No matter if they’re overflowing from your medicine drawer or filling up the counter in your bathroom, you’re not the only one taking a vitamin or supplement every day.
You may be looking for a way to prevent vitamin deficiency, lower your risk of certain illnesses, or simply feel better about yourself.
Dietary supplement recommendations can come from many places including commercials, social media influencers, your neighbors, friends, and family. While many supplements are beneficial for your overall health, the evidence can vary widely so it is important to be aware of which supplements might be beneficial. Personalized vitamin packs designed just for you can help clear up the confusion and obtain the right supplements in the right amounts designed just for you.
1. Supplements Come In Many Different Forms.
They may contain one or more dietary ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and herbs. The most common supplements come as multivitamins which can reduce the number of pills you need each day. However, they can also be bought separately.
You might also find these dietary supplements:
- Calcium
- Fish oil
- Echinacea
- Ginseng
- Garlic
- Vitamin D
- Green tea
2. Some Supplements Can Be Effective While Others May Not.
Supplements are extremely popular. You may be able to benefit from these common supplements:
- Vitamin B12, which helps keep nerve and blood cell health, makes DNA and prevents anemia
- Folic acid can be taken by pregnant women to reduce birth defects
- Vitamin D, which can increase bone strength
- Calcium, which promotes bone health
- Vitamins E and C can help to prevent cell damage
- Fish oil can be a great option for your heart health.
- Vitamin A can slow the age-related macular decline in vision.
- Zinc can be beneficial for the skin and reduce vision loss caused by age-related Macular Degeneration.
- Melatonin, which can be used to counter jet lag
Products purchased online or in stores may be different from the ones used in studies, which could lead to misleading results.
3. Supplements Are Not Always Safe.
Multivitamins pose no health risks in most cases. But, it is important to be cautious about what you put in your body.
Supplements can interact or pose risks with certain medications. Supplements that haven’t been tested on children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers may not be safe for use.
Federal regulations for dietary supplements are less stringent than prescription drugs. Some supplements could contain ingredients that are not listed on the label. In these cases, they can pose a risk. Certain products may be marketed as dietary vitamins, but they can contain prescription medications.
4. Before Taking Any Supplements You Should Consult Your Healthcare Provider.
It is important that you discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Since the effectiveness and safety of supplements will depend on your health, this is the first thing to do.
These are some tips to help you choose the best supplement for you:
As directed by the label, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take supplements as prescribed.
Look at the label to see all ingredients and drug interactions. Also, look at the percent daily value (%DV).
Be cautious of claims that the product is “completely harmless” or that it works better than your prescription drug.
Don’t forget that the term “natural”, doesn’t necessarily mean “safe.”
5. Healthy Eating Is The Best Thing For Your Health.
No matter what your goal, supplements are not meant to replace a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Supplements shouldn’t be used as a substitute for real food. Do not underestimate the value of a nutritious, balanced salad as a substitute for a manufactured pill.
Vitamins are crucial for helping your body function and develop properly. Although most people get the recommended amount of nutrients from healthy food, some individuals need more. Supplements provide the nutritional support that your body needs to stay healthy.
