and the profit can be very high.
- Weak control: Control over the market of dietary supplements is often less strict than monitoring the drug market, which facilitates scammers with activities.
- Consumer trust: Many consumers believe in the miraculous properties of dietary supplements and are ready to buy them without checking the authenticity of products.
- The complexity of identification: It is almost impossible to fake the appearance of Bad, and it is almost impossible to check its composition at home.
- Internet trade: The development of Internet trade greatly facilitated the distribution of fake dietary supplements, since scammers can offer their products through online stores, social networks and other Internet platforms, often under the guise of profitable promotions and sales.
2. Types of dietary supplements
There are several main types of fakes of dietary supplements:
- Complete fake: The product completely simulates the original dietary supplement, including packaging, the appearance of tablets/capsules and information on the label. However, instead of the declared ingredients, it may contain cheap and useless substances, such as starch, chalk, sugar or even harmful impurities.
- Partial fake: The product contains some ingredients declared on the label, but in much smaller doses than indicated. This can be done to reduce the cost of production or to enhance the placebo effect.
- Replacing ingredients: The product adds other, cheaper or affordable ingredients that are not indicated on the label. These ingredients can be ineffective or even harmful to health. For example, instead of an expensive plant extract, a cheap synthetic analogue can be added.
- Violation of production technology: The production of dietary supplements is carried out with a violation of technological processes, which can lead to pollution of the product by harmful substances or a decrease in its effectiveness. This can happen if the manufacturer saves on equipment, staff qualifications or quality control.
- Reinforcing: Fake or low -quality dietary supplement is re -equipped with an original packaging from a real product. This can be done by collecting empty packages from original dietary supplements or by printing fake packages that mimic the original ones.
- The expired shelf life: The product with an expired shelf life is re -shaking with an indication of a new date. The use of such a product can be dangerous to health, since its composition and properties may change.
- Incorrect storage: Bad is stored in improper conditions (for example, at high temperature or humidity), which can lead to its damage and a decrease in efficiency. This can happen in a warehouse, in a store or even at home with a consumer.
3. How to recognize a fake of dietary supplement: external signs
The external signs of fake dietary supplements can be different, depending on the type of fake and the level of skill of scammers. However, there are several common features that should be paid attention to:
- Package:
- Print quality: Pay attention to the quality of the print on the packaging. Fake packages often have blurry fonts, fuzzy images, irregular colors or spelling errors. Original packages, as a rule, have high print quality, clear fonts and bright, saturated colors.
- Packaging material: Check the quality of the packaging material. Fake packages are often made of cheaper and thin materials than original. Pay attention to the presence of holograms, protective films and other elements of protection against fakes.
- Seams and gluing: Check the quality of the seams and gluing packaging. Fake packages often have uneven seams, poorly glued elements or traces of glue.
- Information on the label: Read the information carefully on the label. Pay attention to the presence of errors, inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Check if all the necessary data are indicated on the label, such as the composition, manufacturer, production date, shelf life, storage conditions and method of application.
- Striking code: Check the bar code of the product. Using special smartphone applications, you can check the authenticity of the barcode and find out information about the manufacturer and product. However, it should be remembered that scammers can fake a barcode.
- Protective elements: Many manufacturers use special protective elements on the packaging of their products, such as holograms, watermarks, microtectes and others. Check the presence and authenticity of these elements.
- The appearance of the product:
- Color, shape and size of tablets/capsules: Compare the color, shape and size of the tablets/capsules with the information indicated on the packaging or in the instructions. If the appearance of the product differs from the declared, this may be a sign of fake.
- Smell and taste: Pay attention to the smell and taste of the product. If the smell and taste seem strange, unusual or different from what you expected, it can be a sign of fake.
- Consistency: If the product is a powder, liquid or gel, pay attention to its consistency. If the consistency seems strange or differs from what you expected, it may be a sign of fake.
- Homogeneity: Check the homogeneity of the product. If any extraneous inclusions, impurities or stratification are visible in the product, this may be a sign of fake.
- The presence of defects: Pay attention to the presence of defects such as cracks, chips, scratches or spots on tablets/capsules.
4. How to recognize a fake of dietary supplement: other signs
In addition to external signs, there are other signs that may indicate a fake of dietary supplements:
- Price: Too low the price of dietary supplements should cause suspicion. If the price is much lower than that of other sellers or in other stores, this may be a sign that the product is fake or poor -quality.
