1. How long has their brand existed?
Brand imitators and imitation products will typically tell you in vague terms how long their brands have been around. Some will try to confuse you with their group or associated “cell therapy” company of other non-supplement products.

You should ask specifically when their supplements were launched and how long the brand has been in the market. Inquire how many international awards have they received. Beware of fake claims and accusation to distract you.

A premium and successful supplement brand can give you a credible and extensive history, with a list of international awards to support the brand’s leadership in quality and global achievements.

2. What is the gelatin in the supplement softgels made of?
Due to high cost of production, most gelatin contents in imitation products are made from low quality bovine (cow-based) products, which are religiously sensitive.

A premium and quality supplement softgel is made from high quality Fish or Marine-based gelatin. In the case of vegetal supplement, it will be a vegetal-based ingredient.

3. Is registration with the Ministry of Health in Malaysia important for supplements products?
It is very important that all supplement products sold in Malaysia are registered with the Ministry of Health Malaysia before they are allowed to be marketed to consumers. A registered product would carry a valid MAL Number (in a form of hologram sticker) on the supplement’s packaging.

Imitators would “register” their products under “cosmetics” to confuse the buyer. Cosmetics cannot be consumed as supplements. Offering, displaying and selling any unregistered supplement products would be subject to hefty fines, or even jail term by authorities. Premium and quality supplements are registered with the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

4. What is the difference and importance of technology in processing the supplement’s raw ingredients?
Many imitator brands will use terms such as “Cold Process” to confuse consumers. For speed and cheaper costs in manufacturing, they usually resort to using what the industry calls ‘spray drying’. This method uses high temperature (over 100°C), which not only completely destroys the bioactive ingredients of placenta; they render the supplements ineffective.

A premium and quality supplements brand will employ the costlier but effective Cold-Processed Proteolytic Enzyme Extraction Technology to optimally preserve the bioactivity of its ingredients.

5. Is there a difference between Organic and Inorganic Arsenic?
Most heavy metal testing laboratories in the region do not differentiate between organic and inorganic arsenic. Organic arsenic is present in the environment as a naturally occurring substance, or as a result of contamination from human activities.

Inorganic arsenic is toxic and fatal if consumed in large quantity. It is important that the consumer avoid purchasing imitation supplements if they do not provide such test.

Premium and quality supplements brands will provide information and test on their safety and toxicity level, such as explaining the difference between organic and inorganic arsenic, and the content values of these substances in their supplements compared with the permissible level in that country.

6. Is there any other test on the supplements such as toxicity test for heavy metals?
Heavy metals are present nearly everywhere including in the water and the air we breathe in. Imitators will try to exploit a lack of general awareness of this fact by claiming that their competitors’ products are toxic. Some of them may even provide “evidence” to convince consumers. This “evidence” likely came from expired or questionable tests conducted by them to discredit their competitors.

A premium and quality supplement must be able to show you its latest toxicity test results. The test should be conducted by more than one reputable and independent laboratories or supplement testing authority.

7. Is it true that the higher the milligrams (mg) of placenta, the stronger the effect?
This is not true. Imitators would use this marketing claim as a gimmick to make their products appear stronger or more effective than their competitors. Some may claim their products have over 10,000mg placenta contents, or significantly more than their competitors.

The effectiveness of sheep placenta lies on the extraction process. Sheep placenta undergoes cold process (100% no heat), which is able to preserve its nutrients and active materials.

Moreover, sheep placenta is rich in both vitamin and mineral. High dosage of sheep placenta might not be very beneficial as only certain dosage of nutrient can be absorbed by the body, excess nutrient will be expelled out through urine, and eventually harm the kidney.

8. How can a consumer be assured that the supplements are genuine, and not counterfeits or imitations?
This is a question imitators do not like to answer. Due to cost factors, they normally would disregard security measures that can safeguard the quality and safety of their supplement products.

A premium and quality supplement brand would have these features to distinguish itself: a holographic decal, a hand tag, a unique serial number on packaging, a certificate of authenticity, and most importantly, a unique proprietary barcode serial number that can be verified through an website’s authentication system.

If any of the above is absent, or crucially, the serial number fails online authentication, the product is likely fake.

9. Is price an important factor to reflect the quality of the product?
A brand stands for its quality, more so if it is proven over time. In keeping with a certain standard, the value of the product is rated high to reflect its superior manufacturing and packaging, distinguished security features, high preservation of bioactive ingredients, and premium gelatin ingredient.

Most imitations sell at comparatively lower prices as they have compromised on several quality aspects which may pose serious health risk to consumers.