As you browse this category, remember to avoid guessing when shopping for supplements or over-the-counter medications and seek clinical advice as often as necessary**

The availability of supplements and over-the-counter medications varies across the globe. Thus a specific product that I recommend here may not be available in your area. If that is the case, a reliable alternate option will be displayed for you. These selections and their alternatives are NOT automatically picked by a computer algorithm but evaluated by myself for the reliability of their active & inactive ingredients, length of time on the market (postmarketing surveillance), and past customers’ feedback.

Narrow Vitamins and Minerals By:

Vitamins B Vitamin C Iron Compatible Vitamin C Vitamin D Iron Magnesium

Vitamins B

Dr. Alice’s Recommendation Product Link
This is a liquid form of niacin that will allow the full control on the dose you administer to avoid flushing side effects. The product provides 4mg of niacin per drop (80mg/20drops/ml). Begin with very small doses, then taper up. Remember that the longer it takes to give you a flushing effect, the more depleted of B3 the body is. Vitamin B3 (also called niacin or nicotinic acid) is effective in lowering triglyceride levels and increasing HDL – the good cholesterol. Contact me for a personalized administration plan based on your cholesterol blood test.
This is a liquid form of vitamin B12 that will allow the full control on the dose you administer. What I love about it is the taste – much better that that of other sublingual B12 products. It provides 250micrograms of B12 per drop (5000mcg/20drops/ml). Hold under the tongue for at least 30seconds, it may be swallowed after that. Contact me for a personalized administration plan based on your cholesterol blood test.
This is a liquid supplement providing a balanced mix of vitamins B2, B3, B5 (panthotenic acid), B6, and B12. The product is developed for rather routine supplementation than for treatment of low B12 or low niacin. Being a liquid form, it allows the full control on the dose you administer. It also tastes better than other products I tried (myself and my family use this product). Each drop provides 60micrograms of B12, 1mg of niacin, 0.1mg of B6, 1.5mg of panthotenic acid, and 85mcg of B2.
(1.7mgB2/20mgB3/30mgB5/2mgB6/1200mcgB12/20drops/ml). Hold under the tongue for at least 30seconds, it may be swallowed after that. Contact me for a personalized administration plan based on your cholesterol blood test.

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Vitamin C

Dr. Alice’s Recommendation Product Link
These lollipops are a very enjoyable way for kids and parents (or adults of any kind for that matter) to get their vitamin C. They contain 60mg of vitamin C each, which is 100% of the daily recommended value, and can really deliver that amount through your mouth mucosa, instead of your stomach and intestines – thus you will absorb most of the given dose of 60mg.
IMPORTANT INFO: given the mucosal-delivery design, only minimal amounts of this product will make it to the stomach; hence this product will NOT improve iron absorption if taken at the same time with iron supplements.
This product contains vitamin C loaded phospholipid liposomes. Think of it as a container that protects vitamin C from being metabolized by the bacteria in your intestine and delivers it to your intestinal cells without the need for active transporters. This ensures that the entire dose actually makes it into your body. With regular vitamin C formulations, half or less of the given dose will be absorbed. While, to my knowledge, no formal trials have been conducted for vitamin C, liposomal formulations are successfully used to enhance delivery of many other meds. With the increased absorption being a consequence of the liposome itself and not of its content, the Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C is equipped deliver to your body more than any other standard tablet.
IMPORTANT INFO: given the mucosal-delivery design, only minimal amounts of this product will make it to the stomach; hence this product will NOT improve iron absorption if taken at the same time with iron supplements.
These vitamin C tablets deliver a larger dose of vitamin C through the oral mucosa without the acid burning normally associated with the direct contact of the ascorbic acid on the mucosa. They contain a form of buffered vitamin C that is less acidic than regular vitamin C and protects the oral lining while taking advantage of the fast and complete absorption through the mouth mucosa. This bypasses stomach and intestine transporters rate-absorption limitations and avoids the vitamin C metabolization and inactivation by the gut microbiota. Nonetheless, there are some things to keep in mind when considering this product: buffered vitamin C contains about 23mg of sodium per tablet (~1% sodium DV and ~1.5% sodium DV for a reduced sodium diet). It also contains lactose. IMPORTANT INFO: given the mucosal-delivery design, only minimal amounts of this product will make it to the stomach; hence this product will NOT improve iron absorption if taken at the same time with iron supplements.