- Place of purchase: Buy dietary supplements only in proven places, such as pharmacies, specialized healthy meals or official online stores of manufacturers. Avoid the purchase of darts from dubious sellers, in online stores with a bad reputation or in the markets.
- Lack of documents: When buying a dietary supplement, demand from the seller documents confirming his quality and security, such as a certificate of conformity or certificate of state registration. If the seller refuses to provide documents or provides fake documents, this is a sign that the product can be fake.
- Promotions and sales: Be careful with promotions and sales, especially if they seem too profitable. Fraudsters often use promotions and sales to attract customers and sell fake products.
- Reviews: Before buying dietary supplements, read the product reviews and the seller. Pay attention to negative reviews that mention a fake or a poor -quality product.
- Manufacturer’s site: Visit the official site of the manufacturer of the Bad. On the site you can find information about the product, its composition, method of use, as well as check the authenticity of the product by serial number or barcode.
- Intuition: If you have any doubts about the authenticity of Bad, it is better to refrain from buying it.
5. What to do if you purchased a fake dietary supplement?
If you suspect that you have purchased a fake dietary supplement, you need to take the following actions:
- Discontinue the product: Stop taking the dietary supplement immediately and consult a doctor if you felt a deterioration in health.
- Save packaging and check: Save product packaging, check and any other documents related to the purchase. They may be needed to conduct an examination and file a complaint.
- Contact the seller: Contact the seller and demand a refund for a poor -quality product.
- Set a complaint: File a complaint to Rospotrebnadzor or another authorized organization. In the complaint, indicate all the facts known to you about forgery, as well as attach copies of documents confirming the purchase.
- Warn others: Tell other people about your situation in order to warn them about the possibility of acquiring a fake bad. Leave a review of the seller on the Internet so that other buyers know about his dishonesty.
6. How to protect yourself from fakes of dietary supplements: Practical advice
To protect yourself from the acquisition of fake dietary supplements, follow the following practical advice:
- Buy dietary supplements only in proven places: Put dietary supplements only in pharmacies, specialized healthy meals or official online stores of manufacturers. Avoid the purchase of darts from dubious sellers, in online stores with a bad reputation or in the markets.
- Check the packaging and appearance of the product: Carefully check the packaging and appearance of the product for the presence of signs of fake. Pay attention to the print quality, packaging material, seams and gluing, label information, barcode and protective elements.
- Demand documents: When buying a dietary supplement, demand from the seller documents confirming his quality and security, such as a certificate of conformity or certificate of state registration.
- Do not trust too low prices: Be careful with dietary supplements that are sold at too low prices. Too low price may be a sign that the product is fake or poor -quality.
- Read reviews: Before buying dietary supplements, read the product reviews and the seller. Pay attention to negative reviews that mention a fake or a poor -quality product.
- Consult a doctor: Before you get a dietary supplement, consult your doctor. The doctor will help you choose the right dietary supplement and make sure of his safety.
- Be attentive to your health: During the reception of Bad, carefully follow your health. If you felt a deterioration in health, immediately stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
- Avoid self -medication: Do not self -medicate with dietary supplements. Bades are not drugs and cannot replace full treatment.
7. Legislative regulation of dietary supplements
The turnover of dietary supplements is regulated by the legislation of the country. Basic regulatory acts regulating the turnover of dietary supplements include:
- Federal Law “On the Sanitary and Epidemiological Wealth of the Population”: This law establishes general requirements for food safety, including dietary supplements.
- Technical regulations of the Customs Union “On food safety”: This technical regulation establishes requirements for food safety, including dietary supplements, in the territory of the Customs Union.
- Federal Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”: This law regulates relations between consumers and sellers of goods, including dietary supplements.
- Other regulations: There are other regulatory acts governing the turnover of dietary supplements, such as government decisions, orders of the Ministry of Health and Rospotrebnadzor.
For violation of legislation in the field of dietary supplements, administrative and criminal liability is provided.
8. The role of Rospotrebnadzor in the control of the turnover of dietary supplements
Rospotrebnadzor is the federal executive body, which exercises state sanitary and epidemiological supervision and protection of consumer rights. Rospotrebnadzor monitors the turnover of dietary supplements, including:
- Conducts checks: Rospotrebnadzor conducts inspections of enterprises involved in the production, storage, transportation and sale of dietary supplements for compliance with the requirements of the law.
