Over the last 20 years or so, research and the use of supplements in health and wellness have become a growing topic. The role of supplementation in our fight against various diseases, the care for our bodies, and the role it plays in achieving our fitness goals and overall health have increased. With the increase in its role in our everyday lives, the production, sales, and general information regarding supplements and their abilities have grown exponentially. The internet, television, radio, and print are riddled with new ads, supplement companies, and “magic pills” so to speak. Some boast quick fixes to your problems. Others boast substantial claims while their products are riddled with fillers and do more harm to the body than good. 

The excess of information and the over-saturation of false claims and gimmicks can be frustrating and confusing to navigate. It’s not only essential to research the role of a particular vitamin or supplement before taking it but researching the ingredients and companies prove to be just as vital. You want to ensure your money is being well spent and contributing to your health instead of potentially harming it. Continue reading below to learn some things to look for, things to stay away from, and practices to follow to ensure you are getting quality products for your body and not breaking the bank on a phony fix. 

So How Do You Choose A Supplement?

The first step in choosing any supplement is research. Researching the effects supplements can have, and their advantages is vital. It’s important, particularly in supplementation, that you are fully aware of what you put in your body. Some supplements can contain ingredients that interact poorly with certain medications. Some may be made with products that don’t meet your current lifestyle or could contain an allergen. And, unfortunately, many companies will claim that their supplements can assist with things that science may not back. It is important to find research backed by studies from reliable sources that confirm a vitamin or nutrient is effective in assisting an ailment or issue you are battling. Below are a few factors to consider when searching for the best supplement for you.

Top 3 Things To Look For In A Supplement 

1. Look into the company- The supplement maker can often be just as important as the supplement itself. It is vital to research the maker and their business morals. Explore their website and learn what they are all about. Companies should include pictures of the labels on their sales pages, visibly and easy to find, ensuring you can thoroughly review their product before purchasing. Trustworthy companies that use quality ingredients with transparent practices will have contact information easy to find both on their sites and the packaging.
2. Potency- It’s essential to look at how potent a supplement is and ensure that it coincides with your daily requirement or required dose. Look for companies that tend to have supplements available in amounts that match adequate studies, not ones that only offer a fraction of what studies show to be effective. As stated above, too much of certain supplements can even be harmful. You also want to consider supplements that fit in with your daily habits. Bottles that require six doses with food or six tablets at one sitting may not suit your preference. 
3. Purity-  Many components go into the creation of a supplement. Our bodies are only as good as what we put in them. The same is true for our supplements. Did you know that some supplement companies have been known to include additional, unnecessary, and sometimes harmful ingredients in their supplements? They do this to make the product look more appealing in size or color. Purity is essential in other aspects as well. Certain supplements may not be friendly to those with celiac disease or simply practice a gluten-free diet. They could contain animal products that go against a vegan or kosher lifestyle. They could contain plants or herbs that the consumer could be allergic to or may have adverse effects on medications they are already taking. 

Communicate With Your Healthcare Provider

Lastly, whenever you try a new supplement, be sure to run it by your doctor or alternative practitioner. Ensure that this is a supplement you need as well as a dosage. Some supplements, if taken with certain medications, can actually have adverse effects on the medication. Additionally, some supplements taken in excess could cause harmful effects on your health. Your health provider can also take notes on your progress or check specific numbers before supplementation begins. This way, you can monitor your progress, track symptoms, re-evaluate if this supplement benefits you, and ensure you get quality bang for your buck.

Supplement shopping can be frustrating and confusing. Conduct your research with the foundation you read above, and you can be sure you’re starting your health hunt on the right foot!