Many of our vitamins and nutrients can be found in our natural diet from the fruits and vegetables God has graced us. That said, it's important to supplement when we don't have access to what we need. I spent several hours putting together this guide on the different supplements (and brands) I recommend for my family and all of my awesome readers. I hope it provides you with the answers you seek.
Please keep in mind that as someone who is on a very strict budget and as a practitioner who has found that most clients also need recommendations based on a strict budget, some of these are simply adequate quality to provide the necessary benefits.
Additionally, these are supplements that I know (personally and professionally) WORK. They are effective. A product can look really great, pure, natural, and all that but if it doesn’t work and only wastes money, none of that matters! So I’m sharing ones that I know are effective.
Before I list them out, I would like to note, of course, that food-based sources of nutrients are the best. They are in the form that God designed for our bodies to absorb and utilize most effectively. So for instance when it comes to Vitamin A and B vitamins, liver from grass-fed cows and pastured poultry trumps any supplement. Leafy greens trump any magnesium supplement. Homemade probiotic/fermented foods trump probiotic supplements (in bacteria strains as well as cost!).
At the same time, it is my professional opinion that everyone can benefit from supplementation in today’s world.
“Even if you are somehow eating the perfect diet, you might still need supplements—because modern life demands it. Today we live in stressful environments; we eat processed foods full of preservatives, colorings, and flavor enhancers; we are exposed to pollution, pesticides, petrochemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Our bodies require added supplemental nutrition just to help us cope properly with a toxic environment.”
Isolated, as well as collective, nutrient supplements have their place in a natural lifestyle (click here to read why I’m not a purist and find isolated nutrients to be very beneficial).
In general, it is important to note that with most chewables / gummies, they usually contain refined sugars and artificial colors. With liquids, they usually contain preservatives. And for both, some contain synthetic chemical sweetners like sucralose and aspartame, so it’s really important to read labels very carefully!
I do not sell Young Living nutritional supplements (and oils). I purchase them as a wholesale member for 24% off the retail price as well as access to monthly freebies and rewards programs which gives me about $400 in free stuff every single month. These products can be purchased at retail price as well for those who prefer not to become a wholesale member, but remember that there are absolutely no monthly obligations to purchase anything as a wholesale member. It’s just like having a Costco or Sam’s Club membership. However, with a Young Living membership, if you enroll as a member with the right person/people, you also get to be part of a supportive team!
And because I believe that team support and encouragement is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, all those who become a wholesale member through me or anyone on my team get access to FREE 24/7 support from our knowledgeable team found in our private Facebook group and the free classes we do. Check out my Young Living page to find more info about becoming a team member or ordering products.
IMPORTANT: I absolutely do NOT recommend purchasing any nutritional supplements and especially not any essential oils from Amazon. There are entirely too many tampered nutritional products on Amazon. Additionally, warehouse temperatures have been reported to be extreme in some cases which can negatively and permanently alter the efficacy of nutritional supplements and other natural products. I LOVE Amazon Prime but do not buy my supplements or other natural health products from there. Check out this example of how caps can be replaced after who-knows-what is put in the bottle:
One last note: It is always preferable to have the guidance of a knowledgeable natural health professional when deciding to take supplements long-term. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) should be taken with special considerations. Iodine should be as well, especially for those with symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease, and must always be taken in conjunction with selenium. Minerals taken separately can upset levels of other minerals in the body (for example, increasing zinc will lower copper), so it is important to consider this as well. Just a few examples of considerations when supplementing.
All that said, here are my preferred supplements listed by specific nutrients first, then combined formulas, and finally specific body system supplements. (In order to keep this post concise, I will avoid the temptation to share with you the many benefits of each nutrient, as much as I want to!) You can click on the name of each supplement for a link with more information and/or to purchase.
Specific Nutrients
Vitamin A
Cod Liver Oil: When it comes to fish oils, cod liver oil is the only one that contains Vitamin A. Let me repeat: Fish oil supplements DO NOT CONTAIN VITAMIN A! Cod liver oil supplements do.
