How to Choose the Right Health Supplement (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let's be real—buying a supplement should be easy. You find what you need (click here if you need help to see which nutrients are you probably missing), check the label, grab the cheapest one with the right dose, and boom—you're a supplement genius, right?

That's what I thought too. With my financial background, I used to treat buying vitamins like shopping for rice—get the best value per gram. But the deeper I fell into the world of health, the more I realized: it's not just what you take, it's how your body absorbs it.

So if you're hunting for the right supplement, here are a few things to watch out for (but don't worry—we'll make it easy at the end).

1. The Form Matters: Not All Vitamins Are Created Equal

Just because it says Vitamin B12 doesn't mean it's doing anything useful in your body. Some forms are like VIPs at a party—they get in, they do the job. Others? They stand awkwardly at the door, doing nothing.

Here are some examples of VIPs your body actually recognizes and loves:

• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) – This is the natural, highly absorbable version of vitamin D. Skip D2, it's the intern.

• P5P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) – The active form of B6. Regular B6 is fine... if you're a bacteria.

• Methylcobalamin – The good B12. This one actually gets absorbed, unlike cyanocobalamin which your liver rolls its eyes at.

• CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) – The active, ready-to-use CoQ10. Ubiquinone is its slower cousin.

• Folate (L-methylfolate) – Skip folic acid if you can. Folate is the real MVP. Many people can't even process folic acid properly, so it can cause all kinds of issues for them. 

  💡 Try a clean B-complex like Medved Natural B Complex or immune blend like Medved Natural forIMUN – both use fully methylated forms of B-vitamins.

Vitamin C – Now with Less Acid Reflux!

• Ascorbic Acid: Cheap and cheerful, but can be a bit harsh — especially if your stomach's a drama queen.

• Buffered Vitamin C: This is the chill version—gentler, non-acidic, and paired with minerals.

  💡 Our fav: Medved Natural Buffered Vitamin C – combines Calcium Ascorbate + Sodium Ascorbate. Great for immunity, gentle on digestion.

• Liposomal Vitamin C: Vitamin C in a spaceship. It's wrapped in liposomes for top-notch absorption.

And liposomal isn't just vitamin C's fancy trick — other nutrients are getting in on the high-absorption party too. If you're going to supplement, you might as well go for the VIP entrance, right? Check out: Medved Natural Quercetin Complex and Medved Natural Longvida Optimised Curcumin — both come with science-backed liposomal based delivery systems that make sure the good stuff actually gets where it needs to go. Because why pay for nutrients your body barely notices?

Magnesium: So Many Types, So Little Time

Magnesium isn't just magnesium. Different forms = different benefits. Here's the short explanation:

• Magnesium Acetyltaurate – Great for heart, brain, and calming your inner chaos.

  💡 Check out Medved Natural ATA Mg with this form of Magnesium – designed for focus, mood, and cardiovascular support.

• Magnesium Malate – Energizing. Perfect if you wake up tired or live life in "low battery" mode.

• Magnesium Citrate – Boosts energy & digestion. Mild laxative effect at higher doses (proceed with bathroom awareness).

• Magnesium Bisglycinate – Super gentle and calming. Ideal before bed, after workouts, or during "I can't even" days.

• Magnesium Lactate – A steady all-rounder that supports heart, nerves, and digestion.

Bonus: You don't have to choose — Medved Natural Multi Magnesium combines all 4 above multiple forms for well-rounded support.

We could keep going, but you get the idea....

2. Nutrient Synergy – Some Nutrients Are Besties

Some nutrients work better together—like peanut butter and jelly, but healthier. Here are some examples of synergies (so those shall be in one supplement together, or taken together):

• Vitamin D + Calcium: D helps calcium get absorbed. Great for bones.

• Vitamin C + Iron: C makes iron more absorbable. Good for energy and plant-based eaters. That is why it is combined in Medved Natural HemoBalans (for example). 

• B12 + Folate: This duo helps build blood cells and prevent anemia.

• Zinc + Vitamin A: Zinc helps vitamin A actually do its job, especially for immune function.

• Magnesium + Vitamin D3: Magnesium activates vitamin D. Without it, D is just chillin' uselessly.

• Vitamin D3 + K2: This is a dream team. D3 helps absorb calcium, and K2 tells it where to go (bones, not arteries).

  💡 Try: Medved Natural Vitamin D3K2 – the no-nonsense way to support bones and heart. Combine with Multi-Magnesium if you can ;) 

3. What's Also in Your Supplement?

So you found a supplement with the right nutrients, in the right forms, working in synergy—awesome! But then you flip the bottle and see a list of fillers, preservatives, and things that sound like spaceship parts.

Not all "other ingredients" are evil, but here's a quick cheat sheet:

✅ Clean Additives (Good Guys)

• Microcrystalline Cellulose (plant-based filler)

• Rice Flour or tapioca starch

• Acacia Fiber (also prebiotic!)

• Silicon Dioxide (natural anti-clumping)

• Vegetable-based Magnesium Stearate

• Pullulan or HPMC (plant-based capsules)

• Natural sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit, erythritol in moderation)

• Beetroot powder or turmeric (for natural coloring)

• Natural preservatives (like rosemary extract or citric acid)

⚠️ The "Maybe Not" List

• Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1… nope)

• Titanium Dioxide (being banned in EU for a reason, but used in US etc.)

• Magnesium Stearate (Often sourced from hydrogenated oils; may suppress nutrient absorption in large amounts.)

• Talc 

• Artificial Sweeteners like Sucralose, Aspartame, Acesulfame K - can disrupt gut microbiome; associated with glucose intolerance in some studies

• Sodium Benzoate - Can form benzene (a carcinogen) when combined with vitamin C.

• Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) - derived from petroleum; potential for allergic reactions

• Propylene glycol - considered generally safe in small doses, but some people are sensitive. Synthetic, unnecessary additive if you ask us...

• Hydrogenated oils, gelatin (undisclosed origin), or mystery preservatives? Hard pass.

Pro tip: Look for brands with short, transparent ingredient lists, clean excipients, and preferably eco-conscious packaging. Hint: We only have those on our website!

So… Is This All a Bit Overwhelming?

Yup. We get it. Choosing a good supplement today is like reading a nutrition textbook while blindfolded in a pharmacy aisle.

But here's the good news: we've already done the homework for you.
At Naturally You, we've carefully chosen brands that tick all the boxes—so you don't have to become a biochemist or a label detective.

✅ Clean ingredients (non GMO, no artificial flavours or fillers, no nonsense)  
✅ Active, bioavailable forms
✅ Real results (yes, even on blood tests & ultrasounds)
✅ Eco-friendly packaging wherever possible (plant-based, biodegradable, or glass)
✅ More active ingredients per capsule – so you take fewer pills, get more benefits, and save money in the long run

We're picky — so you can be lazy. 😄

Explore our full range at NaturallyYou.ie and give your body what it actually wants. 💚