Supplement Savvy: Shikha Gupta's Expert Advice for Making Informed Choices

Most people take supplements every day, but did you know that most might be using the wrong ones without even knowing it? Here are three common mistakes people make when they choose their supplements as highlighted by Nutritionist and dietician Shikha Gupta. Avoiding these could even be the difference between whether your supplement does its job or not.

1. Not Verifying Nutrients are Bioavailable

Bioavailability — this term describes how well your body can use a nutrient in the supplement. One example of this is that methyl folate is much more bioavailable than folic acid. If you fail to check if the nutrients found in your supplement are bioavailable, there is a good chance that you may not be getting maximum benefits.

2. Ignoring the Ingredient List

Make sure that you read the ingredients on your supplement. So, there is a lot to this final step that many people overlook, but it's important to ensure there are no harmful preservatives or bulking agents. For example: Some brands contain vegetable capsules and ascorbyl palmitate, which is a more absorbable form of Vitamin C so opting for ones with clean ingredients ensures you're not putting unnecessary chemicals into your body.

3. Forgetting About Certification for Quality Standards

When purchasing supplements, be sure they have the right certifications! These certifications confirm that the supplement meets specified quality standards. One of the most essential certifications is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), which is a standard that defines quality assurance by keeping to good manufacturing practices such as clean premises and detailing the production process. Without this certification, there is no guarantee that the supplement is safe or effective.

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Points to Remember Supplements are essential as a part of your health journey, but they should not be the only thing! Remember to select with caution and examine the bioavailability, read ingredient lists, and ensure proper certification. Avoid these mistakes and get the most out of your supplements.