Not all vitamins are created equal.

When deciding which vitamin to choose, it is important to consider several factors besides just the cost of the product.  Always choose vitamins in a capsule form instead of tablets or caplets.  Capsules are much easier on the digestive system and generally can be found in a vegetarian or gelatin form (animal source for all the vegetarians).  Capsules typically dissolve in our stomachs within 3-5 minutes

Tablets are bound together with many dyes, fillers and binders. These ingredients help the product maintain its shape and give it cosmetic appeal, but are harsh on the digestive system.  I often find that in many patients with gastrointestinal problems, the vitamin comes out in the toilet in the same shape they ingested it.  This means that they are not absorbing the vitamin and probably aren’t absorbing many of the nutrients in the foods they eat either. 

Another factor to consider when purchasing your vitamins is which form they are in.  Most of the cheaper vitamins on the market are provided in inactivated forms.  That means your body has to convert it to an activated form before it came be utilized effectively.  This is a more difficult concept for the general public to understand.  It is best to buy your products at a reputable health store or consult with a knowledgeable nutritionist or Naturopathic Doctor to be educated in this area.  For an example of what an activated form is, please refer to my discussion on B12 deficiences.  In the meantime, please take some time to read the labels of the products you are buying and question the companies or stores you are buying them form.  Remember, the supplement industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and does not always have the interest of your health in mind.

Yours in good health,

Dr. Jennifer Wicher ND

Medical Director

Synergy Natural Medicine Clinic