What Supplements Should I Take?

Confused about supplements? You’re not alone! With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. The goal of this guide is to help you make safe, effective choices for your health (and your wallet!).

Not All Supplements Are Safe

Not all supplements are created equal. Many on the market are mislabeled, contaminated, or ineffective. Surprisingly, the FDA doesn’t evaluate supplements before they hit the shelves. Instead, it’s on the manufacturers to follow guidelines – and the FDA can intervene afterwards if necessary. Just because something is on the shelf, does not mean that it is guaranteed to be safe or effective. For example, in 2019, a study tested 272 supplements and found that more than half were mislabeled. Also in 2019, the FDA seized 300,000 supplements for containing lead.

It is on us to make smart choices regarding supplements. To protect yourself, look for third-party testing certifications to ensure safety and quality.

Third Party Testing is Crucial

Third-party tested supplements, like those with NSF certification, are verified to be free from contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, and pesticides. If you’re an athlete, “NSF Certified for Sport” also checks for banned substances. These certifications guarantee you’re getting what’s on the label—nothing more, nothing less.

Personalized Supplement Recommendations

Everyone’s needs are different. Taking the wrong supplements—or the wrong amounts—can be wasteful or even harmful. That’s why testing your body’s levels is key. At Nutrition Connection Balance, we offer easy at-home tests for:

• Mental Health markers (neurotransmitters)
• Omega-3s
• Heavy metals and toxins
• Genetic testing (DNA)
• Hormones
• And more!

Our experts analyze your results and recommend exactly what you need. Plus, all supplements we recommend are handpicked for quality and effectiveness.

Where to Start: The Nutrition Foundation

Not sure where to begin? Start with these essentials:

1. Vitamin D3: Supports bone health, muscle function, and mental health. Low levels can increase cancer risk, but too much can be toxic – testing ensures the right dose.
2. Omega-3s: Reduce inflammation, may lower triglycerides and reduce blood pressure, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, and boost brain function. Like Vitamin D3, too much can have negative effects – excessive omega 3’s may reduce immune system function. Testing helps you find the perfect balance.
3. Juice Plus Capsules: These are concentrated fruit and vegetable powders, packed with antioxidants to support immune function, gut health, and more. This makes it easy to get the benefits of fruits and vegetables every day, which is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Plus, they’re NSF-certified and backed by more than 40 medical studies. For more information on Juice Plus, click here.

Testing Is Worth It

Our at-home tests make it easy to measure your levels, and our tailored recommendations help you achieve the best health outcomes. Ready to get started? Reach out to us or visit our Clinic page to read more about what test is best for you!