Are your vitamins actually working? Discover five critical red flags that could mean your multivitamin quality is low, poorly absorbed, or causing more harm than good. From synthetic ingredients to dangerous fillers, learn how to choose supplements that truly support your health—not drain your wallet. This episode reveals what to look for on labels and why bioavailability matters more than you think.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

Bioavailability Matters Most – Not all vitamin forms are created equal. Cyanocobalamin (cheap B12) can trigger inflammation and anxiety, while methylcobalamin is properly absorbed and utilized by your body. Always check for methylated forms of B vitamins and quality mineral chelates.

Artificial Dyes Are Dangerous – Red Dye 40 and other fillers serve no nutritional purpose and are linked to inflammation, digestive imbalances, ADHD symptoms, and potential colon cancer risk. Up to 83% of supplements on Amazon contain unexpected ingredients or lack what's promised on the label.

Under-Dosing Is Widespread – Most store-brand multivitamins contain trace amounts that provide no therapeutic benefit. For example, 800 IU of vitamin D won't raise deficient levels—you need at least 5,000 IU daily with K2 for optimal absorption and immune function.

Folic Acid vs. Methylfolate Is Critical – If you have MTHFR gene mutations (extremely common), synthetic folic acid can cause depression, fatigue, and digestive issues. Your body needs methylfolate—the active form that actually works, especially important for pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.

Amino Acids Are Non-Negotiable – A true multivitamin should include amino acids like choline, arginine, methionine, lysine, taurine, and N-acetylcysteine. These are the building blocks of DNA and protein that support detoxification, energy production, and overall cellular function.

FEATURED PRODUCT

Good Poops Protocol – Even the highest-quality vitamins won't work if your gut can't absorb them. The Good Poops Protocol is designed to repair and support your digestive tract, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption and breakdown. 

Get it here: https://mswnutrition.com/pages/good-poops-org

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – START – Welcome and episode overview

02:15 – Introduction to MSW Nutrition and the importance of quality supplements

04:30 – Red Flag #1: Poor bioavailability and why methylcobalamin beats cyanocobalamin

08:45 – The magnesium problem: glycinate vs. oxide and how to choose

11:20 – Red Flag #2: Artificial colors, dyes, and dangerous fillers in supplements

14:40 – Why MSW Nutrition supplements aren't on Amazon

17:30 – Red Flag #3: Under-dosing and why most multivitamins fail

20:15 – The vitamin D3 deficiency crisis and the importance of K2

23:45 – Red Flag #4: Synthetic folic acid vs. methylfolate and MTHFR mutations

27:30 – How MTHFR testing changed everything for proper supplementation

30:20 – Red Flag #5: The absence of amino acids in most multivitamins

33:10 – Why glutathione in oral form is a game-changer

35:45 – Final thoughts: Don't waste money on inferior supplements

RESOURCES

Example of Low-Quality Multivitamin Label – Common store-brand showing cyanocobalamin and synthetic ingredients

https://www.naturemade.com/products/advanced-multivitamin-gummies-for-her?variant=41844880539787#pid=2

Red Dye 40 Health Risks – Research on inflammation, allergies, and hyperactivity links

https://www.health.com/red-dye-40-8610527

Safety Concerns with Amazon Supplements – Study showing 83% contain unexpected ingredients

https://www.verywellhealth.com/safety-of-amazon-supplements-6500961

Hidden Dangers of Buying Supplements from Amazon – Counterfeit products and contamination risks

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/the-hidden-dangers-of-buying-supplements-from-amazon/ar-AA1FF5vB

MSW Nutrition Boost Multivitamin – High-quality example with methylated vitamins and amino acids

https://mswnutrition.com/collections/best-sellers-1/products/boost?variant=29599579078728

CONNECT

🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza:

JOIN MY SCHOOL for $5: community.schoolofdoza.com/signup

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/

Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza