How Do You Know If Your Supplements And Vitamins Are Working? We Asked An Expert To Find Out

Have you ever given up on a vitamin routine just because you didn't notice any changes in your body? Any supplement that you choose to take for your own self-improvement likely won't have immediate results, and this might prove frustrating for a variety of reasons. In our current healthcare era, social media websites like TikTok are proliferating new products or routines promising to "hack" your body in order to receive instantaneous results. One could argue that this is a result of our consumer habits shifting closer toward a need for instant gratification, but we can't say that for certain. 

What we can say definitively, though, is that if you are experiencing better mental clarity or more energy, even in the slightest dosages, your current routine is working. Women.com spoke exclusively to Dr. Amy Lee, the Head of Nutrition at Nucific, to learn more about why this is. Most importantly, however, we learned these subtle changes are far more important than one might expect. Even though sweeping and immediate changes won't be noticeable, what you will experience can directly lead to the healthy changes you're looking for.

Don't expect one specific supplement routine to be the end-all-be-all when it comes to effectiveness. Dr. Lee explained that a multivitamin might be good for most people, especially if they aren't consuming a "well-balanced" diet. However, more individualized supplements, such as probiotics, might not be for everyone. Since probiotics depend on what type of diet or lifestyle the prospective user lives, you should discuss your needs with your doctor before you try any type of new supplement. This is to ensure that you don't accidentally cause clashes between your medication (or other supplements).

"You can feel the benefits of [a proper supplement routine] as early as days vs. weeks," Dr. Lee explained, "but you have to accept that bioavailability is also dependent on one's baseline in absorption, and health."

What also makes a difference is the supplement's quality. After talking to your doctor about your individual health needs and identifying what vitamins or minerals you should be taking, look for products that have been approved by U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International, two nonprofit supplement grading entities. Once you find that right balance of needs, you could feel the effects much sooner than before.

Finally, individual habits have a part to play: "It also depends on the person ... and that they are taking it consistently," the doctor explained.

Most of the changes you could experience with a working supplements routine are more subtle, such as having more energy throughout the day, having a clearer mind, or noticing improved digestional health. These small changes can eventually become big changes, as a clearer mind can help you make healthier decisions, for example. If you want to be absolutely certain, ask your doctor to run a blood test to measure any vitamin or mineral deficiencies, according to Healthy Cell. This is especially recommended if you plan to have a routine to build up the vitamins you're deficient in. If the results come back with positive changes, keep doing what you're doing.

This brings up another important reminder. You won't be able to get the results you want if you don't take these supplements and vitamins on a regular basis. Do what you have to in order to remember to take them, but in order to get the results you want, you'll need to take them exactly as they're intended. Overall, finding results in your supplement routine ultimately comes down to knowing your body and making informed decisions on what products to get.