The body generally uses what it needs and excretes or stores the rest. A few situations exist in which absorption characteristics are important. Calcium products vary significantly in their absorbability. Some of the above products may absorbed more rapidly, more completely, or more steadily than others. Many manufacturers feature supplements that contain no sugar, preservatives, or artificial color or flavor.
Some companies state that their supplement products are patented.
As a result, many products claimed to be superior are actually identical to competing products. The best way to get vitamins and minerals is from foods in a balanced diet. If you think your diet may be deficient, analyze it by recording what you eat for several days and comparing the number of portions of food in the various food groups with those recommended in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid . The American Medical Association's Personal Nutritionist page offers a quick diet assessment test that can be completed in 3-5 minutes. If you have a shortfall, try to correct it by adjusting your diet.