Quality control of dietary supplements: how to protect yourself from fakes?

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Quality control of dietary supplements: how to protect yourself from fakes?

I. Introduction to the world of biologically active additives (dietary supplements)

Biologically active additives (BAD) took a strong place in the modern world, attracting the attention of consumers striving to improve their health, strengthening immunity and maintaining a general tone of the body. Dietary supplements are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances designed for direct consumption with food or introduction into food products. Their range is huge and diverse – from vitamins and minerals to plant extracts, probiotics, amino acids and much more.

The popularity of dietary supplements is due to several factors. Firstly, awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of diseases is growing. Secondly, modern diets often do not provide the body with all the necessary nutrients, which makes people look for additional sources of vitamins and minerals. Thirdly, dietary supplements are positioned as a natural and safe alternative to drugs, which attracts those who prefer to avoid synthetic substances.

However, along with the advantages, the dietary supplement market is also fraught with certain risks. The lack of strict control and regulation, comparable to the control of pharmaceutical products, creates a favorable ground for the appearance of poor -quality and fake dietary supplements. Such products may not contain the declared active substances, contain harmful impurities, or pose a health danger due to improper dosage or incompatibility with the drugs taken.

In this regard, the issue of quality control of dietary supplements and consumer protection from fakes is of paramount importance. It is necessary to understand the existing methods of control, learn to distinguish high -quality products from the falsifier and make conscious decisions when choosing and buying dietary supplements.

II. The regulatory framework of dietary supplement regulation in Russia

The regulation of the production and turnover of dietary supplements in Russia is carried out on the basis of a number of regulatory acts that establish requirements for safety, quality and labeling of these products.

  1. Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 “On food safety”: This regulation is the main document governing the safety of all food products, including dietary supplements. It establishes general requirements for the production, storage, transportation and sale of food products, as well as its marking.

  2. Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR TS 022/2011 “Food products in terms of its marking”: This regulation regulates in detail the requirements for labeling of food products, including dietary supplements. It determines the mandatory information that should be indicated on the label, such as the name of the product, composition, food value, manufacturing date, shelf life, storage conditions, name and address of the manufacturer, as well as recommendations on use.

  3. Decision of the Commission of the Customs Union dated 07.04.2011 No. 622 “On unified sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary and epidemiological supervision (control)”: This document establishes hygiene requirements for dietary supplements, including permissible levels of harmful substances, microbiological indicators and other safety parameters.

  4. Federal Law dated 02.01.2000 No. 29-ФЗ “On the quality and safety of food products”: This law establishes the basic principles for ensuring the quality and safety of food products in the Russian Federation, including dietary supplements. He determines the rights and obligations of manufacturers, sellers and state control bodies.

  5. Order of Rospotrebnadzor dated 07/18/2014 No. 783 “On sanitary and epidemiological conclusions for types of activities (works, services), products”: In accordance with this order, the production and implementation of dietary supplements are subject to sanitary and epidemiological supervision and require an appropriate conclusion.

  6. Other regulatory documents: There are other regulatory documents governing certain aspects of the production and turnover of dietary supplements, such as GOSTs (state standards), SanPins (sanitary rules and norms) and methodological instructions.

Key aspects of the regulatory regulation of dietary supplements:

  • State registration: All dietary supplements, before going on sale, must undergo a state registration procedure in Rospotrebnadzor. In the process of registration, the safety and efficiency of the product is evaluated, and the compliance of its composition and marking with the established requirements is checked.
  • Production control: Bad manufacturers are required to carry out production control at all stages of production, from the purchase of raw materials to packaging of finished products. This control includes the quality of raw materials, compliance with technological processes, monitoring the sanitary condition of production and other measures aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of products.
  • Marking: The marking of dietary supplements should be clear, understandable and contain all the necessary information for the consumer. It should include the name of the product, composition, food value, manufacturing date, shelf life, storage conditions, name and address of the manufacturer, as well as recommendations for use. The label should also indicate information on contraindications and possible side effects.
  • Control over turnover: Rospotrebnadzor monitors the back of dietary supplements in the market, conducting checks and withdrawing low -quality or falsified products from the sale.

