How to choose your supplements?

With the multitude of different types of supplements available on the shelves, it’s an understatement to say that we’re overwhelmed. From choosing the right type to complement our diets to figuring out which ones are better in delivering said nutritional benefits, the confusion runs deep.

To answer our queries and shed light on the need to understand what the dietary supplements are meant for, Chua Kay Tse, Naturopath Health Educator and Training Manager Singapore, for Blackmores gave us her two cents worth in the world of pills.

What is a dietary supplement?

Dietary supplements, in terms of western supplementation, has arisen from an amalgamation of Naturopathic philosophy and medical science. Naturopathic medicine is a health orientated system of care that aims to support health and well-being of the individual on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. These dietary supplements generally combine vitamins, minerals, nutritional substances and herbal remedies.

How do we know we are taking good quality supplements?

Always purchase supplements from reputable supplement brands who support constant high standards of raw material sourcing, product manufacturing, testing of product efficacy and quality control, making sure that all sources of raw material and ingredients are rigorously scientifically tested. In countries such as Australia, complementary medicines are highly regulated to a pharmaceutical standard, so the quality can be assured.

Some important points to consider are:

– The supplement company must be able to assure that each ingredient of their product complies with a list of agreed quality criteria which is confirmed by both the raw material manufacturer and the product manufacturer.

– Measures taken to ensure that the supplement products retain their efficacy for the allocated shelf life at typical consumer storage conditions.

– The formulation of the supplement product are designed and prescribed after consideration of evidence from medical research and traditional indications to achieve a high level of efficacy and quality for the benefit of the consumer.

– An efficient product helpline for answering of product enquiry in assurance of quality and efficacy.

What are some common misconceptions about taking supplements?

The most common misconception about taking supplements is that it can replace a good wholesome diet. It is true that many vitamins or nutrients are more bioavailable in a supplement form than from foods, as cell inclusion and food matrix frequently reduces bioavailability. However, vitamins in foods are accompanied by other natural isomers of vitamins and a multitude of other beneficial nutrients that cannot be fitted into a small supplement. Therefore the importance of a healthy diet should never be overlooked.

Are taking too many supplements bad for one’s health?

Supplements are concentrated nutrients that assist the body in replenishing the nutrients that are lacking in order to bring it back to a balanced state of health. Mindlessly taking supplements without first understanding one’s body, the strength and weakness (vitality) of the body’s organs and its current requirement (state of health, life stages) can cause adverse effect on one’s health. Different organs requires different nutrients in different concentrations to function well so getting expert advice from qualified holistic healthcare professionals and naturopaths who empower clients with tailor-made health information on various nutrients requirements, dietary and supplementation advice will be beneficial.

Tarandip Kaur