Although a large portion of the population takes vitamin supplements, many people do not realize that vitamins alone do not match the nutritional value of a natural food diet. Most people can meet their nutritional requirements through food, according to Colorado State University Extension. Vitamin supplements may be advisable for people who eat poorly or have specific medical challenges, but the benefit of taking vitamins depends on the quality of the supplement. The Food and Drug Administration requires vitamin supplement labels to list the net contents, a complete list of ingredients and the recommended serving size and percent of daily value, based on a 2,000-calorie per day diet. Always consult with a health-care professional before taking vitamin supplements.
Step 1
Educate yourself about vitamins in general and the specific health benefit of each type. Learn the food source for each vitamin and the recommended daily value your body requires to maintain good health.
Step 2
Research and select two or three manufacturers. Contact each or visit their websites and look for information about their quality control and method for handling customer complaints or requests for refunds.
Step 3
Determine the source of the vitamin's ingredients. Vitamins can be produced from both synthetic and natural food sources. Confirm whether food-sourced vitamins are from an organic source.
Step 4
Read the labels carefully and determine whether the vitamin has added fillers or substances that may cause an allergic response or interfere with absorption.
Step 5
Review the manufacturer's website and examine the structure and depth of the information. Look for articles with up-to-date information written to educate, rather than sell to prospective customers.
Tips and Warnings
- Use caution when ranking vitamins based on cost or quantity only. Purchase your vitamins from a reputable manufacturer and avoid buying the least expensive brand.
- Vitamins should not be used as a substitute for eating whole foods.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamins
References
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Supplements: Nutrition in a Pill?
- SupplementQuality.com: Questions to Ask Suppliers About Their Products
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Overview of Dietary Supplements
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Tips For The Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions and Evaluating Information
- Colorado State University Extension: Food vs. Pills
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