Best Vitamins and Supplements Buying Guide

What Are Vitamins?

Vitamins are specific nutrients that our bodies need to function properly and maintain good health and wellbeing. Because our bodies can't produce these nutrients on their own, we have to get them either from the food we eat or in pill or tablet form (i.e., "taking our vitamins").

What are supplements?

The term "supplements" is quite broad. It includes vitamins as well as other kinds of nutrients that aren't vitamins. Examples of popular non-vitamin supplements include coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and fish oil.

Do I need vitamins and supplements?

Taking the right vitamins and supplements can offer many health benefits. They can help improve overall health and may also help you avoid sometimes serious health issues that are a consequence of the modern American diet, which often lacks sufficient amounts of crucial nutrients.

Some supplements and vitamins, such as Vitamin D, turmeric and magnesium, may also help relieve chronic pain and inflammation. A healthy diet that's based on whole foods and a variety of fresh produce will help keep your body supplied with the right nutrients for good health, while the right vitamins and supplements can fill any nutritional gaps in your diet.

Buy vitamins and supplements at Sam's Club

Sam's Club takes the confusion out of shopping for high-quality vitamins and supplements. Whether you're looking for a great multivitamin or supplements to help address a specific condition, we have a great selection to choose from, including brands that are highly popular and known for a commitment to safety and quality ingredients. Sam's Club supplements and vitamins will help you improve your health and wellbeing.

What Different Types of Vitamins and Supplements Are There?

Long gone are the days when you only had a few multivitamins to choose from. Nowadays, you can browse multiple brands within several different categories, all of which serve a specific, different purpose. These vitamin and supplement categories include:

Multivitamins

Daily multivitamins include a variety of individual vitamins in specific combinations designed for every type of individual and lifestyle. For example, Vitafusion has a popular line of gummy vitamins with specific varieties for men and women. Kid-specific vitamins are made with kid-friendly flavors so your little one won't mind taking a daily vitamin and can help them develop healthful habits early in life. Other brands such as Centrum Silver offer multivitamins designed specifically for individuals over 50 years of age.

Letter Vitamins

Multivitamins include a number of "letter vitamins" that are essential to the body's optimal functioning. For example, Vitamin C helps your body make collagen (the primary protein building block of physical connective tissue) and may boost the immune system. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth. B-complex vitamins are associated with improved brain function and metabolism.

Fish Oil and Omegas

Fish oil supplements contain heart-healthy fatty acids that are essential in both the prevention and management of cardiovascular issues. They may help you maintain a healthy heart by lowering blood pressure, reducing the chance of heart attack or stroke, and maintaining healthy heart rhythm.

Herbal Supplements

Other supplements are based on herbs and plants that are believed to offer health and wellness benefits for specific conditions. For example, St. John's Wort is popular for the treatment of depression, while turmeric may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Minerals

In addition to herbs and vitamins, minerals are also important building blocks to a healthy, properly-functioning body. The human body needs:

• Calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth
• Magnesium for nerve and muscle function
• Sodium, potassium and chloride to help regulate your fluid levels
• Sulfur for healthy hair
• Nails and cartilage
• Iron for strong blood cells and oxygen flow
• Zinc for good digestion and overall growth

Probiotics

Probiotics are increasingly popular supplements that may be able to help regulate a healthy gut and immune system. They may also prevent or treat some diseases or illnesses. Probiotic sources include tiny living organisms that are also called "friendly bacteria." The word "probiotic" itself stems from two Greek words that together mean "life-promoting."

What to Consider When Buying Vitamins and Supplements

Purpose and dosage of vitamins and supplements

Keep in mind your specific health goals when choosing vitamins and other supplements to add to your daily regimen. It's always best to get vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, but if that's not possible, supplements are a great way to make sure you're getting what you need. However, it's important not to "double up" or exceed the recommended dosage of specific vitamins.

Side effects and interactions with other medications

Even though vitamins and supplements may seem completely natural and safe, that's not always the case for specific individuals. Some vitamins and minerals can cause side effects, especially if taken in too-large doses. Additionally, a vitamin or supplement may be inadvisable because of a pre-existing medical condition (such as heart disease or even pregnancy) or because of other medications. It's always a good idea to tell your doctor or other health care provider what vitamins and supplements you're taking and get medical advice for the best results.

Allergies

Sometimes, food allergies make it tough to get your necessary vitamins and minerals from your diet. If you're allergic to dairy products, for example, you might need extra Vitamin D and calcium supplements. Or if you're allergic to fish, it'll be tough to get those necessary omega-3 fatty acids anywhere other than through supplements.

Price

The cost of multivitamins vary, but generally, a month's supply will cost between $10 to $25. Most individual vitamins and supplements cost about the same. Sam's Club offers exclusive members-only prices for even greater savings and everyday value.

Expiration date

Like most things that we can eat or drink, vitamins and supplements usually come with expiration dates stamped on the bottle. These dates are determined to err on the side of caution. However, it's never a good idea to take any substance, including vitamins or supplements, past their stated expiration date.

What Brands of Vitamins and Supplements Does Sam's Club Sell?

Sam's Club carries a wide selection of vitamins and supplements to keep you feeling your best. Whether you want a specific supplement for yourself or a daily multivitamin for your children, you are sure to find great choices here. We offer some of the most popular brands of vitamins and supplements, including:

• Member's Mark
• GNC
• Vitafusion
• Flintstones
• L'il Critters Gummy Vites
• One A Day
• Nature Valley
• SmartyPants
• Olly
• Centrum

FAQ - Vitamins and Supplements

What are the 13 essential vitamins?

Our bodies need 13 essential vitamins. These vitamins are:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Niacin (vitamin B3)
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
• Biotin (vitamin B7)
• Folate (vitamin B9, or folic acid in its synthetic form)
• Cobalamin (vitamin B12)

What supplements should I take?

Which supplements are right for you will depend on your current state of health and your wellness goals. We recommend doing some research about your specific health concerns and then reviewing trustworthy sources of health information to pick the right supplements. Finally, if you're taking any kind of medicine, you'll also want to talk to your physician to make sure the supplements you're taking won't interact negatively with your medications.

Some supplements are more popular with consumers. For instance, CoQ10 is a popular antioxidant that helps keep your heart healthy and provides energy. It is also safe for those on statins. For anyone who has the occasional restless night, taking Member's Mark melatonin as a supplement can help you relax before bedtime and induce sleep naturally. Member's Mark has an extensive line of value supplements, including vitamin C, calcium and Omega-3 varieties.