When it comes to selecting a supplement, it's important to make sure you're getting the right dosage and quality for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, here are three tips to consider when choosing a supplement.
Read the Ingredients
The first step in choosing a supplement is to read the ingredients. Since 1938, Health Canada has been defining the nutrient needs of healthy people with dietary reference intakes (DRI). However, DRIs focus solely on preventing overt nutritional deficiencies in population groups and don't define the “optimal intake” for an individual.Therefore, it's important to read the ingredients and make sure you're getting the right dosage for your needs.
Check Quality Control
When selecting a fish oil supplement, quality control is essential to ensure that the product is free of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, pesticides, damaged fats (lipid peroxides) and other contaminants. For general health, the recommended dose is 1000 mg of EPA and DHA per day. For therapeutic purposes, such as reducing inflammation or reducing triglyceride levels, the recommended dose is usually 3000 mg of EPA and DHA per day.Consult Your Doctor
If you think your diet is lacking certain vitamins or minerals, your doctor may recommend a blood test to confirm this. This can help you determine if you need to take a supplement.Your doctor can also provide advice on which supplements are best for your individual needs. I hope these tips help you eliminate confusion and choose the right supplement. Remember to always read the ingredients and check quality control before making a purchase.
