The ABCs of Supplements
by Mara Fleishman, December 30th, 2008 | Permalink | Email this

Confused about so many supplements on the shelves? Tune in and let us help! We’re going back to the basics and answering some common questions. Nutritionist Malia Curran talks about various benefits and forms of supplements, things to know about regulation and explains a few terms that are often confusing.
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Well worth the listen!
I am glad you clarified the difference between capsules and tablets. As I was just having the same discussion the other day about how tablets tend to be the more affordable option. They might be better on your wallet, but some are tough to get down.
December 30th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I believe that supplements are important and need to be combined with good eating habits. Food nutritional values have dropped over the years as soil becomes over farmed, plus allot of hybrid food strains have reduces nutritional value, requiring more intake of foods to gain the same historical nutritional values. Supplements seem to me to be a good way to round out ones diet.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:37 am
I enjoyed this podcast. I look forward to the day where insurance recognizes the value of supplements.
December 31st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I believe supplements are critical for young and old alike. They round our the nutritional balance of our daily intake and in some cases provide minerals we can’t gain solely from food consumption.
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:31 am
This is a great podcast! I always assumed that liquid vitamins were the best way to go, then capsules, then tables. Great to know tablets work well, thanks you!
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:41 am
Thank you for the information on tablets. Good to know that the supplements I can afford, might just be the best ones for me.
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:43 am
I’m a big believer in supplements and have taken them in one form or another for the last 15 years. I didn’t know the information your guest shared about the value of tablets, keep it up.
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 am
Another great podcast! May we all have good health in 2009.
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
Nice coverage on supplements. I enjoyed the comparisons between the delivery options- I hadn’t consider the impact repetitive exposure to air might have on liquid vitamins. I’m looking forward to your next podcast!
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 am
Well this is a good way to start the new year. I have made a commitment to improve my health through exercise and better eating and vitamins. I just went to one of your stores and was really impressed with the staff’s knowledge. I’m excited to feel the difference.
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 am
Nice podcast, great photo! Our family takes supplements and feel strongly that it rounds out our nutrition. Like other here I am pleasantly surprised to learn that tables are a good way to go! Thanks Whole Foods.
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Can you recommend a good bee pollen that is freezer dried?
January 2nd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I am curious how the 365 brand supplements stack up to the other brands you carry.
January 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Good info- I try to focus on nutrition through organic foods and juicing, but I see the value in supplements.
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Like another commenter here, I to assumed liquid supplements are the easiest to assimilate. Great news for the pocket book, that tablets work well!
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I wish that my insurance would consider homeopathy and natural supplements as coverable preventative medicine. I know this will never happen, in the meantime it is out of pocket, but I feel strongly that supplements really help my energy throughout the day.
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Great to hear WF exploring social media! This ties in well with your in store information.
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Omega’s are vital for so many functions of the body, I think these are a vital supplement for everyone.
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I appreciate this podcast. You mention making sure supplements come from a “good source” but I would have enjoyed more detail here. I always trust the products in your stores. I know you have a standard for the body care products you carry, is there a similar standard for the supplements?
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:56 pm
I guess perhaps the classification of supplements as food rather then medicinal was considered because of the herbs which fall into this category. I hope one day western culture will recognize the value of herbs, supplements, and vitamins. WF is helping!
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Another good podcast, thanks!
January 4th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Thanks for the podcast! I am curious how to distinguish high quality from low quality supplements.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I take flax seed oil as a raw oil- I keep it in the fridge but hadn’t really considered that air might be influencing the integrity of the oil. Thanks for the heads up.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Glad to here your company supports supplements. I have always appreciated the high quality lines you carry. I’m a long time health nut, and consider supplementing my diet a vital aspect of my nutrition. Your guest puts it well.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I think it is great your store is involved in podcasts. I really like the cooking shows as well. Love the stores, love the new web look!
January 4th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Great info!
January 4th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Like others here I am glad to learn some of the differences between delivery methods for supplements. I’ve splurged before for liquid but haven’t always been able to afford them, so I’m happy to know the capsules are a viable option.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Thanks for another great podcast.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Interesting information on the classification of supplements as a food product. It makes sense to me, in that supplements help round out daily nutritional values. Thanks for sharing this info!
January 4th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Monica make a good point above, which supports the information on your podcasts. Supplements are a great way to enhance your diet, but shouldn’t be considered a primary food source. To most this sounds obvious I know, but I had a friend once who lived on coffee and supplements….
January 4th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I have my girls taking DHA and A muli-supplement. They are growing like weeds and I feel good that they are having a supplement to round out their diet. I have taken a B complex and Omegas for a few years now, and feel like they give me strength throughout my busy days.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Glad to come across this series. I’m looking forward to more of the same.