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Iron Compatible Vitamin C

Dr. Alice’s Recommendation Product Link
These vitamin C tablets are expected to deliver less than the listed dose due to the transporter absorption rate limitations and the metabolization and inactivation caused by the gut microbiota. They are not the best source of vitamin C; nonetheless, they are expected to improve iron absorption if taken at the same time with iron supplements.
These vitamin C tablets are expected to deliver less than the listed dose due to the transporter absorption rate limitations and the metabolization and inactivation caused by the gut microbiota. They are not the best source of vitamin C; nonetheless, they are expected to improve iron absorption if taken at the same time with iron supplements.

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Vitamin D

Dr. Alice’s Recommendation Product Link
This supplement is an activated form of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) ready for your body to use. The available doses range from 400IU to 50,000IU. The dose per each softgel in this product is 1,000IU. While all are safe and effective with appropriate use, unless you were specifically told by a clinical provider what vitamin D dose you should take, do reach out to a licensed clinician to recommend a dose that is best for you at this time.
This supplement is an activated form of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) ready for your body to use. The available doses range from 400IU to 50,000IU. The dose per each softgel in this product is 5,000IU. If this product is not available in this dose in your region, the 1,000IU product option may be displayed by default – contact me for clarification if needed. While all are safe and effective with appropriate use, unless you were specifically told by a clinical provider what vitamin D dose you should take, do reach out to a licensed clinician to recommend a dose that is best for you at this time.
This supplement is an activated form of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) ready for your body to use. The available doses range from 400IU to 50,000IU. The dose per each softgel in this product is 10,000IU.If this product is not available in this dose in your region, the 1,000IU product option may be displayed by default – contact me for clarification if needed. While all are safe and effective with appropriate use, unless you were specifically told by a clinical provider what vitamin D dose you should take, do reach out to a licensed clinician to recommend a dose that is best for you at this time.
This supplement is an activated form of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) ready for your body to use. These delicious jelly supplements provide 2,000IU of vitamin D per dose. Both myself and my husband take them since a long while ago. I personally love the taste and they are effective at keeping my vitamin D level in range too. Remember that supplement availability varies widely around the globe. If the exact product was not available in your region, I did my best to pick for you an option that I trust. It is an intermediate dose of vitamin D. Unless you were specifically told by a clinical provider what vitamin D dose you should take, do reach out to a licensed clinician to recommend a dose that is best for you at this time.

