5 Must-Haves: Daily Basics

2.00 Capsules

once per day

Take with food

Additional notes

"2 capsules a day with a meal. NSF Certified - the label is independently verified. It already has 2,000 IU of vitamin D, so count it if you take a separate vitamin D. It contains vitamin K, so tell your provider if you take warfarin."

1.00 Drop

once per day

Take with food

Additional notes

"1 drop (1,000 IU) a day with your largest meal - vitamin D absorbs better with some fat. If you also take a multivitamin, add up the vitamin D from both and stay under 4,000 IU a day unless your provider advises more. A vitamin D blood test shows whether you need more."

1.00 Scoop

once per day

Take with water

Additional notes

"1 scoop (300 mg magnesium) mixed in 8 oz (240 mL) of water once a day, in the evening. Glycinate is gentle on the stomach; if stools get loose, use half a scoop. Keep it 4 hours apart from thyroid medication and some antibiotics. Avoid if you have kidney disease unless your provider approves."

1.00 Softgel Capsule

once per day

Take with food

Additional notes

"One softgel (820 mg EPA+DHA) a day with a meal. Two a day only if your triglycerides are high, after talking to your provider - higher doses slightly raise the risk of atrial fibrillation. Tell your provider if you take a blood thinner."

1.00 Capsule

once per day

Take with food

Additional notes

"1 capsule a day with a meal. Every strain is named on the label, including L. rhamnosus GG and S. boulardii, with potency guaranteed to expiration - no refrigeration needed. Mild gas or bloating in the first week is common. Skip it and ask your provider first if you have a weakened immune system or a central line."