How much do you spend a month on supplements?

[Mai72]

I just did a review of my supplements and how much I spend. Some of my supplements I buy every month, and others will last me 60 days, 90 days, and up to 6 months.

I've been leaning towards the anti aging/ anti inflammatory route.

1. Vitamin C
2. Biotin
3) Vegan Protein
4) Collagen plus Hyaluronic Acid
4) Hyaluronic Acid
5) Creatine
6) Beta Alanine
7) Preworkout
8) Tumeric w/ pepper
9) Saw Palmetto
10) Vit D3 5000IU/K2
11) Vegan Multi Vitamin
12) Anti-oxident greens powder
13) Digestive Enzyme (Both Pre/Pro Biotic)

That comes to a little over $100 monthly. When I add the CoQ10, and Resvertrol it will be about $120 monthly. Like I said my supplements lean more towards anti aging, and anti inflammatory. I like to stack the creatine w/ beta alanine. I like to mix the greens powder, vegan protein with my nutribullent shake. Was thinking about eliminating the greens powder though. I don't know if it even makes a difference. I could get rid of the hyaluronic acid since it's in the collagen pills. But, it's only $8 a month and I'm getting double the dose. Am I spending too much? I've always believed that your diet should be paramount, and for me it's the first thing I think about. Health is wealth.

 

[CalebRockeT]

I don't keep track of the cost over a specific time frame, but the supplements I take daily are:

1) Multi-vitamin
2) "Ultra" Omega
3) Vitamin D3
4) Creatine monohydrate
5) Protein powder

I just make replenishment orders on the protein powder when it's on sale and order the vitamins when I'm close to out or have a promo code that needs to be used. I like to keep it simple. I'm skeptical of how beneficial unstudied and unregulated supplements can be, so I'd rather keep my investment in the supplement game on the minimal side.

 

[pcgeek11]

None.

 

[Mai72]

I don't keep track of the cost over a specific time frame, but the supplements I take daily are:

1) Multi-vitamin
2) "Ultra" Omega
3) Vitamin D3
4) Creatine monohydrate
5) Protein powder

I just make replenishment orders on the protein powder when it's on sale and order the vitamins when I'm close to out or have a promo code that needs to be used. I like to keep it simple. I'm skeptical of how beneficial unstudied and unregulated supplements can be, so I'd rather keep my investment in the supplement game on the minimal side.

D3 has been studied and it has been shown that people who suffer from heart attacks, depression had very low levels of vit D. In the winter it's very difficult to get adequate amounts since Vit D is utilized via the sun. I do about 5000IU/100K2 blend. With protein I've gone vegan since it's been shown that regual creatine spikes blood glucose on the same level as eating a piece of white bread. With fish oils, I eat a can of sardines per day. Sardines are loaded with good omega 3. I know the ones I eat have over 2200 mg. I love creatine and take daily. Tumeric has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, so it's why I take it. Thanks.

 

[Brainonska511]

The most I've done is picked up 150 multivitamins for about $5. For most people, supplements are just a way to separate people from their money without giving them anything meaningful in return. Companies love to cite the correlative research; they know there isn't solid evidence to back up legitimate health claims, so they let the consumer draw conclusions in their mind based on low quality evidence. Most people don't need supplements.

 

[Mai72]

The most I've done is picked up 150 multivitamins for about $5. For most people, supplements are just a way to separate people from their money without giving them anything meaningful in return. Companies love to cite the correlative research; they know there isn't solid evidence to back up legitimate health claims, so they let the consumer draw conclusions in their mind based on low quality evidence. Most people don't need supplements.

True. But vitamin D has been studied and there are hundreds of studies that prove that inadequate levels can lead to a host of health issues. Doctors who typically dislike giving advice on taking supplements will tell their patients to at least take vitamin D.

 

[Brainonska511]

True. But vitamin D has been studied and there are hundreds of studies that prove that inadequate levels can lead to a host of health issues. Doctors who typically dislike giving advice on taking supplements will tell their patients to at least take vitamin D.

If people have low levels as measured by blood tests, sure, take a specific supplement to try to correct that.

I'm saying there are a lot of studies out there on nutrition and a lot are of poor quality. There is also very low quality evidence for consumption of X = higher bioavailability of X. The example I like to think of is eggs: way back, when it was realized that high blood cholesterol is bad, people made the assumption that high dietary cholesterol led to high blood cholesterol. The problem was that it wasn't really the case.

 

[snoopy7548]

IMO it's ridiculous to spend $100/month on vitamins when you should just eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead...

I only take Vitamin D3 because my blood results always show low levels of Vitamin D, and my physician told me to.

 

[FeuerFrei]

At least $100 maybe pushing $200. Only because I go days without sleep, and I need to manage neurotransmitters. Most of my supplements target the brain/nerves.

