In an ideal world, you get all the nutrients you require from the meals you take. However, the world is not perfect. Poor diets, stress, scarcity of fresh foods are some of the reasons why people are not meeting their daily requirements for essential minerals and vitamins. Some of the common vitamin and mineral deficiencies include vitamin A, D, iron, sodium and Iodine. Statistics show that about 30% of the general population is at risk of iodine deficiency.
Nutritional supplements are a practical way to ensure you get all nutrients for optimum health. You can promote total body wellness by creating a complete nutrition system. But how do you decide on which nutritional products to take? Check out five tips to keep in mind when using dietary supplements.
Independent Testing and Certification
Testing is one of the most authentic ways to determine that the nutritional supplements contain all ingredients as presented on the product label. Third-party testing and certification agencies can verify the information presented about your fruit and vegetable supplements.
Look out for seals from organizations such as NSF International, ConsumerLab and U.S Pharmacopeia. It may indicate that the products have been tested for quality and purity by an independent entity. The agencies also ensure the nutritional supplements are produced in GMP-compliant facilities.
Quality Ingredients and Sources
You may need to polish up on your label-reading skills. Pay close attention to the ingredients listed. Also try and do some research on the manufacturer sourcing information. Low-quality ingredients can result in ineffective products that are poorly absorbed. The manufacturer should have reputable sourcing partners that provide natural-occurring, non-GMO, whole food raw materials. The all-natural energy supplement should contain core elements that support and maintain optimum health.
Transparency
A 2018 Consumer survey report released by the Council for Responsible Nutrition shows that over 75% of Americans take nutritional supplements. The increasing consumer trust for dietary supplements coincides with the drive for transparency in bottle labels. Your protein powder label should contain a list of all active and inactive ingredients, listed in decreasing concentration. The label should also provide bioavailability information certified by third party agencies. You ought to be wary of "proprietary blend" tags that may not indicate the concentrations of the minerals you are taking. This information prevents you from exceeding the tolerable limits of any mineral or vitamin.
Science-based Nutrition
The manufacturer should produce nutritional supplements with evidence-based formulations. Research and clinical trials involving nutritional products are carried out daily to determine their use and benefit to overall human health. Determine if the manufacturer conducted any research to determine the nutritional value of their probiotic supplement. The quantity and form of each ingredient are essential. Some forms of nutrients are better absorbed than others. Let the benefits be evidence-based with a certificate of authenticity whenever possible.
Reviews and Recommendations
Another way to find suitable products is to look at customer reviews about the supplements. Head over to the vendor or manufacturer's website and see the effects the nutritional supplements had on the users. It's always an excellent idea to start with a doctor's or nutritionist advice on the right dietary supplement plan for you.
As a savvy consumer, you need to ensure that the nutritional supplements you purchase are safe and beneficial. Buy supplements that have been independently tested and verified. Research the ingredients on the exact product label to know what you are putting into your body.