Top Selling Vitamins And Supplements

Best For Longer Hair: Nutrafol Core For Women

Here’s a formula that works to minimize shedding caused by stress and tension. These collagen-infused supplements from Nutrafol promote hair growth and repair hair in just three to six months â and many users say it has helped their skin, nails, and immune systems, too. One shopper wrote, “I’ve been taking these for over a year and I love them. They do everything they claim to â my hair is longer than ever, and I sleep better. My primary care physician even says I don’t need any other vitamins in addition to these. I highly recommend these!”

To buy: $85

Best For Hair Breakage: Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplement For Hair And Nails

Kill three birds with one stone thanks to this French nutritional supplement from Phyto, which claims to promote fuller hair, stronger nails, and radiant skin. In a clinical study, 90% of users said they noticed their hair was stronger after using the product for three months â and some users even reported substantial eyelash growth while taking the biotin-filled formula.

To buy: $48

Best For Thinning Hair: Ouai Hair Supplement For Thinning Hair

These hair vitamins from Ouai have over 9,400 likes at Sephora, and it’s easy to see why. The supplements contain biotin, ashwagandha, and amino acids, which work together to help improve thinning hair. “My hair stopped growing/thinned out and this supplement has been life-changing! My hair is back to growing and is thickening up,” raved one customer.

To buy: $34

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Effectiveness Scores Of Popular Multivitamins

The table below provides a summary of the Effectiveness Scores of some of the more popular vitamin supplement brands available on the market. For the best vitamins, look for a score of 8.0 or above, which is considered excellent.

Most widely available supplements scored low in our review, while nine relatively unknown brands were the best scoring products.

Strengthening For Skin And Joints

Hech

• Brand Credibility: Founded in Germany in the 1970s, Hech Functional Nutrition set out to translate the health benefits of the countrys agriculture and herb gardens into vitamin and mineral supplements. Today, theyre particularly known for marine amino acid and collagen peptide-based supplements, which are free of bovin or porcine ingredients, and come with unique tracing codes to verify product authenticity.

The Caviar Collagen Ruby Elixier contains collagen in a delicious black current juice, which not only tastes good but helps the synthesis of collagen in the skin, hair and bones, says James. Each travel-sized ampoules contains 11 grams of protein, making it a quick and portable snack, she says.

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Best Vitamin Brand For Gummies: Smartypants

This company produces a variety of vitamins and dietary supplements for adults, children, and pets.

Many of its products are available in gummy form, which may suit people who have difficulty ingesting solid supplements, such as tablets and capsules.

SmartyPants provides batch-specific certificates of compliance for its products. However, it is not clear whether this certification derives from third-party analyses.

Consumers may be concerned about the sugar content of gummies. However, the SmartyPants website states the company uses organic sugar cane and other healthy products to provide the sweetness it takes to make gummies palatable.

The company also states that the coloring agents used in their gummies come from organic turmeric and black carrot juice.

SmartyPants sells a range of vitamins and supplements, including various organic formulations.

Prices of multivitamins range from $1432.

The following are common questions and answers about choosing the best vitamin brands:

Vitamin A: Some Forms Can Be Toxic

Same song, different verse. Studies have linked diets rich in vitamin A and betacarotene, a precursor of the vitamin found in plant foods, to a lower risk of many types of cancer. But clinical trials of beta-carotene supplements have found that they offer no protective benefit against cancer. And large doses have actually been found to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

Few people in the U.S. are outright deficient in vitamin A. The retinol formwhich comes from animal sources like eggs, liver, and whole milkis more readily absorbed than beta-carotene, but even strict vegetarians can usually meet their needs by eating the recommended five servings a day of produce, including both dark green leafy vegetables and orange and yellow fruit.

There’s another reason to avoid high-dose supplements: Taking too much vitamin A as retinol can cause birth defects and liver abnormalities, and some evidence suggests it might also harm the bones.

Bottom line. Not recommended.

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Key Nutrients For Energy And Brain Health

Swanson Vitamins

• Brand Credibility: Driven to develop potent, hypoallergenic nutraceuticals, scientist Claire Ferr founded Klaire Labs in 1969. The brand focuses on pharmaceutical-grade raw ingredients with high levels of bioavailability, especially probioticslive microorganisms that help balance the gut microbiome for overall health.

Ther-Biotic is Middleburgs top choice since it contains multiple strains of probiotics, which deliver the most benefits, and have been validated with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Capsules are then coasted in an acid-stable, gel-like matrix that protects the probiotic bacteria from stomach acid so it can be released into the body intact.

