Not all Supplements are Created Equally

​​One of the things I do during a medical history when seeing a new client is review the current supplements they are on if any.  I check to make sure they are in fact merited, there are no contraindications, and finally the quality.  In most cases the quality of the supplements is not the best, there seems to be a misleading belief that all supplements on the market are made equally but the opposite is true.   How does the average person know they are making the right choice when purchasing vitamins here are some red flags that you may be purchasing poor quality vitamins or “Expensive pee”. 

• They come in a tablet or chewable, this right here is a big hint, these generally don't absorb well and there a many unnecessary and poor quality fillers. 
• They contain the following non-medicinal ingredients: titanium dioxide, natural colour, natural flavours (when I see this I investigate further or move on), any form of sugar or sugar substitute including juice concentrate, artificial flavours, wheat, corn, or wood based cellulose (if they list cellulose on the label investigate further or move on).
• They use Cyanocobalamin for their B12.  Aim for supplements with Methylcobalamin which absorbs more efficiently and is much more effective.​
• They use Magnesium oxide and not magnesium bisglycinate or citrate, Magnesium oxide does not absorb well and can cause loose stools or digestive issues. 
• They don’t use Iron bisglycinate/glycinate in Iron containing supplements.  Iron bisglycinate does not cause constipation and is more absorbable than other sources of iron. 
• They don’t use Calcium Citrate in their formula, again more absorbable and effective.
• They use Folic Acid and not Folate/B9/L-5-MTHF which is the proper form our body needs. Too much Folic Acid can impede folate absorption as well as throw off the folate cycle which can lead to health imbalances.

 
As a Health Practitioner I don’t condone the trend to self prescribe supplements, it is always advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified practitioner a before taking any medicine, natural or pharmaceutical.  Avoid seeking advice from those who sell products or your friends despite their good intent.  You want to be sure you are not causing yourself or your family harm or wasting money on poor quality or unnecessary supplements.

Dana Clark, CNHP, CHC, CHN, CLE

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