Because European countries continue to restrict the dietary supplement
market, European citizens have started to import -mostly from the US-
phyto-products. Importing dietary supplements carries some risks. You are
well-advised to follow a few simple rules:
· Dietary supplements can be purchased from any
company with export capabilities and secured payment facilities. You can also
ask friends or relatives living in the US to send you supplements as a gift.
If you travel abroad you can buy your personal supply and bring it back for
your own consumption (resale to your friends is against the law in most
European countries). In the long run a reliable connection with a reputable
supplier will prevent headaches and save you lots of money.
· It is advisable to continue to use the same
products (e.g. quality and dosage), once positive effects are noted in one’s
body. Continuity can easily be achieved if products are always
purchased from the same source.
· Buying over the internet is okay, but certain
precautions should be taken. The seller should also offer other avenues for
buying products (e.g., mail order forms). You are well-advised to make a test
purchase (to check mailing procedures and product quality) before you
order large amounts.
· Beware of "cash in an envelope"
operations! You have no proof that you ever sent your money!
· Your order should include a product
description, the manufacturer’s name, the recommended dosage, and especially
an expiration date. If the product doesn’t look professional, you should
question the manufacturer’s trustworthiness.
· The origin of the product is important!
Even in the US, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) intervenes if a product
is a health threat to the public. The FDA will not support scientifically
unsubstantiated claims. Such safeguards are not always in place in Asia and
South America. Other times, these safeguards are circumvented by scrupulous
sellers.
· You should not buy any medication in
the US, if that medication needs a doctor’s prescription. You can find
websites, which will –dispense prescription drugs after a short phony
"diagnosis" by an "American physician"! No board certified
US doctor will do this even over the phone in the US. He wants to see you for
a consultation. Such business practices are more than questionable, and they
carry enormous risks for the buyer.
Case in point - Viagra! Because of Viagra’s high price in Europe,
this well-known prescription medication for erectile dysfunction found its way
to the black market on the internet. A normal dose can be deadly if a consumer
has heart and/or blood circulation problems. Because this drug is not widely
available in the US, a lot counterfeit pills have shown up! Sometimes sugar
pills (placebos) are sold under the name Viagra. Other times, the counterfeit
pills are some form of dangerous medicine cocktails.
If you desperately need prescription medicines from abroad you should
consult with you physician first. Based on a prescription issued by a doctor
most European pharmacies can organize the medication for you. In most cases
your health insurance will pay for the medicine and the shipping costs, if the
doctor declares that it is crucial for you to have the medication
· Shipping and handling fees for products from
the US can be high. Therefore, sizable discounts are offered for large
quantity orders. Smaller first-time orders are recommended, if you have never
tried the supplement before.
· If you order larger quantities the expiration
date became very important. If stored properly, most gels and pills are
good for one year. You should not hoard any products, even if you are afraid
that the product will be discontinued.
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