 

[balloonshark]

My doctor recommended that I take a multi-vitamin so I've been taking one for about 10 years.
I starting taking B12 since I went plant-based.

I probably should have my vitamin B12 and D levels checked. I have family members with low levels and I don't get much sun.

 

[whm1974]

Dude, you are mostly wasting your money buying and taking "supplements". I mean $120 a month on them, seriously? Why not just buy more Real Food instead? And consume a wider variety as well?

 

[pcgeek11]

Mostly snake oil.

 

[Ackmed]

I dont know about per month exactly, we buy when we are out. Sometimes its one or two things, sometimes its a lot. Usually from GNC, they give good deals. We both use a multi, pre workout, BCAA's, and protein. Generally use the same ones. When buying everything, its over $300. But that will last about 6-8 weeks. Edit, Going back and looking at GNC transactions from this year, we're at $1,170. But we have also bought cookies, shakers, and a few other odds and ends.

 

[pauldun170]

Every 3 months or so I might pick up a tub of whey but generally I spend 0 per month. I only have whey on hand because I like to have some on hand in case don't have anything to nibble on pre-workout.
Cuz science.

My opinion, based on 25+ years being all "fitness'y" with the running and lifting and blah blah blah is that money is better spent on vegetables and nutritious foods combined with proper rest.

 

[Ackmed]

Yes real food is very important. Its ignorant to think that other things cannot help.

 

[whm1974]

Yes real food is very important. Its ignorant to think that other things cannot help.

Bases on what data? These so called "Health Supplements" are anything but. At best they don't do anything and are a waste of money. Worst case, instead of changing lifestyle habits and seeing doctors when something is wrong them, people have actually made their conditions worst and died as well.

 

[Ackmed]

What data are your comments based on? There is none. There is plenty of data showing suppliments can help. Like most things in life, going to one extreme or another, is not a good idea. Basing your entire needs on food only, or suppliments only isn't the best idea. You can do both you know. Different people have different goals too, which makes a difference.

Your claim that all suppliments don't do anything and are a waste of money is just ignorant. Same as to my original response to the poster saying he spends zero dollars. Of course eating proper foods, and getting proper rest is hugely important. Doing these things in conjunction with supplements can be very beneficial. And no you cannot make up for the lack of these with pills and powders. But to think wise choices of over the counter supplements cannot help is just dumb. Making smart changes and staying away from the magic snake oil supplements, can help. Plenty of reputable companies make supplements that can and do help. Backed up by data.

 

[whm1974]

What data are your comments based on? There is none. There is plenty of data showing suppliments can help. Like most things in life, going to one extreme or another, is not a good idea. Basing your entire needs on food only, or suppliments only isn't the best idea. You can do both you know. Different people have different goals too, which makes a difference.

Your claim that all suppliments don't do anything and are a waste of money is just ignorant. Same as to my original response to the poster saying he spends zero dollars. Of course eating proper foods, and getting proper rest is hugely important. Doing these things in conjunction with supplements can be very beneficial. And no you cannot make up for the lack of these with pills and powders. But to think wise choices of over the counter supplements cannot help is just dumb. Making smart changes and staying away from the magic snake oil supplements, can help. Plenty of reputable companies make supplements that can and do help. Backed up by data.

And where did you get your "data"? Did you also had the "data" verified as well?

 

[whm1974]

@Ackmed here are some articles here:

Supplements are the Wild West of health. One Attorney General is out to change that.

Bold moves from the New York State attorney general's (AG) office are shaking up the supplement industry. In February, the AG accused four retailers (GNC, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens) of sellin

sciencebasedmedicine.org

What are health professionals telling consumers about dietary supplements?

The popularity of dietary supplements continues to grow. A few weeks ago I described how dietary supplements have become a $34 billion industry, despite the fact that there’s very little evidence to

sciencebasedmedicine.org

 

[Ackmed]

You clearly are not understanding. Yes, there are fake supplements out there. That do no good, or even do harm. Yes people can rely on supplements too much. I never claimed otherwise. The fact is that supplements can help someone, especially when used in conjunction with a proper diet, workout, and sleep. Ignorantly claiming that all supplements do not help, or do harm is just that, ignorant. Wrong, false, and dumb to think such things. Taking a protein shake after a workout, is better than eating an apple. Not everyone can eat a meal immediately after a workout.

Why dont you do some research and see how many professional athletes use supplements. You know, people who make a living from their physical performance. From runners, to football players, to cross fit athletes, to everyone in-between. Another fact is, the vast majority of these people do take supplements. Thats a fact, and there is a reason for it. You are mind boggling ignorant on this subject, and I cannot keep going around and around with you. You simply dont get it.

