Nutritional Supplements
Modern day life makes it nearly impossible to get the nutrients you need from what you eat. This means that supplementing your diet will be a fact of life for better aging and maximum health.
However, knowing that you need to supplement is not the same as knowing exactly what to take, and how much. Analysis paralysis can set in quickly when faced with the myriad options available.
Knowing where to get quality supplements presents another challenge. The media has been rife with news about manufacturers and retailers who sell supplements that don’t contain the ingredients promised, or that contain adulterated ingredients.
The Facts about Nutritional Supplements
- Supplements are not FDA-regulated. Products available from many sources (including drug stores and big box stores) are often missing key compounds. Similarly, they frequently contain adulterated ingredients and fillers, and are lacking in potency and purity.
- The only way to be sure of what you’re getting is to obtain supplements from a reputable source.
- Some nutrients should only be taken in conjunction with routine lab testing to ensure that dosage is appropriate. Vitamin D and iron are examples of two nutrients that you should not overdo.
Method of Treatment
As part of your better aging program, our team can provide supplement recommendations that will maximize your better aging efforts. Following are some examples:
Vitamins
Our clients are advised to start with a good multi-vitamin. Think of multi-vitamins as the foundation for nutritional supplementation.
Vitamins that may be recommended in amounts above and beyond what you’ll find in your multi-vitamin include vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, and the B vitamins.
Minerals
Just as you start with a multi-vitamin for vitamins, a good mineral complex is the best place to start for minerals. Multi-vitamins often contain minerals as well as vitamins, so it’s important not to double up.
Minerals that may be recommended in amounts above and beyond what you’ll find in your multi-vitamin include calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.
Other Must-Have Supplements
Comprehensive supplementation goes beyond vitamins and minerals. Other supplements that may be recommended include:
- EPA/DHA Omega-3 fatty acids
- CoQ10
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- DIM (diindolylmethane)
- Folate (folonic acid)
- Melatonin
- Probiotics
Remember, more is not necessarily better when it comes to supplementation, and everyone’s needs are a little different in terms of what they need to take, and how much. As with other healthy aging protocols, one size does not fit all, and a little guidance goes a long way.
If desired, we can check your nutrient levels via lab testing and provide you with a formal supplementation protocol. In addition to lab testing, we take into consideration factors such as: hair loss, weight gain, stress level, bone health, anemia, sleep habits, and anything else relevant in terms of medical history, diet, physical condition, and lifestyle. Follow-up lab tests are ordered as needed and desired.
Physician-Grade Supplements
Clients participating in our Better Aging programs can conveniently purchase physician-grade supplements through our Wellevate Store.