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Iron

Dr. Alice’s Recommendation Product Link
Recommended for periodical iron replenishment in young women, less for anemia treatment. My position on 2x/3x daily administration is this: if once daily is insufficient, then you need a different form of iron! May upset stomach more than iron bisglycinate, but less than fumarate or polysaccharide. Take in the morning with orange juice or lemonade on an empty stomach. Having it with white bread toast or regular crackers is OK, with wheat bread is not OK. If taking it with water instead of OJ/lemonade, then add 500mg vitamin C to help meet the same absorption requirements. Check out my post on this matter and also read my recommendation for each vitamin C product to find out which one is suitable for administration with iron. Absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; no milk or dairy product either.
A uniquely compounded mix for child vitamin and iron supplementation. In addition to being a great source of elemental iron, it is also a good supply of vitamins A, most important Bs, D, and E. Of note, since designed for infants and toddlers, you will notice bran in its composition. While I would never recommend such mix for teens or adults, in young children, this constituent adds an extra line of safety against the risk of iron poisoning. This means that the child will absorb less than the amount indicated in the label. Remember this and, expect several months until anemia will resolve. A higher dose of this product may be administered, but only under the supervision of a clinician. Never take this upon yourself, Mom! If the child does not seem to appreciate the taste, remember not to mix it with milk or formula. Orange juice, lemonade or apple juice are all good and safe options that will not interfere with the absorption of iron.
Recommended for periodical iron replenishment in young women, less for anemia treatment given the low amount provided. Iron is supplemented together with folate and B12 vitamin, to ensure balanced supplies for a new red blood cells generation. This product may upset stomach, however less than most iron formulations on the market. This supplement is not expected to cause constipation. Since it is formulated with vitamin C, it does not have to be taken with orange juice or lemonade and it does not require additional vitamin C for absorption. Having it with white bread toast or regular crackers is OK. While the beet root may provide sufficient phytase to degrade the bran in the wheat bread, I would still not recommend wheat bread toast or crackers. Check out my post on this matter. Absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; no milk or dairy product either.
Recommended for periodical iron replenishment in young women, less for anemia treatment given the low amount provided. This product may upset stomach, however less than most iron formulations on the market. This supplement is not expected to cause constipation. Take in the morning with orange juice or lemonade on an empty stomach. Having it with white bread toast or regular crackers is OK, with wheat bread is not OK. If taking it with water instead of OJ/lemonade, then add 500mg vitamin C to help meet the same absorption requirements. Check out my post on this matter and also read my recommendation for each vitamin C product to find out which one is suitable for administration with iron. Absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; no milk or dairy product either.
Recommended for periodical iron replenishment in young women, less for anemia treatment given the low amount provided. As compared to the other version of iron bisglycinate from Thorne Research, this supplement provides slightly more iron and also folate, B6, and B12, to ensure balanced supplies for a new red blood cells generation. This product may upset stomach, however less than most iron formulations on the market and is not expected to cause constipation. Since it is formulated with vitamin C, it does not have to be taken with orange juice or lemonade and it does not require additional vitamin C for absorption. Having it with white bread toast or regular crackers is OK, with wheat bread is not OK. Check out my post on this matter. Absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; no milk or dairy product either.
This is a vegetarian-recommended product for periodical iron replenishment in individuals with lower iron requirements, such as peri-menopausal women. Given the very low amount provided, this product is not recommended for anemia treatment. It is not expected to cause constipation and will have a minimal impact on the stomach. I was surprised by the label directions to take with food. I strongly encourage you to take it in the morning with orange juice or lemonade on an empty stomach. Having it with white bread toast or regular crackers is OK, with wheat bread is not OK. If taking it with water instead of OJ/lemonade, then add 500mg vitamin C to help meet the same absorption requirements. Check out my post on this matter and also read my recommendation for each vitamin C product to find out which one is suitable for administration with iron. Absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; no milk or dairy product either.
A product recommended for rather regular iron replenishment in young women, not for anemia treatment. As compared to the other versions of iron, this supplement provides a very unique mix of raw constituents, including enzymes, fruit and vegetable fiber and probiotics. This carbonyl iron supplement provides also folate and B12 vitamin to ensure a balanced supply for new red blood cells production. The enzymes load provides this product with a significant potential to prevent iron complexation and elimination (thus minimal to no constipation), while the fiber load lowers the impact on the stomach. Since it is formulated with vitamin C, it does not have to be taken with orange juice or lemonade and it does not require additional vitamin C for absorption. Having it on an empty stomach is less important given the enzymatic load in each capsule. In theory, drinking coffee or tea while taking this product should be OK.
This iron formulation delivers a higher amount of elemental iron, is recommended for anemia treatment and not for routine supplementation. Symptoms of stomach upset and constipation are much more likely as compared to other iron supplements. I strongly encourage you to take it in the morning with orange juice or lemonade on an empty stomach. You may having it with white bread toast or regular crackers. Wheat bread is not entirely contraindicated, but it will decrease the effectiveness of this supplement and will also increase the risk of constipation. If taking it with water instead of OJ/lemonade, then add 500mg vitamin C to help meet the same absorption requirements. Check out my post on this matter and also read my recommendation for each vitamin C product to find out which one is suitable for administration with iron. Absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; no milk or dairy product either. Any and all of these prohibited options will decrease the amount of iron absorbed, increase the risk of constipation, and prologed the state of anemia with often severe consequences.
This iron formulation delivers a higher amount of elemental iron, is recommended for anemia treatment and not for routine supplementation. Symptoms of stomach upset and constipation are much more likely as compared to other iron supplements. I strongly encourage you to take it in the morning with orange juice or lemonade on an empty stomach. You may having it with white bread toast or regular crackers. Wheat bread is not entirely contraindicated, but it will decrease the effectiveness of this supplement and will also increase the risk of constipation. If taking it with water instead of OJ/lemonade, then add 500mg vitamin C to help meet the same absorption requirements. Check out my post on this matter and also read my recommendation for each vitamin C product to find out which one is suitable for administration with iron. Absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; no milk or dairy product either. Any and all of these prohibited options will decrease the amount of iron absorbed, increase the risk of constipation, and prologed the state of anemia with often severe consequences.

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Magnesium

Dr. Alice’s Recommendation Product Link
Magnesium is notorious for being poorely absorbed and that is for a reason: the human body only needs a small amount – hence only take magnesium if a health care provider recommended so. If you need to supplement magnesium, then this is your best bet. Most of the other formulations will cause loose stool or even diarrhea. There are a few points that one should be aware of when taking magnesium: have absolutely no coffee or tea within 2hr of taking this supplement, consider caffeine gum instead; take no iron product either. Should you also take levothyroxine, discuss with your clinician or contact me to discuss proper administration to ensure the effectiveness of both medications.

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**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these products is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dr. Alice Talks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated site.