You might decide to take vitamins and supplements for many reasons, including getting your daily recommended intake of nutrients or addressing a specific health concern.
Vitamins and supplements offer a range of potential benefits, from promoting immunity to helping with stress management.
But with so many choices, what should you look for when selecting vitamins or supplements for your needs? Weve partnered with Swanson Health to provide advice on what to keep in mind when browsing the vitamin aisle.
Do you need to take vitamins and supplements? You might benefit from them if you have a deficiency. According to 2021 research, common deficiencies in the United States include vitamin D and B12. These essential vitamins play roles in bone and brain health.
How do you know whether you have a deficiency? Some signs and symptoms may include:
Discuss deficiency testing options with a medical professional if you think youre missing out on an essential vitamin or mineral. Testing can help identify potential deficiencies and determine why youre low on a particular nutrient, whether because of diet or an underlying health condition.
Read more about magnesium deficiency.
When shopping for vitamins and supplements, you can take your pick from a wide range of options. The kind you choose depends on the health concern you want to target.
Here are some commonly sold supplements and what people often use them for:
Read more about the potential benefits of ashwagandha.
With rows of vitamins and supplements available at stores and even more options online, how can you know which options are effective and trustworthy? Here are some key factors to consider.
Its important to consult a healthcare professional to determine which vitamins and supplements are a good fit for your needs and safe for you to take. Some vitamins and supplements can interact with medications.
A healthcare professional can also help you select the correct vitamin and supplement doses for your needs. Taking inappropriate amounts can be dangerous.
Purchasing dietary supplements from a reputable brand that offers a high quality product is crucial.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesnt usually approve claims and labeling before a vitamin or supplement hits the market. This means its up to the manufacturer to provide accurate information. Unfortunately, not every brand is transparent when it comes to labeling.
One 2019 study examined the label accuracy of herbal and dietary supplements. Researchers found that over half the products tested were mislabeled.
When shopping for supplements and vitamins, opt for brands that use reputable third-party testing. Looking for a certificate of analysis (COA) is one way to ensure a brand takes the quality of its products seriously.
Some third-party identifications to look for include:
Swanson Health offers a wide variety of gummies, such as magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and multivitamins for both kids and adults. The supplements are also tested by both internal and third-party labs.
A products label can provide plenty of information, including:
Read more about how to choose high quality vitamins and supplements.
The right type of vitamin and supplement depends on your preferences and needs.
Do you hate swallowing chunky capsules? Do you prefer a convenient single-dose pill? Or maybe youre searching for a kid-friendly vitamin option.
Common forms of vitamins include:
Vitamins and supplements may provide benefits that may help with various health concerns. When choosing the right nutritional supplements for your needs, factors to consider include brand trustworthiness, safety, and your preferences.
Before you start taking a vitamin or supplement, talk with a doctor. They can help you determine whether you have a deficiency and provide advice on supplementing safely.
More:
Vitamins and Supplements: Your 5-Minute Read - Healthline
