As more and more people prioritise and invest in their health, Australians are increasingly reaching for supplements to enhance their overall health and wellbeing. In fact, you’ll find them in around three in four homes in Australia. 

But with a market saturated by options from both domestic and international sources, it’s important to remember: not all products are created equal. 

In a global market with wildly varying levels of regulations, understanding what sets Australian products apart is key to making informed choices. Australia’s strict approach to supplement regulation is renowned worldwide. Our vitamins and supplements fall under the rigorous oversight of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), ensuring that products meet stringent criteria before they can reach consumers.

It means that when you choose Australian-made supplements (called Complementary Medicines), you’re buying products that meet the highest standards of quality assurance in the world. 

The risks of overseas supplements 

In countries without strict regulatory bodies, there is the chance that supplements may not undergo rigorous testing, if any at all, before being sold. This means that supplements purchased overseas or from international online retailers may contain ingredients not listed on the label, be formulated with incorrect dosages or make health claims that are unfounded.

Without consistent regulation, consumers purchasing from international sources can’t be sure they’re getting what’s promised on the label.  

Given the risks associated with unregulated vitamins and supplements, the choices you make around the products you buy are important.  

How to ensure you’re buying TGA-regulated products 

To ensure consumers can have confidence in the products they are buying, the TGA mandates that all supplements (complementary medicines) sold in Australia are on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods – just like all other medicines.

These products must display the registration number (shown as an ‘AUST L’, ‘AUST LA’ or ‘AUST R’) on the label. This unique identifier signifies that the product adheres to strict regulations for safety, quality and efficacy.

Complementary medicines which are not registered with the TGA cannot be legally sold in Australia. But unregistered products can still occasionally be found for sale, so it’s always best to check the label. And be very cautious about purchasing these products online from overseas retailers.

By choosing Australian products that meet TGA standards, consumers can have confidence they’re purchasing a safe and effective product.