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I once went to a seminar and heard a physician recommending that his patients take their vitamins from Wal-mart. You could hear the whole room take a collective gasp. Anyone who has done their research about supplements knows that the quality of the ingredients and the manner in which they are made is very important. Nothing against Wal-mart, but we all know that we go there for the deals. So why would the physician recommend his patients purchase their vitamins from Wal-mart?

Supplements are no better than the amount that you absorb into your system. That is why multivitamins get a bad rap sometimes. All nutrients are absorbed differently into your body. Fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, and E require dietary fat to be absorbed and stored into your system; while water soluble vitamins like B vitamins are absorbed in water and are not stored.

When taking them all at the same time, you might not be absorbing the recommended dosage. Proper intake of your vitamins would mean taking the fat soluble with a meal and water soluble without. But a long time ago, they discovered that humans have a hard time taking multiple pills at different times of the day. That means when you take that multivitamin, you are more than likely not getting the complete dosage stated on the bottle. Then why take the multivitamin?

You take the multivitamin to help maintain health, not to treat a condition. That is why when a physician recommends you take a Vitamin D supplement because your Vitamin D levels are low, they don't just put you on a multivitamin that includes Vitamin D. They recommend you take a separate pill. To treat a condition, you need to take a specific dosage and take it in manner that will be absorbed most efficiently.

When looking into supplementation, you should follow these basic guidelines:

1. 1. Product and brand reputation and reviews - The internet can be very helpful in this. Many websites offer reviews of products like www.vitacost.com. by actual customers. They can offer insight into taste, efficacy, and any side effects. Remember that these reviews are not checked for accuracy, so do not just take one website's word.
2. 2. Contact manufacturers - Dietary supplements are not regulated by a specific agency, such as the Food and Drug Administration. You will have to contact the manufacturer directly to ask about their procedures and where they get their products. Most companies will have this information on their website. Companies that sell directly to physicians such as Standard Process, Biotics Research, and others often offer webinars or health seminars that are either free or fee based to learn more about their products and how they are made.
3. 3. Consult your physician - there is a reason that they put that on the label. Even though supplements have few side effects they can still have interactions with other medicines. For example, many people take aloe vera as a laxative but it can affect your blood sugar. People with blood sugar issues should be advised and under supervision while taking this supplement. There is a great non-profit website http://medlineplus.gov/ that you can research supplements and their possible side effects and interactions.
4. 4. Compare prices - part of your research should include pricing. Many reputable companies offer the same high quality product so it is up to you to find the one that works for you and your budget. There is nothing wrong with saving money on your vitamins as long as you know what you’re saving money on.

Back to the Wal-mart enigma. Why would a physician recommend taking a product that might not have the highest grade product? Your body will absorb most of the product that you consume. If the product only contains 50% of the nutrient that you need, then isn’t it better than nothing, if you can not afford anything else. But I would not agree with this theory. If you are only taking 50% of the nutrient that you need, you are only getting 50% of the result. To get a better and faster acting result, you need to take 100% of the nutrient. Instead of spending $10 a month for 12 months to feel results, perhaps you can spend $20 a month for 3 months to see improvement. Taking supplements is all about investing in your future. You wouldn't make a decision about your retirement without doing research, so don't make the same mistake about your health.