Why aren't my supplements working?
Common reasons: wrong dose, poor bioavailability form, bad timing, or not enough time.
- Check dose vs clinical studies
- Verify form bioavailability
- Give 4-8 weeks
The Dose Is Wrong
This is the #1 reason supplements fail. Many products use subtherapeutic doses. Example: Most studies on ashwagandha use 300-600mg of a standardized extract. Many products contain 50-100mg.
Quick Tips
- →Compare your dose to what studies actually used
- →Proprietary blends often hide underdosing
You're Taking It Wrong
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) need to be taken with food containing fat. Taking them on an empty stomach means you absorb almost nothing.
Iron absorbs best on an empty stomach with vitamin C.
Quick Tips
- →Take fat-soluble vitamins with meals
- →Take iron with vitamin C
The Form Is Garbage
Magnesium oxide is only 4% bioavailable. You'd need to take 10x more to match magnesium glycinate.
Quick Tips
- →Research bioavailability before buying
- →Sometimes paying more means absorbing more
You Haven't Given It Enough Time
Creatine: 2-4 weeks to saturate muscles
Fish oil: 4-8 weeks for full effects
Vitamin D: 8-12 weeks to reach optimal levels
Adaptogens: 4-8 weeks for stress resilience
Quick Tips
- →Give supplements adequate time to work
- →Track effects over weeks, not days
Key Takeaways
Before giving up on a supplement, check: dose, form, timing, and time.
Ingredients Mentioned
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