HealthcareWhy Consumers Are Prioritizing Science-Backed Wellness Solutions

By Uladzimir Seuruk, CEO — Cata-Kor

These days, it seems that more and more people are pivoting to health-conscious lifestyles. Research supports this trend, showing that younger generations are substantially more health-conscious than previous generations. The rise of health influencers on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has played a large part in young people’s adoption of healthier lifestyle habits as they strive to meet the standards set by these highly visible role models.

However, this health-conscious mindset has expanded beyond lifestyle choices. Many members of the younger generation are looking for health and wellness products to supplement their diets and give them the nutrients they need to live the health-conscious lifestyle they desire, from supporting brain health to improved aging. Furthermore, these younger consumers have incredibly high expectations when it comes to these products, looking for options that are backed by science — not nebulous claims they can’t understand.

Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to tell whether health and wellness products on the market are legit and trustworthy. Because supplements are not as tightly regulated as medicines, there is a large variability in the quality of these products. While there are plenty of supplements that are safe and effective, there are also many that are unverified and unreliable, which is why it is important for consumers to do their research and due diligence before purchasing any supplement to ensure that they are only buying high-quality, reliable products. Thankfully, there are things consumers can look for to ensure they purchase only the best of the best.

How consumers can identify legitimate supplements

The first things consumers should look for when purchasing supplements are regulatory compliance and certifications. There are certain limitations to how a supplement can be marketed, and if the supplement does not meet these standards, do not purchase it. For example, supplements cannot legally claim to “diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease” per the FDA. If you come across a supplement that makes any of these claims, don’t buy it — it’s not trustworthy. And while the FDA does not vet supplements, there are several independent organizations that will certify supplements. These seals of approval can be a helpful starting point for people determining which products to trust.

Similarly, even though supplements are not required to go through rigorous testing like medicines, many still undergo third-party testing. That being said, companies whose products undergo third-party testing must be transparent about the testing process. For example, these companies should share the name and credentials of the laboratory that conducted the testing and published the results, allowing consumers to better research the product before purchasing.

Companies selling supplements should also be transparent on the labels of their products, with clear ingredient lists and simple, straightforward designs. Packaging should clearly state the name of the product, its ingredients, and the quantity it contains. Look for a supplement facts box that explains the formulation of the supplement. If any of these elements are missing, you should be on alert. And while this is not always the case, flashy packaging could mean that the makers of the supplement are trying to hide something. Simple and transparent packaging means that consumers know what they are getting.

Another indicator that a supplement might be trustworthy, although not foolproof, is if there are multiple copycats on the market. After all, they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If a supplement has become so successful and well-esteemed that other brands attempt to mimic its packaging, consumers should look to the original.

Consumers can also look for good, honest reviews of the products they want to buy as a potential sign of the product’s trustworthiness. Of course, there is such a thing as fake reviews, but these are pretty easy to sniff out. Look for reviews that offer specific feedback and evidence, not just blanket praise. Also, look to see if the profiles writing the review have also reviewed other products or if they were created for this one review. These can be good indicators of whether a review is real or fake.

How supplements inspire healthy living

While the increased popularity of “healthy living” has led to a rise in the number of supplements on the market, consumers can rest assured knowing that there are plenty of trustworthy, science-backed products on the market. By knowing what to look for to identify which supplements to trust and which ones to avoid, consumers can be more confident in the supplements they choose to purchase and be one step closer to enhancing their well-being.

— Uladzimir Seuruk is the visionary Founder and CEO of Cata-Kor, a pioneering health and wellness company dedicated to advancing NAD+ supplements and anti-aging solutions backed by cutting-edge scientific research. With a deep passion for longevity and cellular health, Uladzimir has positioned Cata-Kor as a leader in the wellness industry, offering innovative products that promote healthy aging and improve overall vitality.