Alert! Vitamin Brands to Avoid & Alternatives

Finding the correct vitamin supplements with accurate compounds is a hassle. I have struggled for many years trying and tossing different supplement brands. 

As the options are wide and hundreds of brands are trying to prove that they offer the best supplements, being confused is totally understandable. Are you taking supplements that are not organic or have an immense amount of chemicals that should not be in it? 

I have listed some Vitamin Brands to Avoid so that you do not have to waste your money. This guide also covers some natural vitamin alternatives that provide specific health benefits. So, choose safe and high-quality supplements.

Why Are Vitamin Supplements Important?

Due to a lack of organic substances and busy schedules, we often skip the correct amount of micronutrients that our body needs. Research shows that each human body, depending on the age, gender, and body weight, requires a specific amount of vitamins and minerals to maintain normal body function. 

Taking dietary supplements is a common habit in the USA. It is a beneficial option to maintain the daily intake of vitamins and minerals. According to the CRN report, almost 74% of Americans take nutritional supplements and 55% are qualified as daily users. 

Perfectly balanced vitamin supplements play a significant role in proper body functions like cell growth, energy production, immune system function, and preventing chronic diseases. Some of the essential vitamin components are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B9 (Folate). 

Sadly, many nutritional supplement brands incorporate synthetic alternatives instead of organic Vitamin sources and skip some other micronutrients that ultimately decline your growth. So, which Vitamin Brands to Avoid and which to trust?

Which Vitamin Brands to Avoid?

While checking for good Vitamin supplements, I found some nasty ingredients that a few vitamin brands use. Other brands also use improper amounts of ingredients that may affect the body. 

I have listed 6 Vitamin Brands to Avoid as they lack some critical factors that a good vitamin supplement must have. Check if you are incorporating them into your diet without knowing the bad sides: 

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned below are not promotional. As a beauty expert, I have shared my genuine opinion based on my personal research and findings. This guide and opinions have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise supported by the supplement brands.

1. Berocca vitamin supplements 

Factors	Rating
Environmental report	✔
Organic	✘
Animal welfare	✘
Vegan verified	✘
Political donation	✘
Unethical marketing	✘
Ethical accreditation	✘
Armaments	✔
Public record criticisms	✘
Overall Score	28

2. Solgar vitamins & minerals

Factors	Rating
Environmental report	✔
Organic	✘
Animal welfare	✘
Vegan verified	✘
Political donation	✘
Unethical marketing	✘
Ethical accreditation	✘
Armaments	✔
Public record criticisms	✘
Overall Score	28

3. Sanatogen vitamins & minerals

Factors	Rating
Environmental report	✔
Organic	✘
Animal welfare	✘
Vegan verified	✘
Political donation	✘
Unethical marketing	✘
Ethical accreditation	✘
Armaments	✔
Public record criticisms	✘
Overall Score	28

4. Seven Seas vitamins and supplements

Factors	Rating
Environmental report	✔
Organic	✔
Animal welfare	✘
Vegan verified	✘
Political donation	✘
Unethical marketing	✘
Ethical accreditation	✘
Armaments	✔
Public record criticisms	✘
Overall Score	37

5. Boots vitamins & minerals

Factors	Rating
Environmental report	✔
Organic	✘
Animal welfare	✘
Vegan verified	✔
Political donation	✘
Unethical marketing	✘
Ethical accreditation	✘
Armaments	✔
Public record criticisms	✘
Overall Score	40

6. Holland & Barrett vitamins & minerals

Factors	Rating
Environmental report	✘
Organic	✘
Animal welfare	✔
Vegan verified	✔
Political donation	✔
Ethical marketing	✔
Ethical accreditation	✘
Armaments	✔
Public record criticisms	✘
Overall Score	47

5 Ingredients to Avoid 

Now that you know the Vitamin Brands to Avoid you must be wondering why you should avoid them. Here are the 7 ingredients supplements brands use you should not take: 

Collagen

Collagen is an animal byproduct that is made from cow’s bones and boiled skin or fish scales. The only good collagen is that your body produces. If you think taking collagen in your vitamin supplements may help. Let me break this myth. You can only get glowing and healthier skin by increasing your body’s collagen production.

Titanium Dioxide

This ingredient is a complete no from my side. Yes, some renowned brands add them into the formula to colour their supplement white. However, research indicates it is unsafe. Incorporating it through supplements can stimulate free radicals which causes damage to body cells. 