The difficulties and disadvantages of regulatory regulation of dietary supplements:

Despite the presence of a regulatory framework, the regulation of the BAD market in Russia has a number of difficulties and disadvantages:

  • Less strict control than for drugs: Control over the production and back of dietary supplements is less strict than monitoring pharmaceutical products. This is due to the fact that dietary supplements are not considered as drugs and are not subject to clinical trials necessary for drugs.
  • The possibility of unscrupulous advertising: Advertising of dietary supplements is often aggressive and contains unreasonable promises about their effectiveness. The lack of strict control over advertising allows unscrupulous manufacturers to mislead consumers.
  • The complexity of the detection of falsifier: Identification of falsified dietary supplements is a difficult task, since they often do not externally differ from quality products. To identify the falsifier, special laboratory studies are needed.
  • Insufficient consumer awareness: Many consumers do not have sufficient knowledge about dietary supplements and do not know how to distinguish high -quality products from falsifier.

III. Criteria for choosing high -quality dietary supplements

The choice of high -quality dietary supplements is a responsible process that requires attentiveness and knowledge of the main criteria that will help distinguish a safe and effective product from a potential fake or poor -quality product.

  1. The availability of a certificate of state registration (SGR)

    • The value of the sgr: The presence of a certificate of state registration (SGR) is one of the most important indicators of quality and safety of dietary supplements. The SCR confirms that the product has passed state registration in Rospotrebnadzor and meets the established safety and quality requirements.
    • Checking the authenticity of SGR: It is important not only the presence of SGR, but also its authenticity. You can check the authenticity of the SGR on the Rospotrebnadzor website in the section “Register of certificates of state registration of products”. It is necessary to enter the SCR number and make sure that the product data correspond to information on the package.
    • Lack of SGR – an occasion for concern: The absence of the SGR must alert the consumer. This may indicate that the product has not passed the necessary checks and does not meet the safety requirements.

  2. Reputation of the manufacturer and brand

    • The manufacturer’s study: Before buying dietary supplements, it is useful to study information about the manufacturer. Find out how long the company works in the market, what reviews it has, whether it has quality certificates (for example, GMP).
    • GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice): GMP certificate (Good Manuapacturn Practice) confirms that dietary supplements are carried out in accordance with international quality and safety standards. The presence of GMP is a serious argument in favor of choosing the products of this manufacturer.
    • Avoid unknown brands: It is better to give preference to the dietary supplements of well -known and proven brands that have proven themselves in the market and have positive consumer reviews.

  3. Composition and active ingredients

    • A careful study of the composition: Carefully study the composition of dietary supplements. Pay attention to the list of active ingredients, their dosage and shape. Make sure that the composition meets your needs and does not contain components that you may have an allergy or individual intolerance.
    • The form of ingredients: The form in which active ingredients are represented also matters. For example, vitamins in a lecture form are better absorbed by the body than in an oxide form.
    • The presence of additional components: Pay attention to the presence of additional components, such as dyes, flavors, preservatives. The fewer such components, the better.

  4. Marking and packaging

    • Clear and understandable marking: The marking of dietary supplements should be clear, understandable and contain all the necessary information for the consumer. It should include the name of the product, composition, food value, manufacturing date, shelf life, storage conditions, name and address of the manufacturer, as well as recommendations for use.
    • Package: Bad packaging should be airtight, protect the product from the influence of the external environment and ensure its safety. Pay attention to the integrity of the packaging and the presence of protective elements (for example, control of the first autopsy).
    • Compliance of information on the package and in the instructions: Make sure that the information on the packaging and in the instructions for use completely coincides.

