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What a disappointment it was when I learned that much of the supplements I had been taking were not being readily used by my body. Yep, that means we were literally swallowing vitamins and then throwing money down the (toilet) drain.
The trouble with supplements is that any bottle can claim anything so we have to be smart consumers. That doesn’t mean the industry should be more regulated, but rather that we ought to take responsibility and educate ourselves on what is best for our health.
So I began researching this topic a few years ago. I am not a doctor or a nutritionist, so don’t take what works for us as medical advice. But I thought I’d share which supplements we have found helpful and therefore are willing to spend the money on.
Fermented Cod Liver Oil.
I know this sounds like something your grandmother had to take when she was a child, but believe me this stuff has been taken for centuries for a reason. Good cod liver oil contains lots of the fat soluble vitamins A & D that are really important for development of all parts of the body; for boosting your immune system and preventing all sorts of nasty things, including the common cold; and for energy and vitality.
We use Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oil (found here), which is the best quality on the market and also fairly expensive. Obviously we have seen enough results to know it is worth the money. Another less ideal and less expensive option is Carlson’s cod liver oil.
Probiotics.
Health begins in the gut, which means if your gut isn’t healthy, you’re not healthy. That’s why we supplement with a good quality probiotic from time to time. We don’t take this every day, since we try to eat fermented foods, but there are specific times when it is especially important – when we have had to take a course of antibiotics, if someone is showing signs of candida, or if we are feeling a cold coming on, for instance.
The two highest quality brands that I am aware of are Bio-Kult and Garden of Life.
Vitamin D3.
After our youngest son was born I got my vitamin D levels tested and found out that they were way too low. Not surprising, after having two children in two years and not supplementing or eating a very nutrient-dense diet. So my naturopath recommended I take not only the cod liver oil above, but another vitamin D3 supplement in order to get my levels into the normal range for a breastfeeding mother.
The brand we have used most often is the NOW vitamin D3.
Food-based Multivitamin.
For any every day overall boost you might want a multivitamin that is food-based which will absorb much better than a synthetic supplement.
For almost all vitamins we like the Standard Process brand because it is such high quality. Catalyn is a great multivitamin choice that we take.
So those are the supplements that I have found to actually be worth the money. Of course these are no substitute for a nutrient-dense diet, but they do help fill in the gaps when needed.
How do you choose supplements to get the most bang for your buck?
Again, I’m thankful for this info you have posted! I agree with all of it and take the same things!
Me too!
Great suggestions! I am a huge D3 fan. My life has totally changed since getting my D level in the optimal range. I’m going to look into that brand of cod liver oil, thanks for the info! My ND wants me to start taking CLO after I finish up the fish oil I’m currently taking.
I also take a magnesium supplement called Natural Calm. It’s a powder that you add to water (hot/warm is best). It’s quite tasty. As you are probably aware, most people are deficient in magnesium because our soil has been stripped of it. I am not sure but I think eating organic veggies helps you get more magnesium in your diet, since organically grown veggies’ soil has been amended – but not sure if the amendments add in magnesium or enough of it so I supplement just to be safe, even though my multi has it.
Thanks so much for the information!! Does anyone have any suggestions for Prenatal vitamins??
First make sure you’re taking a basic multi with folic acid;)
Thanks!
Gina – After 2.8 pregnancies (*smile) I have to say I recommend attempting to get as much from your diet as possible. We like to follow a pregnancy/preconception diet similar to this: http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/diet-for-pregnant-and-nursing-mothers
I highly recommend the fermented cod liver oil, tons of healthy animal products, and loads of green vegetables as a prenatal vitamin
.
Thank you for the advice!! I appreciate your comments!! Best wishes with your current pregnancy!!
My midwife recommends Rainbow Light pre-natals. It’s a food-based prenatal vitamin. They have several different versions, the multi-day is best absorbed by your body, but they also have a one-a-day if you’re wanting to save money or think you won’t remember to take it 3 x’s a day.
Great post – I just posted something similar last week too, along with the information on the product I use for supplemental vitamins and minerals –
http://handfullofblessings.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/mannatech/
http://handfullofblessings.wordpress.com/2011/11/12/more-on-mannatech/
http://handfullofblessings.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/mannatech-me/
This is a great product that I highly recommend!
I use Shaklee and really trust their products. They are a whole food supplement and do not dissect the vitamins out of their original found form (i.e. B-complex rather than the individual B’s). They also have clinical research backing their product. More than most supplement companies can say.
Just a thought! Also, I LOVE the Green Pastures FCLO!
My son takes the Green Pastures FCLO, and we all take Bio-Kult. When I was pregnant, I took New Chapter’s Perfect Prenatal and it is a really great prenatal vitamin. I love all of New Chapter’s products.
I am new to cod liver oil so hence the question, how do you stomach it? I tried once and could not get over the fish taste. It really gagged me. I am sure it was not a very good brand that I tried. Any suggestions on flavors or how to get the stuff down? Is there a pill form? I just know if I can’t do it then there is no way I will get my kids to take it. My kids are 6 and older. We are slowly making our way to a more natural, real food diet.
Shannon- have you been tested for Celiac Disease? Vitamin D levels being low is a common thing for those with Celiac Disease. Two of my children have CD and so they must receive supplements and be gluten-free to stay balanced.
I don’t have CD and am pregnant with baby #4…this will make 4 babies in 4 years for me (my oldest is 4) and I nursed all of them. I get my vitamin levels checked twice annually and an IgA (because of having celiac children) and everything is always normal or sometimes a little high (my iron levels are always high). I don’t supplement at all…in fact I’ve never taken a pre-natal vitamin and my diet is way less than ideal…way less.
How did you do 4 in 4 years? That’s amazing! How many extra months are there in there? i.e. 4 in 4 years 2 months? That’s my dream;)