Are you adding vitamins and supplements to your daily diet and wondering how to choose the right one for yourself? Are you also confused due to plenty of options in the market and their claims? Well you are not alone.
If you have decided to take vitamins and supplements then choosing the right ones is very necessary. Because there are a lot of low quality supplements in the market which can seriously affect your health and can be very expensive. You will also learn how to check the quality of these supplements.
After reading this blogpost you will be able to know whether you need vitamins or not and if you really need them what are the best supplements for you. We have also shared the possible side effects of vitamins and supplements for your safety concerns.
What Are Vitamins And Supplements
It is very important to understand what vitamins and supplements are and what their functions are before you start taking them directly. Let’s take a detailed look to understand them better.
Vitamins
Vitamins are the molecules which help our body to perform different functions and work properly. These can help in metabolic function, body growth, etc. Some of the necessary vitamins are A,B,C and D.
Supplemens
Supplements are the different types of vitamins or minerals which we take directly instead of getting them from different foods. These may contain special elements like enzymes, minerals, herbs and botanicals etc.
Do You Really Need Supplements?
It’s really very important to know whether you really need supplements or not before you start considering different options in the market. You may be intrigued by different multi level marketing companies because of the false claims from their supplements. Never fall for them because their sole aim is to improve their sales.
Your body generally doesn’t need any supplements but under certain medical conditions like children with growth issues you may need them. In this case follow a proper diet plan from any health professional for taking any kind of supplements. `
Who Should Avoid Vitamins And Supplements?
Here is a list of some of the conditions in which you should not take any supplements. .
- If you are suffering from any serious medical condition like heart, blood pressure or cancer you should avoid vitamins and supplements.
- Breastfeeding or pregnant women should also refrain from taking supplements.
- If you are going for a surgery you should also stay away from any kind of minerals or proprietary blends.
How To Check The Safety Of Supplements?
You can check the safety of supplements with two simple ways. Third party testing is the reliable method among these methods. Let’s check the details of these methods.
General Safety Measures
The first one is making common safety measures. These may be checking their smell, taste or any unordinary common symptoms. Take a look at the expiry date and also the approval stamp of the Food and drug administration.
Third Party Testing
There can be many supplements which you may find fine with the first testing method and can be still ineffective. Third party testing is a very reliable method in this condition. It is mentioned on products if they are tested from any reliable third parties. All you need to do is verify it from their packaging.
Negative Impacts Of Supplements And Vitamins
Although supplements and vitamins are good for health, there can be some harmful effects too. Some of these concerns can be very serious. So you should calmly read and understand them before taking supplements and vitamins.
Interaction With Medication
The first one is the possibility of interaction with medication. This is a very serious concern and it can even lead to severe health issues for you. So the best choice is to avoid all kinds of supplements if you are going through any medications but if you really need them it is better to consult your doctor first.
Side Effects
You may also face some side effects when you start taking supplements. Some of the common issues with supplements are feeling nausea, headaches and digestion problems.
Costly And Ineffective
The first and the common side effect of additional vitamins and supplements can be its cost. Usually these are very costly because of the beneficial claims made by companies. Alongside costly they can be ineffective too. So constantly monitor your progress if you don’t feel any improvement then it’s time to stop their usage.
Overdose
Another very serious side effect of additional supplements can be your health concerns. Overdosing can cause serious problems for you. So it’s very necessary to use these supplements according to the doctor’s prescription.
Other Considerable Factors
Alongside the quality of vitamins and supplements you must consider some other factors as well.
- Doctor’s approval if you are using other medications
- Vegan and Halal tags according to your needs
- May contains allergens
- Your preferable form of supplements
Final Words
Wrapping it up, choosing high quality vitamins and supplements is very essential. Low quality vitamins can be ineffective and a waste of your time, money and effort. Third party testing is one of the best ways to ensure the quality of these supplements.
Last but not least the best way to complete your body’s vitamin needs is by taking healthy food. But if the doctor or any expert has recommended its use then use them according to their prescription.