Share This Article

Assistance in the Vitamin Aisle

Think cost-effective. Dietary supplements are expensive, so if you find your wallet is getting thin, invest in a professional opinion before you make another trip to the health food store. A nutrition consultation typically costs between $50 and $100—the same amount of money that many consumers usually spend per month on dietary supplements. 

Quality does matter. Lower cost, “value-priced” dietary supplements may contain fillers, additives and coal tars that can cause stomach upset or allergic reactions. The purity of the product is one of the most important characteristics of a reputable vitamin brand and something you can readily check by contacting the manufacturer and asking for independent testing results. Be aware of companies that supply internal graphs or charts on their products that could be construed as evidence-based research.

Be respectful of your loved one’s decision to take nutritional supplements. Even if you don’t agree, reduce a potential stressful situation by gently encouraging them to seek professional guidance about their supplement choices. On the other hand, listen to and respect your loved one’s wishes not to take dietary supplements, even if you think they should.

The vitamin aisle should be no place for confusion! Use the above strategies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements so that you can feel confident that you are making responsible nutrition supplement decisions on behalf of your loved one.

Dr. Kim Dalzell is a nationally recognized expert on holistic nutrition, professional speaker, registered dietitian and award-winning author. For additional nutrition information, please visit her website at challengecancer.com.

Printable Version