So, you’ve decided to begin a daily nutritional supplement routine? That’s awesome. Perhaps you’ve spoken with your health-care practitioner about adding a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, or you are aware of a specific nutrient deficiency – like vitamin D, for example – that you want to address.

First off, congratulations! We know that deciding to supplement your health and wellness is a big step to take toward supporting yourself and your health and wellness goals.

But now the big issue: How do you begin? You probably want to know how to best begin taking nutritional supplements consistently and proactively. But with so many different supplements to choose from, how do you find the supplement that best fits your individual health and wellness goals? 

You’re in luck, because this article can be your guide to taking nutritional supplements. Keep reading for our top tips for maintaining a nutritional supplement regimen.

1. Determine your goals.

Seeking health and wellness is an individual journey, and only you know what your body is telling you. Ask yourself questions that can pinpoint which nutritional supplements you need to incorporate into a daily regimen.

Thorne’s quizzes are an excellent tool to get you started. Need help picking which multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is right for you? Then take the Multi-Vitamin Quiz. Confused about different kinds of fish oils/omega-3 fatty acids? Then reel in some good advice with Thorne’s Fish Oil Quiz. 

Need a little more expert advice? Thorne’s Health Advisor is a great resource to help you identify which steps are best for your supplement journey. Sign up for a consultation and receive recommendations for your personal health and wellness goals.

2. Read the product label and other product information.

After you have identified your goal and selected the supplements you need, it’s important to get to know those supplements and their suggested use and nutritional content. What should your suggested use be? When should you take each serving? For example, taking a sleep-support supplement such as Melaton-5 would likely not be the best thing to do first thing in the morning. Thinking about not just how much, but also when to take a supplement can ensure you get the most out of your daily routine.

Beyond suggested use and serving size, Thorne’s product labels provide information on ingredients and their amounts, ensuring you know how much you are getting in each serving. At Thorne, because we’re committed to 100-percent label transparency, we provide detailed information on each nutrient in every product, so you can feel confident and knowledgeable about what you put in your body.

You should also consider how to take a supplement for optimal absorption and minimal side effects. For example, should you take a particular vitamin or mineral on an empty stomach? It’s always a good idea to do a little research on the best ways to take your supplements for optimal benefit. Take 5 Daily, Thorne’s online magazine, contains a wealth of information on supplement ingredients and the latest research on health and wellness issues.

3. Organize your supplements in a 7-day pill box.

Now that you are ready to begin your supplement routine, you know what to take at what times during the day. If you take just one supplement daily, like Thorne’s Basic Nutrients 2/Day, you could just carry around a single bottle in your backpack or purse. 

But what if your daily routine includes multiple supplements? If you’re like me, then you take about five or six supplements every day. It’s not practical to carry five or six bottles with you wherever you go all the time.

A 7-day pill box is a good friend to have to keep your supplements organized and portioned out for a week’s worth of health solutions. I keep one for my morning supplements at home, and another at work for my afternoon supplements. 

(Are you a member of Thorne Rewards? You can redeem your points on a new capsule organizer with a durable aluminum sleeve, perfect for on-the-go supplements. Not a member of Thorne Rewards? Join now!)

4. Keep your supplement bottles visible.

If you’re like me, then you will probably forget to take your supplements some days. That’s okay; we’re all busy and have multiple daily distractions. One good tip is to put your daily supplements where you will see them each day. Where that is will depend on your daily routine, as long as you store your supplements in a cool, dry place for maximum quality.

Although we know your first reaction might be to keep them in the bathroom, that’s one place you probably should not store your supplements because bathrooms are often the most humid rooms in the home – between showering and washing hands, there’s a lot of water in the bathroom.

What’s a good alternative space? Try the bedroom, like on top of your dresser or in a closet so you see them when you get dressed in the morning, or on a nightstand next to your alarm clock.

Try different locations until you find one that makes sense for your lifestyle.

5. Track your health and wellness results and share them with your health-care professional.

The path to better health and wellness is a journey and monitoring your results along the way is an important step. The best way to stick with a supplement routine is by seeing and feeling results. Keep a wellness journal and track how you feel each day and what might have influenced those feelings.

For precision data and a more complete picture of what is going on inside your body, take one of Thorne’s advanced at-home health tests. These tests take a deep dive into your individual biomarkers, health needs, and nutrient deficiencies. And all test results provide a personalized wellness plan, including specific supplementation suggestions. 

As always, be sure to discuss your progress with your health-care professional.

We want to hear from you!

Do you have a tip or two for sticking with your supplement routine? Tell us by tagging us on social media @ThorneHealth or by leaving a review for your favorite Thorne supplements.