  5. Place of purchase

    • Pharmacies and specialized stores: It is better to buy dietary supplements in pharmacies or specialized stores, where you can get a specialist consultation and where the products pass more strict control.
    • Beware of suspiciously low prices: Too low the price of dietary supplements can be a sign of fake. A quality product cannot be cheap, since its production requires the cost of raw materials, technology and quality control.
    • Online stores: When buying dietary supplements in online stores, you should give preference to proven and reliable sites with a good reputation. Pay attention to the reviews of other customers and the availability of quality certificates.

  6. Consultation with a specialist

    • Do not self -medicate: Before starting to receive dietary supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist. A specialist will help to determine which dietary supplements you need, in what dosage and how long to accept them.
    • Individual characteristics: It is important to consider the individual characteristics of the body, the presence of chronic diseases and the drugs taken. Bades can interact with medicines and cause undesirable side effects.

IV. Signs of fake dietary supplements

The dietary supplement market, unfortunately, is not safe from fakes. It is important to know the main features that may indicate that you have a poor -quality or falsified product.

  1. Lack or fake certificate of state registration (SGR)

    • Verification: As already mentioned, the absence of a SGR or a suspiciously designed SGR is a serious reason for concern. Check the authenticity of the SGR on the Rospotrebnadzor website.
    • Data inconsistency: If the data on the SGR does not correspond to the information on the packaging of the product, this may indicate a fake.

  2. Poor packaging and marking

    • Poor print quality: Fuzzy, blurry, or with errors, the seal on the package may indicate that the product is illegally produced.
    • Spelling errors: The presence of spelling or grammatical errors in the text on the package or in the instructions for use is a sign of low -quality products.
    • Incomplete information: The lack of necessary information on the packaging (for example, the composition, the date of manufacture, the expiration date, name and the address of the manufacturer) should also be alert.
    • Damaged packaging: Leap, damaged or opened packaging may indicate that the product was stored incorrectly or was faked.

  3. Suspiciously low price

    • Comparison of prices: Compare the price of dietary supplements at different retail outlets. If the price is much lower than in other places, this may be a sign of fake.
    • Non -vigilant discounts: Be careful with promotions and discounts that seem too profitable.

  4. Unusual appearance, smell or taste

    • Change color or smell: If the dietary supplement has an unusual color, smell or taste, which differs from what should be, this may indicate that the product is damaged or forged.
    • Heterogeneous consistency: If the dietary supplement has a heterogeneous consistency or contains extraneous impurities, it can also be a sign of a poor -quality product.

  5. Lack of effect or side effects

    • Lack of claimed effect: If after taking dietary supplements you do not observe any effect, even after prolonged use, this may indicate that the product does not contain declared active substances.
    • Unexpected side effects: If after taking dietary supplements you have side effects that are not indicated in the instructions for use, immediately stop taking it and consult a doctor.

  6. Dubious place of purchase

    • Unverified online stores: Buying dietary supplements in unverified online stores with a dubious reputation is a high risk of buying a fake.
    • Street merchants: Do not buy dietary supplements from street merchants or in places not intended for trading in medicines and dietary supplements.

V. Methods of quality control of dietary supplements in production

Quality control in production is a multi -stage process that includes various methods and procedures aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of products.

  1. Quality control of raw materials

    • Input control: Input control of raw materials is the first and one of the most important stages of quality control control. At this stage, the quality of all incoming ingredients is tested, including plant raw materials, vitamins, minerals and other components.
    • Organoleptic analysis: Organoleptic analysis includes an assessment of the appearance, color, smell and taste of raw materials.
    • Physico-chemical analysis: Physico-chemical analysis allows you to determine the compliance of raw materials with the established requirements for the content of active substances, humidity, ash and other indicators.
    • Microbiological control: Microbiological control is aimed at identifying pathogenic microorganisms, mold and yeast in the raw materials.
    • Control for the content of toxic elements: Control is controlled for the content of toxic elements in the raw materials, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic.
    • Documentation: All results of the quality control of raw materials are documented and used to make a decision on its suitability for dietary supplements.

