Not all supplements are created equal

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For many of us, supplements are part of our daily routine. Many of us are regular takers of vitamins, minerals, and other types of supplements. Vitamins and minerals are essential to developing and maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Most individuals get the majority of their vitamins from healthy eating, but certain vitamin deficiencies can be common and that’s when a little extra boost is helpful. Taking daily supplements can provide your body with this support. 47895081_M

But not all supplements are created equal. Rather than go all-in on a supplement, it is important to do the proper research to determine if the supplement is even good for you.

There are also literally thousands of supplements available on the market, from multivitamins to omega fats, minerals, and nutrient supplements of a nearly countless variety. So what should you look for when deciding on a supplement?

Here’s a quick guide on picking the best options.

Biochemistry

Your biochemistry plays a critical role in whether a supplement is necessary. Supplements are designed to provide something that might be lacking, or even to double down on a standard amount you already take. Take B vitamins, for example. If your body has a problem with methylation, there might be a need to take activated B vitamins.

So the first step is to know what your body is lacking. There are some common vitamins that people tend to have a deficiency in. These include vitamin B, D and iron. But everybody is different.

Functional medicine practitioners can help with genetic tests to determine if you have any vitamin deficiencies and if your body has any problems processing specific nutrients.

Quality

The old ethos of quality over quantity holds true in supplements. You can swallow a handful of supplements every day, but if you are taking poorly made, unproven supplements, not designed to work with your biochemistry, you’re running in place. With so many supplements on the market, it can be confusing trying to figure out what is right for you.

And supplements aren’t regulated in the same way that medicines are. That’s why it’s essential to find a brand that does independent testing and is trusted by industry professionals.