Dietary Supplements and Affiliate Links
Dietary Supplements and Affiliate Links
I’ve been teaching sports nutrition at my local community college for more than ten years, and one of the most eye-opening discussions we have is about dietary supplements. Every semester, I ask my students what they know about how supplements are regulated. Easily 85 to 90 percent of them have no idea how this system works—or doesn’t work.
That lack of awareness is understandable because most people assume supplements are regulated the same way as medications. The reality is very different.
Let’s start with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. This law changed everything. It essentially removed the FDA’s ability to require that supplements be proven safe and effective before they’re sold. Instead, supplement manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe, properly labeled, and not misleading. There’s no pre-approval process. The FDA can only take action after a product causes harm or violates the law.
In other words, the supplement industry operates a lot like the wild, wild west. There are responsible companies that test their products and provide accurate information, but there are also plenty that don’t. And consumers are left trying to sort out who’s trustworthy and who’s not.
Now let’s move to social media. Every day, on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube, people share health and nutrition advice, including me. Some of them mean well. Some even have formal training – again, like me. But many have no background in health or science. None.
It’s become common to see posts claiming that doctors, dietitians, or other licensed health professionals are “paid by Big Pharma” or “don’t want people to know the truth.” The irony? Often, the people making those accusations are the ones profiting from affiliate links, sponsorships, or supplement brands they promote directly to their followers.
Affiliate links themselves aren’t the problem. I know professionals who use them responsibly, disclosing the connection and recommending products they’ve personally researched and trust. The problem comes when influencers use fear-based messaging, half-truths, or dramatic claims to sell something.
And, on a side note, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)requires anyone posting paid content, sponsored material, or using affiliate links to clearly disclose that relationship. That means if someone earns a commission when you click or buy, they must make that information obvious—not buried in hashtags or hidden in fine print. Transparency matters, and when it’s missing, it’s another reason to question the source.
Here are a few red flags that can help you spot misinformation and unreliable supplement advice online:
“They don’t want you to know this.” This kind of phrasing is a classic conspiracy setup.
Promises of quick fixes or miracle results. Health doesn’t work that way.
Fear-based marketing. If someone is trying to scare you into buying something, that’s a bad sign.
No credentials or vague titles. “Health coach” or “biohacker” doesn’t mean trained professional.
Claims that one product can cure or prevent multiple diseases. That’s a red flag the size of a billboard.
No references or scientific sources. Real evidence should be available and easy to find.
Testimonials over data. Stories are not the same as research. Stories are helpful; research is the gold standard.
Demonizing entire food groups or nutrients. Balance is key.
Selling while scaring. If the person pointing out the “problem” also sells the “solution,” be cautious.
Lack of transparency. If there’s no disclosure about sponsorships or commissions, that’s a problem.
The truth is that real health information takes context. You can’t get a complete understanding of complex topics like supplements, hormones, or metabolism from a 300-500-character post or a 90-second video.
If something sounds too good—or too scary—to be true, pause before sharing it or clicking “buy.” Check the source. Ask whether the person is qualified to speak on the topic. Are they referencing reliable organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Dietary Supplements, or peer-reviewed journals? Or are they quoting other influencers?
You don’t have to distrust everyone online, but you do need to be skeptical. Use common sense. Follow professionals who educate without fear tactics and who disclose their affiliations honestly. Talk to your health care provider/professional who knows your health information. And remember supplements can have a place in health and wellness, but they should supplement a balanced diet, not replace it.
If you want to learn more about how supplements are regulated, visit the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements or the FDA’s Dietary Supplement page. I have a whole unit on this in my sports nutrition class—it is a lot to take in. Because true health education doesn’t fit neatly into a trending post—it takes time, research, and a little critical thinking.
For more information: NOVA Classification overview
