What kind of vitamins should you use?
I do get a lot of questions on why I choose the brands of vitamins I do, and why I don’t recommend “xyz” others.
Recently, I have had a few companies and individuals that have approached me to collaborate and promote their vitamins and supplements. However, most of them I am unable to consume, and therefore promote — for a couple of reasons. (Before I jump into this, if you have found a line or brand that works for you - I’M ALL FOR IT!)
Reason #1 - Not all vitamins are created equal, and I stand by that 100%. Some of them just do not work.
After battling severe illness from my late teens through my late twenties, it took years of trial and error to find vitamins, herbs, and supplements that truly made a difference in my health. While I still manage residual effects from RA, a hereditary blood disorder, and multiple autoimmune conditions, there’s no doubt that my health has been completely transformed—and the debilitating effects of these disorders are no longer a part of my life!
Have you ever taken vitamins and felt little to no difference—or even experienced negative side effects? Many store-bought vitamins are made with synthetic ingredients that the body struggles to absorb properly. Instead of getting the nutrients you need, your body may be storing excess, stressing your liver, or simply flushing them out.
The key question is: How are your vitamins made, and what are they derived from?
Whole Food Vitamins: Better Absorption, Better Results
Whole food-derived vitamins are absorbed up to 50% more efficiently because they come from real food sources and include important cofactors like enzymes, bioflavonoids, and phytonutrients. These cofactors are crucial—they help the body actually use the vitamins on a cellular level, not just pass them through.
Why Whole Food Vitamins Work Better
✔ Natural Nutrient Synergy – Whole food vitamins include key cofactors that improve absorption and help the body use nutrients effectively.
✔ Enhanced Bioavailability – The body recognizes whole food nutrients and absorbs them JUST LIKE FOOD, rather than treating them like foreign substances.
✔ Gut-Friendly Probiotics & Fermentation – Probiotic-enhanced and fermented vitamins support digestion and improve nutrient uptake.
Easier on the Liver
Synthetic vitamins contain isolated, lab-made nutrients that can stress the liver. Whole food vitamins, on the other hand:
✔ Are naturally balanced, reducing the risk of toxicity.
✔ Require less metabolic processing, making them gentler on the liver.
✔ Include fat-soluble co-nutrients (like natural Vitamin E and K) to improve absorption and prevent nutrient overload.
By choosing whole food-derived vitamins, you’re giving your body nutrients in their most natural, usable form—leading to better absorption, less liver stress, and improved overall health.
There are a handful of brands that I can recommend. The quality unsurpassable .
Let’s talk about another reason those synthetic vitamins may not be helping you:
Reason #2 (and this may be an unknown but very important reason why your synthetic vitamins do not work for you - AND may be making you feel worse)
- What is the MTHFR Gene Mutation—and Why Does It Matter?
The MTHFR gene plays a major role in methylation, a process that affects detoxification, folate metabolism, neurotransmitter production, and cardiovascular health. When this gene doesn’t function properly, it can lead to:
🚨 Higher homocysteine levels (linked to heart disease & inflammation)
🚨 Fatigue, brain fog, and mood imbalances
🚨 Hormonal & fertility issues
🚨 Poor detoxification, making it harder for the body to remove toxins
How Common is the MTHFR Mutation?
🔹 Over 50% of people have some form of this mutation—yet most don’t even know it.
🔹 10-15% of people have a severe version that reduces enzyme efficiency by up to 40%.
🔹 Some people inherit two different MTHFR mutations (compound heterozygous), which can also affect their health.
If you have an MTHFR mutation, your body struggles to process synthetic vitamins—especially folic acid (synthetic B9) and cyanocobalamin (synthetic B12).
Why Synthetic Vitamins Are a Problem for MTHFR Mutations
❌ Folic Acid Isn’t Usable – The body cannot efficiently convert folic acid into its active form (methylfolate/5-MTHF), leading to unmetabolized folic acid buildup, which can contribute to inflammation and health issues.
❌ Synthetic B12 is Poorly Absorbed – Many people with MTHFR mutations struggle to process cyanocobalaminand need methylcobalamin, the bioavailable, active form.
❌ Increased Detox Burden – Poor methylation can lead to toxin buildup, higher homocysteine levels, and neurological symptoms like anxiety, depression, or memory issues.
Best Vitamin Choices for MTHFR Mutations
✅ Whole food-derived vitamins – These naturally contain bioavailable nutrients with necessary cofactors for proper absorption.
✅ Methylated B Vitamins – Look for methylfolate (5-MTHF) instead of folic acid and methylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin.
✅ Active Coenzyme Forms – Choose nutrients in their activated states, like P5P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) for B6, which are easier for the body to use.
✅ Probiotics & Fermented Nutrients – These support gut health and improve nutrient absorption.
If you have an MTHFR mutation (or suspect you do), switching to whole food-based and methylated vitamins can help you:
✔ Optimize nutrient absorption
✔ Support detox pathways
✔ Improve energy, mood, and overall well-being
By choosing the right kind of vitamins, you can actually feel the difference—and give your body the support it truly needs.
So,, now I will get questions: “Diana, which brands do you recommend?” I am glad you asked.
Here are a list of brands that I personally use and recommend. Some of them I use their vitamins, and some of them I use their herbal and nutraceutical supplements.
Food Research/ Doctors Research (hands down my #1 go to favorite. I saw an immense difference from the first time I used this brands whole food derived supplements)
Codage (their probiotics and their organ supplements are top notch - also whole food derived)
Standard Process
Gaia Herbs (great herbal formulas)
Designs for Health (their SPM Supreme and Annatto E Synergy are a must have for anyone suffering from an inflammatory disorder like arthritis, fibro, and even thyroid issues)
My Kind Organics (this brand can be found in many health food stores. I love their plant derived calcium/Mag/D supplement. They also have great multi-strained probiotic formulas that are very effective. They would not be my first choice for a multivitamin, but in a pinch I would not hesitate to grab it)
There are several other brands that I use and recommend for targeted formulas. Metagenics, Ortho-molecular, Thorne, and Vital Nutrients just to name a few.
We have recently launched an online store where most of these supplements can be purchased. Many of my clients who purchased through us before were able to do so right through Wellevate. Wellevate transitioned to Full Script and the interface was not so user friendly. Now these supplements can be ordered directly. If you have a favorite supplement that I have recommended that you don’t see in the store - let me know! We are adding items every day. (It’s time consuming.)
If you approach me about using a specific supplement or brand, I promise I will thoroughly look it over! As always, if you have a supplement or vitamin line that you have had great success with, stick with it!! I am all for anything that enables a healthier lifestyle!
story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Find all of your vitamin needs in our store!
