Why Your Supplements Might Not Be Working (And What You Can Do About It)

Supplements in a green container

Photo by Mika Baumeister

You’re taking your supplements every day, like clockwork.
You’ve invested in quality brands, filled your medicine cabinet, and stayed consistent.
But somehow… you’re still feeling tired.
Your skin, your energy, your hormones — they just aren't responding the way you hoped.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
And no—you’re not crazy, lazy, or broken.

There’s a reason your supplements might not be working—and it’s not just about what’s on the label.

Let’s break it down.

1. Your Gut Health Might Be Sabotaging You

If your gut isn’t in good shape, even the best supplements can pass right through without doing much good.
Inflammation, hidden food sensitivities, chronic stress, processed foods, and even past medications can all quietly damage your gut lining over time.

When your gut lining is compromised, it becomes much harder for nutrients to actually get absorbed into your bloodstream.
(Hint: If you’re feeling bloated, gassy, fatigued, or reacting to foods you never used to, your gut may be waving a big red flag.)

Supporting gut health is essential for true nutrient absorption—but it’s not just about popping a probiotic.
( I dive deeper into gut-healing strategies inside the video below.)

2. Not All Supplements (or Supplement Companies) Are Created Equal

Ever heard the saying "you get what you pay for"?
It’s painfully true in the supplement world.

Many low-cost supplements use forms of vitamins and minerals that your body struggles to absorb—or even recognize.
And shockingly, some supplements sold online (yes, even on Amazon) have been found to contain little of the active ingredient they promise—or worse, harmful fillers.

Choosing the right form of a nutrient—and a reputable brand—can make all the difference between wasting money and actually supporting your health goals.

(Inside the video, I share some of the specific nutrient forms I recommend and the trusted brands I personally use.)

3. Timing Matters More Than You Think

One of the biggest hidden reasons supplements don't work?
When and how you take them.

Some vitamins need fat to be absorbed properly (hello, Vitamin D!).
Some minerals need to be spaced out from others to avoid competition.
And if you’re taking everything all at once in a giant morning smoothie?
You might actually be setting yourself up for a nutrient traffic jam.

Timing isn’t complicated once you know the rules—but it’s rarely explained clearly when you buy a bottle off a shelf.
(I share a real patient story about low Vitamin D levels in the video—you won’t want to miss that.)

4. More Supplements ≠ Better Results

It’s tempting to think that if one supplement helps a little, adding more will help a lot.
But unfortunately, the body doesn’t work that way.

Over-supplementing can actually lead to nutrient imbalances, added stress on your detox pathways, and even make symptoms worse over time.

Smart supplementation is strategic—it’s based on YOUR symptoms, YOUR lifestyle, and ideally YOUR labs.

(Need help figuring out what you actually need? I offer personalized consults to help you create a smart plan.)

Want to Learn More? Watch the Full Video!

I go into even more detail in my new YouTube video, including:
✅ The hidden issue with common forms of B12 (and why it matters if you have certain genetic traits)
✅ Specific examples of nutrient timing mistakes
✅ What I look for when recommending supplements to women over 40

 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/_jRSGEnNYOg?si=XuTCKfEQ_je7CHke

💬 And don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe once you're there!
It’s time to make your supplements work for you—not against you.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

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Magnesium for Women Over 40: What You Need to Know (But No One’s Telling You)