In truth, you’ve noticed some changes in the past year. Your hair seems dryer and a bit thinner. In addition, you’re more tired than you used to be. Plus, you’ve had three different viral illnesses that have caused you to miss work.
A close friend swears by a little secret. Vitamins. She says they make her feel 10 years younger.
You decide to do the same, wanting to add supplements to your routine. But research reveals hundreds of different types of vitamins. They all promise different results. So many, in fact, that you’re not even sure where to start.
Sound familiar?
If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of vitamins on the market, you’re not alone. Vitamin shopping is confusing. That’s why you need to know a few insider secrets when it comes to looking for supplements.
Here are four things to consider when it comes to shopping for that perfect vitamin find. While we can’t tell you exactly which vitamin will be the perfect fit for you, we can help you to make an educated choice.
1. Know which vitamins may cause interactions with medications you take on a regular basis.
When we think of supplements, we think of “all- natural” products promoting health and wellness. However, natural doesn’t always equal safe. In truth, supplements can interact with medications that you’re taking. This can be dangerous-and at times deadly.
So just what are the most common culprits when it comes to supplement/medication interactions?
According to Drugwatch, there are four ingredients found in some supplements that can cause a reaction when mixed with both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Those are: St. John’s wort, vitamin E, ginseng, and Gingko biloba.
St. John’s wort is a supplement used in the treatment of depression. However, when mixed with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the combination can lead to something called serotonin syndrome. This means that too much serotonin is building up in the body. SSRI medications include: Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and Sertraline (Zoloft).
Another element of supplements that can cause a reaction with medications is vitamin E. Vitamin E is a vitamin commonly found in multivitamins. And mixed with the wrong medications, it can be dangerous.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a number of interactions can occur with vitamin E and medications. To begin, vitamin E can compromise the absorption of certain psychiatric medications including: a tricyclic medication called desimpramine and an antipsychotic medication called chlorpromazine. In addition, it can compromise the absorption of a beta-blocker called propranolol. It can also increase the risk of bleeding with the blood thinner warfarin.
Asian ginseng may also cause interactions with medications. Ginseng can interfere with blood pressure medications and blood-thinning medications (even OTC medications like aspirin). In addition, it has been known to interact with caffeine in that it can increase the stimulant effects. Further, it can interact with an antidepressant called phenelzine and create a manic effect. Finally, it can negate the effects of morphine.
Ginkgo biloba is another supplement that can cause interactions. This supplement can lower blood sugar levels, making it dangerous for those with diabetes. In addition, it can add to the risk of bleeding with blood thinners. It can even interact with certain foods, causing dangerously high blood pressure.
If you’re looking for supplements and you take medications, the first place to start is with your pharmacist. Find out which elements of supplements can interact with medications you’re taking. Don’t put this off.
And when you do find a supplement that you want to take, show it to your pharmacist in person to rule out any interactions. If it’s a supplement that you order online or through a distributor, obtain a list of ingredients and take it into the pharmacy before placing an order.
2. Search for a brand of supplements with USP Verification
One would assume that vitamins are naturally regulated by the government. However, that’s not necessarily the case. This means you need to be wary of just what you buy in the way of supplements.
According to Drs. Oz and Roizen, vitamins aren’t regulated in the same way prescription medications are. In fact, they don’t need approval from the FDA prior to being sold.
Scary thing, right?
To make sure you’re really getting what’s on the label, it helps to have scientific proof. Drs. Oz and Roizen suggest looking for the seal of approval from the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention. This is a scientific, nonprofit organization that sets standards for the industry. This organization tests products and then delivers a “USP verified” mark to products it approves. To find out which supplements have been tested, visit usp.org.
In addition, it can be helpful to ask doctors what brands they recommend. For example, The Dr. Oz show is sponsored by Usana. Oz didn’t endorse products for years. However, he was so impressed by the integrity of this supplement company that he gave them the thumbs up.
3. Know if you’re a good match for supplements.
According to WebMD, not all people are a match for all supplements. For example, those who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should stick with prenatal vitamins designated for this condition.
This means you need to tell your doctor what you’re planning to take. If you’ve got a scheduled surgery coming up, don’t start taking vitamins without talking to healthcare providers first. (Some ingredients could increase your risk of uncontrolled bleeding, putting your life at risk.) In addition, if you have cancer, talk to a doctor before taking supplements to make sure these don’t interfere with treatment or increase your cancer risk in general.
4. Stay within safe limits of recommended daily allowances.
Sometimes, more isn’t merrier. And this greatly concerns healthcare professionals when it comes to megavitamins.
Take simple vitamin C, for example. The recommended amount of vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams per day, with a ceiling amount of 2,000 mg per day, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While it would seem that taking more vitamin C would be a healthy thing, it’s not. In fact, too much vitamin C in a supplement can cause: stomach upset, heartburn, bloating, headache, trouble sleeping, and even kidney stones.
So know the recommended amount of vitamins that are in supplements you plan to take. To find out, you can visit the website of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements.