There are so many hot topic supplements out there these days, for example - Probiotics, Vitamin D, and Omega 3s.  But how do you know which health conditions they address and if they’re right for you?  Here is some information that should help you decide.

Probiotics are essentially beneficial bacteria.  We all have naturally occurring good flora in our digestive tracts, but the use of antibiotics will kill even this beneficial kind of bacteria.  To replace the good bacteria and cut down on digestive distress caused by taking antibiotics, many health professionals are recommending the use of Probiotics.  Certain illnesses or diseases may also upset the balance of good bacteria in the gut – for example, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, H. Pylori infection, and even tooth decay.  Good bacteria are also essential to a healthy immune system, so if you’re taking antibiotics or have any of the aforementioned health conditions, you may want to talk to your doctor about the use of Probiotics.

Two of the most popular Probiotic brands out there are Align and Culturelle.  Align Daily Probiotic Supplements are intended to be taken daily to guard against periodic constipation, diarrhea, urgency, gas, and bloating.  Customers swear by this product, claiming that the relief it provides is well worth the price.  Culturelle Probiotic Dietary Supplement contains the highly recommended Lactobacillus GG form of bacteria and claims to enhance the immune system and preserve healthy intestinal bacteria.  This is another customer favorite with rave reviews.

Vitamin D is beneficial for bone health, helps maintain the immune system and control blood pressure, and may reduce the risk of colon and prostate cancers.  High levels of Vitamin D have also been linked with a reduced risk for Multiple Sclerosis (more research needs to be done to determine whether this is truly the case).  You can get enough Vitamin D from spending about 10 minutes in the sun each day and get it in your diet with foods like eggs, salmon, and Vitamin D fortified foods.  But for those who don’t get enough sun exposure or those who have bone disease, fat malabsorption, darker skin, and older adults, taking a Vitamin D supplement may be just what the doctor ordered.  Many health professionals are recommending around 800-1000 IU per day for those individuals.  There are no adverse effects of high Vitamin D supplementation, even up to 10,000 IU per day.  However, keeping it to the 800-1000 IU recommendation is your best bet.  Vitamin D comes in two forms – ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3).  It is recommended that you take supplements that come in the cholecalciferol form for the best results.

Nature's Bounty Natural Vitamin D 400 IU is great for those that get some sun exposure or dietary Vitamin D, but still want to make sure that they are getting their daily recommended dosage.  It’s also great for those who are taking a multivitamin or a calcium supplement that already includes some Vitamin D in it.  Dr. Weil's Select Formulas Vitamin D 1000 IU Micro-Tabs work wonderfully for those who don’t get any regular sunlight or dietary Vitamin D.  These tiny tablets are perfect for people who have a hard time swallowing pills.  Both of these Vitamin D products come in the cholecalciferol form.

Omega 3s may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.  For those who don’t eat enough salmon, sardines, herring, or black cod (cold water, oily fish), Omega 3 supplements may be the answer.  However, because they have the potential to interact with some medications (such as the blood thinner, Coumadin), it is essential to discuss the use of Omega 3s with your physician before taking them.  The amount of Omega 3s recommended varies greatly – from 500 mg per day to well over 3000 mg per day.  This is another reason you should talk to your doctor (or ask for a referral to a Registered Dietitian) for help in taking Omega 3s.

Nature Made has some high quality Omega 3 supplements, such as their Omega-3 Fish Oil 1200mg Maximum Strength Softgels.  These high strength Omega 3s contain no artificial colors or flavors and no preservatives.  They have also been verified by the USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia) for correct ingredients, potency, and manufacturing process.  Another excellent Omega 3 comes from Dr. Weil, a big proponent of Omega 3s for health.  Weil Omega-3 Complex softgels contain 500 mg of Omega 3s per pill and are easy to swallow.  These molecularly distilled fish oil supplements have been tested for the absence of heavy metals and other contaminants.

The news about supplements changes all the time.  But it is generally regarded by the medical community that Probiotics, Vitamin D, and Omega 3s can be beneficial to your health.  However, they’re certainly not for everyone.  It is essential to discuss any supplements you wish to take with your physician just to make sure that they are right for you and that they will not interact with any medications you may be taking.