What Supplements Should I Take (Quiz)

The dietary supplements are recommended to address the nutritional gaps, tackle specific health conditions, e.g., anaemia, mood disorders, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis, meet the increased demands due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, injuries, and intense physical activities, and prevent the risk of health conditions associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

The supplement chosen must provide the deficient nutrients and lower the risk of deficiency-related complications in susceptible people. Here, we have designed a quiz to enable you to identify the deficiency of major vitamins and minerals and choose the supplement accordingly. It is in the form of questions. If the answers to most statements are ‘yes’, you have a deficiency of that particular nutrient. 

Continue to add the deficiencies and choose the supplement that provides all or most of the deficient nutrients. It is strongly advised to consult the healthcare provider to make a suitable choice.

Disclaimer: The following questions are purely based on research. However, the individual responses to vitamin and mineral deficiencies vary from person to person. This data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Vitamin A

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have vitamin A deficiency.

• Do you experience night blindness, i.e., difficulty seeing things in low light?
• Do you have scaly and dry skin?
• Do you experience eye conditions, e.g., xerophthalmia?
• Do you experience frequent infections which are indicative of a weak immune system?
• Do you frequently experience abnormalities related to soft tissues, skeletal structures and teeth?
• Are you experiencing any issues with the mucus membranes of the eyes and mouth?
• Does your diet lack vitamin D-rich foods, e.g., fortified cereals, dairy, fish and liver?
• Do you experience delayed or stunted growth in your children?
• Are you diagnosed with bile duct disorder, pancreatic insufficiency, liver cirrhosis and celiac disease that increases the risk of vitamin A deficiency?

B vitamins 

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have a deficiency of B vitamins.

• Do you routinely experience weakness and fatigue?
• Do you frequently experience skin dryness and rashes?
• Do you experience headaches, irritability and loss of troubled concentration very often?
• Are you experiencing shortness of breath and heart palpitations?
• Are you observing changes in the fingernails, hair and skin and have open sores in the mouth?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding and taking no dietary supplements?
• Does your diet lack B vitamin-containing foods, e.g., beef, chickpeas, avocado, yoghurt, legumes, nuts, and pork?
• Are you experiencing dementia, neurological damage or megaloblastic anaemia?
• Do you have an alcohol use disorder or have underlying health conditions, e.g., pancreatic insufficiency, HIV, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease?
• Have you been diagnosed with cognitive impairment, osteoporotic fracture or heart failure?

Vitamin C

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have vitamin C deficiency.

• Do you frequently experience muscle and joint pains, bruising and fatigue?
• Do you have discoloured and swollen gums, split hair and dry skin?
• Do you experience slow wound healing, nose bleed or bleeding from the gums?
• Do you have an increased frequency of infections and experience tooth loss?
• Do you often experience high-temperature fits, nerve problems, shortness of breath and weakness?
• Are you taking a diet that lacks vegetables and fruits, particularly citrus?
• Do you have or have iron deficiency anaemia?

Vitamin D

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have vitamin D deficiency.

• Do you have minimal exposure to sunlight, particularly in the winter months?
• Do you spend most of the day indoors?
• Do you experience bone deformities and often have muscle weakness?
• Are you having health conditions, e.g., pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease and Crohn's disease, that increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency?
• Do you often experience signs of depression?
• Have you ever tested serum vitamin D levels, and the results indicate suboptimal levels?
• Are you taking medications that influence vitamin D levels, e.g., glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants?
• Do you often seek medical intervention for dental health issues or heart problems and usually experience seizures? 

Vitamin E

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have vitamin E deficiency.

• Do you experience muscle weakness & coordination?
• Do you experience vision problems, e.g., blurry vision and difficulty seeing in low light?
• Do you frequently experience skin issues, such as dryness and itchiness?
• Is your wound healing very slowly? 
• Are you experiencing frequent headaches or migraines?
• Are you having cognitive difficulties, such as trouble concentrating and remembering things?
• Do you have any tingling sensations and numbness in your hands or feet?
• Are you experiencing unusual fatigue or weakness, even with adequate rest?
• Are you experiencing frequent infections or illnesses?
• Have you noticed an increased hair loss or hair dullness?
• Do you have fertility issues or reproductive health concerns?

Vitamin K

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have vitamin K deficiency.

• Are you experiencing frequent and unexplained bruising?
• Do you experience prolonged bleeding after minor cuts or injuries?
• Do you have nosebleeds that occur frequently or are difficult to stop?
• Have you noticed blood in your urine or stool?
• Are you experiencing heavy or prolonged menstrual periods?
• Have you had any recent surgeries or dental procedures where bleeding was difficult to control?
• Do you have any joint or bone pain?
• Are your stools darker than usual?
• Are you experiencing unexplained fatigue and weakness?
• Are you diagnosed with a condition that affects fat absorption, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease?

Iron 

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have iron deficiency.