I have gone back and forth reviewing and analyzing many different cod liver oil supplements. We have veered away from Green Pastures for a few reasons (but I am not completely against them) and Garden of Life due to the company being purchased by Nestle. I looked into Dropi and NutraPro and found them to be lacking or just private labeled from bigger brands.
Through all of that, my family currently uses Nordic Naturals.
Vital Proteins Beef Liver Pasture-Raised Capsules is also a great source of Vitamin A.
B Vitamins
Young Living Super B: This is my favorite since it has been reformulated to contain natural folate. Super B is a comprehensive vitamin complex containing all eight essential, energy-boosting B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12). Recently reformulated, it now Features Orgen-FA®*, a natural folate source derived from lemon peels, and methylcobalamin, a more bioavailable source of B12. It also has the advantage over other B complexes as it has bioavailable chelated minerals such as magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
For Kids: I crush up the Super B (or some just chew it up even though it's not a chewable).
For those with MTHFR, check out HFFG's new Methyl B supplement.
Vitamin C
I am a strong believer in Vitamin C supplementation, even isolated when needed (which is often for many people). (Please see my post above about why I’m not a purist, especially when it comes to Vitamin C.) There are various Vitamin C supplements I use and recommend:
Young Living’s Super C Chewables: My kids take this one daily and love it. It contains Vitamin C from camu camu, acerola cherry, and rose hip. I found that the essential oils and bioflavanoids in it really provide a synergistic boost, making lower doses more effective. (See info above to purchase YL products.)
Young Living Super C Tablets: Super C™ not only contains 2,166% of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin C per serving, but it is also fortified with rutin, citrus bioflavonoids, and minerals to balance electrolytes and enhance the effectiveness and absorption of vitamin C.* The essential oils that are added may also increase bioflavonoid activity.
HFFG Vitamin C Powder: This is what we use when we need more than a supplement can offer, such as for those whose adrenals are stressed and for when high-dosing is needed. This exceptionally pure, ultra-fine unbuffered vitamin C powder contains no added ingredients. It is much more fine than other ascorbic acid powders so it dissolves better. It is also allergen-free. This is safe for using for high-dose Vitamin C therapy. It is effective and it is inexpensive for using this way. Those with a sensitive stomach can check out Nutrabiotic’s sodium ascorbate instead as it is buffered. Click here for Dr. Klenner’s dosage chart for Vitamin C therapy.
You can also find this in HFFG Vitamin C tablets here or buffered Vitamin C here for those with sensitive stomachs or for doing a Vitamin C flush.
Vitamin D
When it comes to Vitamin D supplementation, this is a controversial topic. We’ll avoid that controversy and I will just quickly state that I do not recommend supplementing with high amounts of this fat-soluble nutrient without a real need for it and without addressing the reason why it is likely low (which is usually poor liver health because that is where the conversion is done to give our body this nutrient). For those who can obtain Vitamin D from the sun, this is the preferred form of this nutrient. Because we live in Minnesota, my family sometimes needs D3 in the winter. Cod liver oil should be our first source of Vitamin D after sun exposure.
When additional Vitamin D is needed, check out HFFG's 1,000 iu Vitamin D3 and HFFG's 5,000 iu Vitamin D3.
(For those who want a vegan Vitamin D, please be sure that it is sourced from the natural plant, lichens, as most vegan Vitamin D’s are made from synthetic D2.)
*IMPORTANT: If you are taking isolated D3 to improve Vit D levels, please be sure to also be taking K2 (click here for HFFG's Vitamin K2).
Click here for a home Vitamin D blood test.
Vitamin E
Most Vitamin E’s come from soy or wheat, so I prefer to recommend a sunflower-sourced Vitamin E:
NOW Foods Sun-E™ (This one does contain rice bran oil so for those who are avoiding grains, you may want to avoid this one. The Vitamin E posted below contains flaxseed oil instead but I prefer NOW’s for those who do not need to entirely avoid grains because flaxseed oil can easily become rancid and usually is rancid when not refrigerated.)
