If you and your family regularly take vitamins, you are in good company. A 2018 Harris Poll shows that 86% of Americans rely on vitamin supplements to help balance their daily diets. When you shop for vitamin supplements, make sure you purchase high-quality, reasonably priced vitamins with excellent customer reviews.
Why should I take vitamins and supplements?
Some people who take supplements are following doctors' orders. An example of this would be a recommendation to take an iron supplement to help correct iron deficiency anemia. Some people take a supplement to improve their general health with specific nutrients that meet their body's individual needs, such as B, C and D vitamins. When it's not possible to eat a variety of foods, taking a vitamin supplement is useful for those who need to fill the gaps in their diet.
What are the best vitamins and supplements?
When choosing the supplements that make the most sense for you, look for brands that have the NSF International, U.S. Pharmacopeia, UL or ConsumerLab.com seal of approval. You also want to be sure it is made in the U.S. The following are some of the common vitamin supplements people take and their benefits.
Vitamin D: More than half of adults who use dietary supplements are taking vitamin D. It helps you metabolize calcium, which is critical to a strong skeleton and good oral health. If you or someone in your family has a vitamin D deficiency, research is suggesting that you may be at a higher risk for some types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Sunlight is the primary source for vitamin D. If you live in a region where sunlight is scarce, it makes sense to take a D vitamin supplement. You can also get more of this essential nutrient from many types of fish, eggs and foods that contain extra D, such as milk fortified with vitamin D.
Vitamin B12: This nutrient, also known as cobalamin, is essential to the health of your nervous and circulatory systems. It helps you avoid anemia and maintain your normal energy level. Top nutritional sources of this B vitamin include eggs, meat, fish and poultry.
People who have digestive illnesses like Crohn's disease and those who don't metabolize the nutrient fully may not get enough vitamin B12. As a result, they can experience weakness, weight loss and nerve problems. You can prevent these conditions by providing B12 supplements for your household. Up to 15% of Americans have a B12 deficiency, so it is important to make sure you and your family get enough.
Biotin: You need biotin every day because your body cannot store this B vitamin. Biotin is essential in keeping your digestion up and running. Biotin helps convert the food you eat into the energy you need. It also helps you maintain your hair and nail health.
Biotin deficiencies are most common in pregnant women and those who are addicted to alcohol. The signs of deficiency include brittle hair and nails, red rashes on the skin and low blood sugar. If you or any of your loved ones are deficient in biotin, a dietary supplement can provide that needed biotin boost.
Where can I buy vitamins and supplements?
BJ's Wholesale Club has an excellent selection of vitamin supplements for you and your family. When you eat a healthy diet and take supplements to fill in those inevitable gaps in nutrition, you can be at your best, both at work and at play.
Shop BJ's Wholesale Club online for the dietary supplements you need to keep your family healthy and strong. We offer Curbside Pickup that saves time so that you have more to enjoy with friends and family.
BJ's Wholesale Club is not an expert in this subject matter, and our BJ's Members should always consult their primary care physicians before taking vitamins and supplements.