 

[purbeast0]

I probably spend like $100, most of it in whey protein. I go through a tub in like 2-3 weeks. Then I take creatine too and a pre-workout. I have some multi vitamins as well.

 

[whm1974]

You clearly are not understanding. Yes, there are fake supplements out there. That do no good, or even do harm. Yes people can rely on supplements too much. I never claimed otherwise. The fact is that supplements can help someone, especially when used in conjunction with a proper diet, workout, and sleep. Ignorantly claiming that all supplements do not help, or do harm is just that, ignorant. Wrong, false, and dumb to think such things. Taking a protein shake after a workout, is better than eating an apple. Not everyone can eat a meal immediately after a workout.

Why dont you do some research and see how many professional athletes use supplements. You know, people who make a living from their physical performance. From runners, to football players, to cross fit athletes, to everyone in-between. Another fact is, the vast majority of these people do take supplements. Thats a fact, and there is a reason for it. You are mind boggling ignorant on this subject, and I cannot keep going around and around with you. You simply dont get it.

Which supplements are you referring to that actually helps some people? And Athletes taking supplements doesn't prove that they are effective or actually do anything at. This is just a good example of "BroScience" and pretty much the same thing as Gwyneth Paltrow convincing educated women who should know better into buying expensive overpriced egg shaped rocks, and sticking said rocks into their vaginas to promote "sexual healing" or some nonsense.

Gwyneth Paltrow is wrong about everything: My adventure in Goop-endorsed cleanses

If celebrities like something, it must be goodness. So I set out to cleanse the Gwyneth way and change my life

www.salon.com

And it is not my responsibility to disprove your claims, but yours alone to show actual evidence that actually supports your claims that health supplements are effective.

Burden of proof

Burden of proof (also known as onus probandi in Latin) is the obligation on somebody presenting a new idea (a claim) to provide evidence to support its truth (a warrant). Once evidence has been presented, it is up to any opposing "side" to prove the evidence presented is not adequate. Burdens of...

rationalwiki.org

So please show us Naysayers the Science that backs up your claim on supplements.

 

[snoopy7548]

Performance athletes take supplements because their bodies need it. They're constantly working out and food only gets them so far, otherwise they'd need to eat pounds of food multiple times per day. Try doing that without gaining unwanted weight and feeling too bloated to keep going.

Your average person isn't a professional athlete. They can get by just fine with wholesome food that will support going to the gym a couple of times per week, if that, after sitting in an office for eight hours. But your average person is too lazy so they think popping a few vitamins will turn them into an "athlete."

Supplements can be dangerous if your body isn't able to handle them.

 

[deadlyapp]

I supplement with fish oil and turmeric generally from a nutrition standpoint. From a workout regime, I supplement with whey, creatine, and pre-workout.

To @whm1974 again - you're missing the point. There are a large number of independently studied supplements that have wide ranging positive effects. Is there enough research done to completely verify them? Probably not, but also the cost impact for some of these supplements is almost nothing - so why does it hurt to supplement? As widely coined - trust, but verify. If you hear a wild claim regarding a supplement - do some research.

Yes - ideally you shouldn't need to supplement with many things, as they are naturally occurring in a well balanced diet, however there are some things that are simply not physically possible - like getting a full balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 every single day.

Also - if it makes a placebo effect, then why is that necessarily a bad thing? Do you realize that 90% of stretching and mobility is just tricking your brain into thinking it's more capable? If a supplement does the same thing, does that necessarily make it a bad thing?

Edit: and since you seem fixated on providing evidence rather than looking yourself:

Creatine:

International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine - Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Creatine is one of the most popular nutritional ergogenic aids for athletes. Studies have consistently shown that creatine supplementation increases intramuscular creatine concentrations which may help explain the observed improvements in high intensity exercise performance leading to greater...

jissn.biomedcentral.com

Turmeric curcumin

Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health - PMC

Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, has received interest from both the medical/scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts, as it is the major source of the polyphenol curcumin. It aids in the management ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fish Oil

Omega-3 Supplements: In Depth

Omega-3 fatty acids, with a focus on dietary supplements, including research results, safety issues, and sources for additional information.

nccih.nih.gov

Jury is still out on many other supplements such as vasodillators.

 

[whm1974]

@deadlyapp and @snoopy7548 Both of you are behaving like those who who believe that the Earth is flat and no more then 10,000 y/o and Sky Daddy created everything. Despite the totally lack of evidence or even what Science has long discovered.

Are you Two aware that the FDA is prevented from regulating dietary/health supplements as long as the manufacturers don't make any claims that their products are drugs, food, medicines?

Aside from Multivitamins/mineral and fish oil most of these so called supplements don't do anything at all and are just a waste of money. And that is assuming you are getting what you paid for.