• Is there an unusual fatigue or weakness, even after getting enough sleep?
• Do you experience shortness of breath and lightheadedness, especially during physical activity?
• Are you experiencing unusual cravings for non-food items like ice, dirt, or starch?
• Are headaches or dizziness occurring more frequently?
• Have you noticed any changes in the colour and texture of the skin, e.g., pallor (paleness) or a yellowish tint?
• Are you experiencing frequent hair loss or thinning?
• Are your nails brittle or spoon-shaped?
• Are you experiencing poor concentration and brain fog?
• Is there any swelling or soreness on your tongue or mouth?
• Is there any unusual cold sensitivity in your hands and feet?

Calcium

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have calcium deficiency. 

• Do you frequently experience muscle cramps, particularly in the legs or feet, especially during physical activity?
• Do you experience frequent numbness and tingling, especially in your hands, feet, or face?
• Are your nails brittle and fragile and break easily?
• Are you experiencing dental issues, e.g., weak or crumbling teeth or increased tooth decay?
• Are you experiencing a decrease in bone density or height over time?
• Do you experience frequent bone fractures or breaks, even with minor trauma?
• Are you experiencing muscle weakness or difficulty with physical tasks that were once easy?
• Have you noticed irregular heartbeats or palpitations?
• Do you experience mood swings, irritability, or anxiety?
• Are you observing a decrease in your overall energy levels or stamina?

Zinc

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have zinc deficiency.

• Have you experienced a decrease in your sense of taste or smell?
• Do you experience frequent skin issues such as dryness, rashes, or acne?
• Have you noticed slow wound healing and even minor cuts or sores take longer than usual?
• Are your hair falling and thinning, particularly on your scalp or eyebrows?
• Do you have brittle or easily breakable nails?
• Have you noticed a decreased appetite or changes in your eating habits?
• Do you experience frequent infections or illnesses, such as colds or respiratory infections?
• Are you experiencing more mood swings, irritability and depression?
• Have you noticed any changes in the vision, e.g., difficulty adjusting to darkness or night blindness?
• Are you experiencing fertility issues or reproductive health concerns?

Magnesium

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have magnesium deficiency.

• Do you experience muscle cramps or spasms, particularly in the legs or feet?
• Are you experiencing more fatigue or weakness, even after getting enough sleep?
• Are you experiencing frequent headaches or migraines?
• Have you noticed irregular heartbeats or palpitations?
• Do you have difficulty sleeping or experience restless leg syndrome?
• Are you experiencing mood swings, irritability and increased anxiety?
• Have you noticed changes in your bowel habits, e.g., constipation or diarrhoea?
• Do you have frequent muscle cramps or tremors?
• Have you noticed a decrease in appetite or changes in your eating habits?
• Are you experiencing difficulty concentrating and brain fog?

Iodine

If the answer to most of these questions is ‘yes’, you likely have iodine deficiency.

1. Have you noticed swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland (a goitre) in the neck area?
2. Are you experiencing unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight?
3. Do you feel unusually tired or lethargic, even with sufficient rest?
4. Have you noticed changes in the skin, such as dryness or roughness?
5. Are you experiencing hair loss or thinning, particularly from the scalp or eyebrows?
6. Have you noticed changes in your voice, such as hoarseness or a deepening of the voice?
7. Are you experiencing irregular menstrual periods or other reproductive health issues?
8. Do you have difficulty staying warm or feeling cold even in warm environments?
9. Are you experiencing cognitive difficulties, e.g., forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating?
10. Have you noticed any swelling or discomfort in your joints?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which supplement is the best to take?

Multivitamins are the most commonly recommended dietary supplements. A good quality multivitamin ensures optimal health by providing all essential nutrients.

How do I know which supplement is best for my body?

Choosing the best supplement according to needs is very critical. Go through the quiz and identify the deficiency signs of different vitamins. Visit the healthcare provider and discuss the signs. The healthcare provider will suggest the most suitable product. 

For professional guidance about choosing an appropriate supplement, visit Welzo and consult our professionals.

What factors must be considered while choosing a supplement? 

A supplement must be chosen after figuring out the needs of the body, deciding the health goals, exploring the available options, reviewing the nutritional profile of the products, checking the purity, potency and bioavailability of the products and finally, checking the certification and third-party testing of the products. 

Do dietary supplements work?

Dietary supplements provide benefits in the long run. However, unlike medicines, they are not used to treat particular health conditions. Consequently, health professionals advise not to take dietary supplements with high hopes, e.g., reversing a chronic health condition, etc. 

Is it OK to take a dietary supplement daily?

Follow the doctor's instructions about usage. Daily use of dietary supplements is not likely to harm the body. It is, however, a waste of money, particularly if the body doesn't need it.

EndNote

A supplement must be chosen after carefully evaluating personal health needs, availability, quality of the products, and interactions with other medications. These questions are tailored to help the readers identify the deficiency of particular nutrients and facilitate the choice of a suitable supplement. Being too judgmental is not good, and the signs must be discussed with the doctor. 

If you have a deficiency of particular nutrients and need supplements and professional guidance, Welzo provides both. Visit our product pages to choose the best Vitamins & Supplements to keep you at your best. Book an online appointment through Welzo Private GP Appointments Online platform to consult our qualified doctors.