Tips on Buying Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

The more informed you are about the marketing and manufacturing of supplements the more likely you can save money and still buy a good supplement. Facts you should know before buying a supplement are:

Amount of Nutrients - taking too much of certain nutrients can be toxic. If you choose to supplement, take a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that supplies nutrients in amounts close to the RDA/DRIs. Excessive amounts of a single nutrient can upset your nutrient balance and cause a deficiency of other nutrients. Avoid "high potency" supplements.

Natural Versus Synthetic Vitamins - Both forms are used by your body. If manufacturers add plant extracts or a bit of the natural vitamin, they label the supplement as "natural" and sell it at a higher price.

Additives - Many supplements contain additives that may cause headaches or other side effects in some people.

Store Brands Versus Name Brand - A store brand supplement from a national retailer is of similar quality to a name brand supplement.

Disintegration Rate - Supplement disintegration in the gut should meet the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) standards (found on the label) of 30 to 45 minutes. This does not apply to time-release or chewables.

Check the expiration date of the supplements you buy.

Stress tablets are a marketing ploy.

Men should not take iron supplements, unless directed by their doctor.

See also:
Healthy Eating Plan Keeping Your Brain Sharp long past your 80th birthday is simply to eat a Mediterranean-style diet
Enzymes are complex proteins that are capable of inducing chemical changes in other substances without being changed themselves. Enzymes are specific in their action.