Introduction

In today’s global marketplace, consumers have access to countless retailers and pharmacies both online and offline. While convenience and price often influence purchasing decisions, it is crucial to consider the source of your products and medications. Where you buy these items can impact your health, safety, and overall satisfaction.

Quality and Authenticity

Purchasing products or medications from reputable sources ensures that you receive genuine, high-quality items. Counterfeit goods, especially medications, are a growing concern worldwide. These fake products may contain incorrect ingredients, no active ingredients, or harmful substances, putting your health at risk. Reliable vendors follow strict regulations and quality control standards, offering assurance that what you buy is safe and effective.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Buying medications from unlicensed sellers or unauthorized online pharmacies can be illegal and dangerous. Legitimate pharmacies are regulated to safeguard consumer health, while illicit sources may bypass safety protocols. This increases the risk of receiving expired, contaminated, or mislabeled medications. Additionally, purchasing certain products from the wrong source could expose you to legal issues, including fines or criminal charges.

Examples of Products Gone Wrong

In March 2026, the FDA warned about weight loss products sold on 13 websites containing toxic yellow oleander. Products labeled as tejocotre (Crataegus Mexicana) root or Brazil seed were actually yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) which has toxic properties. Of the firms contacted, only 10 recalled their products; many refused or could not be reached. See the FDA warning here.

In October 2025, the FDA issued a class I recall for NAD+ for injection (100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml) due to elevated endotoxin levels. GenoGenix LLC voluntarily recalled the product nationwide. Class I recalls are the most serious, as affected products can cause severe health risks or death. Endotoxins in injectables can trigger fever, shock, or sepsis.

The FDA’s Health Fraud and Protection Data Base identifies some, but not all, fraudulent supplement products sold online. With 2,155 entries, this database lists undeclared ingredients in supplements or cosmetics that are illegal, not intended for medical use, or available only by prescription.

Examples of drugs found in products:

1,4,6-Androstatriene-3,17-dione: a potent irreversible aromatase inhibitor that inhibits estrogen biosynthesis by permanently binding and inactivating aromatase in adipose and peripheral tissue

Doxepin: Tricyclic antidepressant

Dexamethasone: A strong steroid

Sildenafil or tadalafil: Erectile dysfunction medication

Aminotadalafilor benzamidenafil: Nonapproved erectile dysfunction medication or medications for research purposes only

Superdrol or Madol: Anabolic or anabolic-Androgenic steroids never marketed for medical use or not a legal pro-hormone.

Cyproheptadine: An antihistamine

Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen or meloxicam: NSAID

Phenylbutazone: NSAID primarily used in animals

Chlorpromazine: Antipsychotic medication

Fluoxetine or Dapoxetine: SSRI to treat depressant or premature ejaculation

Furosemide or Terazosin: Medications for high blood pressure.

Methocarbamol: Centrally acting muscle relaxer

Sibutramine: Appetite suppressant withdrawn from US market in 2010 for safety concerns including heart attack and stroke

Phenolphthalein: a pH indicator that can irritate the skin and is on the European Chemicals Agency’s candidate list for substances of very high concern

Fenproporex: A stimulant drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes.

Some other products in the database are labeled as unapproved new drugs or contain undeclared diuretics. Many have multiple added drugs. These should never be used, as the added substances may cause harmful side effects, medical conditions, interact with other medications, or trigger allergies.

Use this list to see what products are being sold and where they are being sold. If you do not know the person who ones the website, use extreme caution purchasing online.

Proper Storage and Handling

Certified stores and pharmacies are equipped to store products and medications under appropriate conditions, maintaining their effectiveness. For example, some medications require refrigeration or protection from light. Unregulated sellers may not adhere to these standards, resulting in reduced efficacy or spoiled products that could harm you.

Access to Professional Guidance

Trusted retailers and pharmacies often provide professional advice and support. Pharmacists can help you understand how to use medications safely, warn you about potential side effects, and check for interactions with other drugs. When buying from unreliable sources, you miss out on this valuable expertise, which is essential for your well-being.

