Whether it’s a daily multivitamin, an on-the-go probiotic powder, or a vitamin C tablet, you’re probably very familiar with vitamins and supplements. Dietary supplements have gained increasing consumer interest in recent years, and they are only continuing to rise in popularity. A 2019 market analysis showed that the global dietary supplement market is expected to reach 216.3 billion in USD by 2026. With that statistic, and over 90,000 vitamin varieties available, it’s clear that supplements play an important part in nutrition.

But do the supplements in your medicine cabinet live up to their name? With all their popularity, do they truly make a positive impact on your health?

Benefits

Evidence suggests that vitamins and supplements can support health in a variety of ways. Calcium can support strong bones, vitamin C and E promote good cell health, vitamin B12 can aid in nerve and blood cell health, and fish oil promotes good heart health. Other research has shown that a combination of various vitamins and minerals can support vision loss prevention.

Some supplements are required to ensure proper development. One such example is prenatal vitamins. Expecting mothers require 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help form the neural tube, thereby preventing fetal brain and spine damage. Just as a prenatal vitamin can help fetal development, taking supplements that contain nutrients you may not normally consume through food, such as vitamin D and zinc, can help your body develop and meet daily micronutrient requirements.

And with how busy and hectic life can get, taking the time to sit down and eat all the required nutrients is unrealistic. Supplements can support your on-the-go, quick-paced lifestyle so that you don’t have to compromise your nutrient intake.

Nutrient Deficiency Support

For people who are nutrient-deficient, supplements can offer the nutrients they wouldn’t otherwise receive. So if cheese and ice cream don’t sit well in your stomach, aka lactose intolerance, calcium supplements can provide the needed nutrients without the painful side effects.

Other medical conditions make supplements a necessity in preventing nutrient deficiencies. For example, adults diagnosed with osteoporosis require extra vitamin D in addition to what they get from their regular diets.

Important Precautions

While supplements can be beneficial and effective, it’s important to remember that they should not and cannot replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. Supplements are designed to supplement a healthy lifestyle and not create it. So, DO NOT abandon your broccoli and berries, but DO view supplements as a positive boost that can help you meet daily nutritional requirements.

It’s also imperative to consult your physician before implementing any supplements into your diet. One reason for this requirement is that certain supplements may nullify the effects of different medications—for example, iron supplements are known to impede the absorption of certain levothyroxine medications (medications designed to substitute or supplement the thyroid).

Proper Dosage

Be mindful of what vitamins you’re already incorporating into your diet, and follow the recommended dosage guidelines. So if you start the day with a large glass of orange juice, you’ll need to account for how much vitamin C is in the beverage before consuming a vitamin C supplement. Adhering to the dosage guidelines will help you receive the benefits and avoid negative side effects.

Unicity Supplements

It’s important to prioritize quality over quantity: well-made, science-based supplements are almost always a better choice than the sugary vitamin gummies at the local drugstore.

With nearly a quarter million supplements available, you may wonder what makes Unicity supplements preferable to others. Below are some unique qualities that are true for all Unicity products.

You can consume Unicity supplements with the assurance that the company only produces products that Make Life Better. So pour yourself a glass of Unicity’s LC Base, Unicity Matcha, or Balance with the confidence that you’re treating your body to only high-quality nutritional supplements.