Everyone’s asking: are vitamin and mineral supplements a waste of money or not?
December last year saw some heated arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’ the benefits of multivitamins and mineral supplements. An editorial about the supposed ‘pointlessness’ of such supplements received widespread media coverage, sparking a debate in the scientific community.
But was this a case of flawed science? Numerous follow-up articles (see for example here and here) argued, with good reason, that the editorial’s claims were inaccurate. They misrepresented scientific methods, as well as how research results were interpreted. In turn, these articles offered evidence from better studies.
Educate, Educate, Educate!
What do such debates and media coverage mean for private label supplement retailers? It’s hard to deny that even the most uninformed of consumers are guided by some sense of what is right in their decision to take multivitamins or not.
Information, or lack thereof, is key in their decision-making process. This creates a powerful incentive for supplement retailers to stay up-to-date on the latest studies and findings.
Simplify the Facts, Quote a Public Figure
However, if you highlight hard scientific facts too strongly, they may come across as uninteresting or dull.
Leveraging the power of public figures that have authority in the industry is one way to escape the dreaded shadow of incomprehensible scientific findings. You can quote Dr. Oz, among others, as he is one of the most trusted sources for advice about supplementation.
In his show and on his blog, he and his team often share the latest findings and studies, also adding their critical and valuable two cents. For example, when it comes to vitamin and mineral supplements, Dr. Oz suggests taking these 3 key supplements.
You would, therefore, be wise to seek out and follow such key personas as Dr. Oz. In turn, your customers will appreciate the more straightforward information that you offer them through such channels. They’re a valuable counterbalance to hard scientific facts.
Foster Healthy Skepticism
As a supplement retailer it is also important for you yourself to know whether what you’re offering is useful. Therefore, be wary of taking studies (like the ones that prompted the above headlines) as absolute truths. Try to discourage your clients of the same blind belief. After all, one of the central pillars of modern science is doubt, i.e. healthy skepticism – taking so-called ‘final’ studies with a pinch of salt comes recommended.
Studies have shown that contradictory news about supplements confuse consumers and often result in backlash against nutrition recommendations. So, in order to avoid further confusion, you could provide your customers with a relevant context.
Make them aware that it is part of the scientific process itself to have conflicting views about certain questions. Scientific facts and truths are rarely the result of one single study. Most of the time, they are the result of continuous and careful research, undertaken by numerous individuals.
Carefully examine and question research you come upon that claims to have the final say about an issue.
Furthermore, in order for scientific conclusions to be widely accepted, they need to go through a process of strenuous peer-review and examination. The simple claim that something is a scientific study is in itself no guarantee for its truthfulness (as was demonstrated).
Addressing such questions in a balanced way can save consumers from falling into the trap of total disbelief of all scientific claims about supplements. Unfortunately, such disbelief is often the result of conflicting information and it ultimately hurts everyone involved.
But, What’s the Final Verdict?
At the end of the day, the fact remains that there are many studies that demonstrate the usefulness and benefits of nutritional supplements. While these findings are constantly being reexamined by scientists, you should not worry the next time one of your clients confronts you with a different view. You can use this as an opportunity to open up a dialogue and explore the issue together. This will benefit your relationships with clients and it will increase trust in your company.
At Private Label Supplement we can also assist you in building your brand and client relationships through our expert advice and wide range of services. We can create a private label for you, help you break into any market you are targeting and much more. Just call our Sales Manager Danny at 855-209-0225 ext. 1010 or email him at danny@privatelabelsupplement.com and we can get started.
All my best,
Stefani Thionnet
Stay focused and never give up!