Conclusion

Where you purchase your products and medications matters greatly. Choosing reliable, certified sources protects your health, ensures quality, and gives you access to support and safeguards if something goes wrong. Always research vendors and look for credentials before making a purchase, especially when it comes to items that directly affect your well-being.

This blog provides information only and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. For any health concerns, consult a licensed physician.

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How many of you knew there was a better way to go? How many of you actually do it?

First, hydrate before caffeinating. You lose a good amount of hydration while sleeping. So, start my replacing it. First thing in the morning you want to start with about 10% of your hydration goal. My hydration goal is 70 oz per day. So I start with 7-10 oz each morning. To estimate your hydration goal divide your weight by 2. That number is your estimated daily hydration goal in oz.

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Why I only take small amount of niacin…

1-MNA, or 1-methylnicotinamide, is a compound naturally produced in our bodies, mainly in the liver, as a byproduct of niacin metabolism. While it’s present in vitamin B3-rich foods, these dietary sources add only a small amount of 1-MNA to our bodies.

1-MNA operates at the cellular level to help balance key molecular pathways involved in NAD regulation, energy production, vascular function, oxidative stress management, and longevity.

Safely Supports NAD Levels While Regulating NNMT Enzymes

1-MNA safely boosts NAD levels in cells while avoiding issues with NNMT, an enzyme linked to diseases like cancer, obesity, heart disease, and dementia. 1-MNA helps balance NAD and NNMT to optimize NAD levels.

1-MNA is crucial for energy within cells and helps cells use their energy stores more efficiently.

Reduces Inflammatory Proteins

By controlling the NNMT enzyme, 1-MNA lowers certain inflammatory proteins and cytokines, which are tied to age-related diseases

SupportsHealthyBloodVessels

1-MNA promotes cardiovascular health by managing oxidative stress.

Supports Longevity and Sirtuin Upregulation

1-MNA increases the stability of sirtuins, proteins that help regulate the body’s cellular health and aging process.

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From now through December 1^st, 2025  use code THANKS10 to take an extra 10% off your order.

Thanks for your support!

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In 1985, three scientists discovered something impossible. A carbon molecule shaped like a soccer ball.

Exactly 60 atoms = perfectly symmetrical. They called it C60.  

The scientific communicate was skeptical. Eleven years later those scientists won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Chemistry and medicine collided.

• C60 optimizes mitochondrial function
• C60 promotes energy, mental clarity, and stamina
• C60 promotes a balanced immune response
• C60 supports athletic performance and recovery
• C60 may help with mild memory loss associated with aging
• C60 promotes skin vitality and hair growth
• C60 may lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles when applied topically

C60 is offering a “40^th Anniversary” Bundle through November 15, 2025.

• 4 oz C60 in avocado oil ($125 value)
• Box of sugar free C60 Gummies ($120 value)
• C60 Glow Skin Roller ($35 value)

Total value: $280

You pay: $199

Click here to get your bundle.

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1. iCell: Optimal hydration for modern needs. We have some product in stock that has a listed expiration date of October 2025. We are offering you the product at a bigger discount due to the short expiration date. Use code iCell30 for an additional 30% off the discounted price. Can be combined with other discounts. 

2. Flash sale:  Vital Nutritionals will be closed September 14-21. Stock up now and get an additional 10% off your entire cart.  The sale starts September 2 and lasts through September 9th. Use code Sept2025.

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From now until March 19, 2025 take an additional 15% off the already discounted price with code iCell15.

Code: iCell15

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I am offering 2 options to purchase. The first is via my Vital Nutritionals website. Here I am offering 1 product currently: C60 in Avocado Oil 16 oz for $407. By purchasing through my website you get 10% off plus $18 in points that can be used for future visit. Use coupon code C60Power. The code expires by the end of October 2022. 

The second option offers more flexibility. Shop at C60 Purple Power by clicking here and using coupon code DRKIM10 for 10% off any product, any size, any carrier oil.

WHAT IS CARBON 60 AND WHY PURPLE POWER?

