Eating whole foods will always be your best bet for getting all the nutrients you need, but sometimes that falls short. Supplements can fill the gaps, but it can be hard to spot the truly healthy ones that aren’t full of junk. Below I’ll be sharing how to find quality supplements. I’ll also share what I take, along with some of my favorite brands!
DISCLAIMER: We all have our own individual needs and supplements aren’t one size fits all. This post isn’t meant as medical advice, but rather my experience and what I’ve learned through research. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your own health or before starting a new supplement.
Like so many health-related things, supplements are a bit complicated. Many are full of additives that can be harmful to health. Also, the supplement market isn’t regulated or monitored by the FDA the way medications are. So if you want to find quality supplements, it’s really important to take a closer look at the label.
Finding Quality Supplements
Some common culprits in supplements are fillers, artificial colors and sweeteners, excitotoxins, GMO ingredients, and more. Here’s what to watch out for on the label:
- artificial colors
- added sweeteners
- flavors
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talc/magnesium silicate
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cellulose
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gelatin
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soybean oil
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maltodextrin
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potassium sorbate
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silicon dioxide
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citric acid
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titanium dioxide
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soy lecithin
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sorbitol
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magnesium stearate/vegetable stearate/stearic acid
Whew, that’s a lot, I know! But there are good brands out there.
How to find quality supplements and brands you can trust?
Beyond reading labels, you can also look for 3rd party verification for quality assurance. Some with 3rd party certifications may still have problem ingredients, so use it as a guide but be sure to read the label.
Some 3rd party organizations to look for are NSF International, Natural Products Association, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS).
Also, if you have questions, don’t be scared to ask that brand! Email or message them on social media asking about sourcing, ingredients, or anything else.
Supplements That I Take
A few years ago I was able to get a micronutrient panel done and it was surprising to see the vitamins and minerals I was deficient in. A lot of these below are specific to my needs but should hopefully give an overview of what to look for! Scroll down for discount codes
Seeking Health Liver Nutrients: After seeing a Naturopath a little over a year ago, I learned I needed to support my liver more. I have estrogen dominance and your liver is what works to flush out extra hormones, but in my case, it was being overloaded with it and needed some help. This includes a variety of things to support that.
Deva Vegan Evening Primrose Oil: This is another one I take to balance my hormones and it also has been shown to help with perioral dermatitis. Find it here.
Seeking Health Optimal Zinc: This is chewable and does have natural flavors. I was excited to find chewable since this is something I give Annabelle as well. It’s the most natural chewable zinc that I’ve found and 3rd party certified for quality.
Ashwagandha Extract: If you’re not familiar with Ashwagandha, it’s a powerful adaptogen that can help with everything from stress management to better sleep to immune system and more! These capsules are a super easy way for me to incorporate it into my routine.
Agent Nateur & Dr. Will Cole holi(mane): This hair, nail, and skin supplement has high-quality marine collagen and pearl powder. I’ve been taking it the last few weeks and I’m just starting to see a big difference in my nails! I’m sure it will take longer to see a visible difference in my hair. I mix it into my morning coffee each morning. It has no taste and makes my coffee even creamier!
Seeking Health also makes some high-quality prenatal vitamins.
If you can have access to a holistic provider I highly recommend having a micronutrient panel done. I had one a few years ago and it was SO insightful! I was able to incorporate what my body was missing and solved a few health issues because of it. The cost was about $350 when I had it done. Pricey for sure, but if you have underlying health issues, this may give you a snapshot of what’s happening beneath the surface.
Here’s to your health!
*Some affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.
