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  • Writer's pictureMedication&ClarityWellness

Step by Step Guide to Choosing Dietary Supplements

Tips on how to properly choose supplements and get the best benefit for your health

Step #1: Determine your reason for needing a dietary supplement


* If it’s not broke then do not fix it

  • No need of taking a multivitamin daily if your levels are normal, focus on obtaining your nutrients through the foods that you eat (real food is the best medicine)

* Are you not getting enough nutrients from the foods you eat?


*Do you have lab results showing your blood levels are low in Vitamin D, iron, vitamin c or etc.?


*What part of your health are you trying to improve (joint health, heart health, overall mood etc.)?


Step #2: Educate yourself to find out which supplement will help you with the health outcome you are trying to reach


* Your pharmacist is a great resource


*When browsing the internet try to find evidence-based suggestions


Step #3: Research the manufacturer


*Look for products that contain the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) logo or National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) mark

  • These logos indicate that these products meet additional testing standards so you can trust that these products contain what they say they do and are not contaminated

*Click the links below to view the USP dietary supplement standards

*Be mindful that some products may just contain the letters USP and that is not the same as having the USP logo


*Click the link below to view a list of USP verified supplements

*Click the link below to view the NSF dietary supplement standards

*Look at independent consumer testing companies

  • ConsumerLab.com and Labdoor are two third party companies that perform their own analyses of different dietary supplements

*ConsumerLab.com charges a monthly fee for access to their information

*Labdoor’s information is free with an email sign-up

*Browse the company’s website to view their standards


Step #4: Select the supplement of your choice


*Watch out for side effects, drug interactions, and allergic reactions


*Add the supplement to your medication list


*Work with a professional if needed


*Follow label instructions


Step #5: Enjoy the process of getting to know your body during your wellness journey


*There is no one-size fits all approach to maintain your health


*What works for someone else may not work for you


*You got this!


“In youth we learn; in age we understand.” -Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

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