The scoop on how we select supplements
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The content of this methodology is for informational purposes only.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
What is a dietary supplement, exactly?
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We use stringent guidelines to decide what to feature on our siteand what we skip.
While supplements can play a key part in your wellness journey, Shape believes in food first.
That said, there are many cases where supplementation is necessary (due to diagnosed deficiencies).
Still, its wise to consider lifestyle factors first, as supplements cannot replace poor nutrition habits.
If you have questions, consult a healthcare practitioner to learn whether supplements can help.
Benefits & Risks of Dietary Supplements
As with anything, there are pros and cons to supplements.
If you consume fortified foods regularly, consider how these products contribute to your overall nutrition needs.
This label is typically found on the outer packaging or the back of the supplement container.
Use this label as a guide to know what isand isntin your supplement.
Supplement labels are required by law to list what vitamins and minerals they contain and in what quantity.
These ingredients often help to optimize the manufacturing process or bind a supplement together.
Not all fillers and excipients are harmful, but they arent always necessary in a product.
Herbal supplements can interfere with medications or may negatively affect the liver.
Many multivitamins contain herbal ingredients, so its always important to inspect the ingredient list closely.
What Supplements Does Shape Recommend?
We scrutinize ingredients in these products carefully and dig into the research to see if theres real beauty benefit.
Buying supplements online also has its risks.
We only provide links to verified first-party sellers, whether it is their company website or through Amazon.
We skip:
Note that any product may be harmful if used incorrectly.
For this reason, you must always check with a healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your routine.
Our team continuously questions the safety, validity, and effectiveness of supplements and modifies our recommendations accordingly.
At Shape, we believe certain attributes are associated with the highest-quality supplements.
These are the nice to have bonus points that make a great product the most excellent overall pick.
These independent labs test nutrition supplements to ensure they meet certain quality standards.
Artificial colors may make supplements look prettier, but certain colors and dyes may beharmful.
We recommend products that use natural flavorings and colors when possible.
Minimally Sweetened & Free of (Most) Artificial Sweeteners
Sweeteners are a sensitive subject.
If you choose a product with an alternative sweetener, stevia and monk fruit are our top choices.
For this reason, we recommend products that use non-GMO and/or organic ingredients where possible.
Remember, supplements may not be necessary or appropriate for all.