Vitamin D: New Recommendations

Not everyone’s latitude or lifestyle permits adequate sun exposure to make ample amounts of vitamin D, which the skin synthesizes from sunlight. That’s especially true during winter monthsone reason the Institute of Medicine, which advises the government on nutrition recommendations, decided on an increase in the suggested daily intake.

While that might help improve vitamin D intake in certain populations, “the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency in North America is largely a myth,” Manson says. Indeed, population studies have found that low blood levels of the vitamin are less common than previously thought. And while some large, observational studies have linked higher vitamin D intake to a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions, they can’t prove cause and effect only large, randomized clinical trials can do that. And people with low levels of vitamin D might have other risk factors, such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a poor diet, that could increase their likelihood of disease, Manson points out.

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What To Look For When Choosing A Supplement Brand

Of course, there are more than five supplement companies to pick from .

So if you’re shopping for more options, here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to scoping out the best supplement brands :

• Do your research before heading to the store.
• Look for third-party testing.
• Check for allergens on the label.
• If necessary, get a recommendation from your doctor or a registered dietitian.

And remember â dietary supplement companies are not permitted to market their products as a cure or treatment for any condition, per the FDA. So if you see a statement like that on the label, it’s wise to put the product back on the shelf.

An Essential Blend For Daily Stress

Amazon

• Brand Credibility: Thornes formulas are thoroughly tested in clinical trials, says Dana James, MS, CNS, CDN, and the brand collaborates with independent research organizations, including the Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins University and the National Institute of Health, to scientifically confirm the the efficacy of their vitamins.

B vitamins are essential for the creation of energy, neurotransmitters and hormones, says James. But under stress, we use them up more. Thornes comprehensive formula contains all eight B vitamins that have been methylated to help increase absorption and bioavailability, she says.

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The Top 7 Vitamin And Supplement Trends Of 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic changes in our day-to-day lives.

With more people focused on improving their health and fitness, vitamin and supplement use has risen dramatically. In fact, the nutritional supplement industry observed its highest growth in over 2 decades, with a 12.1% increase in 2020.

This trajectory is expected to continue into 2021, with many people looking to support their health through supplements. That said, you may wonder which supplement trends are topping the list.

Here are the top 7 vitamin and supplement trends in 2021.

4 ).

As a result, many people are turning to supplements to support their mental health. In fact, a report by Coherent Market Insights anticipates a growth rate of 8.5% in the brain and mental health supplement market over the next 6 years.

Expect to see ingredients like magnesium, B-complex vitamins, L-theanine, melatonin, valerian, chamomile, and cannabidiol become more popular, as theyre linked to better sleep and lower levels of stress and anxiety .

Furthermore, plant-based adaptogens have soared in popularity, as they may support the bodys stress response. In particular, ashwagandha and rhodiola are popular Ayurvedic herbs that may lower anxiety, cortisol levels, and mild depressive symptoms .

How Much Is Too Much

It is important to ensure that you are taking the proper dose for a given vitamin. The upper limits for different vitamins are established by the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. The water-soluble vitamins, which include vitamin C and the B vitamins, are not likely to become toxic, because our bodies will excrete excess amounts. Fat-soluble vitamins, which include vitamins A, D, E, and K, can become toxic at high doses. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider to find the dose that is right for you and opt for a reputable vitamin brand.

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Best For Stronger Hair: Moon Juice Superhair Daily Hair Nutrition

Looking to grow thicker, stronger hair? Consider these supplements from Moon Juice. On top of ingredients like biotin, kelp, and plant extracts to help hair grow stronger and more lustrous, this product is infused with adaptogens to help relieve stress. “I’ve tried hair/nail supplements in the past but to no avail. This product is nothing short of incredible! My hair feels thicker and softer since I’ve been taking SuperHair. Another bonus is that it replaces my multi-vitamin and I am feeling more energy,” raved one happy customer.

To buy: $60

More Enjoyable Supplement Experiences

Consumers are looking for convenient, more enjoyable experiences with supplements, which will involve shifting away from traditional pills. In particular, flavored gummy vitamins for people of all ages will continue to grow in popularity.

Whats more, consumers can expect companies to provide various options to consume other supplement products. For example, collagen peptides are beginning to be offered as powders, flavored drinks, capsules, and gummies.

As supplements are now considered to be part of a healthy lifestyle, companies will be expected to create products that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.

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How Do You Know If A Vitamin Is Good Quality

To evaluate the quality of a vitamin, check the ingredients label and look for products that are free of fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients.

If possible, look for a vitamin that is tested or certified by a third party and buy from brands that are transparent about how their products are sourced and manufactured.

