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💊 Why Not All Vitamins Are the Same: What You Really Need to Know

  • Writer: Dr. Jessica M. Riechert, D.C.
    Dr. Jessica M. Riechert, D.C.
  • Sep 7
  • 2 min read
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You’ve probably heard “you are what you eat,” but when it comes to supplements, the truth is closer to: “you are what you absorb.”


Vitamins are vital for your body to function, but here’s the kicker—not all supplements are created equal. In fact, some might be doing more harm than good (yep, even the “healthy” looking ones at your favorite store). Let’s break down the real deal behind what makes a vitamin worth your time, money, and trust.


1. Source and Formulation Matter—A Lot


Would you rather eat fresh food or lab-created mush? The same goes for vitamins. Natural vitamins are typically derived from whole food sources and are more bioavailable—meaning your body actually recognizes and uses them. Synthetic ones? Not so much.


Take Vitamin E for example.


  • Natural = d-alpha-tocopherol (yay, your body likes this!)


  • Synthetic = dl-alpha-tocopherol (meh, not the same).


Bottom line: Always read the label.


2. Bioavailability: Can Your Body Even Use It?


Bioavailability is just a fancy word for "how well your body absorbs and uses what you’re taking." Some vitamins need fat to be absorbed (like A, D, E, and K). Some minerals need to be chelated—aka bound to amino acids—so your body doesn’t treat them like garbage and toss them out.


Cheaper supplements may skimp on these details. Your body deserves better.


3. Fillers, Binders & Junk—Oh My!


Ever wonder why some supplements look like candy or smell like plastic? That’s probably the fillers, binders, dyes, or artificial sweeteners added to them. Not only can these mess with your gut, but some people (especially those with sensitivities) can react to these extras.


Rule of thumb: If you can’t pronounce it and it doesn’t come from a plant, maybe skip it.


4. Dosage: More Isn’t Always Better


You can have too much of a good thing. Fat-soluble vitamins hang out in your body longer and can become toxic if you overdo it. Water-soluble vitamins are a little safer, but still—megadosing without guidance? Hard pass.


Supplements should be targeted and smart, not a free-for-all.


5. The Wild West of Supplement Regulation


Did you know the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements like they do medications? That means what’s on the label might not be what’s in the bottle. Let that sink in!!!!


Choosing brands that voluntarily go through third-party testing (like NSF or USP) is a game changer.


6. One Size Doesn’t Fit All


Your body is unique—so why take the same supplement as your friend, your mom, or your neighbor's dog walker? Factors like diet, age, health issues, and lifestyle all affect what your body needs.


This is where personalized guidance makes a big difference.


So… How Do You Choose the Right Supplements?


Here’s the cheat sheet:✅ Research the brand✅ Look for third-party testing✅ Avoid junk fillers✅ Know your body’s needs✅ Work with a practitioner you trust (👋 hi, it’s me!)


👇 Ready to Ditch the Guesswork?


You deserve vitamins that work with your body—not against it.


I’ve curated a collection of high-quality, practitioner-grade supplements through my trusted Fullscript account—no sketchy fillers, no fluff. Just clean, effective support designed for people who actually care about their health (ahem… you!).

Let’s get you on the path to feeling better, for real.



Click here to shop my Fullscript store →


 
 
 

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