You hardly look in the mirror anymore. The moment you do, all those things you wish you could ignore are brought into sharp relief before your eyes. They can be dry, brittle hair, tired eyes, and skin so dry even your normal bacteria shudder at the utter lack of moisture. Your gums bleed so much every time you brush your teeth.
Although you usually associate malnutrition with starving children in developing countries, most people living in developed countries suffer malnutrition up to a certain degree. The foods we eat nowadays are hardly balanced meals with the nutrients your body craves. This lack of nutrients eventually shows in your hair, your skin, your nails, and your constantly depleted energy levels.
Fast food and other instant foods may sate your hunger for the time being but it cannot fulfill all of your body’s needs. Your body needs a recommended amount of nutrients every single day. And if you are not fulfilling those needs, then you will certainly see and feel the toll it takes on your body.
Changing your lifestyle, however, will not happen overnight and certainly not in the course of a few days. Such things take time, effort, patience, and discipline.
Most of us do not have much time or patience to spare. However, you can at least give your body the nourishment it needs in the form of vitamin supplements to give it the boost it needs.
But are these vitamins safe? What are the best vitamins to take?
Just as food is readily available as fast food, vitamin and mineral supplements abound in the market in a dizzying spectrum with all their touted benefits. The choices are enough to make your head spin, believe me, and just as not all foods are good for you, the same rings true for supplements.
In this article, we will talk about the best liquid vitamins to take. This will helpyoutake care of your vitamin deficiencies and solve those annoying problems that keep you from reaching your true potential.
Do You Really Need Vitamins?
Think back on the recent meals you have and evaluate the nutritional value of each. If you have not been eating balanced meals for some time, chances are that you have some form of nutrient deficiency.
It’s true that a healthy, balanced diet coupled with regular exercise and healthy sunlight exposure can take care of most of our nutrient deficiency woes. However most of us with busy lives often sacrifice as much. With diet fads abounding left and right, vitamin deficiencies are slowly making a comeback even in developed countries.
Vitamin deficiencies are a bit sneaky and do not manifest outright the way they do in medical textbooks. My vitamin D deficiency started out with a bit of pain in my legs, which I attributed to stress until I had difficulty walking. The solution? A bit of sunlight every morning.
If you think you have vitamin deficiencies and are looking into taking vitamin supplements, always consult your doctor to determine that it is safe and the right kind for you because yes, there is such a thing as an overdose of vitamins.
Why Liquid Vitamins? I Am Not A Child!
While most of us will agree that it certainly is a lot easier to swallow a pill every morning and be done with it, liquid vitamins are more easily digested than their pill or capsule counterparts.
Liquid vitamins have been marketed mostly for children and people who have difficulty swallowing a pill. For example, they are for a chronically sick in intensive care settings when people have to eat through feeding tubes. However, more and more people are coming to see that liquid vitamins have their own virtues as opposed to taking a pill.
Liquid vitamins are more easily digested because they mostly bypass digestive processing and reach the bloodstream quicker than a pill can. With a pill or capsule, the body’s digestive system has to break down the pill or the capsule itself to be able to digest the vitamins and minerals contained within whereas this step is readily bypassed by vitamins in liquid form.
Another benefit of taking liquid vitamins is that the body can absorb 98% of vitamins and minerals in liquid form as opposed to solid preparations such as pills or granules.
Are Liquid Vitamins Safe?
With all the choices available on the market, this is a pretty legit concern. In fact, there are certainly vitamin supplements that will be beneficial for you and your specific deficiencies. However, there are also dubious preparations that promise you the moon and the stars and then some. Avoid these kinds of vitamins as much as you can.
Scrutinize the labels on your supplements and check for the following:
- NSF International
- US Pharmacopeia
- Consumer Lab seal
Liquid vitamins are pretty safe if they are taken in the right dose and if they are the right vitamins. Sad to say, there are some preparations advertised as this or that vitamin supplement but are actually false.
Avoid preparations with sketchy labels, especially if they promise you something that is too good to be true. Honestly, the reason is that vitamins may help you but they do not cure just about everything under the sun.
Always, always, ALWAYS consult your doctor if you plan on taking anything, especially if you have other maintenance medications or you have a medical condition.
How Many Vitamins Should I Take?
