5 Steps to Picking out the Right Supplement for You

Hands up if you’ve been there, you’re at the supplement section of the health food store, looking at a wall of options, thinking you’ll get something natural to fix a symptom, but you’re confronted with a WALL. of overwhelming options. Different brands, doses, CHOICES!😰

It is overwhelming. I completely get it.

Number one: we should not be focusing on “fixing” symptoms using supplements, we should be getting the help of practitioners to get to the root issues, correcting nutritional imbalances along the way (which sometimes means using supplements).

Dietary supplements are products that people use to add nutrients to their routine, either in the form of individual vitamins, minerals, herbs, or a blend of nutrients. It is important to understand supplements are not, and should not be a quick fix, and that not everyone needs a supplement- many people can get the nutrients they need from their diet alone. So when may you consider supplementation?

• Age: Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies are more common as we age.

• Medical Conditions

• Type of diet: Certain diets may make it more difficult to obtain some vitamin and minerals.

• Pregnancy

• Food allergies

So, you’ve decided supplementation is for you, now where do you start?

1. Look for an NPN number

   • Products with this licence have been assessed by Health Canada and found to be safe and effective

2. Read the ingredient label!

   • If there are ingredients listed that you don’t recognize, research them to make sure it is not an unnecessary additive. Certain low-quality supplements can have additives added that hinder absorption. Some of the more common additives found in supplements include cellulose, stearic acid, gelatin, soybean oil, maltodextrin, potassium sorbet, silicon dioxide, citric acid, titanium dioxide, soy lecithin, magnesium stearate, sorbitol

   • You will also want to make sure that an absorbable form of the vitamin is listed. Some less reputable brands will use the cheapest form of a nutrient, rather than the form that is best absorbed. For example there are many different forms of magnesium (like magnesium oxide, bisglycinate, sulphate, taurate, citrate, or chloride), with differing levels of absorbability or benefits depending on the needs of each individual. It is always best to do your research, or work with a health care provider to determine the right form for you.

   • Check on that sugar content! Especially if it is a gummy vitamin. They’re often more sugar than vitamin.

   • Check for potential allergens. You can often get a good indication of the quality of a supplement by checking the “free from” information, like gluten, wheat, lactose, eggs, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, artificial preservatives, artificial colours, GMO’s etc.

   • Check the dosage- make sure it is not too little or too much for your individual needs! Balance is key!

3. Purchase from reputable brands that do third party research.

   • This means, that an organization (that is not the supplement company itself) evaluates a dietary supplement and vouches for its quality.

4. Be cautious of brands with bold claims

   • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

5. Always check with your health care provider for potential interactions.

   • Though it is a natural approach, supplements can definitely interact with different medications. It is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new supplement.

If you could use some support on your health and wellness journey, let’s chat! We are all biochemically unique, and your journey is unique to you as well. Book a discovery call below to see if you would be a good fit for one of my personalized one on one programs.