Lets talk about the biggest supplement mistakes I see….
If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the supplement aisle, overwhelmed by options—or scrolling social media and wondering if you need to add colostrum, mushrooms, or marine collagen to your morning routine—you’re not alone.
It can feel like if you’re not taking 17 different things, you’re doing it wrong.
But here’s the truth: supplements are just that—supplemental. They’re not meant to do the heavy lifting for your health. They’re designed to fill in the gaps after the foundations (nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management) are in place.
In my functional health coaching practice, I’ve seen hundreds of clients taking stacks of supplements and still not feeling better. Why? Because they’re unknowingly making one (or more) of these 3 big mistakes.
So if you’re trying to avoid the most common supplement mistakes—and want to know when and how to use them smartly—start here:
Supplement Mistake #1: Buying from Just Anywhere
Supplements are everywhere these days: Amazon, Walgreens, Target, TikTok. And if they’re advertised on TV or the side of a bus? That’s your sign to back away slowly. (Yep, even AG1 and Armra—but that’s another post.)
Here’s why this matters:
- Amazon is notorious for counterfeits. Even if you’re buying from what appears to be the brand’s official store, products are pooled in warehouses. You can’t guarantee what ends up in your bottle actually came from that source.
- Drugstore and grocery store brands often contain cheap, synthetic forms of nutrients your body may not absorb well—and sometimes with additives you definitely don’t want (like gluten, soy, corn, or artificial dyes).
- Low quality = low effectiveness. You may be taking a supplement religiously and still not seeing results because the form or quality simply isn’t usable by your body.
Better option? Stick to trusted, third-party tested brands that are pharmaceutical-grade and free of unnecessary fillers. My go-to brands include Thorne, Metagenics, Integrative Therapeutics, and Microbiome Labs.
I use a curated online dispensary through Fullscript where clients can access all of these and more—organized by symptom, body system, and health goal. Set up your free account here and get 10% off.
Supplement Mistake #2: Taking Them Without a Plan to Get Off
Supplements shouldn’t be a lifelong prescription.
Yet many people are taking the same supplements month after month (or year after year) without understanding why—or whether they still need them.
Here’s the thing:
There are really only 3 reasons to take a supplement:
- To fill a short-term nutrient gap
- As part of a targeted, time-bound protocol
- For strategic maintenance during higher-demand seasons (travel, stress, cold/flu season, etc.)
Common examples I see:
- Vitamin D at 5,000 IU daily — helpful if you’re deficient, but long-term high doses can lead to calcium buildup in soft tissues (think: arteries), which increases heart risk. Also, vitamin D levels that are too high – once up above 80 ng/ml can suppress your immune system.
- L-Glutamine for gut health — useful short-term for gut lining repair, but some research suggests prolonged use may increase cancer cell growth risk in certain individuals.
- Melatonin — effective for short-term circadian rhythm support or jet lag, but not ideal as a nightly go-to without investigating why your sleep is disrupted in the first place.
When in doubt, stop and ask: Do I know why I’m taking this? If not, it’s time for a break—or a better plan.
Supplement Mistake #3: Taking the Wrong Form
Not all supplements are created equal—and the form you take matters just as much as the supplement itself.
Let’s look at some common examples:
- Magnesium:
- Citrate is often used for constipation or travel bloat—not ideal for daily use or absorption.
- Glycinate is better for muscle cramps, tension, and sleep.
- Threonate can support cognitive health, anxiety, and mood.
- B Vitamins (especially B6, B9, B12):
- Many store-bought brands use cheap, synthetic forms (like folic acid and cyanocobalamin) that most people can’t convert well.
- Look for methylated or activated forms (e.g. methylfolate instead of folic acid).
- Calcium:
- Citrate is often touted as bioavailable—but not if your adrenals are struggling or your thyroid is sluggish.
- In one client case, we saw ongoing kidney stone formation linked to calcium citrate supplementation. So he switched to calcium lactate, supported his adrenal function, and improved his liver function, to help prevent further kidney stone formation.
Without personalized insight, even high-quality supplements can miss the mark.
So… When Should You Take Supplements?
Start with a clear foundation:
- Are you eating well most of the time?
- Are you sleeping, moving, and managing stress?
- Do you know what your body is lacking—or are you guessing?
If you’re unsure, start with testing. My go-to entry point is the Advanced Mineral Analysis Test. All it takes is a small hair sample, and you get:
- A full breakdown of mineral status
- Insight into what’s being lost due to stress
- A read on metabolic function, thyroid, adrenals, hormones, blood sugar, and more
From there, we can design a custom-made supplement just for you— I’m talking one-and-done. Instead of juggling 12 bottles, it’s one targeted powder, blended for your body and your needs.
This is supplement couture: precise, personalized, and effective.
Final Thoughts on Supplement Mistakes
You don’t need a supplement graveyard in your cabinet. You just need a smarter strategy.
Let’s cut through the chaos, simplify your routine, and get you on a plan you can trust—so you know exactly what you’re taking, and why.
Want help?
- Set up an account and shop my curated dispensary and get 10% supplements
- Do the Advanced Mineral Analysis Test and tailor a custom-fit supplement that’s just right for you
Say goodbye to supplement roulette—and hello to clarity, confidence, and feeling better.
P.S. I know this world can feel like the Wild West—and it’s exhausting trying to piece it all together on your own. That’s what I’m here for. To help you stop guessing, start feeling better, and finally get a plan that makes sense for your body.
Two ways to get started:
1) Dive in with Advanced Mineral Analysis — order the test, I’ll walk you through the results, and from there we can custom-fit a supplement that’s just right for your body and/or take your health to the next level with a more personalized approach.
2) Book a chat (consult) with me here — know you need to do something but just not sure what? Come talk it out with me. This is a zero pressure, totally casual conversation. I’m here to help you find what that next step is, whether it’s working with me or not.
The content in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always check with your primary care provider before changing your diet, starting a new supplement, or protocol.
