Introduction
When it comes to vitamins, it’s important to know what to look for before you buy. Vitamins are essential for maintaining good health, but not all vitamins are created equal. Experts warn that it’s important to read labels and understand what you’re buying before you make a purchase. This article will provide an overview of what to look for when buying vitamins, so you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your purchase.
What to Look For Before Buying Vitamins, Warn Experts — Eat This Not That
When it comes to buying vitamins, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting the best quality product. Experts warn that not all vitamins are created equal, and some may even be dangerous if not taken properly.
The first thing to look for when buying vitamins is the label. Make sure the product is labeled with the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) seal, which indicates that the product has been tested and meets certain standards for quality, purity, and potency. Additionally, check the expiration date to make sure the product is still good.
It’s also important to read the ingredients list and make sure you understand what you’re taking. Some vitamins may contain ingredients that could interact with medications you’re taking or cause an allergic reaction. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
When it comes to dosage, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label. Taking too much of a vitamin can be dangerous, so it’s important to stick to the recommended dosage. Additionally, some vitamins can be toxic if taken in large doses, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.
Finally, it’s important to buy vitamins from a reputable source. Look for products that are made by a trusted manufacturer and sold in a reputable store. This will help ensure that you’re getting a quality product.
By doing your research and following these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the best quality vitamins for your needs. Remember, it’s always important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamins or supplements.
With thousands of vitamins and supplements on the market, choosing something that actually works (and won’t harm you) can be a minefield. “In the case of vitamins and supplements, I believe that you get what you pay for (or what you don’t pay for),” says Stacey Robinson, MD. “My patients are always telling me that they got this great 2-for-1 deal on multivitamins at the big-box discount store. Buying cheap vitamins for the most part is a colossal waste of money. Inexpensive vitamins contain the cheapest forms of each vitamin and a plethora of additives, preservatives, and sweeteners. It is ironic that most people who take vitamins do so because they want to be healthier. And yet, these vitamins are the equivalent of mass-produced, unhealthy processed foods, filled with synthetic ingredients and preservatives.” Here are five things to consider before buying vitamins, according to experts. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Be aware of potentially harmful additives in your vitamins. “If you are conscientious about your health, you probably read food labels and avoid eating foods that contain additives, preservatives, trans-fats, and sweeteners,” says Dr. Robinson. “Do your vitamins really need FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake (food coloring), hydrogenated palm oil (trans-fats), modified food starch (may contain MSG), talc (anti-caking agent), sucrose and maltodextrin (sugars)?”
Vitamins and supplements that have been third-party-tested (such as by NSF or the US Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplement Verification Program) are likely to be far better quality than those that haven’t been tested. Here are the three components of the NSF dietary supplements certification program:
- “Label claim review to certify that what’s on the label is in the bottle”
- “Toxicology review to certify product formulation (we don’t test for efficacy)”
- “Contaminant review to ensure the product contains no undeclared ingredients or unacceptable levels of contaminants”
The FDA has issued warnings over buying any supplements with variations of the names “Artri” or “Ortiga” on the label, as they might contain harmful drugs. “FDA has received adverse event reports, including of liver toxicity and death, associated with the use of Artri King products, since the agency issued its first warning about an Artri Ajo King product on January 5, 2022,” the agency says in a consumer warning.
Be wary of cheap vitamins, experts warn. “So is it worth spending more to get the higher quality? In my opinion, yes. There is no comparison,” says Dr. Robinson. “What is the cost difference? Centrum multivitamins run on average 10 cents per tablet. A pharmaceutical grade such as Xymogen Active Nutrients runs about 16 cents per capsule. Is it worth the 6 cent/day difference? In my opinion… absolutely. Pharmaceutical grade supplements can only be purchased through a licensed health care provider.
Even the best-quality vitamins cannot replace a healthy lifestyle, doctors say. “The evidence shows that a healthy diet and exercise are the best way to ward off disease; a vitamin cannot replace those benefits,” says Eric Rimm, associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. “Certain subgroups, including women of child-bearing age attempting to get pregnant, may need specific supplements, like folic acid and omega-3.”
Ferozan Mast