A Beginner’s Guide to Vitamins and Supplements

If you’re new to the world of vitamins and supplements, it may at first feel overwhelming. 
 

What vitamins are important? 
 

Which do you need? 
 

Where should you start? 
 

Read on to learn some of the basics so that you can feel confident about supporting your wellness!
 

Understanding Essential Vitamins

Vitamins are important nutrients that keep you healthy. Essential vitamins are micronutrients your body needs to function properly, but cannot make on its own. This means they must be obtained through your diet. 
 

There are two types: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
 

Fat-soluble vitamins need fat to be absorbed well by your body. They are vitamins A, E, D, & K.
 

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and leave your body faster. They include all the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C.
 

Understanding Essential Minerals

Minerals are another essential nutrient that our bodies require in varying amounts for various functions, such as supporting healthy bones, teeth, and proper muscle function. The body also must be supplied with minerals, as it cannot produce them on its own.
 

Some essential minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium zinc, potassium, and selenium. Ensuring an adequate intake of essential minerals is key to supporting overall health and well-being.
 

Different Formats of Supplements

Since these essential vitamins and minerals must be obtained through diet, supplements can help fill the gaps that daily diet alone may not provide. There are also other types of supplements available outside of the essential vitamins and minerals, such as botanicals, herbs, amino acids, and more.
 

Supplements typically come in a variety of formats, such as: 
 

  • Pills and Capsules
  • Gummies
  • Liquids
  • Powders
     

Here at MaryRuth’s, we believe that the best supplement format is one that you will actually take on a regular basis — so choose whichever best fits into your schedule!
 

How to Choose the Right Supplements

Choosing the right supplements is dependent on many factors. There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re finding the right fit for you and your loved ones.
 

Assess Personal Needs & Lifestyle

Consider factors like age, gender, diet, and health goals. For example, if you're pregnant or vegan, you might need specific supplements to address potential nutrient gaps.
 

Consult Healthcare Professionals

Consulting your personal healthcare professional is essential. They can help you identify which supplements are right for you based on your individual health status and any medications you may be taking. They can also provide guidance on safe dosages and potential interactions. We always recommend getting a blood test for your personal nutritional needs!
 

Check for Quality and Purity

Always check for quality and purity when selecting supplements. Look for products that have been tested by a third-party organization to ensure they meet quality standards and are free from contaminants.
 

Here at MaryRuth’s, many of our products are third-party tested by The Clean Label Project to ensure our supplements meet unparalleled standards for purity, safety, and transparency.
 

SHOP CLEAN LABEL PROJECT CERTIFIED

 

Consider Allergies and Sensitivities

Note any allergies or sensitivities you have before choosing supplements. Make sure to read the Supplement Facts Panel for ingredients to determine if a particular supplement is safe for you to consume. 
 

Learn About Dosage and Frequency 

Understanding dosage and frequency is crucial. Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the supplement label, and consider factors like your age and overall health when determining the right dosage for you. It's also important to be consistent with your supplement regimen to see the best results.
 

Where to Start

If you’re just starting out on your supplement journey, there are a few basics we recommend that you may want to consider once checking with your healthcare provider.
 

Choosing a great multivitamin is always a great place to start. A broad-spectrum multivitamin will ensure that you’re providing your body with many of the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs on a daily basis. Plus, it’s easy and convenient to take!
 

We love our delicious and easy-to-take liquid multivitamins and multiminerals to round out your morning and evening in an easy way while getting vitamins and minerals for your body.

 

Product Recommendation

Liquid Morning Multivitamin

Immune support, Cellular metabolism, Overall health

Liquid Nighttime Multimineral (Coconut)

Sleep support, Relaxation, Bone health

Liquid Morning Multivitamin + Hair Growth

Hair growth, Thicker hair, Improves wrinkles


 

From here, you can assess which additional nutrients you need depending on your goals. If your blood test shows you’re low in iron, for example, your healthcare provider may suggest adding an iron supplement. If you’re looking for a supplement to help with hair growth, you might choose a multivitamin with additional nutrients clinically proven to help grow thicker, fuller hair. 
 

A quick search based on your goals will help you determine which vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other supplements can best support your personal wellness.
 

To discover the products that MaryRuth’s Community enjoys best, check out our best sellers. We’re always here to provide you with the supplements that you are looking for to be the best version of you!

 

SHOP BEST SELLERS

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