A Deep Dive into the Basics of Supplements

As you walk the shelves of your local pharmacy, the amount of supplements can be incredibly overwhelming. As a pharmacist, questions about supplements are probably some of the most asked questions I hear daily. Which supplements are worth it? Does the brand make a difference? Do I really need all of these if I eat balanced and am healthy? If you have had these questions, you're in the right place! I’m here to discuss and clear the air!

Supplements can be a useful tool in achieving optimal health. Let’s be honest, most of our diets are not perfect and far from the ‘hunter/gatherer’ diets our ancestors had leading to several nutrient/vitamin depletions. Supplement selection should be tailored to the individual patient based on their individual needs. There are foundational supplements I recommend to all patients including magnesium, B-complex, CoQ10, Omega 3s. These are foundational for several reasons (stay tuned for future blog posts!). By working with your provider or pharmacist, you can learn more about the individual supplements that might be best for your needs.

As you walk the aisles of supplements, you will find the same supplement made by multiple companies. When it comes to selecting a brand, this is an individual choice. Brands like Pure Encapsulations, Metagenics, and Thorne offer not only pure, high-quality products but all the science behind their products. Many of these brands have done the research and testing to back their products. While other and often more affordable options are available, the testing and research is not available. We also have to think about additives and excipients that have been added as fillers. Sometimes these can be allergenic for certain patients. At this point, you're probably still wondering, which do I choose? I recommend to patients what is affordable for them while still being safe. I look for products that are USP verified. What does this mean? The USP (United States Pharmacopeia) is an organization that governs the safety and quality of all medications and dietary supplements. They set very strict guidelines for the compounding of medications and supplements to ensure safety of the consumer and the makers. If a supplement has been USP verified, it has passed rigorous quality and safety measures.

Supplement shopping can be challenging. Talk to your provider or pharmacist about your options and what is best for you!

Have you found the right supplements for you?

~Emily