Should I Be Taking Supplements?

More than half the population of the United States takes supplements. While many of these are preventive, others can help manage current problems when used properly.

Bretton Powell, MD, and David Zweiback, DO, help you weigh the pros and cons of adding supplements to your diet. We offer convenient telemedicine and in-person appointments for a range of issues from preventive health to chronic disease management at Monarch Concierge MD – Hilton Head.

Why take supplements?

It’s important to tailor your supplements. For instance, pregnant women benefit from additional folic acid. Supplements also fill gaps in your diet and may even reduce your need for certain medications.

Our team identifies your missing nutrients to customize a nutrition and supplement plan that works best for you.

Types of supplements

Our doctors utilize lab testing and other diagnostic tools to pinpoint whether a particular diet or supplement may benefit your health issues. Depending on your needs, our team may suggest:

• Fiber supplements
• Herbal products
• Custom meal plans
• Multivitamins
• NAD+
• Probiotics
• Protein supplements
• Omega-3

Some fulfill a specific requirement, such as GLP-1 medications to help decrease hunger and manage blood sugar levels, while others enhance overall wellness.

Which supplements may be right for you?

Our team determines the appropriate supplements based on your overall health, current diet, and specific conditions. Examples include:

Pregnant woman

• Folic acid
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Other prenatal vitamins 

People not consuming animal products

• Vitamin B12
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Iron
• Vitamin D

Seniors looking to improve bone and nerve health

• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12

Tell your doctor about any supplements you take so they can identify potential interactions with your medications. Vitamin K, for instance, increases blood clotting, so it could impact blood thinners.

How we manage your supplements

Our team monitors your medications and supplements to help prevent any unwanted interactions. We utilize Fullscript® to track your information and enable you to order supplements at discounted prices.

Supplements can assist your immune system, heart, brain, lungs, eyes, hormones, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin health, and more.

When it comes to vitamins and other supplements, less is often best. Taking too much of certain supplements—especially those that stay in your system longer—can increase your risk of health problems.

Surplus vitamin A in retinoid form, for instance, could hurt your liver, while too much calcium and vitamin D may increase your risk of kidney stones. It’s important to follow your doctor’s prescribed dosages.

How supplements heal

Vitamins and other supplements often serve specific needs, as well as benefit your overall health. Examples include:

• Calcium and vitamin D help build strong bones and manage osteoporosis
• Magnesium helps you relax, relieve hypertension, and reduce migraines
• Turmeric (curcumin) relieves arthritis symptoms and other inflammatory issues
• Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressure and support your heart
• Probiotics enhance gut health, especially when using antibiotics
• NAD+ coenzyme assists cellular health, cognitive function, and more

A combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, zinc, and copper may also slow the progression of vision loss resulting from age-related macular degeneration. Our team helps you uncover the myriad benefits of supplements for you.

Let us supplement your health

Our talented team provides customized plans to target your specific health goals. To learn more about our nutrition and supplement plans or discuss other health care issues, contact our team today. 

Schedule your convenient in-person or telemedicine wellness consultation at Monarch Concierge MD - Hilton Head in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Call us at 843-681-5305 or request an appointment online to get started.