6 Tips to Help You Identify High-Quality Supplements


No matter how clean we eat and how we try and protect ourselves from environmental toxins, I’m a firm believer our bodies need support in the form of supplements.

I’m also a firm believer that not all supplements are created equal.

Statista estimates that by 2024 the dietary supplements market is projected to generate around 57 billion dollars. With so many companies vying for our supplement dollars—and so much slick marketing out there—how can you be sure what you’re buying is actually high-quality supplements that will contribute to your long-term health?

Here are 6 tips to help you identify trusted, high-quality products:

  1. Read labels. Carefully read all labels, particularly the list of ingredients in the Supplement Facts box. Most holisticnursingquality supplements will tell you the source of the ingredients in parenthesis, which can help you determine if this is a good choice or not. For example, if I see “Calcium (oyster shell),” I know this is a very cheap, over-the-counter calcium product that won’t do any good. The reason? The body cannot breakdown shells. Always do your research to find out what the ingredient is, what it does, and where it is from. “Google” it. Call the supplement company. Or give me a call.
  2. Investigate claims. Some of the claims that supplement companies make are, well, tough to swallow. While the FDA does not allow supplement makers to make claims that their products can treat, diagnose, prevent, and/or cure disease, it does allow claims that the product can affect the body’s structure, function, nutritional status, and general health and wellbeing. Know this: If a claim is made, the product maker must have proof to support the claim.
  3. Check out the company. Most professional supplement companies have been in business well before supplements became all the rage. For example, Standard Process was founded in 1929; Biotics Research in 1975; and Emerson Ecologics in 1980. These are all companies whose high-quality products I recommend to my clients.
  4. Pay attention to cautions and warnings. I appreciate when a company includes cautions and warnings on its labels. Why? Because it tells me the company actually understands their ingredients and the impact they can have on the body. Such labeling keeps products out of the hands of people who should not be using them.
  5. Note the source. Do not buy any supplements that have ingredients that are sourced from outside of the United States.
  6. Consult a professional. Reputable companies only sell to healthcare professionals and highly recommend an exam to determine your needs. Yes, this will cost you money, but it will save you money in the long run. You’ll only be buying supplements your body needs, not wasting money on ineffective—and potentially dangerous—products

Let’s Talk

Even with these tips, it can be very confusing to determine which supplements are of the highest quality and most ideal for you. That’s why I recommend a one-on-one session with me. To schedule, please email me at terri@yourhealinginsights.com or call me at 319-631-0824.

Great News

I’ve recently made a change in my office that I’m excited to share with you! Through the Wellevate program, you can now buy Emerson Ecologics products directly from the company online at your leisure through my website. I’ve been using Emerson products for my clients since 1994. For orders over $49, shipping is free! Visit my website to learn more.

(Note: You can only order Biotics and Standard Process through my office or through your personal patient account.)

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