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 6 red flags that you may be purchasing poor quality vitamins or “Expensive pee”. 

• They come in a tablet or chewable
• They contain the following non-medicinal ingredients: titanium dioxide, natural colour, natural flavours (unless they can specify where this comes from), any form of sugar or sugar substitute including juice concentrate, artificial flavours, wheat, corn, wood based cellulose …. 
• They use Cyanocobalamin for their B12.  Methylcobalamin absorbs more efficiently and it the appropriate form it should be in.​
• 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 more absorbable and effective.

 
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 before taking any medicine natural or pharmaceutical.   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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