Healthy foods and beverages are packed with vitamins, but what do you do when that’s not enough?
Getting the correct amount of vitamins and nutrients from food isn’t always an option. Food allergies and digestive disorders eliminate some foods, including fibrous fruits and vegetables.
If you can’t eat certain foods, you need supplements to manage your vitamin intake. Supplements are available at local grocery stores, but online stores are the safest, most sanitary option for concerned shoppers.
Online shopping is safe and convenient, but you can still make vitamin shopping mistakes. Avoid problems with this quick and essential guide.
1. Not Doing Your Research
You wouldn’t buy a car or choose a local service without doing your research. The same can be said for vitamin shopping.
Avoid poorly reviewed supplement brands. Look for brands with 4-stars and up; 5-stars is ideal.
Remember, there are many upcoming brands out there, and new supplement companies may not have as many reviews and testimonials as name brands. Don’t be afraid to try new brands, though; weed out sketchy reviews from honest ones. Falling for fake reviews is another classic vitamin shopping mistake.
If you have a bad reaction to supplements, it could be other ingredients in the vitamins. Research all ingredients and ensure none of them trigger allergies, digestive problems, or other reactions.
If you’re pregnant, avoid the following vitamin and herbal supplements:
- Vitamin A and E
- Mugwort
- Saw palmetto
- Goldseal
- Yarrow
- Red Clover
Certain supplements can interfere with the surgery recovery process, as well. Avoid popular supplements like Ginseng, St. John’s wort, Echinacea, and Ginkgo. These supplements can interfere with anesthesia and wound healing.
2. Buying Vitamins that Interfere with Prescriptions
Are you taking any medication? Stop before you wash down your daily supplements. Many vitamins and supplements don’t mix well with certain medications.
For example, if you’re taking antibiotics, avoid taking your daily iron supplement. This supplement may prevent your body from absorbing the antibiotics properly. Calcium can also interfere with antibiotics.
St. John’s wort is a popular holistic alternative to clinical antidepressants. However, when taken together, St. John’s wort reduces the effectiveness of Prozac, Zoloft, and other commonly prescribed medications for depression.
You should talk to your doctor about vitamin supplements, regardless if you’re on medication. However, it’s especially important if you’re on any prescribed medication.
3. Paying too Much for Vitamin Supplements
There’s nothing more aggravating than finding a coupon after the fact.
You don’t have to pay full price for your supplements, and why should you! Loyal shoppers should enjoy perks like 25% off promo codes, “buy one get one free” deals, and free gifts with purchase.
Subscriptions are a new way to save on vitamins. Click here to read more on the cost benefits of subscriptions, but most importantly, understand the health benefits of scheduled vitamin subscriptions.
Remember to click the “free shipping” box at checkout if available. Many online supplement stores offer free shipping on orders over $25, $49, and so forth. You may be able to double up on promo codes and coupons, too!
Avoid Vitamin Shopping Mistakes for Good
One mistake can mess up your entire vitamin order. Remember these common vitamin shopping mistakes to enjoy the benefits of supplements without the hassle.
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