People who keep to a healthy diet and active lifestyles don't really need added supplements and nutrition to sustain their bodies. However, not everybody develops tastes for vegetables or fish or milk which can cause serious deficiencies. Supplements and nutrition in bottles and boxes are necessary for these people. But these supplements are not classified as drugs by the US FDA. They can be brought without prescription like an ordinary grocery item. Convenient, eh? Not really, since this also makes it easier for unscrupulous individuals to tamper and manufacture fake supplements.

Think that you can easily pick out a tampered bottles from the next? The old plastic seal is not a reliable sign of tampering at present. In fact, there are fake supplements and nutrition aids that are confiscated with plastic seals. But don't panic; there are other ways to detect tampering and fake meds other than by broken seals.

Tampering signs are easily noticeable with the stricter guidelines in packaging. Supplements and nutrition aids, like other OTC drugs, are now required to feature packaging designs that are not easily imitated. These designs run the gamut from special stickers, patterns, illustration, symbols, or logo with special characteristics. These characteristics -- holograms, pop-up tops -- make it easier to detect if the supplement is a fake. Of course, these tamper tricks require consumers to be familiar with the original design of the box or bottle. Capsule supplements are required to have two safety measures. Aside from the special container features, they are also required to sport special wrappers, inner containers, and per dosage pouches. However, like with all security measures, these are not foolproof. Basic common sense is needed to avoid buying tampered products.

When buying medicine, supplements and nutrition aids, consider the packaging style. Generally, products that only have single anti-tamper feature are easier to fake. These are usually supplements in bottles. Since the bottles are dark, it is difficult to detect tampering. Consider also the kind of anti-tamper feature involved. Plain stickers are easy to duplicate, but those that feature holographic designs are not. Examine the box carefully; anti-tamper instructions are usually printed on it. Be suspicious of products that don't have this; the manufacturers do not want to encourage vigilance in the consumer. Of course, do not purchase products that lack these packaging traits. Check and examine the contents ASAP. Discoloration, uncharacteristic foul smell, and curdling of contents should be reported immediately. If you had the misfortune of buying a tampered item, return it immediately and get a full medical check-up to detect side effects of the fake supplements.

To be on the safe side, consult your doctor before taking any supplements and nutrition aids. Research about the different makes and familiarize yourself with their appearance. Only through common sense and vigilance can you avoid being victims of tampered supplements and nutrition aids.