Question: Please tell us what to look for when choosing supplements.
I just read an article about not liking vegetables and that you think certain supplements can work and others won't. Can you please recommend one that works, and if not please tell us what to look for.
Brandon - About.com User
Answer: Here is what I look for when I buy dietary supplements:
- Expiration date. If the product doesn't have an expiration date, I have no idea how old it is and I want fresh supplements.
- Non-allergenic. The nutritional supplement formula should be free from corn, wheat and dairy which are common allergens.
- Non-toxic. Supplements like fish oil capsules need to be free of mercury.
- Organic ingredients. Nutritional supplements that contain herb or glandulars (which come from animals) should be organic and free of pesticides.
- The nutritional supplement should state that it has been tested to make sure that the product contains the amounts of nutrients that is stated on the label.
- Go to a health food store, nutritional supplement shop or to a health care provider if you need advice on which supplements to take. There are a wide variety of nutritional supplement formulations for men, women, children and seniors.
- See a health care provider, nutritionist or dietitian if you want to use supplements specifically for any health disorders or disease.