  2. Technological process control

    • Compliance with technological documentation: At each stage of dietary supplements, it is necessary to strictly observe the technological documentation, which regulates all parameters of the process, such as temperature, pressure, mixing time, etc.
    • Control of the parameters of the process: Throughout the technological process, control over the parameters of the process, such as temperature, humidity, mixing time, etc.
    • Intermediate control: Intermediate control is carried out at various stages of dietary supplements to assess the quality of semi -products and identify possible deviations from the established requirements.

  3. Control of finished products

    • Organoleptic analysis: Organoleptic analysis of finished products includes an assessment of the appearance, color, smell and taste of the product.
    • Physico-chemical analysis: Physico-chemical analysis allows you to determine the compliance of finished products with the established requirements for the content of active substances, humidity, ash and other indicators.
    • Microbiological control: Microbiological control is aimed at identifying pathogenic microorganisms, mold and yeast in finished products.
    • Control for the content of toxic elements: The control of toxic elements in the finished product, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, is monitored.
    • Net and volume mass control: Message of the net and volume of finished products is carried out to ensure compliance with the established requirements.
    • Packaging and marking control: The packaging and labeling of finished products for compliance with the established requirements is monitored.
    • Best before date: Evaluation of stability and determining the expiration date of dietary supplements.
    • Documentation: All the results of quality control of finished products are documented and used to make a decision on its release in sale.

  4. HACCP system (HACCP)

    • The principles of HASSP: Many manufacturers of Bad introduce the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, which is a safety management system based on risk analysis and determine critical control points.
    • Risk analysis: HASSP system includes risk analysis at all stages of dietary supplements, from the purchase of raw materials to the release of finished products.
    • Critical control points: Critical control points (CCP) are determined, in which it is necessary to monitor to prevent or reduce risks.
    • Monitoring and corrective actions: In the CCP, the process parameters are monitored, and when detecting deviations, corrective actions are taken.
    • Documentation: All stages of the HASSP system are documented and used to ensure the safety and quality of dietary supplements.

  5. GMP certification (good manufactoring practice)

    • Standard GMP: GMP certification (good manufacturing practice) confirms that dietary supplements are carried out in accordance with international quality and safety standards.
    • GMP requirements: GMP standards impose the requirements for premises, equipment, personnel, technological processes, quality control and documentation.
    • The benefits of GMP: The presence of a GMP certificate indicates a high level of production organization and product quality guarantees.

VI. The role of state bodies in the control of the quality of dietary supplements

State bodies play a key role in controlling the quality of dietary supplements, supervising the production, turnover and advertising of these products. The main body responsible for quality control in Russia is Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Human Welfare).

  1. State registration of dietary supplements

    • Registration procedure: Rospotrebnadzor carries out state registration of dietary supplements, which is a mandatory procedure for all products entering sale in Russia.
    • Safety and efficiency assessment: In the process of registration, the safety and efficiency of dietary supplements is evaluated, and the compliance of its composition and marking with the established requirements is checked.
    • Cracha SGR: Based on the results of registration, a certificate of state registration (SGR) is issued, which confirms that the product meets the requirements of security and quality.

  2. Sanitary and epidemiological supervision

    • Checks of enterprises: Rospotrebnadzor carries out sanitary and epidemiological supervision of enterprises producing and selling dietary supplements.
    • Monitoring compliance with requirements: During the inspections, compliance with sanitary standards and rules, technological processes and labeling requirements is monitored.
    • Sampling: Dad sampling is carried out for laboratory research.

  3. Laboratory control

    • Tests of samples: Rospotrebnadzor conducts laboratory tests of samples of dietary supplements selected during the inspections.
    • Assessment of compliance with the requirements: In the course of studies, the compliance of dietary supplements is evaluated with the established requirements for safety, quality and composition.
    • Identification of falsifications: Laboratory studies allow you to identify falsified dietary supplements containing harmful impurities or not containing declared active substances.

