Guide to dietary supplementation

Where do I start? A Naturopath's Practical Guide to dietary supplementation

By Kerry Locatelli, BNat

As a naturopath, I’m often asked what dietary supplements people should take. Here is a question that came through recently:

"I feel like I am taking too many dietary supplements and it's costing me a fortune. Magnesium, Vitamin D, Collagen, Perimenopause support ... Do you have any recommendations for this?”

This is an excellent question, and we can all relate to the overwhelm! With so many Dietary Supplements out there, it’s hard to know where to start, what support you need, and whether it’s all worth the investment. I often talk to people about getting the foundations right first. This means food first- good nutrition should be coming from our food. Then we can look to dietary supplements as ‘nutritional support’, a way to provide nutrients in addition to those obtained from a heathy balanced diet. 

My go to recommendations as a base or starting point with dietary supplements is: 

• A multi vitamin and mineral like GO Multi Everyday. This is a high strength, all in one multi vitamin and mineral dietary supplement designed for both men and women to support energy levels, mood balance, mental clarity & normal metabolism.
• An Omega 3 Essential fatty Acid- this can be a Fish oil like GO Fish Oil 1,500mg or plant-based options include GO Flaxseed Oil 1,000mg or GO Hemp Seed Oil 1,100mg. Essential fatty acids are just that, essential. We need to consume them for good health. Omega 3 fatty acids support skin, heart, brain and joint health as well as a balanced mood.
• Magnesium- This is an essential mineral.  It is involved in over 300 processes in the body and serves several important metabolic functions. It supports a balanced mood, sleep, nervous system function, the body’s normal electrolyte balance, muscle health, muscle relaxation and so on. GO Healthy has a number of magnesium supplements from GO Magnesium 1-A-DAY, with high strength 500mg of elemental magnesium per capsule, to GO Magnesium Glycinate, a more bioavailable form of magnesium less likely to cause digestive upset. Have a look in our Calm & Relax category and Sleep Support category to find the right magnesium option for you.

After all that, we can look at other areas that need support like gut health, weight management, hormonal support and so on.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dietary supplementation. Everyone’s health goals, lifestyle, and nutritional needs are different. If you're looking for support, explore the GO Healthy range online or in store to find the products that best align with your individual wellness goals, or talk to your healthcare professional.