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: any cellulose combination, titanium dioxide, natural colour, natural flavours, any form of sugar or sugar substitute including juice concentrate, artificial flavours, wheat, corn, …. To be honest if there is anything beyond vegetable magnesium stearate move on.
• They use Cyanocobalamin for their B12, it should Methylcobalamin.  Methylcobalamin absorbs more efficiently.​
• They use Magnesium oxide and not magnesium bisglycinate, Magnesium oxide does not absorb well and can cause loose stools or digestive issues. 
• They don’t use Iron bisglycinate 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.

 
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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