Natural Factors Whole Earth & Sea® Sunflower Vitamin E
Omega 3's / Fatty Acids (DHA / EPA)
Because it is not clear if fermented cod liver oil from Green Pastures contains adequate omega 3’s and fatty acids, I also supplement this in an additional product for my family. The ones I personally use and recommend are:
OmegaGize (Young Living): OmegaGize³™ combines the power of three core daily supplements-omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D-3, and CoQ10 (ubiquinone). These supplements combine with our proprietary enhancement essential oil blend to create an omega-3, DHA-rich fish oil supplement that may support general wellness. Used daily these ingredients work synergistically to support normal brain, heart, eye, and joint health.*
Mindwise combines exotic sacha inchi nut oil with a proprietary MindWise oil blend for a unique supplement that supports normal brain and heart function.* Harvested from the Peruvian Amazon, sacha inchi nuts are cold pressed to create a vegetarian oil with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and an unmatched percentage of desirable omega-3 fatty acids (α-Linolenic acid). Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and pure essential oils are added to complete the MindWise oil blend. The proprietary Memory blend features ALCAR, GPC, and bio-identical CoQ10, ingredients that have been studied for their beneficial health properties. Generous amounts of vitamin D3 and a unique delivery method create a premium supplement that supports normal memory function and overall cognitive and cardiovascular health.
Probiotics
Homemade fermented foods/drinks are the best and cheapest source of probiotics as stated above. For supplements, the thing to note is that most contain undesirable fillers like maltodextrin. The ones I use/recommend are:
HFFG’s Baby Biotic Infant Probiotic Powder: Despite the name, this can be used everyone in the household as it contains strains common in many high-potency products for people of all ages. This is an allergen-free, high-potency probiotic.
HFFG’s Children’s Chewable Probiotic: Like the infant probiotic powder, this one is also high-potency and allergen-free. My kids love the taste of this and it is the only consistent way I can get my toddler to get probiotics daily.
Young Living’s Mighty Pro is a unique, synergistic blend of prebiotics and probiotics in a supplement specially formulated for children. Packaged in easy, one-dose packets that can be taken almost anywhere you go, this supplement features over 8 billion active, live cultures to support digestive and immune health.* It is completely unlike any other prebiotic + probiotic formula as it contains prebiotics from the highly-nutritive wolfberries.
Life 9™ is a proprietary, high-potency probiotic that combines 17 billion live cultures from 9 beneficial bacteria strains that promotes healthy digestion, supports gut health, and helps maintain normal intestinal function for overall support of a healthy immune system.* Life 9 is specially designed with special delayed-release capsules, a dual-sorbent desiccant, and a special bottle and cap that ensure your Life 9 stays fresh and effective. Each bottle contains 30 capsules, making it easy to use this helpful supplement daily.
HFFG's Gut Restore probiotic with the necessary s. boulardii strain is for those who need extra support with combating yeast, restoring gut health, or who have been on antibiotics.
There are many other high-quality, probiotic supplements out there without fillers. Please read labels carefully though! And despite what it says on the label, there's no guarantee of viability! I have tested the probiotic supplements above for active viability and have found them all to be very effective and viable.
Combined Formulas
Multivitamins (Adults)
After much searching for a fabulous, whole-food based multivitamin, I have finally found one.
Master Formula from Young Living is a full spectrum, multinutrient complex, providing premium vitamins, minerals, and food-based nutriment to support general health and well-being. By utilizing a Synergistic Suspension Isolation process – SSI Technology – ingredients are delivered in three distinct delivery forms. Collectively, these ingredients provide a premium, synergistic complex to support your body.* I love it for many reasons, including the nutrients from whole foods, the synergy of the carefully-designed nutrients, the higher amounts of nutrients than many multivitamins, and also all the added bonus ingredients:
I used to use Garden of Life but this multivitamin offers so many more things and a higher level of nutrients.
Multivitamin (Prenatal)
I find it very important to add in a B-complex, essential fatty acids, and thyroid-supporting nutrients during pregnancy in addition to a prenatal multivitamin.
Click here to check out my full Holistic Pregnancy Guide here!