- Conducts an examination: Rospotrebnadzor conducts an examination of dietary supplements to establish their compliance with safety and quality requirements.
- Issues certificates of state registration: Rospotrebnadzor issues certificates of state registration of dietary supplements that confirm their safety and compliance with the requirements of the law.
- Takes measures: Rospotrebnadzor takes measures against violators of the law, such as the issuance of instructions on eliminating violations, imposing fines, suspension of enterprises and removing of low -quality and dangerous dietary supplements.
9. Prospects for the fight against fakes of dietary supplements
The fight against fakes of dietary supplements is a complex and multifaceted task that requires joint efforts of the state, manufacturers and consumers.
Prospects for the fight against fakes of dietary supplements are associated with:
- Strengthening state control: It is necessary to strengthen state control over the turnover of dietary supplements, including more inspections of enterprises, tighten the requirements for registration of dietary supplements and increase responsibility for violation of the law.
- Introduction of modern technologies: It is necessary to introduce modern technologies to protect against fakes, such as holograms, watermarks, microtectes and others.
- Increased consumer awareness: It is necessary to increase consumer awareness of risks associated with the acquisition of fake dietary supplements, and teach them how to recognize fakes.
- Development of international cooperation: It is necessary to develop international cooperation in the fight against fakes of dietary supplements, including exchange information and experience with other countries.
- Using digital technologies: It is necessary to use digital technologies, such as blockchain, to track the supply chain of dietary supplements and ensure their authenticity.
Only by joint efforts can you reduce the number of fakes of dietary supplements in the market and protect consumer health.
10. Bades: myths and reality
Around the dietary supplements there are many myths and errors. It is important to distinguish the truth from fiction in order to make conscious decisions on the reception of dietary supplements.
Myth 1: Bades are medicines.
Reality: Bades are not medicines. They are designed to maintain the normal function of the body, replenish the deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances, as well as for the prevention of various diseases. Bades cannot cure diseases, but can help improve general health and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
Myth 2: Bades are absolutely safe products.
Reality: Bades can be safe if they are made in accordance with the requirements of the law and are accepted in the recommended doses. However, dietary supplements can cause side effects, especially in people with allergies, chronic diseases or taking other drugs. Before starting a dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor.
Myth 3: Bades are an effective tool for weight loss.
Reality: Some dietary supplements can help accelerate the process of losing weight, but they are not a miraculous means. To achieve a sustainable result, it is necessary to observe a balanced diet and play sports.
Myth 4: Bades are a way to replace full nutrition.
Reality: Bades cannot replace good nutrition. They are designed to supplement the diet and replenish the deficiency of the necessary substances. To maintain health, it is necessary to obtain all the necessary nutrients from a variety of and balanced diet.
Myth 5: All dietary supplements are equally useful.
Reality: The effectiveness of dietary supplements depends on its composition, quality, dosage and individual characteristics of the body. Not all dietary supplements are equally useful, and some of them can be ineffective or even harmful. It is important to choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers and consult a doctor before starting.
Myth 6: The larger the dose of dietary supplements, the better the effect.
Reality: Acceptance of dietary supplements in excessive doses can be dangerous to health. It is important to follow the recommended doses indicated on the packaging or in the instructions.
Myth 7: Bades are a panacea from all diseases.
Reality: Bades are not a panacea for all diseases. They can help improve the general health and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, but all diseases cannot cure. For the treatment of diseases, you must consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.
Myth 8: All dietary supplements are honest and conscientious.
Reality: Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous manufacturers in the dietary supplement market that produce poor -quality or fake products. It is important to choose dietary supplements from trusted manufacturers and check the authenticity of products before buying.
Myth 9: Bades are an expensive pleasure.
Reality: There are both expensive and affordable dietary supplements. The cost of dietary supplements depends on its composition, quality and manufacturer. It is important to choose dietary supplements that correspond to your budget and needs.
Myth 10: Bades are a modern invention.
Reality: The idea of using natural substances to maintain health has existed for a long time. Many traditional medical systems, such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, use plant and other natural substances for the prevention and treatment of diseases.