How To Choose the Right Supplements for Your Needs

Supplements may benefit your health depending on your age and overall health. Understanding which supplements to take can sometimes be overwhelming. Plus, the cost of supplements can vary depending on where you purchase them.
Updated: May 21st, 2024
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Supplements are an easy way to add nutrients or a bunch of other compounds into your body. From individual minerals and vitamins all the way to a blend of herbs and nutrients, there are so many products out there to try.

However, it’s not always clear which supplements will work best for your needs --or whether you truly need to supplement your diet or not in the first place!

If the time comes to choose a specific type of supplement, you must consider a couple of major things. We’ve included these in this easy-to-follow guide.

Who Needs Supplements?

People of all ages and from all walks of life can take (and benefit from) supplements every now and then. Yet some groups of people are often seen taking supplements more than others. This includes the following:

  • Pregnant women
  • Older individuals 
  • Fitness and sports nutrition enthusiasts
  • Those with specific allergies

How To Choose the Right Supplements

There are a few key things you must do to choose the right kind of supplements. If you’re unsure of where to begin, don’t worry! We’ve included some steps for you to follow below.

Read the Ingredients Label

Like any other product you take, checking the ingredients label is crucial when taking any form of supplement. If your chosen supplements feature ingredients that you do not know or understand, do some research to figure out what their function or purpose is.

If you’re eyeing up a specific supplement that promises to build some muscle or burn fat, like Dr. Gundry MCT Wellness, it can sometimes be too good to be true. This is when it becomes crucial for you to do some additional research to determine whether the supplements are right for you.

If you have an existing allergy, reading the label can (literally) be the difference between life and death. Ensure you are thorough so that you do not put yourself in unnecessary danger.

Consider Your Age

Different people require different supplements to provide them with the necessary nutrients. The first step is understanding whether a supplement is the right course of action.

Children

Multivitamins are not a necessary part of life for healthy children experiencing “normal” growth. Instead, the foods they eat are often the most significant source of nutrients.

Making sure that children of all ages eat well-balanced meals and snacks regularly is crucial to ensuring they do not have any nutritional deficiencies and do not need to start taking supplements.

Young Adults

Again, provided a young adult is eating a well-balanced diet, it’s possible to get all the necessary nutrients through diet alone. These are essential to the everyday functioning of the body. If you’re in your early twenties or thirties, you may not need to take supplements but may choose to do so to increase your nutrient intake.

If this is the case, make sure to consult a doctor before you begin taking any supplements.

Adults 50+ 

People who fall into this category might need more vitamins and minerals than younger adults. This is because the need for such nutrients typically increases as the body ages. For example, supplements that provide a comprehensive range of nutrients, such as the Super Greens powder by Clinical Effects, can be beneficial for maintaining overall health and vitality. These types of supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support daily wellness.

This might include supplements for the following things:

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B12 
  • Calcium

Adults Aged 75+

If you reach the age of 75 or above, you will likely need to have a higher level of certain minerals and vitamins to even carry out the most basic of everyday tasks. 

It is also often impossible to reach these needs through diet alone, especially if your appetite begins to dwindle (as it often does during the aging process). Therefore, a doctor may recommend supplements to help you along the way. 

Think About the Long-Term Cost of the Supplements

Indeed, supplements can sometimes be pretty expensive. If you’re someone who requires supplements, it’s best to shop around to see if there is a price that best suits your current financial situation. This should be a sum you can easily afford in the long term.

Remember: supplements are only worth the investment if you remember to take them each day!

Summary

These are a few steps you can follow in choosing the right supplements. Provided you research and ensure that the supplements you’re planning to take will positively impact your well-being, you’re on the right track!

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