Addressing Concerns About Supplement Authenticity on Marketplace Platforms
Explore the challenges of verifying supplement quality and authenticity when purchasing from online marketplaces like Lazada. Learn strategies for ensuring product reliability, such as choosing reputable brands, third-party testing, and reading reviews, to improve confidence in supplement purchases.
Capsule weights are not accurate and contents suspect
I have ordered several items from Lazada, which are health supplements, such as herbal remedies, herbal remedies . I began to suspect that the ingredients were not as advertised. One clue I got was that the capsules would not add up to the weight indicated on the label. I ordered recently Fadogia and tongkat ali capsules Which were supposed to weigh 1100 mg for two capsules when I put them on my very sensitive accurate scales. They came out to 830 mg. I mean if you’re gonna fake something can’t you at least get the weight correct? This has happened on several other items as well, the weights usually come up short by as much as 30 or more percent. Secondly, I tested some of the supplements by taste and smell and they failed. I ordered sam E remedy for joint pain and mood, which is a sulfurous compound. Whatever I would open the packages there was a strong, sulfur smell. But this brand I ordered did not have any smell and had just a gelcap with clear liquid, most likely just vegetable oil. Again, the weights were incorrect as well. Another one I ordered was kava kava which has a characteristic numbing effect on the tongue. This powder did not have that tasted like sweet potatoes.I suggested to Lisa that they just have one person whose job it would be would be to test every new product product. Just using common sense. You don’t necessarily have to even have a chemical analysis all that would be nice. I think pretty soon the cheats would stop trying to pass their goods off.
If you order something that you don’t suspect is real, please do send it back. There are ways to do that although it’s kind of a hassle.
Beginning to wonder whether it’s even worth ordering any kind of supplements like this through Lazada. Given my experience, how can I ever really be sure?
It's concerning to hear about your experiences with supplement products that don't meet the expectations set by their labeling and descriptions. Ensuring the authenticity and quality of supplements can certainly be challenging, especially when ordering from marketplaces where third-party sellers might not adhere to stringent regulatory standards. Here are some steps you might consider to improve your confidence when purchasing supplements:
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Buy from Reputable Brands: Look for brands that have a strong reputation in the supplements industry. Reputable brands often have their products tested by third-party labs to verify the contents and purity.
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Third-Party Testing: Check if the supplement has been third-party tested, which provides an extra layer of verification regarding the product's ingredients and purity.
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Certification Seals: Look for certifications such as NSF International, USP (United States Pharmacopeia), or ConsumerLab. These organizations conduct independent testing to verify product content and quality.
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Read Reviews: Before purchasing, read customer reviews and feedback on both the product and the seller. While not foolproof, this can sometimes give insights into others' experiences with the product.
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Purchase Directly from Manufacturers: When possible, order directly from the manufacturer's website. This can sometimes ensure you’re getting the product as advertised, reducing the risk of counterfeit products.
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Local Regulations: Some regions have specific regulatory bodies that oversee the sale of supplements. Checking whether the supplement adheres to local regulations may provide additional confidence.
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Contact the Seller or Manufacturer: If you have doubts about a product, contacting the seller or manufacturer for more information can sometimes clarify your concerns.
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Trustworthy Platforms: Use platforms known for strict seller regulations regarding supplement sales.
While it's understandable to have concerns about orders from platforms like Lazada, implementing these strategies may help in acquiring more reliable supplements. If you suspect a product is not authentic, it's good to pursue refunds or returns as you mentioned.
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