Any doctor will tell you that anything that is not taken in moderation is not good for you and the same rules apply for vitamins.
Yes, vitamins and minerals are good for you but taking them excessively will result in a condition known as hypervitaminosis. Also, the signs and symptoms are as varied as the vitamins you are taking.
Hypervitaminosis is a condition in which there is an exceedingly high storage of vitamins, which can be quite toxic to the body. This is rarely a problem with water-soluble vitamins, except for the B-complex vitamins, and most often occurs with the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. This is because fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues of the body and can stay there for a long, long time.
If you are thinking this is just a minor issue then you are wrong! Hypervitaminosis can result in toxic symptoms, which can even cause death so always be careful and do not exceed the recommended daily allowance that is stipulated for your age and sex.
Some foods, especially those that are fortified including vitamin supplements, can cause hypervitaminosis although strangely, some do not. For example, eating liver can cause dangerously high levels of vitamin A to accumulate in the body, whereas vegetable sources will not.
As always, consult your doctor before taking in vitamin supplements to avoid such a disaster.
How Do I Choose The Best Liquid Vitamins To Take?
Ah! The best liquid vitamins to take… Honestly, there is no Holy Grail when it comes to vitamin supplements. One supplement may be good for someone and end up being highly unnecessary for another.
If your doctor recommends that you take vitamins to fill in nutritional gaps, then consider the following:
1. If you are eating a healthy, balanced diet, chances are you do not need as much as someone suffering from malnutrition so choose vitamin supplements that do not exceed the 100% Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA.
2. Put safety first and check the labels for either of the following:
- NSF International
- US Pharmacopeia
- Consumer Lab seal
3. Do your research. And by research, I do not mean interrogating your friends, family, and coworkers for the best liquid vitamins in their honest opinion. Opinions mean squat when dealing with drugs and supplements. Instead, read up on credible sources and studies like those from PubMed. You will find an abundance of studies here that have been published in medical journals. If medical jargon has you feeling a bit faint, consult your doctor.
4. If it’s too good to be true then it most likely is untrue. If your supplement is advertised with any of these red flags, then proceed with caution:
- Cures a variety of diseases, especially if these conditions do not seem related at all
- Verification that the product is safe for the use you intended
- All-natural products may not be so natural
- Money-back guarantee (if you are so sure of your product’s quality and your company’s rigorous standards, then you wouldn’t be expecting consumers to complain AT ALL)
The Best Liquid Vitamins
So, now that we have covered liquid vitamins and how to check for quality, let us proceed to a roundup of the best liquid vitamins you can find on the market.
1. Vegan Liquid Morning Multivitamin by Maryruth (Raspberry)
This is one product that is certainly made with love! The Vegan Liquid Morning Multivitamins by MaryRuth is made by a family-owned company in small batches to ensure its freshness. It has an extensive list of vitamins and other nutrients in its arsenal and boasts of being a hundred percent organic. Although most vitamin D3 in supplements is sourced from sheep’s wool, this product claims to get its supply from sea vegetables, making it a suitable buy for vegans.
The caveat is that despite its numerous claims to improve energy and mood as well as make your hair, skin, and nails look radiant, the product has not been certified by the Food and Drug Administration. Also, it contains potassium sorbate as an added preservative, which can cause upset stomach in more sensitive individuals.
Some people also reported variations in taste, which may be attributed to the fact that it is handmade in small batches.
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Made from natural and organic ingredients
- Freshness is ensured
- BPA free bottles
Cons
- Not certified by the Food and Drug Administration
- Contains potassium sorbate as added preservative
- Taste may vary
2. IntraMAX Liquid Nutrition
The first reaction I got when I checked the intraMAX website was a sheer surprise. Honestly, I was dumbstruck by the 415 ingredients they managed to cram into a single bottle. It seemed too good to be true but the number of reviews also blew me away. It certainly had its own legion of fans.
This vitamin supplement boasts of a delicious peach mango flavor, although some people found this a bit strong. It is also vegan-friendly.
There is just one study on its website that supports its claims to boost the immune system as well as energy levels. It is recommended for older kids at 12 years old and above.
The thing about such supplements is that you really have to consult with your doctor on its use. Or else, it could interfere with other medications you are currently taking. IntraMAX also counts several doctors amongst its strongest supporters, by the way.
