Do Supplements Work? Everything You Need To Know Before Starting
Do supplements work? Unfortunately, with the market flooded with manufacturers who value quantity and money over quality, the broad answer is “no.” However, when used and sourced correctly, supplements can offer significant benefits to people who need additional nutrient intake. Knowing what to look for and how to select supplements increases your chances of starting a working supplement regiment.
What Are Supplements?
Supplements are used to increase the nutritional value of one’s everyday diet and are taken orally. They usually deliver essential vitamins and minerals that may otherwise be deficient and therefore prevent you from optimal biological functioning.
Supplements are taken in several different ways, including the following:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Chewable tablets
- Gummies
- Powders
- Liquids
- Energy bars
- IV therapy
- Topical products
What Are The Benefits Of Supplements?
People take supplements to get enough essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Supplements that work help optimize your body’s systems and functions, resulting in the following benefits:
- Cleansing and detoxing
- Increased digestive system health
- Better immune system functioning
- Optimal function of glands such as the adrenal and thyroid glands
- Better cardiovascular health
- Improved appearance of skin, nails, and hair
- Heavy metal removal
- Increased cognitive function
When Supplements Don’t Work: What To Watch For
In the US alone, the supplement industry was worth $35.6 billion in 2022. Like with any lucrative industry, bad actors have flooded the market hoping to cash in on this craze. With minimal supplement regulations in place, the buyer must beware and perform due diligence before starting any supplement regimen. While many high-quality supplements work, some could be a waste of money.
Here are some tips on selecting supplements that work.
- Look for high-quality ingredients.
- Opt for supplements that prioritize quality over quantity.
- Select supplements developed by functional, integrative, or holistic medicine doctors, or other trusted medical professionals.
- Ensure your supplements don’t have toxic filler ingredients such as Maltodextrin, Soybean Oil, or Dextrose.
- Ensure your supplements are free from artificial dyes or flavors.
- Make sure your supplements aren’t made from synthetic ingredients.
How Do Supplements Work?
How your supplement delivers nutrients to your body depends on whether it’s fat- or water-soluble.
The intestine absorbs water-soluble vitamins. These nutrients are easily eliminated through sweat and urine and need frequent replenishment. Your blood carries the nutrients to specific body tissues where they’re needed.
Fat-soluble vitamins take longer to break down and stay in the body longer.
Risks Associated With Supplements
You should always consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you are on any medications. We strongly recommend consulting a functional or integrative medicine doctor, as they typically value healthcare strategies outside of pharmaceuticals more than traditional doctors do, and so they can advise from a less biased lens.
That being said, every person is unique, and no single health intervention is appropriate to recommend to everyone. Supplements do not work for some people because of the risks involved, including the following:
- Potential kidney damage
- Reduced efficacy of other medications
- Headaches
- Potential liver damage
- Reduced bone strength
- Nausea
Should You Take Supplements?
Whether or not you should take supplements depends on several factors, including a conversation with your doctor to evaluate potential risks and benefits.
At Tennant Institute, we know the answer to “do supplements work?” is “yes,” but only when they meet certain criteria.
Our first recommendation is to eat as balanced and nutritious of a diet as you can. The best sources of nutrients and minerals are whole, non-GMO, and pesticide-free
foods. That being said, not everyone has the time or resources to devote to creating a nutrient-rich diet. We often tell our patients to aim at the goal, as they’ll get a bit closer to the objective even if they don’t nail it perfectly. In other words, create the goal with a “progress, not perfection” mindset.
While the decision to take supplements is between you and your doctor, we offer these guidelines to help inform whether you should start a particular regimen:
- You have access to and are willing to invest in high-quality supplements without fillers, toxic ingredients, or dyes.
- You need extra support due to special health conditions.
- You have specific goals that supplements will help you achieve.
- You are not at high risk for complications due to supplements.
Getting Started With Supplements Formulated By A Doctor
Once you’ve decided to start a supplemental regimen, you want to ensure your supplements work. While the market is flooded with bad actors, there are certain products you can trust. For instance, Tennant Institute develops high-quality supplements with the best ingredients.
Our founder’s history of tireless research leads to discoveries of how people can heal from the inside out. Dr. Jerry Tennant had to leave a lucrative career as an ophthalmologist due to his own health issues. However, this opened the door to a journey of developing medical practices and supplements that work, and they have helped people heal from chronic conditions all around the world.
Our selection of premium supplements are put through rigorous development and testing, and they contain only the highest-quality ingredients. If you’re looking for supplements that work and support your health goals, click here.
