Check the safety of supplements before taking them

Trouble in the dietary supplement manufacturing industry may leave consumers wondering which products are safe and which deliver what is listed on the “supplement facts” label. There’s no way to know for sure without sending the supplements to a lab, but consumers can take some steps to minimize their risk.

Check to see if the brand has been involved in a recall or has gotten a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Visit fda.gov.

Several groups certify dietary supplement firms in good manufacturing practices, including the Natural Products Association, one of the industry’s largest trade groups. Visit npainfo.org.