Gelatin

What is gelatin made of? Boiled skin, bones, cartilage, trotters, and hooves from pigs, fish, and cattle. It is used in supplements, especially vitamin gummies, to bind all ingredients together. Gelatin is not going to do any good to your skin. So, if you are a vegan, it is a straight no-no. 

Magnesium Stearate

Magnesium is a vital mineral for the human body. But too much magnesium consumption is bad. More than 350 mg of magnesium in any vitamin supplement may cause nausea. Some of the supplement brands have exceeded the magnesium stearate limit. Those are the Vitamin Brands to Avoid. 

Sugar Substitute

Lastly, check for the sugar substitute. This additive is used to add a sweet coating to the supplements. Artificial sweeteners raise the potential risk for diabetes patients and impact their health. Try finding vitamin supplements that come with zero-calorie or low-calorie sweeteners. 

What Actually Should Be in Your Vitamin Supplements?

So, what should be in the supplements? Supplements are worth taking when there are the correct amount of necessary components available. Here is what you should look for in your vitamin supplements: 

Vitamin D

One of the most necessary Vitamins for bone health and immune function. It is especially essential during winders and for people who have limited sun exposure. 

Folic Acid 

This ingredient is essential during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age must incorporate this component with vitamin supplements to prevent neural tube defects. 

Vitamin C

It is a powerful antioxidant to strengthen the immune system. Almost all vitamin supplements have Vitamin C in them to protect cells from harmful radicals. 

Vitamin B12 

Another vitamin component to keep blood cells and nerves healthy. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, your vitamin supplement must have Vitamin B12. 

Iron

Iron carries oxygen in the blood. Many vitamin supplements do not have Iron in them. However, it is a necessary compound for most teenage girls and pregnant ladies. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you are not vegan then this component within the vitamin supplements is best. These fatty acids are found in fish oil and are beneficial for heart health and brain function. 

Calcium 

Calcium is also essential for strong bones and teeth. Often supplements do not offer calcium which are the Vitamin Brands to Avoid. It is a necessary supplement for individuals who have limited their dairy intake or lead a vegan lifestyle. 

Zinc

Lastly you must check for zinc. It is crucial to slow down age-related vision loss and promote healthier skin. 

5 Recommended Vitamin Brands and Why They Are Good?

You know which Vitamin Brands to Avoid, which chemical compounds to eliminate, and which vitamin components to take. But You must want to know which brands you should trust. Let me guide you here: 

Nature Made 

Nature Made is a renowned and affordable option that is widely available. Individuals with a limited budget can consider this as it offers all the essential micronutrients. The brand also offers vegan and non-vegan supplementary options. Luckily, most of their products are third-party verified by the USP. 

Future Kind 

Future Kind is the ideal vitamin supplement brand for vegans. The brand specialises in complete cruelty-free and vegan supplements. They also donate a specific portion of sales to animal sanctuaries. Also, the vitamin supplements are formulated with nutrients like Vitamin B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids from algae-based EPA and DHA. 

Garden of Life 

It is an affordable yet organic supplement brand. They create supplements using plants and whale food ingredients. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has organic certified their supplements. Great vitamin supplements with all the necessary components. 

Hum Nutrition 

Hum Nutrition is a well-known vitamin supplements brand. Their science-based supplements are designed to support overall wellness and beauty. The perfect ratio of components with clinically proven ingredients makes it an easy integration for daily diet. It is one of the trusted vitamin supplement brands of dietitians. 

SmartyPants 

SmartyPants offers gummy-based vitamin supplements that are useful for individuals who struggle to swallow capsules. This brand is relatively affordable and available all across the world. These vitamin gummies are third-party tested. But they contain added sugar. If you do not mind additional sugar, these are perfect options. 

Smart Tips to Choose and Avoid Vitamin Brands

Here are some smart tips that you can follow to find Vitamin Brands to Avoid and select:

• Certifications 
• Quality Tested 
• Ingredients and Proper Ratio
• Price 
• Brand Reputation
• Personal Needs
• Dietary Restrictions 

Choose Your Vitamins Carefully! 

Finding a quality vitamin brand can be challenging. As there are plenty of options available in the market, understanding which Vitamin Brands to Avoid may be helpful. Check for the ingredient list and certifications. Eliminate your supplement if it contains unnecessary filters. 

Hopefully, the above ingredient lists of which to avoid and which to incorporate have been helpful for you. However, the brands which did wonders for me don’t need to work perfectly for you too. Focus on ingredients in the vitamin supplements that your body and skin need.

Frequently Asked Questions