If you’re considering taking a daily supplement to meet your nutritional goals, you’re not alone. According to the American Osteopathic Association, 86% of Americans take daily vitamins or supplements, but only 51% do so under the direction of a health care provider.
As many as 22% take a supplement at the suggestion of a friend or family member. The problem is, the supplements that work for your friends might be the right ones for you 一 and vice versa.
That’s why Anita Petruzzelli, MD, at BodyLogicMD in Glastonbury, Connecticut, uses the SpectraCell micronutrient test to curate customized pill packs and supplements designed to help you reach your health goals.
In this blog, Dr. Petruzzelli shares five things you should know about vitamins and supplements.
When you think of vitamins, do you imagine a chewable tablet or a big gel capsule? Vitamins and supplements can be taken orally as a pill, chewable tablet, gel capsule, or even as a liquid. For example, vitamin D is typically offered as a liquid, while vitamin C is readily available as pills, chewable tablets, and dissolvable powders.
Just as there are many methods of delivery, there are also many types of supplements. Supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and enzymes.
Although the goal of taking vitamins and supplements is to support your health, some products contain less-than-ideal ingredients, such as artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers. Because not all vitamins or supplements are created equally, it’s important to read the labels for any unwanted ingredients.
Here at BodyLogicMD, we only offer the highest quality brands, including Metagenics®, Ortho Molecular Products®, Thorne®, and XYMOGEN®. Thorne, for example, shares their list of “no-no” ingredients that will never make it into their products. This includes artificial sweeteners, benzoic acid, high fructose corn syrup, gluten, common allergens (like eggs), and BHT.
While people all require the same nutrients and vitamins to function properly, the amount each person needs can vary quite a bit. Your nutritional needs are shaped by the following:
This means that even if your friend swears by her vitamin regimen, it might not give you the same benefits. The SpectraCell micronutrient test plays a big role in making sure you receive the right vitamins for you.
Each test scientifically assesses your dietary deficiencies with a simple blood test that measures 31 nutritional components, including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, glutathione, biotin, and folate.
Vitamins and supplements 一 even if they’re high quality 一 aren’t designed to replace a healthy, nutrient-dense diet. Supplements should bridge the gap between what nutrients you get from your food and what your body actually needs.
A nutritional supplement regimen might serve you well for years, but you may find that over time, your nutritional needs change 一 and so will your supplement routine. For example, postmenopausal women require adequate calcium and vitamin D to offset the increased risk of osteoporosis associated with menopause.
While you can consume calcium from dark leafy greens, salmon (with the bones and skin), and fortified dairy products, some women may benefit from a supplement as well. The SpectraCell micronutrient test can confirm both calcium and vitamin D.
Are you interested in high-quality vitamins and supplements but don’t know where to start? We’re just a call or click away. During your consultation, Dr. Petruzzelli reviews your overall health needs, cross-checks your current medications with your supplement list, and answers all your questions. To get started, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
