Taking a daily vitamin or supplement can be a great way to give your body a boost from immune and heart health to gut wellness. But it can be overwhelming to know where to start in choosing a product that will give you the best results for your needs. We want to help shed some light on how to choose a supplement with some top tips that you should know before starting a new supplement:
Seek Advice from Healthcare Professionals
The most important thing you can do is talk with your doctor about what supplements you may need and what dosage they recommend. They can provide detailed information about potential benefits and risks of certain products. Knowing how to choose a supplement starts with communicating with a trusted healthcare professional!
Understanding Labels and Recommendations
Reading the labels of supplement products can give you a better understanding of the product and its uses. If you are gluten intolerant, vegan, or vegetarian, watch for labels that clearly state the supplement is vegan or gluten-free. Additionally, if you are taking more than one supplement, take note of when to take certain products. Some are better absorbed when taken at night versus the morning and vice versa. This also brings us to our next point- some supplements shouldn’t be taken at the same time.
Vitamins that Shouldn’t Be Taken Together
When taking multiple products, be sure that you’re aware of potential reactions that could negatively impact the effectiveness of your supplement routine. For example, you shouldn’t take fat-soluble vitamins (D, E, K, and A) at the same time as water-soluble vitamins (C and B). Fat-soluble vitamins are better absorbed when taken with food, while water-soluble vitamins should be taken on an empty stomach.
Must-have Vitamins and Supplements for Overall Health
Vitamin C and the B vitamins, iron, and fiber are all common nutrients that can be taken daily as dietary supplements. A multivitamin can be a good starting point for those who may be nutrient-deficient, pregnant, or breastfeeding. For anyone looking to improve their daily intake of vital nutrients, here are a few examples of must-have vitamins and dietary supplements for optimal health and wellness:
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in adults, so it’s one of the top-selling supplements! This vitamin is essential for strong bones and immune system support, among other positive effects.
Omega-3 (fish oil):
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that protect and support a variety of functions, including the brain and the heart. Omega Max is a great choice due to the enhanced fish oil with an absorption rate of DHA/EPA that’s 3 times higher than other fish oils.
Magnesium:
A magnesium supplement is highly recommended for the mineral’s critical role in the brain, nervous system, and muscle function. It’s also beneficial for higher energy and maintaining blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
Probiotics:
There are many benefits of probiotics when it comes to a happy gut and digestion. These strains of helpful bacteria work with your body’s natural microflora to strengthen the immune-gut barrier and provide relief to uncomfortable chronic symptoms.
Supplements at Riverside Village Pharmacy
So, how do you know which brand of supplements to choose? That’s where the help of a local pharmacy comes in! We provide our own line of high-quality supplements as well as two other trusted brands, Thorne and Pure Encapsulations. Whether you are looking for a multivitamin, products for gut health, or a complete weight management kit, we have safe and effective options!
Our pharmacists are happy to talk with you about the specific pros and cons of certain supplements, in addition to guiding you through the decision of how to choose a supplement. Are you interested in more supplement recommendations? Take a look at our top products for lung and respiratory system health!
