Dietary supplements from brands like Integrative Therapeutics in Supplement First contain vitamins and minerals to help fill in any nutrition gaps and treat deficiencies. If you’re looking for the best brands and types of supplements for your health, it can get daunting with the many different ones in your pharmacy alone.

With that in mind, here are ways to narrow your options and select the best supplements you truly need from local stores and online shops like supplementfirst.com.

1. Who Needs a Supplement?

Most people won’t require a supplement, but some people may need help from these products if they are deficient in it. Some reasons you’ll need a supplement include your age, the medication you take, or if you don’t have access to a healthy diet due to income or location.

Other reasons may include:

  • You are pregnant or trying to conceive: You will need a folic acid supplement.
  • If you have a young child: Your little one may need a vitamin D and iron supplement.
  • Those who eat restricted or limited diets like vegans or people with food allergies.
  • You’re older than 50 years old: The body begins absorbing fewer vitamins B12 and D.
  • You had gastric bypass surgery: Your gut might not absorb nutrients properly.
  • Those with specific health or genetic issues that cause poor nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease, cancer, autoimmune disorder, alcohol dependence, or even those with darker skin.

2. Your Vitamin Deficiency

If you fall under the category of the groups mentioned above, you need to talk with your doctor about the nutrients you may be deficient in. Your doctor will recommend a blood test to discover your deficiencies and recommend what supplements you’ll need.

The supplements you’ll need will be based on what your doctor recommends. You may need individual vitamins that treat specific deficiencies or multivitamins to get enough of all recommended nutrients daily. Your doctor may recommend that you check out Beach Body products or give suggestions on where to buy Shakeology online.

3. Get the Right Amount

There’s no severe harm in taking supplements daily. But when you go over the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals, you may experience side effects. Some symptoms are mild, like diarrhea or nausea. However, some can be pretty serious, like bleeding.

That’s why you need to talk with your doctor to get the proper dosage of supplements required daily. Furthermore, certain medications may interact with supplements, so your doctor needs to know if you plan on taking supplements so he can make appropriate recommendations.

4. Store and Use Supplements Properly

Once you’ve gotten your supplements, confirm how much you should take with your doctor. Never go over the recommended daily value of nutrients unless your doctor says it’s fine. Store your supplements in a cool and dry area like your dresser, away from light and moisture.

Also, ensure you purchase brands with third-party seals of approval, such as those verified from USP or NSF, among other reputable third parties.

Wrapping It Up

Keep these tips in mind as you select supplements, and always make sure you inform your doctor about what you’re taking.