A multitude of vitamin brands claim to work better than the rest. A consumer can have a difficult time deciphering which supplement will be effective, safe, and the best buy. Vitamin labels reveal glorified health claims of curing every ail; however, you need to sort through the science and the hype. By following a few guidelines, you can safely make a sensible choice that best fits your needs.
Instructions
1. Examine the reason why you are purchasing a vitamin supplement. Your primary goal should be to obtain all the necessary nutrients you need from food, including vitamins and minerals. Always talk to your physician or a registered dietitian to decide if your diet is lacking nutrients or if you have a specific medical need for supplements. Inquire if a single vitamin supplement or a multivitamin would benefit you.
2. Scrutinize the supplement health claims on the label. Use common sense; ignore exaggerated health claims. No vitamin supplement can claim that it treats, prevents, or cures any disease or condition; this type of claim is illegal. If the health benefits sound too good to be true, then they most likely are. Terms like "natural" or "high-potency" have little meaning as neither term indicates safety or healthfulness of the product.
3. Investigate the supplement manufacturer. The supplement label should clearly state the company's contact information. Contact the manufacturer to question if the product is contaminant-free, if people have reported any adverse reactions, or if scientific information supports the health claims on the label. Research companies on the Internet. ConsumerLab.Com conducts independent testing on nutritional supplements while Quackwatch.com provides information on questionable health claims and products.
4. Compare the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) of vitamins to the amount the supplement provides on the "Supplement Facts" label on the package. Rarely does a medical condition demand more than 100 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). Consumption of fortified foods in combination with vitamin supplements may exceed the upper safety limits of certain vitamins. The body excretes nutrients it cannot use or store and excess nutrients may cause bodily harm.
5. Research vitamins and their health benefits from science-based sources such as universities, government, or reputable health organizations like the American Medical Association or American Dietetic Association. Commercial websites selling products put forth health information but often with skeptical evidence. Ensure the information you research is current.
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