Not All Supplements Are Equal – And Here’s Why

Supplements are everywhere—from grocery store shelves to wellness influencers’ daily routines. But here’s the reality: not all supplements are created equal. The quality, form, and even the way your body processes a supplement can determine whether it supports your health—or does nothing at all.

Let’s break down why it’s so important to choose your supplements wisely.

1. Ingredients Matter

Just because a supplement claims to include a specific vitamin or mineral doesn’t mean it’s a good product. Some companies use low-quality or synthetic forms of nutrients that may not offer the same benefits as higher-quality alternatives. For example, synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) is less effective than its natural counterpart (d-alpha-tocopherol).

Tip: Always read the label and look for high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients.

2. Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to how well your body absorbs and uses a nutrient. Two supplements might contain the same ingredient, but if one is in a more bioavailable form, it will be far more effective. For instance, magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate are absorbed better than magnesium oxide, which is cheap but poorly absorbed.If you’re not getting the right form of an ingredient, you’re likely wasting your time and money.

Bottom line: If your body can’t absorb it, it can’t benefit from it.

3. Dosages Aren’t Always Effective

Some supplements include trendy ingredients, but only in tiny, ineffective amounts. This tactic—called “label dressing”—makes a product seem powerful, but it doesn’t deliver the results you expect. Always check whether a supplement contains clinically studied doses, not just trace amounts of popular ingredients.

4. Third-Party Testing Is a Must

Because supplements aren’t FDA-approved, third-party testing is essential. Reputable companies use certified labs to verify that what’s on the label is what’s actually in the product—and that it’s free from contaminants like heavy metals, mold, or pesticides.

Look for certifications from organizations like:

• NSF International

• USP (United States Pharmacopeia)

• Informed-Choice

5. DNA Methylation and Genetic Impact

Your genes play a powerful role in how your body processes nutrients, especially through a process called DNA methylation. This process regulates gene expression and relies on key nutrients like B12, folate, and B6 to function correctly.

If your body has a genetic mutation (such as MTHFR), it may not properly convert certain synthetic forms of vitamins (like folic acid) into their active forms. In these cases, taking a supplement with methylated versions (such as methylfolate or methylcobalamin) is essential to getting results and avoiding harmful buildup. The opposite is also true; taking a supplement with synthetic versions of these vitamins, such as cyanocobalamin, can cause harm to the body.

The takeaway: Personalized supplementation based on your genetics and lab work can make a major difference in outcomes.

6. Fillers and Additives Can Be Harmful

Low-quality supplements often include unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. While they might make the product cheaper or easier to manufacture, they may also interfere with absorption—or worse, cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals. A clean label with minimal extra ingredients is a good sign of a high-quality product.

7. Timing and Pairing Matter

Taking the right supplement at the wrong time can cancel out its benefits. For example:

• Iron should not be taken with calcium.

• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) need to be taken with a meal containing fat.

• Zinc and copper can compete for absorption.

Knowing how to supplement correctly is just as important as what you’re taking. If you’re taking multiple supplements, it’s worth speaking with a provider to avoid interactions and optimize timing.

How to Choose the Right Supplements

• Talk to a provider. They have the knowledge and experience to guide you in the right direction.

• Start with blood work. Testing your nutrient and hormone levels through blood work gives you clear guidance on what your body actually needs.

• Look for third-party verification. Always buy from reputable sources with clear testing protocols.

• Avoid trendy marketing. A sleek label doesn’t guarantee a quality product.

• Ask your provider about genetics or methylation concerns before choosing B-complex vitamins or folate-based supplements.

The Bottom Line

The supplement world is not one-size-fits-all. The type, form, dose, and quality of what you take matters—and your unique biology plays a role in how well those nutrients work for you. At Mission Med+, we help patients choose supplements backed by real data from lab work, not guesswork.

Want to get started with personalized guidance? Ask us about our supplement protocols and blood work options today.