It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3… really.
Three supplements might sound too simple to support optimal wellness — but it’s often the easiest approach to getting balanced nutrients for the average person. Just remember MOM: Multi, Omega, Magnesium.
These three are the foundational must-haves. Always have been. Likely always will be. But why these three? And how do you know if your body’s even absorbing them — especially that expensive multivitamin? What about magnesium — doesn’t that give you diarrhea?
Let’s dig into what makes these three supplements essential — and how to find the right forms that actually work for you.
Multivitamins: The Underdog Hero
Everyone loves to hate multivitamins… and yet, nearly 80% of Americans take them. 
Truth is, the concept is solid. The execution? Not always. Too many multis are low-quality, poorly absorbed, or filled with synthetic junk. But a well-made multivitamin can provide a solid baseline of key nutrients that modern diets (and our depleted soils) just don’t give us anymore.
Whether you’re keto, paleo, plant-based, or on the Standard American Diet (yikes) — chances are you’re missing something. A whole-food, organic multivitamin or a well-formulated clinical-grade one can bridge that gap.
Pro tip: Never order supplements online in the Florida summer — heat wrecks them. Stick with trusted sources like Detwiler’s, where you know how the products have been handled. Our wellness sections in Sarasota, Palmetto, and Bradenton are stocked with vetted brands that meet every budget and need.
Omega-3s: You’ve Heard of Them (For a Reason)
Omega-3 fatty acids have been in the health headlines for decades — and for good reason. They’re essential. As in: your body can’t make them, and nearly every cell in your body relies on them.
Brain? Needs omega-3s. Heart? Yep. Joints, skin, eyes, mood? All benefit. 
But (you knew it was coming)… quality matters. If your omega-3 supplement smells like low tide, it’s oxidized and should be tossed. Look for brands that are:
- Molecularly distilled (removes mercury and other contaminants)
- Certified by IFOS or similar third-party testing
- Packaged cold and stored properly (again, don’t let it sit in a hot mailbox)
If you’re plant-based, go with high-concentration algae-based options — just know they don’t convert as efficiently as fish sources.
Dosing tip: Most folks benefit from 2–4 grams per day. If you’ve got a heart arrhythmia or take blood thinners, talk to your doctor first.
Magnesium: Your Silent Superhero
Grab four friends. Statistically, three of you are likely deficient in magnesium.
Modern farming practices have stripped the soil of this essential mineral, and our diets haven’t caught up. Signs of low magnesium can include muscle cramps, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, constipation, and more.
Thankfully, magnesium is:
- Affordable
- Effective
- Widely available in multiple forms
Here’s a magnesium cheat sheet since there are so many different forms:
- Glycinate/Bisglycinate – great all-around support and sleep
- Citrate/Oxide – best for regularity (read: bathroom help)
- Threonate – brain and cognitive focus
- Malate – for energy
- Taurate – supports heart health
I personally like blends that include multiple forms — cover more ground with one capsule. Start low (200–400 mg) and work your way up to 400–800 mg/day. Side effects are rare — and yes, the worst-case is a big bathroom break. Don’t fear it.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to feel better.
Start with the basics — Multi, Omega, Magnesium — and give your body what it’s missing. You might be surprised at the difference you feel in just a few weeks.
If you’re curious about fine-tuning your levels, inexpensive lab tests like the Omega-3 Index or RBC Magnesium can give you real insight.
Otherwise? Drop by Detwiler’s Farm Market and check out our wellness department. Our team is happy to guide you to the right products — ones we’d use ourselves — and help you simplify your wellness routine.
Adam Chauncey, CN, CHC