Multivitamin (Children)
Let me tell you, I spent YEARS looking for a multivitamin for children that did not contain refined sugars and artificial colors. Even “natural” ones contain refined sugar as the first ingredient! And many contain folic acid (synthetic folate). Watch ingredients CAREFULLY on Kids' Multivitamins! The one my kiddos now take is:
KidScents MightyVites Chewables: These newly-reformulated children's chewable multivitamins are whole-food based. MightyVites benefit from Orgen-kids®, a nutrient-dense, food-based superfruit, plant, and vegetable complex. Free of preservatives and artificial colors and flavors, these delicious, berry-flavored chewables give your children full nutritional support. Orgen-kids® is formulated with Orgen-FA®, which is the best source for natural folate available. Orgen-FA® is 100 percent USDA Certified Organic and does not contain synthetic folic acid or additives. It is extracted using hot water and is no different than the folic acid that is produced when boiling broccoli.
Minerals - Including Magnesium
Mineral Essence (Magnesium): Mineral Essence™ is a balanced, full-spectrum ionic mineral complex enhanced with 60 trace minerals and essential oils for more bioavailability than any other ionic mineral product. Ionic minerals are the most fully and quickly absorbed form of minerals available. Mineral Essence is a fabulous source of magnesium combined with other trace minerals. I have not found a single magnesium to be as effective. Most magnesium supplements are poorly-absorbed forms that cause loose bowels before being able to replenish the body's need for magnesium effectively. It's important to note that when we need a higher amount of magnesium, it should come with other minerals in naturally-occurring ratios in order to avoid upsetting the balance of other minerals. If higher doses of magnesium are needed, Mineral Essence and the magnesium below together are recommended.
HFFG's Magnesium Glycinate Complex capsules and Magnesium Glycinate Complex Powder: Magnesium glycinate is the preferred form of isolated, oral magnesium. For optimal absorption, this formulation uses magnesium combined with amino acid glycine to create a unique chelated compound that is highly bioavailable and well tolerated by even the most sensitive individuals.
Organic Brazil Nuts (Selenium): These are my favorite source of selenium as they are food-based and yummy! 2-4 Brazil nuts will provide the daily recommendation of 200-400 mcg without the risk of overdosing like with isolated selenium (but I still don’t recommend overdoing it with Brazil nuts!). I buy organic Brazil nuts from Vitacost.
Remember: Selenium supplementation can be dangerous; in isolation, it is actually very toxic at high doses, so please stick to around 200-400 mcg amount if using supplemental selenium.
Zinc:
Zinc Plus contains Zinc carnosine which has been shown in multiple clinical trials to help protect the stomach lining and promote gastrointestinal comfort. Studies show zinc carnosine promotes healthy mucus secretion, exerts antioxidant properties, and modulates cytokine expression, thus helping protect the stomach and small intestine. L-glutamine promotes small intestinal cell function and mucosal integrity to further support gastric function and protect tissues.
For when liquid zinc is needed, such as for topical use on warts, my clients have seen great results with Eidon Liquid Zinc Concentrate.
Iodine
Remember--iodine supplementation should be accompanied with selenium as well (see above for selenium)
Nascent Iodine Drops from Radiant Life--These are great for all ages but do not taste great so it’s best to mix into liquids especially for kids.
Go Nutrients Nascent Iodine Drops—While I prefer not to get supplements from Amazon (due to questionable quality and storage conditions, this iodine is in a base of glycerin which makes it taste great so it’s easier for a lot of people to take.
Thyromin--For those who need iodine as well as some additional thyroid support (like thyroid glandulars).
Iron
I do not have any recommendations for iron as I do not recommend iron supplementation. Isolated iron feeds pathogenic bacteria. During pregnancy, to support healthy iron levels, I recommend taking considerable amounts of HFFG's chlorella and consuming liver from grass-fed animals as well as optimizing gut health as iron levels are strongly linked to gut health.
Calcium
I ONLY recommend herbal or whole-food based calcium supplements as calcium carbonates actually increase risk of health problems. Click here to read more.
For the longest time, I did not have any good calcium supplements I could recommend. But then in the summer of 2017, Young Living heard the concerns and new research about isolated calcium and released a natural calcium supplement!
