6 Key Ingredients To Look For When Buying Health And Wellness Supplements

If you want to take your wellness routine to the next level, try these high-quality health and wellness supplements. Choose products with ingredients that align with your goals and dietary needs.

Also, choose products like Morning Kick with third-party certifications that show product testing and transparency. Get weekly health tips and updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid, often known as vitamin C, is a necessary component that your body cannot make on its own. It’s been acknowledged for a number of health advantages, such as enhancing iron absorption and assisting in the formation of collagen.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps fight against free radicals—harmful molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to certain health conditions, like heart disease. Additionally, it promotes healthy skin, supports a strong immune system, and accelerates wound healing.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that may be obtained by diet or supplements or produced by the skin in reaction to sunshine. The active steroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], often referred to as calcitriol, is produced when vitamin D interacts to cell receptors.

Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption and metabolism and plays important roles in bone health, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism. It has also been linked to a lower risk of cancer, depression, and multiple sclerosis.

Look for foods containing the daily value (DV) for vitamin D, which is 20 mcg (800 international units). Beef liver, egg yolks, and fatty fish like mackerel, tuna, and salmon are rich sources of vitamin D.

Minerals

The body needs minerals to stay healthy. Some, like calcium, are critical for healthy bones. Others, like potassium, are involved in muscle contractions and water balance. Look for health and wellness supplements that offer the recommended daily amount of these nutrients.

Check for the daily percentage value on the Supplement Facts label. This figure is based on a 2,000-calorie diet and should be compared with the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for each nutrient.

Also, pay attention to other ingredients, such as fillers, sweeteners, preservatives, and additives. These additives help increase the shelf life of supplements or improve texture, color, or flavor. These ingredients are listed at the bottom of the Supplement Facts label.

Protein

Protein is key to building muscles, healing injuries, and aging well. Look for supplements that contain a blend of proteins.

Check the wheat, gluten, milk, gelatin, and soy allergens label. If you have food allergies, choose products free of these ingredients or display a gluten-free or vegan certification.

Also, consider choosing health and wellness supplements verified by a third party for quality. These certifications ensure the product contains what it says it does and no potentially harmful ingredients.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Many studies have linked high intakes of omega-3 fatty acids from fish (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) to lower rates of heart disease, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and some cancers.

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, meaning your body can’t make them and must get them from food. These polyunsaturated fats are found in various foods, including cold-water fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel; flaxseeds, chia seeds, and canola oil; and green leafy vegetables and walnuts.

The most potent omega-3 fatty acids are derived from algae using sustainable processes.

Probiotics

Your gut microbiome — the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in your gastrointestinal tract — influences everything from digestion to your immune system, metabolism, and brain function. Specifically, gut microbes crowd out harmful bacteria and help produce vitamin K and B12.

Probiotic supplements contain friendly bacteria, such as those in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus. They’re over-the-counter products, usually in capsules, tablets, liquids, gummies, and powders.

Look for probiotics backed by research, testing, and controlled clinical studies. Also, consider those that contain prebiotics to feed the friendly bacteria. This helps them grow and flourish in your digestive tract.