Buying Guide

What to Look for When Buying Supplements

In a market filled with bold promises and stylish packaging, choosing the right supplement can be overwhelming. At GetSupps, we believe in clarity, not confusion. This guide helps you navigate what matters most: proven, bioavailable ingredients that support long-term health and longevity.

What Are Supplements?
Supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients—like vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and amino acids—designed to support your health alongside a balanced diet. While a good diet is the foundation, studies show many people still fall short on essentials like vitamin D, magnesium, and folate. Supplements fill these gaps, especially as your body’s needs shift with age. They’re a tool—not a replacement—for healthy living.

What Defines a Quality Supplement?
Price doesn’t always equal quality. Some low-cost supplements rely on poorly absorbed, synthetic ingredients. Others are expensive but underdeliver. The best products use clinically validated, bioavailable forms—designed for results, not just labels. A quality supplement clearly states what’s in it, in what form, and how much of it your body can actually use.

The Form Makes the Difference
Take vitamin D: it exists as D2 and D3. D3 is the form your body naturally produces via sunlight—and it’s significantly more effective. Choosing D3 over D2 is a better investment in your health. This principle applies across the board. Always look for the most active, body-ready form of any nutrient you’re taking.

Bioavailability: What Your Body Can Actually Use
“Natural” doesn’t always mean “effective.” Bioavailability is the real standard—how well your body absorbs and utilizes the nutrient. For example, magnesium oxide (found in many generic products) is natural but poorly absorbed. By contrast, amino acid-bound forms like magnesium bisglycinate are better absorbed—even if they don’t occur naturally in foods.

Label Transparency: Read Past the Marketing
Good supplements are transparent. A trustworthy label doesn’t just say “magnesium”—it tells you the exact form and amount, like Magnesium (as bisglycinate) – 150 mg. This matters because the form determines how your body processes the nutrient. If a product hides this info, it likely contains a cheaper, less effective version.

The Folate Example
Many products still use folic acid, a synthetic version of vitamin B11, which must be converted in the body to become active. This process isn’t efficient for everyone. A smarter choice is methylfolate, the bioactive form that skips conversion and delivers benefits immediately.

Minerals: Always Bound to Something
Minerals like magnesium are never alone—they’re always bound to a carrier. The type of carrier determines how much your body can absorb. For example, magnesium taurate or malate are far better absorbed than magnesium oxide. If the form isn’t listed, assume it’s the cheap, ineffective version.

Summary: What to Watch For
When evaluating a supplement, look for these signs of quality:

• Clearly stated, bioavailable nutrient forms (e.g., methylfolate, bisglycinate)

• Transparent labeling that shows both elemental amounts and carrier compounds

• Evidence-backed dosages—not too low, not exaggerated

• No vague claims, no mystery ingredients

If it’s not clear on the label, it’s not worth your trust. At GetSupps, we only formulate with active ingredients in proven forms—designed to support your energy, resilience, and long-term health.

Need help choosing the right supplement?
Our team offers free, science-backed advice—tailored to your goals.