Be Mindful When Buying Supplements on Amazon: What You Need to Know

In recent years, online shopping has become the most convenient way to access everything—including vitamins, herbs, and wellness supplements. But as the supplement industry continues to grow, so does the risk of counterfeit or fraudulent products slipping through major online marketplaces like Amazon.

One of the recent eye-opening examples comes from NOW Foods, one of the most reputable supplement companies in the U.S. They uncovered multiple fraudulent listings mimicking their products—fake labels, fake ingredient lists, and even fake bottles. These knockoffs often looked identical to the real thing, making it nearly impossible for the average customer to spot the difference.

Why This Matters

Supplements are not regulated the same way pharmaceuticals are. The FDA does not evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness before they are sold. And because supplements can have real effects on the mind and body, taking a product that is mislabeled, contaminated, or improperly dosed can be dangerous.

When a counterfeit supplement makes it onto Amazon:

• You cannot trust the ingredient list.

• Dosages may be incorrect or inconsistent.

• There may be harmful fillers or contaminants.

• The product may not contain the active ingredient at all.

With thousands of third-party sellers and limited oversight, the system becomes vulnerable to exploitation.

Why Counterfeits Slip Through

Many consumers assume that Amazon thoroughly vets every product. But the marketplace model means:

• Third-party sellers can list products with minimal upfront verification.

• Amazon warehouses sometimes commingle inventory from different sellers—even when “fulfilled by Amazon.”

• Fraudulent sellers can appear legitimate for a short period before disappearing.

Even reputable brands struggle to keep counterfeiters off the platform.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are a few steps to make sure you’re getting what you think you're buying:

1. Buy directly from the brand when possible.

Most supplement companies sell through their own website, which ensures authenticity.

2. If shopping on Amazon, buy only from the brand’s verified storefront.

Look for “Sold by: NOW Foods” or the official seller. Avoid third-party resellers offering unusually low prices.

3. Check for quality certifications.

Reputable brands invest in third-party testing such as:

• USP

• NSF

• Informed Choice

• Non-GMO Project

Counterfeiters rarely go through the trouble of replicating these authentications accurately.

4. Inspect the bottle carefully.

Misspellings, inconsistent fonts, odd colors, or flimsy packaging can be early warning signs.

5. Look at the reviews with skepticism.

A product with hundreds of odd phrased, repeated, or overly generic reviews may indicate manipulation.

The Bottom Line

Supplements have a direct impact on your health, so knowing where they come from matters. Even trusted companies like NOW are discovering fraudulent versions of their products in online marketplaces, reminding us to stay vigilant.

Your wellbeing is worth the extra step—shop smart, shop consciously, and choose quality over convenience when it comes to what you put into your body.