Many of us take some sort of supplement whether it’s basic vitamins like B, D, fish oil, or some sort of supplement like something for weight loss, etc. We have to begin taking a deeper look and asking ourselves why? Was it because a doctor told you? Who is that doctor, is he/she reputable? Maybe it was it a friend or did you read the latest study in the press? Then you have to ask who funded the study? And before you know it, you’re into a deep rabbit hole of the 35 Billion dollar supplements industry.
Recently, there was a paper published in JAMA Network Open that showed even the FDA, who learned that 746 supplements included adulterated ingredients from 2007-2016, did not take the next step and force the manufacturers to recall their products. Wait, what? That’s right, the governmental organization that’s supposed to be protecting our health could possibly be doing the exact opposite.
According to the study, certain supplements included unapproved or recalled medications including Viagra and unapproved antidepressants. Obviously this is a big issue, but before we get into the reasons why there needs to be an army of whistle blowers in the supplements industry, I’m going to ask you to attack the situation from an individual perspective.
Here are a few things you can do if you currently take vitamins and supplements or think you should.
Find Your Baseline
First, take a basic self-assessment test. Ask yourself how you feel and why you’re taking the supplement? If you don’t feel like you need it and you’re taking it because it’s been in the news or all your friends are taking it, please take a moment to look a little deeper. Your life could depend on it. Most of our vitamins and minerals will come from the foods we eat. Yes, there may be some deficiencies, but make sure you get tested before you start taking loads of pills.
Know Your True Levels
Second, know your numbers. There is no reason to take supplements if you don’t need them. You’re not going to drink water if you’re not thirsty. You can, but it’s unnecessary. Similarly, if your levels of Vitamin B, D, etc. are all fine, then there is no reason to take supplements. How do you find out what your levels are? I use something called Inside Tracker. With their Ultimate plan, you’ll get 42 different blood tests along with nutrition recommendations. You can also purchase their DIY plan and plug in all your old lab work. I highly recommend it.
Do Your Research
Finally, do your research. There are a few independent websites that will help you understand if what you’re taking is actually what you think you’re taking. ConsumerLab.com is a well respected resource that regularly tests products on the market. There is a small fee, but also a free trial period. WebMD also has a page which gives you a few suggestions.
The bottom line is that we’re being marketed to all the time and if that marketing didn’t work those companies wouldn’t do it. Be careful of taking something just because you read a study or watched a compelling commercial. Be your own advocate for your health. And as always, if you have questions, let me know. @teddymcdonald.
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/@sinigersky
Originally published on the author’s website.