Super Cal Plus: Using a marine mineral blend derived from red algae that’s harvested off the coast of Iceland, Super Cal Plus harnesses the power of naturally derived ingredients to bring you the vital minerals found in the most complete bone-support supplements. This unique seaweed absorbs calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals from ocean water, bringing them together to support overall bone health, including bone-density support. Super Cal Plus also includes a unique fermented polysaccharide complex to support bone resorption and formation. It also contains D3 and K2.
Superfoods
Chlorella
One of the supplements I wish everyone could take daily. There’s just so much to say about this supplement, but I will just leave you with links for more info and the one I recommend.
Detox 101 & The Power of Chlorella
Finding a good chlorella was hard. My criteria was that it came from either Korea or Taiwan (not China or Japan) and that it contained the enzymes needed for it to break through the biofilms of candida. The only one I found was only available to healthcare practitioners from my supplement manufacturer, which is why I private-labeled my own Chlorella Detox supplement.
Greens
MultiGreens Capsules (from Young Living): MultiGreens™ is a nutritious chlorophyll formula designed to boost vitality by working with the glandular, nervous, and circulatory systems.* MultiGreens is made with spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, barley grass, bee pollen, eleuthero, Pacific kelp, and therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Turmeric
Turmeric is infamous for supporting the body’s natural inflammatory process. For the best cost, I buy this organic turmeric and put it in capsules myself using an inexpensive capsule machine. I also add one drop of Young Living’s Vitality black pepper essential oil to each capsule really magnify the benefits of the turmeric. (Vitality oils from Young Living are the first in the industry to be labeled and approved for internal use according to the newest FDA regulations.) For those who want it already in capsules, this is a good one:
Specific Body System Support
Thyroid
Thyromin (from Young Living): Thyromin™ is a special blend of porcine glandular extracts, herbs, amino acids, minerals, and therapeutic-grade essential oils in a perfectly balanced formula that maximizes nutritional support for healthy thyroid function.*
Adrenals
The most important nutrients for the adrenals are Vitamin C and B Vitamins. Please see above for recommendations for these supplements. Super B from Young Living also has the added benefits of nutmeg essential oil for powerful adrenal support.
HFFG's Ashwagandha Extract: This Ayurvedic herb exerts adaptogenic and neuroprotective effects.† This may be due to its antioxidant action and the ability to modulate cortisol release induced by physiological stress.† Ashwagandha may also help increase cortical cholinergic activity thus supporting memory and cognition.†
Sex Hormones
Like the adrenals, sex hormones depend on adequate B vitamins for support. (Please see recommendations for tat above.) It is also imperative to have liver support (see below for those recommendations) since conversion of sex hormones depend on the liver. For extra hormone balance support:
Progessence Plus Serum: Progessence Plus™ features essential oils, wild yam extract, Vitamin E, coconut oil and a small amount of USP bio-identical progesterone. Because the progesterone is micronized and in a serum rather than a cream, it is much more absorbable than progesterone creams. The essential oils in Progessence Plus increase the synergy and bioavailability of the progesterone. Unlike progesterone creams, Progessence Plus does not have to be cycled; it is simply used daily for healthy hormone support.
Bones / Joints
BLM™ supports normal bone and joint health.* This formula combines powerful all-natural ingredients, such as type II collagen, MSM, glucosamine sulfate, and manganese citrate, enhanced with therapeutic-grade essential oils. These ingredients have been shown to support healthy cell function and encourage joint health and fluid movement.*
AgilEase: Especially beneficial for athletes, as well as middle-aged and elderly people who may experience a natural, acute inflammation response in their joints after exercise, AgilEase™ is a joint health supplement that’s perfect for healthy individuals who are looking to gain greater mobility and flexibility through the reduction of inflammation. We used unique and powerful ingredients such as frankincense powder, UC-II undenatured collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium fructoborate, and a specially formulated proprietary essential oil blend of Wintergreen, Copaiba, Clove, and Northern Lights Black Spruce—oils that are known for their joint health benefits. Take AgilEase to support joint health or as a preventative measure to protect joint and cartilage health.
