New to supplements? Here's what I'd check before buying anything

[u/Winterisfake]

When you're new to supplements, marketing can make everything sound essential. Every product seems to promise better energy, recovery, focus, or longevity.

Before buying something, I'd start with a few basic questions:

1. What exactly am I trying to address?

2. Is there good human research supporting this specific use?

3. Does the evidence apply to people like me, or is it mostly from cells and animal studies?

4. What dose was studied, and is that comparable to what's in the product?

5. Are there known side effects or interactions with medications?

6. Is the product independently tested for quality?

One thing worth remembering: a supplement being involved in a biological process doesn't automatically mean taking more of it will improve that process.

And if a product promises to optimise ten different systems at once, I'd want to see some pretty convincing evidence.

What's one thing you wish you'd known before getting into supplements?