However, I could not find any certification on the safety of this product, which is a huge bummer for me.
Pros
- Contains 415 vitamins and minerals
- Peach mango flavor
- Glowing testimonials from a lot of people
- Recommended by doctors
Cons
- Only Fenestra study supports its claims
- No certification of its safety
3. NeoCell Laboratories Pure Hyaluronic Acid, Blueberry, 16 Ounce
Hyaluronic acid is found in many of our body’s tissues, most especially in the connective and epithelial tissues as well as in the nervous system. It coats each chondrocyte in the cartilage and provides lubrication between joints. In the skin, it also has a role in tissue repair.
According to glowing reviews by consumers, taking this product regularly reduces the appearance of fine lines and moisturizes the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. It also helps those with joint problems.
However, hyaluronic acid levels have also been found to increase in certain cancers. Additionally, they are even used as a tumor marker for both breast and prostate cancer to monitor the progression of the disease. If you are undergoing treatment for malignancies or are under observation, it would be best to avoid this supplement as it could mess with your laboratory results.
Also, this product does not have the approval of the Food and Drug Administration, so its safety is not guaranteed.
Pros
- Contains antioxidants, in addition to hyaluronic acid
- Gives skin a smooth, soft appearance with regular use
- Useful for people with joint problems and joint pains
- Keeps eyes from drying
Cons
- No FDA certification
- Must never be used in cancer patients or those under observation for malignancies
- Strong taste
4. Liquid Zinc Assay by Premier Research Labs (8 fl oz)
Zinc is a key nutrient that is important in many of the body’s physiologic functions. Recent studies have shown that zinc increases renewal of the epithelial lining of the intestines, especially in cases of gastroenteritis. Studies are also being conducted on its effect in preventing respiratory tract infections although recommendations are yet to be made.
The Liquid Zinc Assay by Premier Research Labs contains approximately 10 mg of zinc in every teaspoonful. People who are deficient in zinc will find that it tastes like water while those with sufficient levels of zinc in their body will note a metallic taste.
Aside from the zinc test, this can also be used as a supplement. You can keep taking it for as long as it remains tasteless, which is an indication of zinc deficiency. After you achieve sufficient levels of zinc, you will note a bitter metallic taste.
Pros
- Can be used as both supplement and for the zinc test
Cons
- May taste awful, especially if you have adequate zinc levels in your body
5. Carlson Labs Very Finest Liquid Fish Oil 16.9 Fl. Oz. Lemon Frustration-Free Packaging
I tried fish oil capsules before when I was reviewing for the board exams. This is because fish oil is the only supplement backed by studies when it comes to memory and mental alertness. In spite of the citrus flavor on the label, I could still taste the fishiness of it every time I burped.
Taste has always been a big issue in taking fish oil but this brand is a hit even with kids who are notoriously difficult when it comes to vitamins and medicines. However, some still claim that it tastes awful.
The concentration of Omega-3 EPA in this product is quite high compared to most other fish oil products, which is great. The downside is it seems to have nothing else going for it except the Omega-3 fatty acids. There is no vitamin A or D in the product.
There seems to be a problem with the cap as well and some consumers reported having difficulties and stories of spillage during delivery.
Pros
- High levels of Omega-3 EPA
- Less fishy taste
- Helps lower triglyceride levels
- Works great as anti-inflammatory
Cons
- Varied reports on taste
- No vitamins A or D
- Has issues with the bottle caps resulting in spillage
And The Best Liquid Vitamin Supplement Is…
IntraMAX Liquid Nutrition! With its dizzying array of 415 nutrients packed into a single bottle, it definitely set the bar for liquid vitamins. Having a delicious peach mango flavor helps things. Although it sounded too good to be true at first, numerous people have testified and raved about the benefits they got from taking in this supplement.
The lack of FDA certification was certainly a drawback but it was at least backed by one study that proved its benefits. Doctors have also recommended this product many times over to their patients, so it definitely has the go signal of the medical field.
Do you want to take liquid vitamins, too? Do you know of other great liquid vitamins you can recommend? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends!
Hi Everyone, BeYoungAholic’s aim is to help women who have lost their self-confidence because of the way they look. We will provide you tips and bits of advice on how to take care of yourself and maintain your youthful look. So, Enjoy the blog!