Have you ever stopped to think about how to determine your current fitness and wellness levels? The only solution seems to be supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to compensate or environmental deficiencies. Choosing a good vitamin supplement can be a frustrating ordeal.

There are 1000's of supplements to choose from - some are good, but many are total rip-offs. To be sure that you purchase the right supplements that are high quality and nutritionally balanced, Here are 7 tips to assist you in this process:

1. Perform careful research!
Don't just go along with the latest fads. A good book to purchase is "The Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements" by Lyle MacWilliam. His book carefully analyzes over 500 products available in the US and Canada. The products that are listed at the top are best in the market today.

2. Sufficient Quantities
Does the supplement provide sufficient quantities of each vitamin? For example - 50mg. to 100mg. of the B vitamins, 500mg. of vitamin C, 1000mg. of calcium. Remember, 100mg. of a B vitamin is needed to provide your body with about 10mg. of actual, useable nutrition. This is usually plenty. Use the 10% rule to know exactly what you're getting. The one or two per day supplements only start with about 3mg. or less of the B vitamins. 10% of this amount is like taking nothing at all.

3. United States Pharmacopoeia

Look for the USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) or BP (British Pharmacopoeia) designation on the label. This means that the vitamin isolates are the highest quality you can buy, and are the most easily dissolved in the digestion system. Each vitamin that is USP or BP will have those initials next to that vitamin.

4. Guaranteed Potency

Check to see if there is a guaranteed potency. Yes, there are companies who offer this and who follow stringent analytical and quality control procedures. In other words, what you see on a product's label is actually in the product.

5. Pharmaceutical-Grade
Make sure the company's products follow pharmaceutical-grade good manufacturing practices. This is a step above FDA regulations. This means a variety of government agencies conduct periodic inspections and require control of procedures, as well as documentation.

6. Increases absorption

Look for "chelate" or "chelated" in relation to the minerals. This means the minerals are attached to protein before they are added to the supplement. This increases absorption both in the bloodstream and cells by an amazing 400% to 700%.

7. Money-Back Guarantee
Lastly, look to see if the company products provide a money-back guarantee. Believe it or not, there is a company that is so confident about its products that it offers a revolutionary money-back guarantee to some professional and world class athletes.

Follow the above 7 tips for optimal health!