18
Mar

Don’t Ignore This Vitamin Mistake Today!

You eat well, take your vitamins, and do your best to stay healthy… but what if your body isn’t actually absorbing the nutrients you think it is?

Most people don’t realize that the form of a vitamin makes a huge difference in how well your body absorbs and uses it.

If you’re taking the wrong form, you might not be getting the full benefits—and could just be flushing your money down the drain (literally!).

Last week on the VFL Show: The Nutrition Wake-Up Call,
Dr. John Westerdahl, a leading nutrition expert, broke down exactly why nutrient form matters.

In case you missed it, catch the full replay here.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways:

Not All Vitamin C is Created Equal

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but did you know that most supplements contain only ascorbic acid? While that’s the standard form, Dr. Westerdahl explained that pairing it with citrus bioflavonoids (found naturally in fruits like oranges and lemons) improves absorption and effectiveness.

Some supplements also use ascorbyl palmitate, a fat-soluble form that can protect healthy fats in your body from oxidation.

B12: Methylcobalamin vs. Cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, cardiovascular and brain health, but not all forms are the same!

Methylcobalamin – This is the active form your body can use immediately.
Cyanocobalamin – A more common form that your body must first convert into methylcobalamin before it can be used.

Both are beneficial, but if you want faster absorption and better bioavailability, methylcobalamin may be the better choice!

Vitamin K: K1 or K2?

Vitamin K is essential for bone and heart health, but did you know there are two different types?

Vitamin K1 – Found in leafy greens, this is the form most commonly used in plant-based supplements.
Vitamin K2 – Found mostly in animal products, it plays a role in calcium metabolism but is less common in plant-based diets.

Dr. Westerdahl emphasized that getting enough Vitamin K1 from whole foods or high-quality supplements is crucial if you follow a plant-based lifestyle!

Vitamin E: Natural vs. Synthetic

Here’s a BIG mistake to avoid:
If your supplement label says “DL-alpha-tocopherol,” that’s a synthetic form of Vitamin E (often derived from petroleum byproducts—yikes!).

Instead, look for “D-alpha-tocopherol,” which is sourced naturally from plants like soybeans and wheat germ and is far better absorbed by the body.

So What’s the Takeaway?

The form of your vitamins matters.

The right form = better absorption, better results, and better health. The wrong form? Well, let’s just say it might not be doing much for you at all.

Hear Dr. Westerdahl explain it himself—watch his Ingredient Deep Dive segment now in my Wellness Resource Center. Trust me, this is information you don’t want to miss!

If you’re curious about whether your supplements are actually working for you, let’s chat! Reply to this email or drop a comment in our wellness community— I’d love to help you make sure you’re getting the most out of your nutrition.

To your health,