How to not waste money on supplements

Everyone wants a magic pill. Whether it’s a supplement to speed up results or something to make struggles disappear, the allure is strong. From supplement companies to influencers, the fitness world is eager to sell you what you think you need. Want to lose weight, gain muscle, or enhance mental or physical health? There’s a product for everything, often labeled as “natural.”

The Real Issue

The problem: It’s difficult to distinguish what really works. With so many products available, how do you find something effective without wasting money? Separating good advice from bad is challenging, especially when everyone has something to sell.

A Logical Approach to Supplements

1. If it’s something you should get from your diet but can’t, it might be good. Your body needs various nutrients from food. If you can’t get enough through diet, supplementation may be beneficial. Essential minerals like zinc and magnesium, and macronutrients like protein, are crucial. Even creatine, found in foods (especially meat), falls into this category. Ensuring you aren’t deficient is important, so supplementation can help.

2. If it’s not a normal part of a healthy diet, it’s like medication. If a supplement provides something not typically found in a healthy diet, it acts more like a medication. Calling it “natural” can be misleading. Unlike medications, many supplements remain untested, so their benefits and risks are uncertain.

One more time, most of these type of supplements are completely untested. We have no idea if they do anything at all. This means we don’t fully or even partially understand their effects, good or bad. Supplements marketed as having fewer side effects than medications aren’t necessarily safer—they’re just less studied. True health improvements come from lifestyle changes, not untested supplements.

Remember: Nothing Is Magic

Without the right training, nutrition, and recovery, you won’t achieve your goals. Even performance-enhancing drugs, which are proven to work, take time to show effects. For example, testosterone aids muscle growth and fat loss but takes months to make a noticeable difference.

Practical Rule for Supplements

Don’t overdo it. Your body requires specific nutrients, but you’re likely already getting most of them. Taking multivitamins or every mineral you can think of won’t automatically make you healthier or extend your life. More isn’t always better. Focus on nutrients you might be missing from your diet. To save money and truly improve your health, download our free guide to learn exactly what supplements you should consider taking.

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