From Kirkland to Fullwell: How to Actually Choose the Right Supplements for You
Because it’s not just about the brand (or the price tag) it’s about what your body can actually use.
Let’s Talk About That Giant Costco Bottle in Your Pantry…
Okay, confession time: How many of us have tossed a giant bottle of multivitamins into our cart at Costco or Target, thinking, “Eh, it can’t hurt, right?”
Been there. Done that.
It feels like the responsible thing to do - pop a couple gummies, check “health” off the to-do list, and move on. But here’s the thing: just taking a multivitamin doesn’t always mean your body is getting what it needs.
This hit home for me big time. I was faithfully taking my daily gummies, but…nothing changed. My hair, skin, energy - same as always. So I started wondering: Why am I even taking this if I can’t tell it’s doing anything?
That’s where my supplement journey really began.
Why YOUR MULTIVITAMIN MAY NOT Always BE Enough
Look, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a generic multivitamin. They’re affordable, accessible, and a solid baseline for many people. But they’re often designed for the “average” person - and who’s actually average, anyway?
Here’s what I learned:
Cheaper vitamin does not always mean less potent. Generic multivitamins from reputable retailers are generally equivalent in nutrient content and bioavailability to more expensive brands, and there is no evidence that the typical forms used in generics result in lower absorption or benefit for the majority of users
Low doses might not move the needle. Some multivitamins have super small amounts of each nutrient - fine for covering basics, but not enough if you have specific health needs. For example, patients with malabsorption syndromes, certain chronic diseases, pregnancy, lactation, or advanced age may have increased requirements that exceed what is provided in a typical multivitamin. In such cases, individualized supplementation, sometimes at doses above the RDA and under medical supervision, is necessary to correct deficiencies or meet increased physiological demands
Fillers and extras you don’t need. Some vitamins have unnecessary additives that don’t contribute to your health at all. Regulatory oversight of supplement quality and labeling in the United States is limited, and unnecessary additives are not uncommon in both generic and brand-name multivitamins. Most people shouldn’t be too concerned, but if you have a known allergy, you may need to dig a little deeper.
And for certain life stages - like pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or managing chronic stress - generic multivitamins may just be a bandaid approach to a bigger, foundational issue.
My Turning Point: Pregnancy and Beyond
My real “aha” moment came when I was pregnant. Suddenly, I cared a lot more about what was in my supplements, and whether my body could actually use those nutrients.
Take folic acid, for example. Some of us can’t convert synthetic folic acid into the active form our bodies need (methylfolate). Same with certain types of B12. I wanted to make sure my body (and my baby) was getting the good stuff.
That’s when I discovered brands like Fullwell that focus on high-quality, bioavailable ingredients. And honestly? I noticed a difference. My energy felt steadier. My labs looked better. And I loved knowing exactly what I was putting in my body.
How to Check Your Own Supplements
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be pregnant (or go broke) to level up your supplements. But you do deserve to make informed choices.
Ask yourself these questions:
Is it third-party tested?
Look for proof that what’s on the label is actually in the bottle (and nothing else).Are the nutrients bioavailable?
Meaning: will your body absorb and use them?Are the doses meaningful for you?
Mega-doses aren’t always better. Too little might not help either.Does it fit your current season of life?
Your needs change. Check in regularly and ask your healthcare team for guidance if you’re unsure.
Remember: Food First. Supplements Second.
Here’s my golden rule: supplements are meant to supplement, not replace, a solid food foundation.
If your nutrition is all over the place, no supplement is going to be a magic fix. Start with balanced meals, then consider where you might have gaps.
Also, price doesn’t always equal quality. The fancy, expensive bottle on Instagram might not be any better than something you’d find at the store. It all comes down to ingredients and absorbability.
Final Thoughts: Stay Curious, Not Guilty
Don’t let social media trends, fear tactics, or guilt drive your supplement choices. Instead, stay curious. Read labels. Ask questions. And remember: your health journey is personal - and so is your supplement routine.
If you want to dive deeper, check out Episode 409 of Fit Friends Happy Hour. We’re all learning as we go, and I’m right here with you.
Let’s keep asking better questions together.
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