The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have put together this guide for selecting quality natural health supplements:

Defining Supplements

Nutritional supplements are generally essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that may be missing from the daily human diet. 

Because supplements play such a vital role in the maintenance of good health and wellness, it is important to weed out substandard nutritional supplements and select those that are of high quality.

Supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) under the “Food” category, rather than “Pharmaceutical”. 

Under FDA food regulations, the ingredients used in nutritional supplements do not neccessarily need to be tested in order to verify claims made on the label. 

Therefore, ineffective, cheaply-made products have been known to be sold in supermarkets and dollar stores.

These are usually no-name brands or closeouts and if they sell for less than a dollar, you should beware.

Be Selective

Take advantage of the following tips to ensure the purchase of a high-quality nutritional supplement:

When choosing a vitamin supplement, select one from a company that uses GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliant manufacturers, which employ the highest possible standard for vitamin handling and wholesomeness.
Remember that reputable companies will have clear contact information listed, through email or by phone.
A good company will have professionals who are willing to answer any question about a product.  If they are not willing to provide much information, chances are the company is not very reputable.

Check the Label 

Check the expiration date to confirm the product is fresh.  If you are not able to find an expiration date, you may want to purchase a different product.

If you are sensitive to certain foods, look for products that are hypoallergenic, and avoid those that may contain traces of nuts, wheat, yeast and corn.

Look for supplements that are made with all-natural ingredients.  To ensure the highest quality, products should be free of artificial preservatives or dyes.

Find the latest monatomic vitamin and mineral supplements (meaning the microscopic molecular sizing of the nutrients are 100 percent bio-spontaneously available to the cells of the body.)  This means the body gains immediate benefit from the product!

Note- One such product, Liquid Vitamin528 is available direct from the Institute for Vibrant Living (IVLProducts.com) To learn more, visit their website.

Dollar Value

Keep in mind that inexpensive often means lower quality when it comes to nutrition. 

Purchase supplements from your local whole foods store, or check out online supplement sites – again, preferably those who have telephone and online support.

Look for deals like free shipping, as many online suppliers often have great deals anyway if you are buying more than one product! 

Check for money-back guarantees – the longer the guarantee the better!

(Note- Some companies, such as IVLProducts.com, offer an Unlimited Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee.)

The most important thing to remember when choosing a good nutritional supplement is to do your homework!  Take the time to investigate the company before you purchase. 

It may also be important to consult your health care provider prior to purchasing and taking a nutritional supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have a chronic medical condition.

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