Not All Supplements Are Created Equal: How to Choose the Best for Your Health
In today’s fast-paced world, many people turn to supplements to fill nutritional gaps, boost energy, support immunity, and optimize overall wellness. However, not all supplements are made equally—many over-the-counter (OTC) products contain unnecessary fillers, low-quality ingredients, and ineffective dosages that can actually sabotage your health goals rather than support them.
As a provider committed to functional medicine and evidence-based nutrition, I want to help you make informed choices when it comes to supplementation. That’s why I recommend pharmaceutical-grade supplements from trusted brands like Pure Encapsulations—high-quality, third-party-tested products free from harmful additives.
You can find my top recommended supplements in my Sedona Med Wellness Shop through Fullscript—a trusted online dispensary for professional-grade supplements. Shop Now
Let’s dive into the key issues with OTC supplements and my top five recommendations to support your health!
The Hidden Dangers of Low-Quality Supplements
Many store-bought supplements are marketed as “high potency” or “natural,” but a closer look at the ingredient list often reveals:
✅ Fillers and Additives – Unnecessary ingredients like artificial colors, hydrogenated oils, and magnesium stearate can reduce absorption and potentially cause inflammation.
✅ Low Bioavailability – Many cheap forms of vitamins and minerals are poorly absorbed, meaning your body gets little to no benefit from them.
✅ Synthetic or Inferior Ingredients – Some brands use synthetic nutrients that lack the co-factors needed for proper utilization in the body.
✅ Heavy Metals and Contaminants – Low-cost supplements are often poorly regulated, leading to potential contamination with lead, mercury, and other toxins.
That’s why I only recommend high-quality supplements from trusted sources. Below are my top five choices, all available through Sedona Med’s Fullscript shop to ensure purity and effectiveness.
My Top 5 Supplement Recommendations (All from Pure Encapsulations)
1️⃣ Vitamin D3 & K2: Ultimate Immune & Bone Support Duo
Many people are deficient in vitamin D, which is crucial for immune health, mood balance, bone density, and even hormone regulation. However, taking vitamin D alone isn’t enough—it needs vitamin K2 to ensure calcium is properly directed into bones instead of arteries.
✅ Symptoms of Deficiency: Fatigue, frequent illness, muscle weakness, bone pain, low mood.
✅ Best Way to Take It: With a meal containing healthy fats for optimal absorption.
2️⃣ Magnesium Glycinate: Stress & Sleep Savior
Magnesium is essential for over 300 biochemical processes in the body, including muscle relaxation, nervous system function, and energy production. However, most people are deficient due to depleted soil and poor diets.
Many OTC magnesium supplements contain magnesium oxide, which is poorly absorbed and can cause digestive upset. Magnesium glycinate, on the other hand, is highly bioavailable and gentle on the stomach.
✅ Symptoms of Deficiency: Anxiety, muscle cramps, poor sleep, migraines, constipation.
✅ Best Way to Take It: In the evening to promote relaxation and better sleep.
🔗 Order Magnesium Glycinate Here
3️⃣ Pure Response™: Comprehensive Immune & Inflammation Support
In today’s world, immune health is more important than ever. Pure Response™ is an advanced blend of nutrients designed to modulate immune function, reduce inflammation, and support resilience against stress.
This formula contains quercetin, zinc, curcumin, resveratrol, and vitamin C, all of which work together to promote a balanced immune response without overstimulation.
✅ Symptoms of a Weak Immune System: Frequent colds, slow wound healing, chronic inflammation, fatigue.
✅ Best Way to Take It: With meals for optimal absorption.
4️⃣ Pure B-Complex: Energy, Mood, and Brain Health
B vitamins play a crucial role in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell production. Unfortunately, many OTC B-complex supplements contain synthetic B vitamins that are not well absorbed.
Pure B-Complex provides bioavailable forms such as methylcobalamin (B12), pyridoxal-5-phosphate (B6), and riboflavin-5-phosphate (B2)—all essential for brain function, mood regulation, and cardiovascular health.
✅ Symptoms of Deficiency: Fatigue, brain fog, irritability, nerve pain, anemia.
✅ Best Way to Take It: In the morning with food to support all-day energy.
5️⃣ Weight Loss Energizer (Priority One): Metabolism & Fat-Burning Support
Struggling with stubborn weight? Weight Loss Energizer by Priority One is a carefully formulated blend that naturally supports metabolism, fat oxidation, and sustained energy levels—without the jitters of traditional stimulants.
This formula includes:
✔ Green tea extract – A powerful thermogenic that supports fat burning.
✔ L-carnitine – Helps the body utilize stored fat for energy.
✔ Chromium – Supports blood sugar regulation and reduces cravings.
✅ Best For: Individuals looking for safe, non-stimulant metabolism support.
✅ Best Way to Take It: In the morning or before a workout.
🔗 Order Weight Loss Energizer Here
How to Tell If You Need Supplements
Not sure if you have a deficiency? Here are some common symptoms that may indicate you need targeted supplementation:
✔ Fatigue & Brain Fog → Likely B-vitamin or magnesium deficiency
✔ Frequent Colds & Weak Immunity → Possible vitamin D, zinc, or immune support deficiency
✔ Muscle Cramps & Poor Sleep → Could be magnesium deficiency
✔ Bone & Heart Health Concerns → Might need D3 & K2
✔ Stubborn Weight & Low Energy → Could benefit from Weight Loss Energizer
Of course, the best way to determine your nutrient status is through functional testing, which I offer through my practice, Sedona Med.
Where to Find High-Quality Supplements
To ensure purity, potency, and effectiveness, I exclusively recommend professional-grade supplements through Fullscript. Unlike store-bought brands, these are:
✅ Third-party tested for contaminants
✅ Free from harmful fillers & additives
✅ Backed by scientific research
💊 Shop My Recommended Supplements Here
Final Thoughts
Supplements can be a powerful tool for optimizing health—but only if you choose high-quality products. Many OTC brands are filled with ineffective ingredients, synthetic fillers, and contaminants that may do more harm than good.
By selecting trusted brands like Pure Encapsulations, you can ensure that your body gets the nutrients it truly needs.
Have questions about the best supplements for your health goals? Schedule a consultation with me at Sedona Med, and let’s create a plan tailored to you!
Stay well,
Meredith | Sedona Med