  4. Control over advertising dietary supplements

    • Advertising Law: Rospotrebnadzor exercises control over the advertising of dietary supplements for compliance with the requirements of the advertising law.
    • Prevention of unfair advertising: The reliability of the information contained in advertising is controlled and the spread of unfair advertising, misleading consumers, is prevented.

  5. Adoption of measures in case of violations

    • Issuance of requirements: In case of violations, Rospotrebnadzor issues instructions on eliminating violations.
    • Suspension of activity: The activities of enterprises that violate the requirements of the law in the production and turnover of dietary supplements may be suspended.
    • Removal from circulation: Poor -quality or falsified products are removed from circulation.
    • Rememberment: Persons guilty of violating the requirements of legislation in the field of production and turnover of dietary supplements are brought to administrative or criminal liability.

  6. Interaction with other organs

    • Cooperation: Rospotrebnadzor interacts with other state bodies, such as Roszdravnadzor, the Federal Customs Service and law enforcement agencies, to increase the efficiency of control of the quality of dietary supplements.

VII. Consumer advice to protect against fakes dietary supplements

Protection against fakes of dietary supplements is a joint task of state bodies, manufacturers and consumers themselves. Taking into account the risks associated with the use of poor -quality products, it is important to observe a number of recommendations that will help minimize the likelihood of acquiring a fake.

  1. A thorough selection of products

    • Study of information: Before buying dietary supplements, carefully study the information about the product, manufacturer and brand.
    • Verification: Be sure to check the availability of a certificate of state registration (SGR) and make sure that its authenticity is on the Rospotrebnadzor website.
    • Analysis of the composition: Carefully study the composition of dietary supplements and make sure that it meets your needs and does not contain components that you may have an allergy or individual intolerance.
    • Packaging and marking assessment: Pay attention to the quality of packaging and marking. The packaging should be sealed and intact, and the marking should be clear, understandable and contain all the necessary information.
    • Avoid suspiciously low prices: Do not buy dietary supplements at suspiciously low prices. A quality product cannot be cheap.

  2. Correct choice of purchase site

    • Pharmacies and specialized stores: Buy dietary supplements in pharmacies or specialized stores where the products are more strict.
    • Proven online stores: When buying dietary supplements in online stores, give preference to proven and reliable sites with a good reputation.
    • Beware of street merchants: Do not buy dietary supplements from street merchants or in places not intended for trading in medicines and dietary supplements.

  3. Consultation with a specialist

    • A doctor or nutritionist: Before starting to receive dietary supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist.
    • Individual recommendations: A specialist will help to determine which dietary supplements you need, in what dosage and how long to accept them, taking into account your individual characteristics and health status.
    • Interaction with drugs: It is important to consider the interaction of dietary supplements with the drugs taken.

  4. Careful observation of the reaction of the body

    • Start with small doses: Start taking dietary supplements with small doses to evaluate the reaction of the body.
    • Tracking side effects: Carefully follow your well -being and track possible side effects.
    • Cessation of admission with undesirable reactions: In the event of unwanted reactions, immediately stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.

  5. Informing about falsification

    • Message to Rospotrebnadzor: If you find signs of falsification of dietary supplements, inform Rospotrebnadzor about it.
    • Help in the fight against falsification: Your message will help to identify and stop the activities of unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers.

  6. Increased awareness

    • Study of information: Learn more about dietary supplements, their properties, contraindications and possible side effects.
    • Critical view of advertising: Treat critically to the advertisements of dietary supplements and do not trust unreasonable promises about their effectiveness.
    • Exchange of experience: Exchange experience with other dietary supplements, but remember that the information should be verified and reliable.

VIII. Prospects for improving quality control control in Russia

Improving the quality control system in Russia is a continuous process that requires constant development and adaptation to new challenges. There are a number of areas in which it is necessary to move to increase the efficiency of control and protection of consumers from poor -quality and falsified products.

