Any opinions on the difference between vitamins and supplements from the GNC stores and those from drug stores, supermarkets, or chains like Walmart?

Of most interest to me are multivitamins (currently taking GNC men's timed release) and immune system boosters. I'm thinking of taking L-Carnitine and Chlorophyll to improve circulation as my hands and feet occasionally get cold in the winter.

Gnc is generally overpriced. I woud suggest Henry's as the best selection and price especially the Escondido store.

Once you've tried a couple of things on the reccomendation of Ed or Sue in the vitamin department and have some good results, go to Walmart or other drugstores when they have their big sales.

But save the empty bottles and compare all the ingrediants.

I don't know - maybe I'm a snob about vitamins and supplements, but I wouldn't even consider buying from GNC or from supermarkets and discount stores like Walmart.

There's a big difference not only in composition and analysis, but also in the sources from which these supplements are extracted and how well your body absorbs and retains them.

I recommend doing business with a reputable, knowlegeable health food store and buying the quality supplements from established companies such as Countrylife, Twinlab, etc. It's hard to get reliable information because there are a lot of vitamin "quacks" with all sorts of mumbo jumbo and misinformation, but you can do your own research if you have the time and interest. Otherwise, you really need to find a reputable health food store and listen to their advice.

Tg,

I agree. The good news is that I have found good brands at Walmart and even the .99 store on occassion. The trick is to get educated first and see if you can catch a bargain on some of the brand names you mentioned.

Previously the drugstores and other chains had pretty inferior products. It's changing now.

Best place to shop for supplements I've found is doctorstrust.com

Not only do they sell top of the line products but they knock off 40 to 70%, free shipping and NO TAX if you order from CA. They are in FL..

Ship priority mail, receive within 5 days from placing order..

You won't believe the prices for top of the line supplements.

The only other place I shop is TJ's (Trader Joes)..

As far as supplements that you might use if you lift,ie:protein, weight gainer, creatine, etc..locally I've found NutriSport to be very good. Staff has always been very helpfull and seem to know what they are talking about. I've never felt they were trying to dump a product on me.