How To Choose High Quality Dietary And Energy Supplements

Americans love their dietary supplements. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, 77% of Americans use dietary or vitamin supplements in their daily lives.  However, choosing the supplement that’s right for you can be quite hard, especially since there are 29,000 options available.  Furthermore, since supplements are not subject to official scrutiny, it is difficult to tell which supplement is fake and which isn’t.  But do not worry. This guide will assist you in choosing high-quality dietary and energy supplements.

To begin, you must investigate if you even need a dietary supplement.

Do you even need supplements?

Some individuals might not need supplements if they have an adequate daily intake of vitamins and minerals. However, this depends on your nutritional needs. People who require dietary supplements include:

• Pregnant women and those breastfeeding require supplements. Since folic acid supplements are necessary for a baby’s healthy development, most pregnant women take folic acid supplements.
• Mature individuals also rely on supplements to fulfill vitamin and mineral deficiencies. As age affects how our bodies absorb and process vitamin D, the elderly require vitamin D supplements.
• Individuals with nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, or medical conditions may need some supplements. People with allergies have limited diets, so they might not get the recommended dosage of nutrients. Moreover, medical conditions that damage organs can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
• Vegans and vegetarians need extra nutrients to fulfill dietary needs. Because vegan diets do not have the recommended B12 dosage, vegans use B12 supplements.

You might not need supplements if you do not fall into any of the categories mentioned above. However, it would be better to get a blood test to rule out the need for supplements.

Once you have decided that you need dietary supplements, you should learn how to pick the best option for you.

Read the label:

Go through the ingredients of the supplement. Since the long term use of some nutrients can become a toxicity risk, it is better to know what goes into them. Low-quality products may have many adverse side effects, and they may interfere with normal bodily functions. Therefore look for products such as USANA Nutrimeal with high-quality ingredients.

People with allergies should pay special attention to the labels since most supplements often contain common allergens. Additionally, look into both active and inactive ingredients of the supplement. Avoid products that do not list all ingredients in their signature blends.

Too good to be true:

Some supplements make wild claims about completely changing the lives of the people. It is best to do your research before choosing a brand. Read up on each ingredient’s risks and benefits, and do not be swayed by slick marketing claims. Always choose products that have been around for some time and have positive reviews. You can also consult an expert if you are doubtful about a brand. Or you can go through online recommendations to help you make the decision. Remember: if it is too good to be true, then it probably is.

Check recommended dosage:

Often, supplements can be harmful in big doses. Therefore you must choose the supplement that has the optimal dosage for you. For instance, too much vitamin D can result in organ failure, irregular heartbeats, and in some cases, death. So check the recommended dosage of all ingredients in the supplement to make the right pick.

Check for third-party tests:

Since the Federal Drug Administration does not regulate supplements, third party tests are reliable indicators of quality. Organizations such as the NSF conducts tests on supplements to test if the product uses high-grade ingredients.

Get an affordable product:

Because you will most likely use the supplement for a long time, it is better to choose inexpensive products. But, do not compromise on the quality. You wouldn’t want to compromise your health because of an unhealthy product

In conclusion, it is best to get the recommended intake of vitamins and minerals from food. Nonetheless, consult a healthcare professional before actually consuming dietary supplements.