How to Choose Vitamin Supplements

There are so many options for the consumer today when it comes to choosing a vitamin supplements program and so much information and misinformation for the consumer to sort through to make purchase decisions that it can all seem very overwhelming. While the vitamin supplements industry has many brands and each brand has its claim to fame, there are some basic aspects of vitamin supplements every consumer should consider before purchasing, such as; vitamin absorption, vitamin health, natural vitamins, vitamin quality, and liquid vitamins.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money
• A consultation with your doctor or nutritionist to determine specific vitamin dosage

1. 
    
   It is especially important to ensure that Vitamin C is absorbed

   Consider Vitamin Absorption and Natural Vitamins made from Whole Foods:
   The absorption rate of a vitamin really is what determines the vitamins effectiveness. So often with chemically synthesized vitamins, a person will simply excrete the vitamins, even when taken with food as recommended with these vitamins. This essentially adds up to be a waste of time and effort on the consumer's part. The best option is to choose natural vitamins that are actually whole foods in themselves. These vitamins do not even have to be taken with food, because they really are little capsules of compacted nutrient rich food. Absorption rate tests find that the human body will absorb up to 20 times the amount of whole food vitamins than chemically synthesized vitamins.

2. Consider Liquid Vitamins:
   Liquid vitamins are not only easier to swallow, but they have an almost instantaneous 98% absorption rate.

3. Consider Vitamin Supplements Quality:
   Believe it or not, the FDA does not regulate vitamin supplements. Therefore it is crucial that you choose a vitamin supplement that has been tested and for quality and effectiveness. Most reliable vitamin supplements brands test their product for absorption rate effectiveness and test their vitamin supplies for contaminants such as E.coli. on a regular basis. Look for language on the label that reads something like, "laboratory tested," "independently studied," or "quality guaranteed." If you are unsure, call the company and ask about their standards for ensuring their products purity and potency. You can also look for a seal of approval from the US Pharmacopoeia Dietary Supplement Verification Program (USP - DSVP) this indicates that the company voluntarily holds its product to high standards set by an association of independent experts.

Tips & Warnings

• It is best to consult with a doctor or a nutritionist to determine which specific types and amounts of vitamin supplements that an individual should be taking on a regular basis, as different individuals can have vastly different needs
• Avoid Time Release Vitamin Supplements: Time-release vitamins have been proven in study after study to have no effect on vitamin absorption. In fact to achieve their ability to time release, these vitamins are often made with Phosphorous, a nutrient most people get more of in a day than they need. Yet, so many low quality brands will sell this idea to consumers, and mark up the price of their vitamins because of their "amazing time-release properties."
• Use common sense to avoid marketing ploys and scams, if a vitamin supplements company promises remarkable health changes in a short period of time it is probably just what it seems; to good to be true.

[NorthernLight]

on 10/30/2009 I agree, the quality of the supplements you are taking is of utmost importance. It's worth the research and the extra money you may have to pay for them.

[julie526]

on 9/12/2009 B vitamins need to be timed released. If they are not, your body will excrete them once it absorbs what's needed in such a short time frame. IF they are properly formulated and timed released, the C and B's will release in a time span of 8-10 hours, providing your body with a constant supply of what's needed.

[missnice104]

on 10/1/2008 I loved this article. I believe in taking my vitamins and being fit! Thanks so much!!