January 4th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
A friend sent me the link to this podcast, and I’m glad they did. I see you have many more on topics which important to me. I have been preaching supplements for some time now, and I’m thankful for stores like Whole Foods which make these much more accessible than they where 10 years ago!
January 4th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Supplements are a good way to balance elements you might miss daily in your diet. I’m unfortunately a huge coffee drinker and I feel good that I may be replacing some of the vitamins which likely get stripped from my massive coffee intake
January 4th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Good podcast. It would be neat to have one which speaks about which supplements are the best if you only want to take one or two per day. Would this be a multi and an omega, or calcium. I am sure it is different from person to person, but I would like to know about a good general starting place. I’ll check with your store staff.
January 4th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Vitamin C has such a tremendous benefit for people as well as pets. I’ve found that supplements help keep my moods even throughout the long winter season.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Great podcast!
January 5th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Good info on supplements. I am happy to hear that the capsules I take are sacrificing any quality vs a liquid or powder capsule.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Great podcast!
I have really been enjoying these podcasts. Supplements are important to me and my family.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:26 am
People can really help their long term health by making sure they have a well balanced diet and support with proper supplements, oils, and herbs. Why not start now with things like calcium, rather then wait until your body is short on a vitamin and mineral.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:30 am
I like the stance you take on supplements and the discussion about capsules, tablets, etc. Tinctures of herbs aren’t mentioned and for me this is a crucial aspect of my health routine. Tinctures allows us to access the great benefits of so many powerful and medicinal herbs.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Supplements are a very powerful thing. I’ve noticed that if I take a multi-vitamin or a B-complex at night I actually feel an energy lift and can have trouble sleeping. I hope I am not overworking my kidney’s and liver by taking to many supplements.
January 5th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I take supplements. Another valuable way to get herbs is through teas. Certain teas such as Chamomile are great for de toxing and off course for keeping you relaxed.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
DHA’s, Vitamins, herbs, I feel so good about taking all of these as a part of my health program. I am curious as well as to how the 365 brand supplements stack up with Dr Weil and others.
January 5th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Great podcast!
January 5th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Glad to see you featuring supplements here. As foods loose there nutritional value due to soil depreciation and hybrid seeds, it is very important to add supplements to ones diet.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
You guys are hip. First the great instore deli foods, produces and bakery and now your diving into social media. Keep it up!
January 5th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I’m stoked to here that the capsules are just as good if not better then liquid vitamins. I am a believer in supplements but unable to afford the more expensive liquids. Great to know!!!
January 5th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I don’t really by the notion that we must take supplements to cover 40 elements the body can’t obtain through food consumption. Not to get to philosophical but I’m sure we are meant to function running on nutrition we can gain from sources supplied naturally on the earth. I think the supplement things is taking “natural health” to far.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Good coverage for supplements. I feel the best way to get maximum benefit from herbs however, is through tinctures which extract the highest level of value from the medicinal herb.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:19 am
I like your simple approach to this topic! I always assumed that liquids were the top tier way to go for vitamin assimilation. Glad to hear my capsules pack a good bunch
January 6th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I’ll check with your store staff, as I am curious to the quality of the 365 brand supplements (as I see others here are). I appreciate their low price, but it makes me wonder if the value is lower. I know this is possibly counter intuitive, in that lower prices doesn’t have to mean lower quality. Anyway, thanks for the info!
January 6th, 2009 at 10:28 am
I’m a believer in nutrition through high quality organic foods, juices, fish and meat etc. A supplements seems unneeded for me, plus I think over doing it with vitamins can over tax your liver and kidneys… just take a look at your pee after taking a multi
January 6th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I know a few people who actually get Vitamin B shots. Is there any chance vitamins will ever be available which could be given intervineously? Perhaps it isn’t needed?
January 6th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Supplements are key for me and I have noticed they really help me during transition between the season. With immune support n my side I can’t even remember the last time I was taken ill.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Your store as some wonderful supplement options, as you know
I appreciate you raising awareness to the value of optimal nutrition!
January 6th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Vitamin C has helped me through many a cold. The homeopathic C+ always helps my kids as well during colds, their little systems reall really respond quickly.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Good podcast it is a good representation of the knowledge your store employees display.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I am an exercise fanatic and I believe the supplements I take help support my muscles as well as my overall health. I feel like I loose allot through sweat and vitamins and electrolytes help keep me balanced!
January 6th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Very cool! It would be nice to be able to access and listen to these podcasts in your store as well, keep em’ coming.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I’m really happy to learn that the tablets can hold more supplements and help protect those vitamins and minerals.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I enjoyed the clarity of this podcast, particularly the clarification of the value of capsules and tablets.
January 6th, 2009 at 11:27 am
So good to hear my inexpensive tablets (relatively:) work as good as the liquid options!
