Dr. Oz's Ultimate Supplement Checklist

Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is integral the health of your immune system, blood vessels, muscles and nervous systems. Most of us don’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight, especially if you live in a northern climate or are dark-skinned. Vitamin D may also play a role in preventing certain cancers, including colon, uterine, breast and endometrial cancers.

The Dose

• 1,000 IU – this dose can be included in multi-vitamins, so make sure you read labels carefully.
• Vitamin D is fat soluble, so it works better when taken with a little fat. Try taking it at breakfast with milk or yogurt.

Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids called DHA and EPA which are essential for optimal functioning of the heart and brain. They reduce arterial inflammation, which can lower your risk for a heart attack. Fish oil is also associated with a 32% reduced risk of breast cancer. While a controversial report this year indicated that fish oil supplements could be dangerous due to possible trace amounts of mercury and/or PCBs (cancer-causing chemicals found in fish swimming in polluted waters), this small amount is not enough to be a concern. Click here for guidelines on buying fish oil with the necessary levels of DHA and EPA.

The Dose

• Your daily dose must contain 600 mgs of the DHA omega-3 fatty acid.
• Take fish oil with breakfast to avoid “fishy burps,” a side-effect some report when fish oil is taken on an empty stomach.
• Many fish oils recommended refrigeration to keep them from spoiling. Check the label carefully.

Baby Aspirin

Though technically not a supplement, baby aspirin can help prevent heart attacks and it can reduce the chance of stroke. Recent studies suggest an added benefit: aspirin has been linked to the prevention of almost every cancer.

The Dose

• Take 2 baby aspirin daily.
• Consult your doctor before starting a daily aspirin regimen.