Some people believe that all nutritional supplements are basically similar and it does not matter very much which one you take. I think that there are several differences among nutritional supplements worth noting. These differences include cost, amounts recommended and sources of the nutrients.
The price of a supplement is very often related to the cost of manufacturing it. A supplement sold in a department store will usually cost less than one sold at a health food store. The less expensive one usually costs less to produce and may be composed of several fillers and synthetic vitamins.
The amounts recommended are based on the minimum amount needed to address a specific symptom and does not account for individual differences among people. These individual differences include but are not limited to the following: age; genetics; health status; activity level; the bioavailability of the nutrient; and the individual’s ability to absorb it adequately. More expensive supplements or larger doses are not necessarily the best approach.
Also of importance is the source of each nutrient. Is it synthetic or natural? Synthetic substances tend to be more difficult to absorb and you may need greater amounts to obtain the desired effect. Natural substances are more readily absorbed since they are closer, in structure, to food. They provide the body what it needs so healing comes from within the body. Whole food supplements from natural sources contain smaller amounts of nutrients that include synergistic effects and provide the fuel the body needs to heal itself.
I welcome your comments and questions.
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