In a perfect world, we would get all the nutrients we need from the foods we eat. Unfortunately, many of us don’t even come close. Most people don’t meet their daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals.1 That’s primarily because we eat a lot of processed foods, instead of getting our full servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Why Choosing the Right Supplements Matters
While eating real foods more often will help, many of them can be less nutritious than they should be thanks to depleted soils, farming and fertilization practices, the extended time it takes for our food to make it from farm to plate, and if we cook them rather than eating them in their raw form.
Supplements are a practical way to make sure we get the nutrients we need to help promote total-body wellness. But how do you know which supplements to take? And how can you tell if your supplement ingredients are of high quality? That’s exactly what we’re here to discuss. First, let’s talk about how to know which nutrients you need.
Top Factors to Evaluate Supplement Quality and Safety
When choosing dietary supplements to take every day, you want to know that you’re getting exactly what you expect—nothing more and nothing less. The quality of ingredients in supplements matter, as does where they come from and how they are manufactured. Here are a few things you should check for.
What to Look for in a Supplement
- Third-Party Testing and Certification: Look for seals of approval from respected, industry independent verification like NSF International and U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), which indicate that the product has been tested for quality and purity by someone other than the manufacturer.
- Ingredient Transparency and Labeling: Supplement labels should list all ingredients, both active and inactive. Avoid products from manufacturers that hide the ingredients in their proprietary blends.
- High Manufacturing Standards and Purity: Low-quality nutrients are poorly absorbed. Do some research and look for sourcing information, high-quality ingredients that are minimally processed, and steer clear of artificial or unnecessary additives. Look for a supplement manufacturer that has been Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) certified.
- Bioavailability and Ingredient Form: Look for ingredients and products with bioavailability information. Bioavailability indicates that an ingredient or product is effectively absorbed and utilized by your body. There are clinical studies and product tests to help ensure that formulas and ingredients work with the body as they are intended to.
- Balance Price with Quality: Choose products from a company that delivers the best quality supplements at the best price.
- Reputation & Recommendations: Check customer reviews and do your research to determine a supplement’s uses and benefits before deciding if it’s right for you. It’s a good idea to have a doctor or health care practitioner and a nutrition expert review your dietary supplement and self-care health plan, especially if you are thinking about trying something new.
Checklist for Choosing High-Quality Supplements
- Verified independent testing
- Transparent ingredient list
- GMP compliance
- No doses hidden behind proprietary blends
- Quality ingredients sourced only from trusted suppliers
- Reputable brand performance
With more than 60% of the average American’s daily calories coming from processed foods, it’s more important than ever for us to keep a close eye on our nutritional needs.2 Choose supplements that give you the right amounts of essential vitamins and other vital nutrients. And always read the labels on your supplements. Follow our guidelines above for selecting high-quality supplements, and research any ingredients you don’t recognize on labels so you’ll know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
Since 1969, Swanson has been simplifying wellness for people worldwide and remains committed to the safety of its customers. Swanson’s products reflect their commitment to quality and service, including a 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee. Every product you purchase is made from the purest, freshest nutrients and meets the highest quality standards. Swanson’s facilities are Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified, and include purity and potency testing from independent third-party labs. Swanson’s products are inspired by clinical research and backed by scientific consensus and certificates of authenticity. Each product is formulated to deliver the highest quality with the lowest environmental impact. You can learn more about Swanson’s quality and testing standards here.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About Dustin Moore, PhD, RD
Dustin Moore is a nutrition scientist, dietitian, and public health professional dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice. He holds a PhD in Public Health and is deeply invested in enhancing scientific communication to bridge the gap between the health sciences and the public.
Sources
1. Wallace, T., et al. J Am Coll Nutr. 2014;33(2):94-102. Read source
2. Park, A. You Won’t Believe How Much Processed Food Americans Eat. March 2016. Time. Read source
