Nutritionist Sally Wisbey provides 7 tips for choosing right supplement

With so many supplements on the market, it can feel overwhelming when trying to choose the right one for you. Brand, cost and dosage can all play a part but why does it matter? See my tips below for on what to look for when choosing a quality supplement.

Sally Wisbey

1. Quality and efficiency

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, there are many different forms but not all brands use the same type in their supplements. Magnesium is a perfect example; this mineral can be sold in the form of magnesium chloride, sulphate, taurate and citrate to name a few.

Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom Salts can be a great constipation aid but needs to be taken with caution due to its laxative effect. Although it is a common form of magnesium, research has shown it is rapidly excreted via the kidneys and therefore difficult to assimilate. The effects of a magnesium bath last longer when using magnesium chloride over magnesium sulfate, due to the effects of magnesium chloride being easily assimilated and metabolised in the body.

For fast acting use, magnesium chloride is highly recommended as it has an impressive rate of absorption, making it the perfect form for BetterYou’s MagnesiumOil sprays, Flakes and Soaks. As it is absorbed through the skin, it bypasses the digestive system providing a fast and effective dose whilst giving the digestive system a break. A trial by Watkin & Josling showed that transdermal application of magnesium in the chloride form will raise magnesium levels within the body over a relatively short period of time and also demonstrated a beneficial effect in preventing calcium build up in body tissues meaning that the calcium could be correctly utilised.

Magnesium oxide is the most common form of magnesium sold in pharmacies yet its absorption rate is poor compared to the above.

The sourcing of supplement ingredients is another factor to be mindful of when choosing supplements. Do they come from a non-toxic environment? Are they sourced ethically? BetterYou only use the most soluble and pure natural source of magnesium. It is mined from Northern European from deposits of an ancient seabed known as the Zechstein Sea, which now sits over one mile below ground. Due to the depth and location of this ancient seabed it has been naturally filtered and condensed for over 250 million years and is completely protected from man-made pollutants.

2. Tried and tested

As a practitioner, when choosing supplement brands to work with, I will always ask what research has been done and what type of clinical trials the company has used to prove its efficiency. I also ask the company for information and copies of the trials and look to see if they batch test their products to check the contents on the label are really in the product. These are guidelines that are strictly followed at BetterYou for whom quality and assurance is a number one priority. All of BetterYou’s products are batch tested and if a product falls short on any test, it is not sold. Unfortunately, not all brands follow such stringent testing as BetterYou.

3. Dosage and formulas

This is an important factor to take into consideration when supplementing. More isn’t always better and depending on the supplement, it can make more sense to choose a supplement with a lower dose that can be taken several times a day so there is a better chance of it being absorbed.

The ease of application is also another factor to take into consideration. Swallowing capsules is not ideal for everyone especially those with digestive issues or insufficiencies for example, so buying supplements in oral sprays, liquids and other topical methods can be an easier option. This is why BetterYou’s transdermal magnesium and oral vitamin spray ranges are ideal for supplementing, not only due to the absorption but the ease of delivery.

4. Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs)

Always avoid anything that has been genetically modified, including your supplements.  Not only are GMO products bad for your health, they are not good for the environment and the community. They can require heavy use of toxic pesticides and herbicides including glyphosate which has been linked to many health conditions including cancer and digestive complaints.

BetterYou uses the highest quality ingredients in their supplements and adheres to strict standards to ensure there are no GMO ingredients.

5. Additives, colourings and artificial flavourings

Look for clean and pure products with no added sugars, colourings, additives or artificial flavourings.

Keep an eye out for allergens too such as gluten, dairy and soy as these can often be used in supplements.

6. Not tested on animals

Many people are unaware that animal testing can play a major role in the testing of supplements. Look for products that are tested on humans, not animals.

7. Cost

Supplements need to be affordable but cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better. Some cheaper brands do not use well researched ingredients which can mean their products are not as effective. Always do your research and take all of the above into consideration.

Choosing a supplement doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you follow these tips. By choosing a reputable company that uses top quality materials and has good ethical values, your body will reap the benefits and your mind will be at ease knowing that you are using a quality supplement.