Some people believe that, like generic aspirin and other OTC drugs, if a supplement contains the core prescribed ingredient (magnesium, calcium, vitamin B, C, D, turmeric), that’s all you need. So why not buy it on Amazon, Costco or Walgreen’s based on price and convenience?
Sadly, you get what you pay for with supplements, just like any other category. As with food, clothes, cars and homes, there’s a luxury tier, a middle tier, and a cheap tier. And while we can’t all afford to be at the tippy-top of everything, “good enough” or cheap is probably not the best bet when it comes to what you’re ingesting daily!
Here are some things worth considering while evaluating supplements:
- Co-factors: Complementary nutrients that allow biochemical reactions and optimal effectiveness. No single nutrient is going to make us healthy. They work together, synergistically, to keep our systems functioning. For example, Vitamin D3 requires Vitamin K2 to support healthy bones. K2 ensures that calcium is deposited in the bones vs. the arteries.
- Form: Bio-availability is key to absorption. Especially for those with compromised gut health (which includes almost everyone), liquid tinctures are sometimes better than capsules or tablets.
- Dosage: Therapeutic doses can help cure health problems, while maintenance doses are more appropriate for ongoing maintenance of healthy systems.
- Source: As with food, source matters. Some vitamins contain a lot of cheap, synthetic ingredients.
- Manufacturing practices are also very important. For example, too much heat can degrade heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamins A, B and C and carotenoids. It can also melt the gelatin shell, exposing the ingredients to air and accelerating degradation through oxidation.
- Additives: Fillers are used to bulk up supplements when there isn’t enough of the active ingredient to fill the capsule. Binders hold ingredients together. Anti-caking agents prevent ingredients from sticking together, coatings protect supplements from moisture or heat. Preservatives prevent spoilage. Some of these ingredients are safe, others are toxic. But all of them can affect absorption.
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that mass-marketed supplements are not going to offer the ideal on all of these fronts. Big brands cut corners to remain profitable. Their manufacturers are not necessarily health care professionals. And their safety and efficacy is not guaranteed.
Amazon has faced several lawsuits related to product integrity. Storage methods, co-mingled inventory, freshness, undeclared, inactive or poisonous ingredients, stolen and expired products are some of the potential pitfalls you face when buying on this platform. This is true for both Amazon brands, and some of the name brands they sell. Learn more here. And here. And here.
Costco has some strict quality standards and often does third-party testing for potency and purity. But like Walgreens and other drug store chains, their business model is about providing value and convenience to a very broad public. They offer general wellness formulas that cover basic nutritional needs. And for many, this is truly adequate. But professional supplements offer so much more.
Brands that are made and sold by healthcare professionals have significant advantages. Higher potency, medical-grade supplements are manufactured to the same stringent standards as pharmaceutical drugs. They often contain higher concentrations and more bioavailable forms of nutrients that are easier for the body to absorb and utilize. They offer the right cofactors for maximum effect, e.g., Vitamin D with tocopherols (Vitamin E), which can lead to a greater reduction in cardiovascular risk factors compared to using Vitamin D alone. And finally, they contain fewer fillers and allergens (like gluten or soy), which minimizes side effects.
So where do you find these superior supplements at a reasonable cost? Fullscript. It’s the number one source for progressive health care practitioners. It is seen as a leading edge curator of the highest quality supplements available. And Therapeutic Foodie offers access to these supplements at a discount. Get my free Quality Supplements Guide to learn more OR simply sign up here.
DISCLAIMER/SCOPE OF PRACTICE
As a holistic nutrition professional, I am not a licensed health care practitioner, and adhere to a strict legal scope of practice. I do not diagnose, treat, heal, prescribe, manage or cure any disease states. But I am able to provide educational information and access to higher quality, research-supported supplements.
Some supplements are contraindicated based on individual health conditions and medication protocols. Dosing may vary by individual as well. So it’s important to check with your doctor or do your own research before selecting supplements.
Fullscript provides a detailed description of each product listed, which will include a lot of good information and some contraindications. But please understand that Therapeutic Foodie can’t be responsible for any ill-effects that occur as a result of using these products. By signing up for a Fullscript account, you are acknowledging agreement to these terms.
