Frequently Asked Questions

Are Supplements Safe?

Compared to pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements can be considered safe, even in the worst-case scenario. It is always good to ask information regarding the safety use of supplements from the company where you are buying from. Then review the safety recommendations and cautions for each supplement you are considering.

How Do Supplements Interact with the Drugs I am Taking?

It is always good to ask your physician for possible interaction of a supplement with the drug you are taking. You may also do your own research, and in most cases, if a supplement caused a side effect, you can discontinue the use of the suspected supplement and talk with your health care provider.

When Is the Best Time to Take Supplements?

Each supplement will vary as to when it should be taken. Some will be better to take with a meal or before a meal. I have taken a supplement that is best taken after a physical activity. Obviously, energy and mental focus supplements are best taken in the early part of the day, and not before bedtime. The important thing is taking supplements regularly on a daily basis to be able to obtain long-term benefits in preventing diseases and promoting longevity.

How Long Should I Take Vitamins?

This can vary from one person or another. If you are like how majority of the population is, the need for supplements can span a long period of time. If you eat a healthy diet, you may not need as many supplements, except if you are under stress, traveling and unable to stick to a healthy diet. If you are working and your days are pretty fast-paced, you can always be grabbing for convenient junk food, which means you are not getting sufficient daily requirement of nutrients.

Who Is Likely Candidate for Supplements?

Supplementation might be necessary for those who diet, have irregular eating habits, skip meals, or choose poorly from the wealth of food selections available. Women are at particular risk for nutrient deficiencies if they are menstruating, on low-calorie diets, pregnant, breast-feeding, or if they are seniors or are chronically-ill.

If you also abuse alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, or you are on long-term medications, are under stress, or who have poor eating habits, then supplementation is essential. People who are also vegetarians and strict food faddists are at a particular risk for developing nutrient deficiencies unless a well-balanced supplement fills those nutritional gaps of the sub-optimal diets.

How Effective Are Supplements? Is There Any Scientific Proof That They Work?

There have been clinical and scientific studies that have reported credibility to the therapeutic use of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. But it should also be your own personal experience that can prove whether a supplement works or not, since every person can react differently to a substance, just like food. It’s all about exploring healthy ways to prevent illness or to find solution to symptoms.

How Much Do I Take?

Read the recommended dosage and adjust accordingly, based on age, weight, and present condition. You may also ask your health service provider what will be best, given your condition. Children with a good diet generally do not need supplements. Always check with the doctor first if you are also thinking about giving supplements to an infant or to very young children.

How I Do I Judge the Quality of Ingredients?

You may want to call the manufacturer directly to get this information. Most MLM companies that offer health and wellness products normally will have high quality ingredients as they eliminate the cost of traditional advertising, so they spend more in providing high quality products.

What Manufacturing Guidelines Do Supplement Companies Follow?

Supplement manufacturers are bound by the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which are written guidelines that food manufacturers use to help ensure consistency of quality, purity, identity, efficacy, and safety of their products.

How Do I Pick The Best Brands?

Here are some key points in choosing the best brands, as noted in “Vitamins for Dummies”: Don’t choose a product on price alone: Remember, you get what you pay for, so buying the cheapest products will likely be just that – cheap.

Get information about the products you take: Read the brochures from the companies whose supplements you selected. You may also call the manufacturer directly and speak with a Representative to educate yourself with the products.

Don’t be too influenced by advertising: Big advertising on products do not necessarily equate to better products, as some local companies with no advertising budget have products that are just as good. Also, it should be noted that MLM companies do not advertise as they utilize the power of word-of-mouth advertising, so their products are much more superior than comparable products in the market.