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Vitamins and supplements can go a long way in improving and maintaining health and helping relieve pain and inflammation. Here are some of the top vitamins and supplements pharmacists recommend.
Recently, US News, in partnership with pharmacy times, surveyed hundreds of pharmacists nationwide to learn what supplements and vitamins they recommended the most often over several categories of needs and essential areas of health maintenance.
According to the Mayo Clinic, calcium is vital for maintaining and building strong bones, which also recommends that calcium be supplemented with vitamin D. Most Americans don’t consume enough calcium in their diets. Older Americans, especially women, are at high risk for low bone mass and osteoporosis.
The two top calcium supplements pharmacists recommend are Citracal or Caltrate.
Many people prefer the ease of taking a single tablet that contains the recommended daily dose of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to help fill the gap from what they aren’t getting from their food sources.
Overwhelmingly, pharmacists recommend Centrum as a daily multivitamin.
According to medical news today, bone and joint supplements can help relieve current joint pain while reducing inflammation, and protecting the cartilage and joints to prevent pain from developing.
Pharmacists agree that the two essential ingredients are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Overwhelmingly, pharmacists recommended Osteo Bi-Flex.
Nutritional supplements, also referred to as meal replacement, are recommended for those who don’t or can’t consume a diet that provides them with all the necessary nutritional balance of vitamins and minerals.
Pharmacists recommend nutritional shakes such as Ensure Plus or Boost.
There are a number of reasons to take fiber supplements. Many people do not consume enough fiber in their diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, fiber is also important in normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation. It’s noteworthy that fiber-rich foods also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Fiber supplements are vital to achieve the recommended daily intake if that’s not possible. However, fiber supplements can cause abdominal bloating and gas initially. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if fiber supplements will interact with any medications you take.
The most recommended fiber supplements by pharmacists are Metamucil and Benefiber.
Omega-3 refers to certain nutrients from certain foods, such as oily fish or nuts and seeds, that many Americans don’t consume enough of. Omega-3’s are vital to cellular health, energy, the immune system, and keeping the heart, blood vessels, and lungs functioning properly, according to WebMD.
Pharmacists overwhelmingly recommend Nature Made for omega-3 supplements.
