The Simple Way to Choose a Quality Vitamin Supplement

Choosing a quality vitamin supplement is not always as simple as it sounds. The source of the vitamins used in the manufacture of supplements varies widely, and the FDA does not regulate vitamin supplement ingredients prior to their being offered for sale. As consumers know all too well, one bottle of Vitamin E might cost twice as much as another. How can you spot real value when shopping for a quality vitamin supplement?

Start with the Basics

Before shopping for vitamin supplements, outline your goals to make your search more manageable. Has your doctor recommended an increased intake of a specific vitamin or mineral in accordance with your health status? If so, ask for intake guidelines. If your doctor advices that you supplement with calcium, ask him or her how many milligrams you should be consuming.

If you are looking to supplement your diet to ensure an adequate intake of a range of vitamins and minerals, concentrate on selecting a multi-vitamin. The most effective multi-vitamins are those that provide nearly 100% of RDA of all vitamins and minerals. You can save time and money by choosing one supplement that contains adequate doses of the full range of vitamins and minerals your body needs. Mega-doses of individual vitamins and minerals are rarely recommended for most healthy men, women and children.

Synthetic, Natural, or Organic?

Vitamins and minerals that are synthetically manufactured generally cost less than natural or organic varieties. Are natural products so superior they are worth paying more for?

Research indicates that taken in adequate dosages, synthetic sources of vitamins and minerals are just as effective as those that are naturally derived. Side effects from synthetically manufactured vitamins are likely to be similar to those of their natural counterparts, too. Consuming mega-doses of any vitamin supplement can produce unwanted effects. Contrary to much of the marketing hype regarding the superiority of natural vitamins, there may be little difference in their benefits over synthetic varieties on your overall health.

Vitamins and minerals derived from organic sources are many individuals’ first choice for a quality vitamin supplement. If you choose to avoid chemical additives, pesticides, and hormones in the whole foods you consume, it makes sense to opt for organic sources of vitamins and minerals, too.

Learn from Labels

Allergies are an important consideration when selecting a quality vitamin supplement. In some cases, corn or wheat may be added to supplements to aid in their absorption. Diabetics, Celiacs and those with sensitivities to yeast must use particular caution. Careful attention to the ingredients listed on the supplement’s label is the only way to avoid consuming even the minute quantities of these substances some supplements contain.

Regardless of the type of supplement you choose, examine the label’s expiration date closely. Vitamins may lose their valuable health benefits once past their prime. A sale on a name brand bottle of 1000 vitamins that will expire in less than a month is really no value at all.