Have you ever purchased a vitamin/supplement for a specific purpose only to be disappointed that it ‘didn’t work’?  I think we have all experienced this at some point or another. The major downfall of having supplements so readily available is that many people think they are simple to self-prescribe.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Dose:  Did you take enough to achieve an outcome? Therapeutic dose is the amount of medication used to achieve a desired effect. Dietary supplements are like drugs in that a certain dose needs to be administered in order for them to work. This dose varies by individual and by the condition being treated. Timing of dose can also be a factor. For example, herbal supplements are often better absorbed on an empty stomach.

• Duration & Consistency: How long did you take it for? Some products may take up to 8 weeks or longer before major improvements occur. Others may produce effects in a matter of a few days. The typical time it takes to receive benef...