The Hidden Dangers of Buying Supplements on Amazon: What You Need to Know - Gary Collins, Former FDA Special Agent

Ella
May 25
3 min read

On Air with Ella podcast episode 431

The Hidden Dangers of Buying Supplements on Amazon: What You Need to Know episode 431 On Air with Ella

This is not medical advice. Do your research.

The Hidden Dangers of Buying Supplements online: Exposing Fakes and Frauds

If you’ve ever bought vitamins or supplements online, you’re in good company! The convenience and prices offered by Amazon and other retailers are hard to resist. But as Gary Collins reveals in this episode of On Air with Ella, this convenience comes with serious risks that most of us aren't aware of.

Why Are Counterfeit Supplements So Prevalent?

Gary Collins, a former FDA special agent and investigator for the US Department of Health and Human Services, shared a startling truth: the world of supplements is a “wild west” where regulation is loose and counterfeit products are EVERYWHERE. According to Gary, Amazon and eBay are major hubs for these counterfeit goods, making it wayyyy too easy for fake supplements to make it to your shopping cart - and into your body.

“Amazon is huge for counterfeiting. You have to be very, very careful when you’re buying. You shouldn’t be buying any supplements or food items off Amazon that you don’t know the source.”

Gary’s background in investigating counterfeit pharmaceuticals and supplements gave him a front-row seat to the damage these products can cause, both to individuals and to the broader economy.

The risks of buying counterfeit supplements are real and potentially dangerous.

What's at risk:

Unknown Ingredients: Counterfeit supplements may contain little or none of the active ingredients you expect. Worse, they might include harmful fillers, contaminants, or even toxic substances.
Health Risks: These products can cause allergic reactions, interact dangerously with medications, or simply fail to provide the benefits you’re seeking.
Wasted Money: Not only are we potentially wasting money, but we’re inadvertently supporting illegal and unethical practices that undermine the real supplement industry.

Red Flags: How to Spot Counterfeit Supplements Online

Gary's advice for anyone shopping for supplements online:

Be Skeptical of Bargains: “If it’s very cheap, if you’re finding the same product for very cheap online, I can almost guarantee that’s a counterfeit or expired product. Guarantee it.”
Know the Seller: Only buy from reputable distributors or directly from the manufacturer. If you can’t verify the company or the product’s source, don’t buy it. Gary recommends buying local whenever we can!
Check the Packaging: Look for broken seals, misspelled labels, missing lot numbers, or anything that seems off about the packaging.
Avoid Unknown Brands: If you haven’t heard of the brand and can’t find credible information about it, steer clear.
Be wary of MLMs: Gary also warned about multi-level marketing supplement companies, calling most of their products “absolute garbage” and cautioning that the marketing schemes often prioritize profit over quality and safety.

What Should We Do Instead?

Buy directly from the supplement company’s website or a well-known, authorized retailer.
Research the brand and look for third-party testing or certifications.
If you’re unsure, reach out to the company for more information or to request a certificate of analysis.

As Gary Collins put it, most of us spend months researching a new TV, but barely a minute thinking about the supplements we put in our bodies. The stakes are high, and the risks of buying counterfeit supplements online are real and growing. Take the time to verify your sources, invest in quality, and protect your money and your health.

I still buy on Amazon, but only after a great deal of research. I have dropped many of my trusted brands in this Amazon shop for you:

Shop Ella's AMZN

References:

NEW! To view my recommended brands and get my discounts click here.

SLEEPY HOT CHOCOLATE

This stuff works for me!!

I just started using this - it lasts a long time, and it REALLY helps me sleep deeply. No sugar added.

Save $10 here: KillSwitch

SHOP SWITCH

SHOP REAL MUSHROOMS

Natural energy, focus, longevity...

I have reishi, lion's mane, cordyceps, chaga on rotation! Listen to episode 340 to learn everything you need to know and save 20% on my favorite brand! Remember, purity matters!

SHOP NOW