How to Buy an Effective Supplement – The Complete Guide

Our Mission

At Nature’s Source and Nature’s Signature, we are committed to the health and wellness of our customers, communities, and the planet. We value sustainability, ethical resource management, and charitable giving, while upholding the highest standards for clean formulations, product quality, and evidence-based research.

Understanding Supplements: What Makes an Effective Choice? 

Are you wondering if shark cartilage is actually helping your arthritis? Is your fish oil really boosting your brain power? If you have to ask, then you may not be taking an effective supplement.

A supplement should make a noticeable difference in your health. If you’re taking glucosamine for arthritis, for example, your joints should feel less painful.

Before purchasing, do your research and consult an expert. At Nature’s Source and Nature’s Signature, our Health Consultants have backgrounds in holistic and naturopathic health, helping you achieve the best possible results with supplements.

Top Tips for Choosing an Effective Supplement 

1.  Determine the Therapeutic Level 

• Many supplements are sold at sub-therapeutic doses, meaning they won’t deliver noticeable benefits.
• Example: 10mg of ginseng is too low to provide any real effect.
• Research the clinically effective dose or speak to our Health Consultants for guidance.

2. Ensure the Supplement Contains the Correct Dosage

• Read labels carefully—some manufacturers include capsule weight in the total weight of ingredients.
• A reputable manufacturer will clearly state if the capsule weight is included in the formulation.
• If the labeling is unclear, ask a Health Consultant for clarification.

3 Ask the Health Consultant: "What’s the Best Product and Why?"

• A high-quality supplement should have a clear and convincing explanation of why it stands out.
• If the retailer can’t explain the difference, it may not be the best choice.
• 4. Look for Research-Backed Products
• Some supplements have hundreds of clinical studies backing their efficacy.
• Not all brands will have scientific research behind their claims.
• A trustworthy health store should be able to provide research-based information about its products.

5. Check for Potential Interactions with Medications

• Some supplements can interact with prescription medications.
• Example: Fish oil is a natural blood thinner—if you’re taking prescription blood thinners, you may need to avoid it.
• Consult a pharmacist or trained Health Consultant before combining supplements with medication.

6. Don’t Overbuy Supplements

• More isn’t always better.
• Speak to an expert to determine which supplements you actually need and in what quantity.

7. Find a Trusted Retailer with Knowledgeable Staff

• A great retailer will have staff with medical, naturopathic, or nutritional training.
• Ongoing staff education ensures up-to-date supplement advice.
• Ask if the retailer can provide supplier information, including:
• Where the raw ingredients are sourced.
• When they were harvested (which affects potency).

8. Choose a Store That were harvested Works with Healthcare Professionals

• A reputable natural health retailer should be affiliated with naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, and sports therapists.
• Nature’s Source and Nature’s Signature collaborate with a large network of health professionals.

Comprehensive Blood Panel Testing for Health Monitoring

Male & Female Blood Panels: 

 Metabolic Profile:

• Glucose & Hemoglobin A1c
• Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, BUN, Uric Acid, Creatinine/eGFR
• Liver Function Tests: AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase
• Blood Minerals: Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Chloride, Iron
• Blood Proteins: Albumin, Globulin, Total Protein

Lipid Profile: 

• Total Cholesterol
• LDL ("Bad" Cholesterol)
• HDL ("Good" Cholesterol)
• Triglycerides

Cardiac Health Markers:

• C-Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity)
• Homocysteine

 Hormone Panel (Men & Women):

• Testosterone (Total & Free)
• DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) – Important for Prostate Health
• DHEA-S (Adrenal Hormone)
• Estradiol, Estrone, and Estriol (Estrogens)
• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), T3, T4, Reverse T3
• Vitamin D (25-hydroxy & Bioactive 1,25-hydroxy forms)
• Cortisol (Adrenal Function & Stress Test)
• Melatonin (Sleep Regulation)

Complete Blood Count (CBC): 

• Red Blood Cell Count: Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC
• White Blood Cell Count: Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Neutrophils, Basophils
• Platelet Count

Cancer Marker Testing: 

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen for Men)

Key Takeaways for Buying an Effective Supplement

• A supplement should make a noticeable difference in your health.

• Check for therapeutic levels—low doses won’t deliver benefits.

• Ask for research studies—trusted products have scientific backing.

• Ensure staff have medical, naturopathic, or nutritional training.

• Choose a natural dispensary with expert partnerships.

Find the Right Supplements for You

At Nature’s Source and Nature’s Signature, we’re here to help you make informed, effective choices for your health and wellness.

 Need personalized supplement advice?

 Visit us in-store or shop online today! Shop Now