Vitamin Supplements

What are vitamin supplements?

Vitamin supplements, also called nutritional supplements, are organic compounds from natural sources, like plants and animals. Companies convert these compounds into readily accessible forms, such as tinctures, capsules, and tablets for oral consumption.

Many people take vitamin supplements to support their well-being. Not everyone gets the necessary minerals and nutrients from their diet alone. Vitamin supplements can ensure proper nutrition and support your overall health.

What are some of the most common vitamin supplements?

Bowman Family Medical Clinic, LLC prescribes vitamin supplements on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your age, health history, and needs, they could suggest:

• Calcium
• Fish oil
• Echinacea
• Ginseng
• Garlic
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• St. John’s Wart
• Green tea
• Magnesium
• Collagen
• Alpha lipoic acid

Sometimes, the team recommends probiotics and prebiotics. These supplements support digestive health by increasing the number of “good” bacteria in the gut. 

What type of vitamin supplements will benefit me?

Before taking any vitamin supplement, make an appointment at Bowman Family Medicine Clinic, LLC. A vitamin’s efficacy and safety are highly dependent on several factors, including your lifestyle, general health, and medical history. Therefore, recommendations are individualized and tailored to your needs.

During a vitamin supplement consultation, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your general health. Tell them if you have allergies or a chronic medical condition. You should also tell them about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take. Certain drugs can affect vitamin supplements and increase your risk of negative interactions.

Next, your provider completes a physical exam and orders blood tests. These tests analyze the levels of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals in your body to check for deficiencies. If your test results reveal a vitamin deficiency or an underlying medical condition that might benefit from vitamin supplementation, your provider makes personalized recommendations. 

Are vitamin supplements the only way to improve my nutrition?

No. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to improve your nutrition. Consuming meals and snacks containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is the easiest way to ensure proper nutrition. 

Vitamin supplements are called supplements for a reason; they’re meant to be supplementary. Taking them isn’t a substitute for a well-balanced diet, so focus on good nutrition.

Call Bowman Family Medicine Clinic, LLC, to schedule a vitamin supplements consultation, or book your appointment online today.