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In the midst of the Covid-19 or coronavirus pandemic, people flocked to look for vitamin supplements to maintain their immune system and avoid disease. there are fake vitamins circulating in a number of marketplaces that need to be watched out for.
To help you distinguish fake vitamins from the real thing, there are a number of things you can do yourself to check.
6 ways to know the characteristics of fake and genuine vitamins
From checking the barcode, looking at the packaging, to putting it in water, here are various ways to spot fake and genuine vitamins.
1. Scan barcodes and QR codes
Currently, most of the vitamin supplement products sold in the market already include barcodes and QR codes on the packaging.
To make sure the vitamins are fake or genuine, you can use your smartphone to scan the barcode and QR code listed on the packaging.
If the product is genuine, you can of course directly link to the official website of the vitamin company. If it is not linked directly to the official site, you are most likely getting fake vitamins.
2. Look at the packaging
You can also tell the difference between fake or real vitamins by looking at the packaging carefully. Try to find errors in wording, the form of writing (font), incorrect information, and a logo that is different from the original logo. If you see any of these signs, it could be a fake vitamin.
3. See the BPOM distribution permit on the packaging
The next way to identify fake vitamins from the original ones is to look at the distribution permit from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) on the packaging.
If there is a stamp stating that the vitamin has received marketing authorization from BPOM, it is most likely that the vitamin is genuine and has passed clinical trials.
However, if there is no distribution permit from BPOM on the packaging, then you should not consume it first and consult an expert to check its authenticity.
To be more certain, you can also check the authenticity of vitamins or other products through the website.
4. Pay attention to the hologram
Supplement and vitamin products usually have a hologram on the packaging. Holograms are used by most of the supplement and vitamin manufacturers in the world as a sign of the authenticity of their products.
Try to compare the hologram on the vitamin packaging that you have with the same vitamin packaging on the market. Because not all 'naughty' people can duplicate the hologram-like original product.
If there is an error or oddity in the hologram on the packaging, discourage your intention to consume it because it could be a fake vitamin.
5. Checking the seal
You can also check the seal to make sure the vitamins are fake or genuine. Counterfeit vitamins may come with a bad seal and differ in quality when compared to real vitamins.
Also, if the seal looks broken, opened, or improperly, you should return it immediately. This is done so that you avoid fake vitamins that are currently circulating.
6. Mix it with water
Reporting from the Times of India, you can also check the authenticity of supplements and vitamin products by pouring them into water.
Fake vitamins are believed to leave some powder or residue on the glass, while genuine products do not. Counterfeit supplements and vitamins are also considered to have a pungent odor and unusual taste.
Fake vitamins can be detrimental to your health. Therefore, buy a supplement or vitamin product at a pharmacy or health store that is trusted.