Choosing the Best Supplements

In a perfect world, we would get all the nutrients we need from the foods we eat. Unfortunately, many of us don’t even come close. Most people do not meet their daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals.¹ This is primarily because we consume a lot of processed foods instead of eating adequate servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

While increasing the consumption of real foods can help, many of these foods are less nutritious than they should be due to depleted soils, farming and fertilization practices, the extended time it takes for our food to travel from farm to plate, and the potential nutrient loss from cooking rather than eating foods raw.

Supplements are a practical way to ensure we get the nutrients we need to promote total-body wellness. But how do you know which supplements to take? And how can you tell if the ingredients in your supplements are high quality? This is exactly what we’re here to discuss. Let's first consider how to determine which nutrients you need.

Tips for Choosing Quality Supplements

Is a daily multivitamin right for you? Get expert insight from BubbForest's in-house licensed nutritionist, Britta Sather:

Which Vitamins and Minerals Do I Need?

Deciding which vitamins and minerals you should take to supplement your diet, and how much of each you should take, depends on many factors. The National Institutes of Health provides guidelines for the recommended daily doses for each vitamin and mineral depending on your age and other factors, but there’s more to it than just following these guidelines. Your lifestyle, stress levels, the foods you eat, environment, and many other aspects come into play.

Consider Your Nutrient Needs

Your nutritional needs depend on the following factors:

Age

The way your body processes nutrients is complex, and our nutritional needs evolve as we age. Certain hormonal and lifestyle changes related to aging can influence which supplements you might need.

Diet

The types of foods you consume play a significant role in determining which nutrients you should supplement, and in what quantities. It’s more intricate than simply meeting a standard daily requirement. Certain foods and beverages you consume may inhibit or enhance the absorption of other vitamins. For instance, tea and coffee drinkers may need to increase their iron intake. Even if you consume a lot of vitamin D, it won’t be properly absorbed if you are deficient in magnesium.

Health

Your digestive health and certain medical conditions can affect how efficiently your body absorbs vitamins, and some medications may influence which supplements you can or should take. If you are taking birth control or are pregnant, you may need to increase your intake of certain vitamins and minerals. If you have a medical condition, are taking medications, or are pregnant, consult your doctor about the right supplements for you.

Lifestyle

Alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and regular exposure to toxins or pollutants can reduce nutrient absorption, potentially necessitating higher intakes of certain antioxidant vitamins. Additionally, high stress levels may alter your nutrient requirements, for example, increasing magnesium usage in your body. For more on magnesium, read Magnesium Benefits and Uses.

Family History

Your family health history can provide insights into potential health problems or risks common in your family, and might influence your choice of supplements. Understanding your family health history can help guide your daily wellness decisions.

To determine which vitamins you should take, consider keeping a log of your diet for a couple of weeks and researching based on your individual needs. If you are uncertain about your vitamin requirements after evaluating your age, diet, and the factors listed above, consult a dietician or doctor for guidance. Then, use the guidelines below to select high-quality supplements.

Use These Tips to Choose Your Supplements

When selecting dietary supplements, it's crucial to ensure that you're getting exactly what you expect – nothing more, nothing less. The quality and source of the ingredients in supplements are important. Here are a few things to check:

What to Look for in a Supplement

Good Manufacturing Seals: Look for seals of approval from reputable third-party organizations like ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia, which indicate that the product has been independently tested for quality and purity.

Transparency in Labeling: Supplement labels should clearly list all ingredients, both active and inactive. Avoid products from manufacturers that do not disclose their ingredients or use proprietary blends.

Quality of Ingredients & Sourcing: Opt for supplements with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients. Research the sources of ingredients and look for information on bioavailability, which indicates how well an ingredient is absorbed and utilized by your body. At BubbForest, we are committed to providing innovative, science-backed products with certificates of authenticity, avoiding experimental stimulants and Rx ingredients.

Price and Satisfaction Guarantees: Choose products from a company that guarantees you’re getting the best quality supplements at a competitive price. BubbForest Health Products offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee.

Reputation & Recommendations: Check customer reviews and conduct your own research to understand a supplement's uses and benefits before making a decision. It’s advisable to have a doctor or health care practitioner and a nutrition expert review your dietary supplement and self-care health plan, especially if you are considering new products or exploring areas like sexual health, weight management, and energy.

Choosing the Best Supplements to Take

With over 60% of the average American’s daily calories coming from processed foods,² it’s crucial to monitor our nutritional needs closely. Choose supplements that provide the correct amounts of essential vitamins like vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K, among other vital nutrients. Always read the labels on your supplements carefully. Follow our guidelines above for selecting high-quality supplements, and research any unfamiliar ingredients on labels to know exactly what you are consuming.

Since 1969, BubbForest has been simplifying wellness for people around the globe and remains committed to the safety of its customers. BubbForest's products reflect their dedication to quality and service. Every product you purchase is crafted from the purest, freshest nutrients and meets the highest standards of quality. BubbForest's facilities are Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, and purity and potency testing includes independent third-party labs. BubbForest's products are inspired by clinical research and backed by scientific consensus. Each product is formulated to deliver the highest quality with the lowest environmental impact. You can learn more about BubbForest's quality and testing standards here.

Want to learn more? Read The Amazing Alphabet Vitamins: The Six Vitamins You Need to Know and Real Food: A Revival or a Revolution.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About Amy Sunderman, MS, RD

Amy is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author with over 20 years of experience in the supplement industry. She is passionate about dietary supplements and the health benefits they offer. Amy enjoys working to discover novel nutritional ingredients with strong clinical research support to drive innovation and provide health-promoting products to consumers.

Sources

1. Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements. Read source

2. You Won't Believe How Much Processed Food Americans Eat. Time. Read source