  1. T tightness of regulatory regulation

    • Rapprochement with the requirements for drugs: It is necessary to bring the requirements for the production and turnover of dietary supplements with the requirements for pharmaceutical products.
    • Introduction of mandatory GMP certification: Introduction of mandatory GMP certification for all dietary supplements.
    • Strengthening control over advertising: Strengthening control over dietary supplements and a ban on the distribution of unfair advertising, misleading consumers.

  2. Strengthening state control

    • An increase in the number of inspections: An increase in the number of inspections of enterprises producing and selling dietary supplements.
    • Expansion of laboratory research: Expansion of the spectrum of laboratory tests of samples.
    • Using modern analysis methods: The use of modern analysis methods to identify falsifier and poor -quality products.

  3. Increased liability of manufacturers

    • Strengthening responsibility for the release of poor -quality products: Strengthening administrative and criminal liability of manufacturers for the production of poor -quality and falsified products.
    • Introduction of compulsory liability insurance of manufacturers: The introduction of compulsory liability insurance of dietary supplements for damage caused to consumer health.

  4. Development of a traceability system

    • Introduction of a marking and traceability system: The introduction of the marking and traceability system from the manufacturer to the consumer, which will monitor the movement of products and identify the falsifier.

  5. Increased consumer awareness

    • Conducting information campaigns: Conducting information campaigns to increase consumer awareness about dietary supplements, their properties, contraindications and possible side effects.
    • Development of educational materials: Development of educational materials for consumers on how to choose and use dietary supplements.

  6. International cooperation

    • Exchange of experience: Exchange of experience with other countries in the field of quality control.
    • Harmonization of requirements: Harmonization of dietary supplements with international standards.

IX. Alternative methods of improving health

Although dietary supplements can be useful in certain situations, it is important to remember that they are not a panacea for all diseases. There are alternative methods of improving health, which can be more effective and safe.

  1. Balanced diet

    • The basis of health: Balanced nutrition is the basis of health and provides the body with all the necessary nutrients.
    • A variety of diet: Turn on a variety of products in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, meat, fish and dairy products.
    • Limiting harmful products: Limit the consumption of harmful products, such as fast food, sweets, carbonated drinks and fatty products.

  2. Regular physical activity

    • Improving physical and mental health: Regular physical activity improves physical and mental health, strengthens immunity and reduces the risk of developing many diseases.
    • Different types of activity: Choose the types of physical activity that you like, such as walking, running, swimming, dancing, yoga or classes in the gym.
    • Recommendations: It is recommended to engage in physical activity at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes a week of high intensity.

  3. Healthy sleep

    • The importance of sleep: Healthy sleep is important for restoring the body and maintaining the normal work of all organs and systems.
    • Sleep duration: Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
    • Creating comfortable conditions: Create comfortable sleeping conditions such as silence, darkness and cool temperature in the room.

  4. Stress management

    • Influence of stress on health: Stress negatively affects health and can lead to the development of many diseases.
    • Stress management methods: Use stress control methods, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or communication with friends and relatives.

  5. Rejection of bad habits

    • Influence of bad health habits: Smoking and drinking alcohol negatively affect health and increase the risk of developing many diseases.
    • Refusal of smoking and alcohol: Refuse smoking and drinking alcohol or limit their consumption.

  6. Regular medical examinations

    • The importance of prevention: Regular medical examinations allow you to identify diseases in the early stages and prevent their development.
    • Consultations with specialists: Pass regular consultations with specialists such as therapist, cardiologist, endocrinologist and other doctors.

X. Conclusion: conscious choice and responsible consumption

The market for biologically active additives (BAD) offers a wide selection of products aimed at maintaining health and improving well -being. However, as we found out, this market is not safe from fakes and poor -quality products. Therefore, to protect your health and budget, it is important to approach the choice and consumption of dietary supplements consciously and responsibly.

I hope that the information presented will help you make the right choice and protect yourself from dietary supplements. Remember that your health is in your hands!

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