SUMMARY

• Nobel Prize-winning free radical “sponge”
• Lifts the oxidative burden at the cellular level Optimizes mitochondrial function
• Increases energy, mental clarity, & stamina Promotes a balanced immune response
• Supports athletic performance & recovery
• May help with mild memory loss associated with aging Promotes skin vitality & hair growth
• May lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles when applied topically

C60 BASICS

Antioxidants are your body’s way of defense against oxidative stress. But, as you age, antioxidant production declines, accelerating the aging process. C60 is thought to be the most powerful antioxidant ever discovered.

C60 has an antioxidant efficacy several hundred-fold higher than conventional antioxidants like Vitamin C.

Not only can C60 help maximize the efficiency of the cells in producing energy, but it may also provide cellular protection against many toxic environmental factors that contribute to free-radical damage.

All C60 and all C60 products are not the same. The process of purifying and formulating C60 products can greatly affect their potency, quality, and effectiveness. For the safest and most effective use of C60, use sublimated C60 products from a trusted manufacturer like C60 Purple Power.

C60 Purple Power is the industry leader in quality. Our 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz bottles include a QR-code on the box, which when scanned, provide you with your product’s lab results.

HOW C60 PURPLE POWER LEADS THE INDUSTRY

Their products are manufactured in an FDA-compliant facility. Most importantly, their C60 is purified through sublimation and is never exposed to solvents – which differentiates them from nearly every other brand.

They also use the highest quality, 100% Certified Organic, healthy oils. Their products are third-party tested for purity, concentration, and bioavailability.

Dosing: Start small and slowly work up taking your C60 earlier in the day. Dosing is based on need, age and size. Ask your doctor for a dosing schedule.

Cautions:

1. If you are taking any medications, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to using C60 products. For the safest and most effective use of C60, use sublimated C60 products from a trusted manufacturer like C60 Purple Power.
2. If you are pregnant or nursing, or using blood thinners, we do not recommend using C60. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions.

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The best way to prepare for cold and flu season is to get 7-8 hours of sleep regularly, to eat clean, and to drink plenty of water. Minimum water intake should be your weight divided by 2.2. So if you weight 180 pounds then divide by 2.2 and that gives 81.8 so you should drink a baseline of 82 oz in 1 day.

Diet is important because we get most of your vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from food and we influence out immune system by what we eat. Sugar can dip your immune function for up to 24 hours after eating it. So, it is best to minimize sugar and to make sure you get 6-8 cups of veggies in each day. A small amount of protein and fat is also necessary for a healthy immune function, mood and bone support!

The information below are guidelines meant for you to discuss with your doctor since there are many reasons a supplement may not work for you. Let your doctor help you decide.

Vitamin D

Getting in 5,000 iu daily during the dark months is important says Dr. Fauci, and poor levels seem to correlate to worse outcomes if you contract covid and influenza.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E 300-500 iu 1 pill 2 times per week and Vitamin A 25,000 iu 1 pill 2 times per week decrease negative outcomes from respiratory complaints.

NAC

N-Acetyl-Cysteine helps recycle glutathione, the main detox chemical and antioxidant in our body, and research shows taking 600 mg 2 times per day with meals in advance of flu season leads to less severe outcomes regarding influenza. We also know glutathione is necessary for proper immune function including th1 immunity. There may also be a supportive role for NAC in regards to covid-19.

Elderberry

Not only good tasting but Elderberry is a safe and effective way to help combat influenza A and B and or other upper respiratory infections. Daily dosing of 1 tsp through the winter is beneficial and can be increased if you become ill with your doctors help.

Vitamin C

This helps recycle glutathione and can act to offset oxidative stress. There are several studies looking at intravenous vitamin C in covid. Vitamin C has other antiviral properties, immunomodulatory properties, and a deficiency of vitamin C has been linked to increased lung inflammation reversed by vitamin C supplementation. Consider 500 mg 1-2 times daily.

