How to Buy Supplements Wisely

I get questions all the time about which supplements are worth it. What I’ve learned — both personally and in clinical practice — is that only a handful of brands truly hold up to their quality claims. You see the difference right away in a clinical setting: better results, fewer unwanted reactions, and products that do what they say.

Over the past few years, lots of smaller companies have launched their own supplement lines. The first things I ask myself with any new brand are:

• Where are they sourcing their ingredients?

• What dosage is actually represented in these bottles?

• What is your medical background for formulation?

• What research supports your product?

The companies I recommend have been trusted in the integrative medicine space for years. They’re transparent about how and where they source ingredients, they aren’t “straight-to-consumer” brands focused on volume, and many back up their formulas with research or clinical trials. They prioritize quality over just selling quantity - and yes, their teams are composed of science and medical professionals.

So, before you get swept up by an ad or think you’ve found a cheaper deal (most times it isn’t cheaper at all), talk with a trusted health ally — a functional or integrative doctor who can guide you.

Bottom line: Quality matters. The right sourcing, storage, and testing protect you from contamination, inaccurate labels, or expired ingredients — and help you get the real benefits you’re looking for.