OmegaGize³™combines the power of three core daily supplements-omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D-3, and CoQ10 (ubiquinone). These supplements combine with our proprietary enhancement essential oil blend to create an omega-3, DHA-rich fish oil supplement that may support general wellness. Used daily these ingredients work synergistically to support normal brain, heart, eye, and joint health.*
Super Cal Plus: Super Cal Plus™ was created to offer more than just calcium and minerals—it is a true bone-health supplement. With a synergistic blend of bioavailable calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and K, and other trace minerals, Super Cal Plus supports the structure, integrity, and density of bones and teeth. Plus, adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout life as part of a well-balanced diet may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Digestive Enzymes (Support for Liver, Gallbladder, and digestion)
Essentialzymes-4: Essentialzymes-4 is a multi-spectrum enzyme complex specially formulated to aid the critically needed digestion of dietary fats, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates commonly found in the modern processed diet. The dual time-release technology releases the animal- and plant-based enzymes at separate times within the digestive tract, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption.
Essentialzyme: Essentialzyme™ is a bilayered, multienzyme complex caplet specially formulated to support and balance digestive health and to stimulate overall enzyme activity to combat the modern diet. Essentialzyme contains tarragon, peppermint, anise, fennel, and clove essential oils to improve overall enzyme activity, and support healthy pancreatic function. This is my first choice for those who need the benefits of supplemental betaine hcl to optimize stomach acid.
Detoxzyme: Detoxzyme®combines a myriad of powerful enzymes that complete digestion, help detoxify, and promote cleansing.*
Allerzyme: Allerzyme™ is a vegetarian enzyme complex that promotes digestion.* This one is a good choice for those who need enzymatic help with some of the foods that bother people most.
KidScents Mightyzymes: KidScents® MightyZyme is an all-natural, vegetarian product in the form of chewable tablets designed to help children combat the negative effects of enzyme depletion. MightyZyme chewables address each of the digestive needs of growing bodies and assist normal digestion of all foods, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.*
Liver Support
See Chlorella & turmeric above
Genceutic Naturals Organic Milk Thistle
Click here to read my post on my favorite natural products for powerful liver support.
Immune Support
Inner Defense: Young Living’s Inner Defense™ reinforces systemic defenses, creates unfriendly terrain for yeast/fungus, promotes healthy respiratory function, and contains potent essential oils like oregano, thyme, and Thieves® which are rich in thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol for immune support. (If I could only buy one supplement from Young Living, this would be the one. I make sure we never run out of this as we have found it to be very effective at providing immune support when extra support is needed.)
ImmuPro Chewable Tablets: ImmuPro™ has been specially formulated to provide exceptional immune system support when combined with a healthy lifestyle and adequate sleep to support the body’s needs.* This power-packed formula combines naturally-derived immune-supporting Ningxia wolfberry polysaccharides with a unique blend of reishi, maitake, and agaricus blazei mushroom powders to deliver powerful antioxidant activity to help reduce the damaging effects of oxidative stress from free radicals.*
(Also see Vitamin C above for high-dose therapy info.)
So there you have it!
Everyone is different, and so are everyone’s preferences. Please keep in mind that these are just the supplements I use and recommend. I encourage everyone to do their own research and, with prayer, determine what is best for them.
Keep in mind that I provide free, 24/7 holistic health services to all Young Living wholesale members on my team. (And because of the amount of people on my YL team, I am unable to offer my services to the public at this time.) Our Oily Friends team also has a number of other natural health experts and a forum where health questions can be asked anytime.
Being a wholesale member with Young Living gives you a 24% discount plus the option to join the rewards program for up to 25% more off, discounted shipping, and more freebies.
Please contact me on Facebook here or here for more information about becoming a part of our team. Head over to my essential oils website here for more information about ordering the Young Living products in this post as either a retail customer or a wholesale member.
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Blessings of good health,
Sara Jo Poff
Holistic Health Practitioner
Healthy Families for God
Using the Scents God Gave You
