Whether you’re a gym-goer, an active lifestyle enthusiast or a yoga-lover, chances are you’ve taken some kind of supplement in the past. Protein powders and nutrition bars can be great for giving your body the nutrients it needs to keep up with your busy schedule. But how do you know if those supplements are actually providing what they claim? Here’s how to tell if your supplements are under-dosed.
Active Ingredient Amounts
The first step is to check the number of active ingredients on the label. Most supplements will list the individual ingredients on their packaging, as well as how much of each one is present in each serving size. It’s important to make sure that the amount is enough to get the benefits promised by the product. For example, if a protein powder claims to provide 24g of protein per serving but only contains 12g, then it could be considered under-dosed.
Clinical Studies
Another way to tell if a supplement is under-dosed is to research its clinical studies—if any exist at all. Clinical studies are conducted by independent third-party labs that test products for safety and efficacy. If there aren’t any studies available or they don’t show results that match up with what’s promised by the product, then it may be under-dosed or not effective at all. This information should also be available on the packaging itself or on the company’s website.
Ingredients List
Finally, take a look at the list of ingredients included in each supplement you buy and compare them with what other brands offer. Many times, cheaper brands will use fillers such as sugar or other artificial sweeteners instead of more expensive natural ingredients like stevia leaf extract or monk fruit extract—both of which have a low glycemic index and natural sweetness without calories or carbs. If these kinds of fillers are present in your supplement, then it could be an indication that it is under-dosed or not effective at all.
When shopping for supplements, it’s important to do your research before buying anything so that you can ensure you're getting exactly what you need and nothing less than what's promised on the label. Checking active ingredient amounts, researching clinical studies and comparing ingredient lists between different brands can help give you peace of mind knowing that your supplements are providing exactly what they claim and nothing less than optimal quality nutrition for your lifestyle needs!