Zinc and Copper

Deficiency of zinc can lead to viral infection and sufficient zinc can support immune function making it essential, but so is copper. Zinc and copper compete for absorption, so taking zinc alone can lead to a copper deficiency over time and serious health consequences. Limiting our scope to immune function, we need copper for proper T cell function, and neutrophils and be decreased with more serious copper deficiency. Through the winter consider taking copper 1-2 mg 2 days per week and zinc 30-50 mg on the other 4 days can help make sure you are replete and balanced. And, intracellular zinc seems to inhibit coronaviruses (research was done on other coronaviruses) so making sure you are not deficient may help with the current infection, but we don’t know for certain just yet.  

English Ivy

This is great for upper respiratory illnesses where you need to thin the mucus and can also activate the little hairs in your airway to help move the mucus out. This pairs nicely with NAC.

Quercetin

Usually this supplement is discussed in relation to allergies or stabilizing mast cells. But here I will discuss its theoretical benefits in regards to covid and viruses in general. When we consider therapeutics for covid-19 we look at how the virus works/gains entry/divides and see if we can interrupt it somewhere. Quercertin can inhibit  3CLpro (The viral main protease or enzyme that controls the activities of the coronavirus replication complex) and PLpro (or Papain-like protease which is critical to covid-19 replication.) Quercetin is anti-inflammatory and it can decrease clot formation (which covid increases) and may help to get zinc inside the cell where is can interrupt virus replication.  All promising mechanizing with an excellent safety profile.  Discuss 500 mg 2-3 times per day with your doctor.  

Extra Support: If you need extra immune support consider Transfer factor Multi immune 3 pill on empty stomach once daily. If you are coming down with an illness discuss using Proboost 1 packet 1-3 times per day with your doctors.

Stock up for winter. Take an extra 2.5% off items above (unless where prohibited) and earn Double Points with this coupon. The coupon can only be used once. Code: SMART2020

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At this time we have more unknowns than knowns about covid-19 / coronavirus.  What we do know is 1.8% of those infected will be asymptomatic and up to 80% will have a more mild form of the illness. That means approximately 82% of people infected will not met the criteria for being tested for covid-19 due to the mild nature of their illness. So, this is good for those 82% but not great for spreading the illness.

The approximate 82% of those with mild or no symptoms, who have not traveled internationally and who have not had direct covid-19 contact do not meet the criteria for testing. Even if they did get tested the current testing has a high false negative rate, which is why most patients are getting multiple tests. An initial negative test does not mean someone does not have the germ but repeat negative test may mean the patient is not infected.

For me one of the biggest concerns is that up to 82% of people not being tested will not know they have covid-19. For these people hopefully the disease remains mild. But they will still be able to spread the disease and they can spread it to people over 60, and people with comorbidities or other illnesses. For these special groups of people covid-19 illness could be severe and may be fatal. Approximately 14% of cases are severe and include pneumonia and 5% are critical and include complications such as ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), septic shock and multiple organ system failure. The only way to prevent these severe and fatal cases is to prevent spread of illness.

How do I know if I have the illness?

Most infected people have a fever, but having a perceived fever without actual fever is just as important. Most people have a cough, but some start with a sore throat, some with a headache and others GI symptoms. And some show no symptoms. The presentation is far from standard.

When will this end?

The good news is spring is around the corner. There is evidence that the germ persists best in cold temperatures and less so in a warmer and more humid climate. Just like for influenza A and B we are hoping warmer weather leads to decrease number of cases.

I keep seeing conflicting data. What’s up?

Many of my patients have been asking me about strategies to stay safe and healthy. As I have been writing this the Johns Hopkins site covid-19 numbers for the US rose from 128 to 153. This is not surprising. And we know based on the information above that these numbers only represent positive tests for the limited number of people who met criteria to get tested. 153 is much lower than the number of people who actually have covid-19.

And it is true, most of us will be fine. But think if you have parents, grandparents, or know anyone with a chronic illness it is reasonable to be concerned for these people. These folks need to be protected from the virus and that will only happen with our help. Keep in mind that the flu (influenza A and B) has a mortality rate of less than 1% of those infected each year and we now think covid-19 has a motility rate of 2-3%. At this point we know there are many more cases of the flu worldwide as opposed to covid-19 cases but we will better understand how these illness compare in the next 4-8 weeks. If you saw the 3.4% mortality rate reported by the WHO for covid-19 keep in mind that the percentage they reported was calculated prior knowing the actual total number of covid-19 cases worldwide and so is likely falsely elevated.

