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Halloween season provides plenty of opportunities for fun scaries, whether you prefer it in the form of horror movies or a sugar-loaded evening.
But some of the scaries aren’t as fun, especially the ones related to health. With flu season ramping up, many people pay more attention to good hygiene, nourishing foods, and anything else that will help them stay healthy through the fall and winter. But one thing that doesn’t get as much attention? The scary ingredients in our wellness products.
When it comes to supplements, the ingredients you avoid can be just as important as the ones you seek out. With thousands of products to choose from—each claiming to boost energy, improve focus, fill in nutritional gaps, or be an added protection against seasonal colds—it’s easy to overlook what’s hiding on the label.
Here’s a closer look at the top ingredients to avoid in supplements so you can rest easy as fall transitions into winter.
Artificial colors
These dyes may make your supplements colorful, but they add no nutritional value and may be harmful for sensitive individuals. If you see a product that’s bursting with color, make sure it’s coming from a natural ingredient like beetroot or chlorophyll, not an artificial dye.
Artificial sweeteners
The typical American diet already relies pretty heavily on artificial flavors; you don’t need them in your supplements too. Avoid sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose and look for products that have natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit instead.
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is used as a whitening or brightening agent and has no health benefits. So skip the supplements that have unnecessary whitening agents.
Hydrogenated oils
Partially hydrogenated oils can contain trans fats, the type of fat we all want to avoid because it increases inflammation and can raise the risk of health problems like heart disease. These oils include vegetable oil, soybean oil, and peanut oil. If you see them on the label, skip it.
High fructose corn syrup or added sugars
Some gummy and chewable supplements are more candy than nutrition. Try sugar-free gummies or naturally sweetened tablets instead. Protein shakes and other supplement powders often contain a lot of added sugar too, so keep an eye out for those and opt for the low-sugar or zero-sugar options instead.
Preservatives
Preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are added to supplements to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and mold, but can be harmful when consumed in high amounts or when combined with certain ingredients (like vitamin C). Better to lean on supplements that use natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract.
Excess fillers and binders
Fillers (talc, shellac, microcrystalline cellulose) are used to help tablets hold their shape, but an excessive amount can irritate the gut or interfere with nutrient absorption. It may be better to take a capsule or powder with minimal inactive ingredients instead.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, or preserve a food or drink, and is commonly used in liquid supplements and protein shakes. It is generally considered safe when consumed correctly, but some research suggests that it may trigger inflammation or cause digestive distress in sensitive individuals. Purchase products that don’t rely on synthetic thickeners if you can.
Heavy metals
Leave the arsenic in the old-timey movies. Some herbal supplements may be contaminated with toxic metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, so make sure all of your supplements have been tested by a third party to ensure purity.
Mega doses of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
More isn’t always better, and with supplements, it can be easy to get carried away. Do your best to get the daily recommended daily value for all nutrients unless you’ve been directed otherwise by a nutritionist or licensed healthcare provider.
How to shop smarter for supplements
Supplements can be a valuable part of any health regimen, as long as you’re smart about it. Follow these tips when shopping for supplements:
- Look for third-party testing (NSF, USP, ConsumerLab)
- Choose products with transparent labels that list exact dosages
- Read the ingredients list—trust us, it’ll be worth the extra time!
- Avoid overhyped claims like “detox,” “miracle cure,” or “instant results”
Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements.
Why Shed supplements?
You wouldn’t trust your health to just anyone, which is why Shed takes purity and quality seriously. Shed supplements are created with real people in mind, providing safe products that fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. We’re not about quick fixes around here. Instead, we prioritize building habits that last and provide tools that help you feel empowered, confident, and supported. All so you can focus on what matters most: living your life, the way you want to live it.
Whether your focus is GLP-1 support, sleep, vitality, or filling in nutritional gaps, Shed has you covered. Visit shedsupplements.com to learn more.
FAQs
Are all additives in supplements bad?
Not necessarily. Some additives are used safely to stabilize capsules or powders and aren’t harmful when consumed in small amounts.
How can I tell if a supplement is third-party tested?
Look for seals or certifications from reputable organizations like USP, NSF Certified for Sport, or ConsumberLab. These indicate independent verification for purity and accuracy.
What are some signs of a low-quality supplement brand?
Vague or missing ingredient amounts, overly flashy marketing claims, no third-party testing, and lack of transparency are all red flags. Artificial colors, sweeteners, and fillers high on the ingredients lists is another warning sign.
What’s the difference between natural and synthetic ingredients?
Natural ingredients are sourced directly from nature (plants, minerals, etc.), while synthetic ingredients are created through human-designed chemical processes in a lab. That being said, “natural” doesn’t always mean safer or more effective. What matters most is quality of the ingredients and how much you take, with third-party testing to verify safety and purity.
Can supplements interact with medications?
Sometimes. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you take prescription medication.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.
