5 Things You Should Know About the Supplements You're Taking

You look at your bathroom cabinet and wonder if any of the supplements sitting on the shelf are worth the investment. After all, it seems like every day a new supplement is touted as a cure-all.

With so much conflicting information, how can you be sure your money is well-spent and that you’re not putting yourself at risk? To help, we asked our specialist at Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center, Dr. Pompeyo Chavez, to share five things you should know about the supplements you’re taking.

1. Learn about the supplement’s bioavailability

When choosing supplements, consider bioavailability. This term refers to how well a substance is absorbed and utilized by your body. You could be taking a supplement with beneficial properties, well studied in clinical trials, but if your body can’t absorb it properly, it might be ineffective.

Take curcumin, for example. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-aging properties, but hardly any of it is absorbed by the body, making it unable to deliver the benefits you’ve been hoping for. Fortunately, curcumin absorption is significantly boosted when taken with black pepper.

2. Look for fillers

Many supplements on the market contain fillers or additives that can dilute the effectiveness of the active ingredients or be harmful to people with certain sensitivities. Check the label for common fillers like magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, or artificial colors. While some of these are harmless, others could potentially cause or worsen certain conditions.

For example, certain artificial colors are known to worsen ADHD symptoms in children.

3. Look for third-party testing

Did you know that supplements are largely unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? While the FDA requires manufacturers to be truthful about the ingredients and health claims they make, the authorities don’t test the supplements to see if they are safe or even contain the listed ingredients before they hit the market.

Third-party testing for purity and accuracy can help you avoid buying products that don’t contain the advertised active ingredients.

4. Be aware of possible interactions

While one concern about supplements is that they might not do much at all, when combined with other supplements or medications, some may increase each other’s bioavailability and cause side effects.

For example, many over-the-counter supplements meant to aid with insomnia or anxiety, when combined, can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and low libido.

5. Ask your doctor about the supplements you're taking before any surgical interventions

Certain supplements are generally well-tolerated and beneficial but may pose some risks if you undergo surgery. Omega-3 supplements, which are otherwise considered low risk for side effects, may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery because they act as blood thinners.

When undergoing any surgical intervention, let your medical provider know about all the supplements and medications you are taking.

Supplement your vitamins and minerals the right way

For maximum effectiveness, it’s best to take supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional. One option is infusion therapy, which delivers vitamins, minerals, and nutrients directly into your bloodstream. This method bypasses the digestive system, ensuring higher absorption rates.

In addition, a tailored regimen created by a medical provider ensures there are no harmful interactions between the supplements you are taking. If you want real results from your supplements, contact us to schedule an appointment and get a personalized plan that's safe, effective, and easily absorbed by your body.