How can I keep myself and my loved ones safe?

 For those in the highest risk category I have been recommending isolation at home with no outside contact until we get more data. I consider the highest risk category to include those over 60 years of age and those with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, hepatitis B infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. chronic kidney diseases, malignancy and immunodeficiency. Your risk increases if you meet 1, 2 or 2+ of these comorbidities For most others, those under 60 and without a chronic illness, lots of hand washing and social distancing may be sufficient.

If you have been engaging in regular activities over the past week I recommend you do not visit with anyone over the age of 60 or with anyone with any ongoing illness, especially those listed above, over the next 2-4 weeks when we can hopeful offer better advice.

What’s on the Horizen?

As far as treatment there is a clinical trial on intravenous Vitamin C (Clinical trials in COVID-19). Some have been receiving the drug Remdesivir which is not FDA approved but was also tested in patients with Ebola. In animal studies this drug shows promise against covid-19, but this is not available in the US at this time unless under compassionate care treatment. The Remdesivir clinical trial is currently underway. A potential new therapeutic for Lyme disease is disulfiram which also showed potential activity against SARS and MERS, covid-19 relatives, and may be beneficial against covid-19.

Even the NSAID indomethicin has a potent antiviral activity against the SARS coronavirus. So could it help with covid-19? I wouldn’t count on it, but if you are on any of these medications you may have a nice side effect if they do turn out to be protective.  For those of you who need more science regarding potential therapeutics then knock yourself out with this read.

Potential Integrative support

We have no known covid-19 support. We have ideas on how to generally support immune function and how to treat other viruses. This may very well not work on covid-19.

For prevention and general support we also only have our best educated guesses. Use behavior modification including hand washing and social distancing or isolation as appropriate.  We know zinc is antiviral generally and there is evidence it decreases replication of SARS (a COVID-19 relative) in vitro and so may be of some benefit. Generally zinc 30 mg 1 or 2 times daily over the next 4-8 weeks may be beneficial.  Black Elderberry extract, syrup or capsules generally antiviral and is helpful this time of year with influenza A and B. Probiotics including sacromyces Boulardii are immune supportive.

As mentioned above high dose IV vitamin C is currentlyin clicnial trial. IV vitamin C does things that oral vitamin C generally cannot do. However, adding in regular vitamin C (1-2 gram 3-4 times daily) will likely not be harmful. Local unprocessed honey can be supportive generally, as can regular lower dose vitamin D 5,000 iu daily and vitamin A10-25,000 u daily (do not use if pregnant) especially if deficient. For those with immune struggles I recommend Proboost 1 packet daily as an immune supportive supplement or Transfer Factor Multi-Immune 1 pill 2 times per day empty stomach.

For kids there are kids formulations of elderberry (watch for honey content and avoid giving to those under 12 months), Liposomal vitamin C maybe be supportive as can probiotics including sacro B. The probiotics can be opened and the contents dumped out making them easier to take by smaller children. Kids can also take lower doses of vitamin A , Vitamin D and Zinc as directed by their pediatrician.

If you have an obvious exposure or start feeling sick vitamin A 100,000 one time (if not pregnant) is antiviral and Vitamin D 50,000 one time is immune supportive. Only take these 1 time to avoid toxicity. It is OK to follow the high doses with the maintenance doses listed above. Increasing proboost to 3 times daily may be helpful. Another beneficial supplement to consider is medical grade manuka honey. It can come in different strengths (400 or 550) and can be taken by the teaspoon 2-3 times daily.

If a cough develops I recommend both Guaifenesin daily and NAC 500-600 mg 3 times per day to thin and to help expel mucus.

Please take these guidelines to your doctor. Do not give your children any supplements without discussing with your pediatrician first. The above recommendation are only general health guidelines. The only proven way to prevent covid-19 is with social distancing, hand washing and mask warring.

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