How Should I Choose The Best Vitamin Brand For Me

To determine which vitamin brand is most suitable, an individual may try the following:

• looking for proof of quality standards and testing
• avoiding products with unnecessary ingredients
• avoiding products making unsupported health claims
• looking for third-party certifications
• considering pricing options

A doctor or dietitian can offer guidance and advice to people with concerns about choosing the best vitamin brand for their health needs.

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Who Needs A Multivitamin

Some people might not be able to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone. Those include women who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to conceive those consuming fewer than 1,200 calories a day or who are cutting out an entire food group and those who have a condition that depletes nutrients, such as cancer or diabetes.

In addition, people older than 50 might need help getting the recommended 600 international units of vitamin D and at least 2.4 micrograms of B12 daily, since the body’s ability to absorb those from food declines with age. A multivitamin is one source for those nutrients, but so are individual supplements and fortified foods .

How We Select Supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent, third-party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.

It’s important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.

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Are They Worth Taking

When the Institute of Medicine announced last fall that it was changing the amount of vitamin D it recommends most adults get each day from 200 international units to 600 IU, some critics said the increase was too modest. They cited studies associating higher vitamin D levels with several disease-preventing benefits, in addition to its well-documented role in protecting bones.

But sometimes a conservative approach is justified. For example, it wasn’t that long ago that researchers thought folic-acid supplements might protect the heart or prevent cancer, a promise that clinical trials have failed to confirm. Studies of antioxidant supplements have been equally disappointing. In an analysis of 67 trials involving about 230,000 patients, for example, the pills had no beneficial effect on mortality. And three antioxidant vitaminsA, E, and beta-caroteneactually increased the risk of death.

Even the good old multivitamin, far and away the supplement purchased most often in the U.S., has virtually no evidence to show that it improves the average person’s health.

Supplements have their place, but “many of the claims are overblown and unsubstantiated,” says JoAnn Manson, M.D., chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and a member of the institute’s committee on vitamin D. “People are often given the impression that supplements work better than they really do.”

Vitamin C: Not A Cure

People whose diets include lots of vitamin Crich fruit and vegetables appear to have a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers, among other diseases. But clinical trials testing isolated doses of the vitamin in pill form have mostly failed to find any protective benefit against those diseases.

That could be because vitamin supplements don’t provide the fiber or the myriad beneficial phytochemicals that a colorful mix of produce does. Some data has even suggested that supplements of antioxidant vitamins, including C, might pose risks for people being treated for cancer by protecting tumor cells along with normal ones.

There’s some evidence that 200 mg or more of vitamin C a day might improve cold symptoms in smokers and seniors, though it won’t prevent colds. And there’s some preliminary evidence that a supplement combining large doses of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, copper, and zinc might slow the progression of macular degeneration.

Bottom line. In general, just 90 mg of vitamin C a day for men and 75 mg for women is sufficient. Smokers should add an extra 35 mg a daythe amount in about half an orangeto help repair damage from cancer-causing free radicals. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, so avoid high doses if you have hemochromatosis, a condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron. Talk with your doctor before taking any antioxidant supplement if you are undergoing cancer treatment.

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You Have Dietary Restrictions

Those who follow specific eating plans like the vegan diet may need B12 supplementation because they don’t eat animal or dairy products, according to September 2017 research in the âJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutritionâ.

So if you eat vegan , talk to your doctor about whether you might benefit from trying one of the top vitamin brands.

Warning

You should always check with your doctor before taking a supplement to ensure it does not interact with any medications you may be taking.

Best For Hair Loss: Propidren By Hairgenics Capsules

This supplement is scientifically formulated to block dihydrotestosterone, a hormone responsible for hair thinning and loss. With over 10,000 reviews and a 4.4 rating on Amazon, the numbers speak for themselves. “This is the best supplement available today,” one buyer wrote. “I never thought I could actually regrow my hair.”

To buy: $40

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Do You Need A Supplement

If you don’t have any underlying deficiencies or health issues, chances are you don’t need a supplement. You should be able to get all the vitamins and minerals you need daily by eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods like sources of protein , fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy, per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Food also gives you beneficial nutrients like antioxidants, which you can’t get from a supplement.

As a result, you should only take supplements if your doctor recommends it. That’s because some vitamins are harmful if taken in excess or may have side effects you’re not aware of, according to the NIH. In fact, just because a supplement has a higher dosage of a nutrient doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the better choice for you, per the National Institute on Aging.

That said, some people may need to supplement their diet with a specific vitamin or mineral for the following reasons: