Getting the best results from supplements requires consistency. As with any new regimen, it can take time to see results — especially when the benefits are long-term.
Look for a supplement with high-quality ingredients that your body can absorb easily. Read the label and avoid any with ingredients you don’t recognize or understand; these could be unnecessary additives.
Identify Your Needs
Ideally, we meet our nutritional needs with a balanced diet. However, there are a few situations where supplements are beneficial, such as vitamin deficiencies, conditions that cause malabsorption or certain life stages like pregnancy. Dietary supplements can also help boost your immune system or provide additional nutrients to aid in physical performance. As the supplement market continues to grow, it can be difficult to identify the right products to meet your specific needs.
To find a product that meets your needs, first consider the specific goals you have for your health. Do you want to improve your mental clarity and focus? Are you looking to reduce stress and anxiety levels or to sleep better? Is there a particular nutrient you need, such as Vitamin E? If so, what is the best form of it to take – DL-a-tocopherol or a synthetic version called dl-alpha-tocopherol?
Once you have identified your goals, look for a supplement that is safe and appropriate. For example, if you are seeking to manage anxiety, it’s important that any supplement you choose does not contain caffeine or other stimulants, which can be harmful if taken in excess. It is also important that any supplement you choose doesn’t interfere with any prescription medications you are taking or contain ingredients that may cause a drug interaction.
In addition, you should choose a product that is third-party tested. Private organizations exist that test dietary supplements to ensure they are safe and effective. Those that don’t undergo this process are more likely to sell substandard or even dangerous products.
Finally, when choosing a product, it is a good idea to choose a brand that has been around for at least a year. This can be a sign that the company has been successful and is committed to ensuring the quality of their products.
Additionally, a reputable brand, such as these supplements in John’s reviews, should list all the ingredients in their products on their website or in the Supplement Facts panel on the product label. Any supplements that do not include this information are likely trying to hide ingredients or ingredients that you might be allergic to.
Read the Label
When choosing a supplement, it is important to read the label. The label is standard and contains a lot of important information about the product. The front panel, called the Principal Display Panel, lists a description of the product as well as its key ingredients. It also lists the serving size of a single product, which is typically listed as 1 tablet or 1 scoop.
The Supplement Facts Panel, on the other hand, lists the supplement’s ingredient list as well as the amount of each ingredient per serving. This can help you identify any potential allergens. The nutrient content of the supplement is also listed, including the % Daily Value and how much of each nutrient is in a serving of the product. This can be helpful in determining whether the supplement is high or low in a particular nutrient.
A dietary supplement may contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes, probiotics, amino acids, or a combination of these products. Because the FDA does not regulate supplements as it does drugs, you need to pay close attention to ingredients, dosage, and quality. Look for a product with a reputable manufacturer, which provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and third-party certification from organizations that set strict standards for purity and potency.
Additionally, it is important to note that even if a supplement is listed as “natural” or “organic,” it is still important to check the label for additives, such as synthetic sweeteners and flavors, which are often used in supplements. Also, for those who have a sensitivity to gluten or are vegan or vegetarian, it is important to select supplements that are certified to be free of these substances
In addition to checking the label for ingredients and claims, it is important to look at a supplemental product’s safety history. Some supplements can interact with certain medications, such as heart medication, antidepressants, and blood thinners, or prevent some other medicines from working properly. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for more information on the best supplements to take with your specific health needs and conditions.
Check the Dosage
It’s not enough to simply read a label and assume a supplement will provide the nutrients your body needs. It’s also important to know how much of each vitamin or herb you’re taking. This can be a challenge since some supplements come in pill, capsule, tablet and powder forms while others are available as liquids, gels or bars.
It is easy to get more than you need, and that could be dangerous. For instance, if you’re taking too many iron supplements, you may end up with too much iron in your blood, which could lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called hemochromatosis. Similarly, too much vitamin A can lead to an overdose. The same goes for a number of other vitamins and minerals.
In addition, some herbs and supplements interact with certain medications, resulting in unpleasant side effects or even making them less effective.
Some doctors recommend avoiding supplements if you’re undergoing cancer treatment or have some other health conditions. And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, supplements can be harmful to the fetus.
You should always tell your doctor about the supplements you take and bring a list of everything you’re taking — both over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or Advil, and herbals, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements — to every appointment. Then your doctor can help you decide whether it’s safe to add them to your regimen.
A pharmacist can help, too. They can make sure the supplements you’re buying are genuine and don’t contain any harmful ingredients. Also, they can tell you which products are best for your needs.
It’s also a good idea to choose supplements made in the United States, as they’re more likely to be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. You can also look for the NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, Underwriters Laboratory or Consumer Lab seals to find out if a company is reliable. Finally, consider choosing a high-quality multivitamin rather than a brand that is just sold at the drugstore. Typically, higher-quality vitamins are more bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs them better.
Ask Your Doctor
A doctor knows your health history and can recommend supplements that are right for you. They may also be able to help you identify nutrient deficiencies. If you eat a well-balanced diet, dietary supplements aren’t always necessary.
Vitamins are nutrients needed for normal body functions. Some are water-soluble and can be found in fruits and vegetables, while others are fat-soluble and can be stored in your body. There are also special supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and menopausal women, which include folate and omega-3 fatty acids.
Dietary supplements come in capsules, gummies, tinctures, and powders. They are usually marketed as an easy way to get more vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and probiotics into your diet. They aren’t regulated in the same way as drugs, and their effectiveness isn’t always proven.
Some studies show that dietary supplements can help you, but the majority of research is based on animal and laboratory studies, and many supplements haven’t been properly tested for safety. It’s important to buy only reputable brands with the NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, Underwriters Laboratories, or Consumer Lab seal on their products. This ensures that the product actually contains what it says it does, is made safely, and isn’t contaminated with other ingredients.
You should also choose a supplement that’s free of artificial colors, flavors, and additives. You’ll want to check labels for allergens, too, especially if you have an allergy. Look for supplements that are organic, kosher, or halal as well.
Choosing the right supplements isn’t easy, and there’s still a lot we don’t know about them. But with careful selection and wise use, you’ll likely find that they improve your health, not harm it. In the meantime, be sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and see your doctor for regular screenings, tests, and treatments. This is the best way to prevent disease and keep your overall wellness in balance. And be sure to tell your doctor about any dietary supplements you’re taking, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medications. They may interact with some dietary supplements or prevent them from working the way they should.