How to tell a genuine supplement from a fake in India: 6 honest checks
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Short answer: Counterfeit and low-quality supplements are a real concern in India. Before you buy, run six quick checks: a valid FSSAI licence you can verify, named branded actives, a clear plant part, a green or brown veg/non-veg dot, honest pricing, and a brand you can actually reach.
1. A verifiable FSSAI licence
Every compliant food supplement carries an FSSAI licence number. You can verify it yourself on the government FoSCoS portal. If a product hides its licence, walk away.
2. Named, branded actives, not vague blends
Look for specific, standardised ingredients (for example KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract) rather than a generic "herbal blend". Named actives are the forms research actually studies.
3. The plant part is stated
For botanicals, the label should say which part is used (for ashwagandha, that is the root). Vague labels are a red flag.
4. The veg/non-veg mark
A green dot means vegetarian. If that matters to you, check it is clearly printed.
5. Honest pricing, not permanent "sales"
A brand that is always 60% off has trained you to never trust its real price. Honest pricing is a quiet signal of quality.
6. A brand you can reach
Real brands answer. A contact you can message tells you someone stands behind the product.
Healthy Manushya is FSSAI licensed (Lic. 12125999000423), 100% vegetarian, built on named branded actives, and you can reach a real person on WhatsApp. See the four formulas.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify an FSSAI licence? Search the licence number on the government FoSCoS portal.
Are cheaper supplements always worse? Not always, but permanent deep discounts and hidden licences are warning signs.
These are food supplements, not for medicinal use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.