January 6th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Thanks for the info! I am happy to find out that the tablet supplements can be a good carrying medium for supplements. Like others here I am a fan of tinctures for herbal remedies, and appreciate that your store has a great selection.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:25 am
The way your guest addresses supplements as just that supplements, rather then core nutrition.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Great podcast, thank you for your stores dedication to natural health.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I lean towards natural food sources as the only needed way to approach holistic nutrition. I do use herbal remedies so perhaps I am actually counterdicting myself here
January 7th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Supplements are great, and a very strong addition for health. I have to be careful and take them with food or they can actually make me feel sick.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:47 am
I really don’t believe that “supplements” are necessary to add to your diet. If we were suppose to get nutrients we can’t get from food, I’m sure they would have been naturally available. Stick with what you do best, great produce, food, culture etc!
January 7th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Vitamin B complex are a very good way to help support your system especially during stressful times, like the holiday season.
January 7th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Bravo! Supplements are getting their 15 minutes of fame, and well deserved I might add.
January 7th, 2009 at 10:01 am
@Val & Holly Thanks for your questions about our 365 Everyday Value® line of products. Much more than “generic store brands,” our 365 Everyday Value® and Whole Foods Market™ brands offer all the benefits of leading brands without the unnecessary fillers and additives. That means you’re only paying for necessary and beneficial ingredients, nothing else. Private label products are lower in cost because the marketing and labeling costs are low. With 365 Everyday Value® you’ll find simple, straightforward and affordable supplements and body care,
the most popular products transformed to meet Whole Foods Market® Quality Standards and value and economy with higher potencies and large sizes.
quality with value like no other brand
January 9th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
@Carrie Yes, we do have Quality Standards for supplements, body care, and everything that’s on our shelves! Check out http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/quality-standards.php for the full list of standards. You can also find them in the store on the back of our Be Good to Your Whole Body booklets. A “good source” takes various factors into account including but not limited to quality of ingredients, research and efficacy, safety, impact on the environment, and appropriate labeling and claims. Only products that meet our standards make it to the shelves. A “good source” takes various factors into account including but not limited to quality of ingredients, research and efficacy, safety, and impact on the environment. Thanks for your question!
January 9th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
@Michele It’d be best to ask a Team Member in the Whole Body department.
January 9th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Good to see you giving coverage to supplements. They are a great way to enhance daily nutrition. Your stores have such great food options and I see more and more body care products.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Great podcast! I appreciate the clear concise approach.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Good to hear your 365 brand is a viable option.
January 12th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Wow! If the info on the 365 brand is on the up and up, this is great news. The supplements are very affordable, compared to brands like Dr. Weil. I tried the 365 lotion once, great deal in terms of cost, but the lotion stayed on my skin and didn’t absorb well.
January 12th, 2009 at 9:21 am
It is great to see a grocery store promoting not just products, but the value natural lifestyle choices can add to one’s quality of life. Looking forward to more!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I am a big believer in supplements and I’m greatful to see your company promoting wise health choices.
January 13th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Glad to hear this great info!
January 13th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I appreciate the value of supplements as a means to round out your daily nutrition. I also further support my system with fresh juices and some herbal tinctures, such as Wellness Formula.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Glad I found this podcast series. I am a first time visitor and look forward to more and more in the future!
January 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Great podcast. I am a Registered Nurse and Wellness Coach and many of my client/patient questions were answered in this session. I look forward to hearing more!
January 14th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
It is nice to see a market stepping into social media. It helps your brand I think! The info is solid and reinforces the product lines in the stores. This is a great way to reduce the mystic around natural remedies and supplements.
January 21st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I enjoyed learning more about supplements. I also thought liquids were the top of the line way to take these. My budget really only allows for tablets— glad to know they pack a good punch as well!
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:43 am
I am trying to erradicate second smoke toxins, which tinctures are good for cleaning the blood?
Sincerely Christopher Kurtz
March 15th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Thank you for the information. You might have mentioned the following. I think it is best to use a vitamin that does not have artificial colors or titanium dioxide for a white color. I find that some men’s multi-vitamins do not use these; however,many women’s multi-vitamins do. I assume the multi-vitamins at Whole Foods do not contain them, and, if so, I will buy them there. I know these additives are regarded as safe, but why use them if they are not needed? After all, a daily multi-vitamin is taken for years, if not decades.
Thanks for listening.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Thanks for taking all the guesswork out of this and I believe we all are nutritionally defeicient in some way so supplements are a great way to fill in the gaps. Of course I am a believer in the right kind of supplements meaning Organic.
July 17th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Please provide me with the cost of your phytotherapy liquid calcium 180 and 90 supply?
September 30th, 2009 at 10:06 am