The immune system is your body’s defense against sickness. Numerous cells, tissues, and organs in the immune system detect viruses, such as the influenza virus, entering your body. Your white blood cells trigger an automatic, coordinated response to promote healing.

Eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising are ways to boost your immune system. Additionally, you can take vitamins and supplements from a reputable online vitamin store.
In this article, we will help you find the best supplements for your needs and give you tips on shopping for vitamins online.

Understanding Vitamins and Supplements

Your body requires small amounts of nutrients from vitamins to stay healthy. A supplement is a pill, liquid, or powder that contains vitamins, minerals, or both. Although scientists don’t know whether taking multivitamins daily prevents diseases, many people take them to stay healthy.

You can take vitamins and supplements in various forms—liquids, pills, or powders—depending on your preference and how they work for your body. Some supplements work faster and more effectively when in liquid form, while others only work in dry extract forms like capsules or pills.

In addition, it is important to note that not all forms of nutrients are the same. For example, vitamin E is available in several types, and vitamin D can either be D3 or D2. You need to consult your doctor to make sure you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals.

What Vitamins and Supplements Do You Need?

The first step in finding a supplement store is determining what products you want to purchase. What types of supplements are you looking for? Are you trying to lose weight, gain performance, or just boost your protein intake? Supplement stores commonly stock the following products:

• Peptides: Your body contains these amino acids. Your body relies on them for several functions, such as collagen production and strengthening muscles. You should consider peptide supplements if you want to improve your fitness level.
• Vitamins: For your body to function properly, you need vitamins. For instance, you may not be getting enough vitamin B12 from your diet. Compensating for nutritional deficiencies is possible with supplements.
• CBD: It’s no secret that CBD has many health benefits. It can boost your energy and immunity, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress and inflammation.

When Should You Avoid Vitamins and Supplements?

Supplements are not recommended for those with certain health conditions. Furthermore, they may affect the efficacy of some medications. Be sure to consult your doctor before adding anything new to your diet.

Among those who should avoid certain supplements are:

• Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. The fetus can be adversely affected by some supplements. However, your obstetrician can recommend the right supplements and vitamins safely.
• Patients taking heart medications, diuretics, blood thinners, aspirin, immune suppressant medications, and steroids. Drugs may not mix well with supplements in any case, but some of these drugs can be particularly problematic.
• People who are scheduled to have surgery. Some vitamins and supplements may cause bleeding and other complications.
• Cancer survivors or those being treated for it. Some supplements may encourage the growth of cancer cells or make treatments less effective.

Tips for Buying Supplements Online

Equipping yourself with the right knowledge is crucial when shopping for vitamins and supplements online. These simple tips will help ensure you’re buying high-quality products:

Buy only from trusted stores and websites.

Ensure you only buy products from sites with a U.S. address and phone number. Some websites are run by offshore fly-by-night companies that may sell counterfeit products, products with outrageous claims, and or products with adulterated ingredients. For this reason, you should only purchase supplements from a trusted store or website. Find a company that offers full transparency about the ingredients used in their supplements.

Make sure products’ labels and ingredient lists are accurate.

Several factors can help you determine if your chosen supplement is properly labeled. Dietary supplements must include a “Supplement Facts” panel identifying the supplements’ vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other ingredients. In addition, supplements must contain a list of excipients, such as preservatives, colors, and binding agents. A company is likely hiding something by not providing the required information.

Consider the brand’s longevity.

A brand’s longevity doesn’t guarantee quality, but it does assure customers that the company stands behind its products and will do so for many years. The brand’s website will often tell you how long a company has been in business.

Set Realistic Expectations

In general, dietary supplements don’t immediately and dramatically affect the body. Neither will they treat or cure a disease.

The benefits of supplements are numerous, but they are not prescription drugs. Therefore, don’t be fooled by a brand that claims their product can cure disease. No matter where you shop online or in person, these tips will help you pick a high-quality supplement.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com