Did you know that in most instances the ingredients outlined on your vitamin supplement bottle are not in fact ALL of the ingredients? Did you know that sometimes these ‘other’ ingredients are in fact less than good for you?
These ‘other’ ingredients that I’m referring to are known in the industry as ‘excipients’. They are a necessary addition to all vitamin supplements and serve to deliver the active ingredients in a convenient and ingestible form.
Excipients are used for a variety of reasons. Binders hold the ingredients in a tablet together while coatings protect the ingredients from deterioration and mask unpleasant tastes. Disintegrants expand and dissolve when releasing the active ingredient for absorption. Fillers increase the size of the tablet or capsule making it more convenient to take, while flavours, colours and sweeteners improve the taste or appearance. Preservatives prevent vitamin supplements from breaking down and sorbents make tablets or capsules water-proof. Glidants, lubricants and antiadherants are also added to support the manufacturing process and to stop tablets or capsules sticking in the machines.
Whilst excipients are a necessary addition to every vitamin supplement, there are certain choices that manufacturers can make to improve the quality of their products. For instance, antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin E or vitamin C may be used as preservatives instead of synthetic preservatives like Methyl Paraben.
It is these choices which ultimately affect the quality of your vitamin supplement. When you’re taking a proactive step in your health regime to take vitamin supplements, you don’t want to be ingesting excipients that detract from the quality nutrients you are taking.
One excipient that is currently making a name for itself within fish oil supplements is Polysorbate 80. This excipient is extremely efficient at nautralising fish oil in the gut to reduce fishy reflux burps notoriously associated with fish oil supplements. Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant that is used in kitchen detergents to ‘cut through grease’. Better to choose a fish oil that either uses a thicker natural coating or natural flavours to mask the fishy taste.
Some manufacturers also add artificial sweeteners and flavours to their children’s products to make them tastier for the child. It’s something to think about when your kids are running circles around your living room.
Rest assured that these ‘other’ ingredients are not known to be harmful. The Theraputic Goods Association (TGA) approves every ingredient in every product before it can be legally sold on Australian shores, rather the use of excipients is an element to be mindful of when you are researching for personal preference and quality vitamin supplements.
So before you make your next vitamin purchase, heed this advice and research the products well. If the manufacturer does not print the ‘inactive’ ingredients or ‘excipients’ on the label, give them a call and if they won’t tell you what’s in it, don’t buy it. Alternatively you could visit Australian vitamin information website HealthyComparisons.com.au to research leading Australian products before your next purchase.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Is there something ‘fishy’ in your fish oil?
We’ve all seen the research and heard about the benefits of taking a regular fish oil supplement. Where dietary intake is inadequate it can have anti-inflammatory effects for Arthritis sufferers, support healthy brain function and slow the onset of degenerative diseases like Alzheimers. It’s a nutrient that many Australians take as part of their daily routine alongside their multivitamin.
When purchasing your fish oil supplement, there are a few important things to consider to ensure that your supplement delivers its intended benefit.
The body relies on enzymes to convert fish oil into Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) which are the nutritionally essential Omega 3 fatty acids. Manufacturers can choose to include EPA and DHA in these active forms which does not rely on the body and have been shown to be therapeutically beneficial. The higher quality fish oil supplements include EPA and DHA in these active forms.
Another important factor is the type of fish used and the impact this has on heavy metal levels. As a general rule, the larger the fish, the higher its propensity for carrying heavy metals like magnesium. Try to choose a fish oil that is derived from small fish types in clean waters to reduce this risk.
The ‘Greenie’ in you might also like to know whether the fish come from environmentally sustainable and renewable waters or whether the fish are farmed or free range. Many Australian manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure that their fish sources are sustainable and humane, while others take less care.
Rest assured that the Theraputic Goods Association (TGA) approves every ingredient in every product before it may be legally sold in Australia so it will never be harmful to you. Rather these fish oil tips are points to look out for when you compare one fish oil to the next.
For more information or to read fish oil product reviews from industry professionals visit Australia’s vitamin information website HealthyComaprisons.com.au.
© Kristy Lee 2008
When purchasing your fish oil supplement, there are a few important things to consider to ensure that your supplement delivers its intended benefit.
The body relies on enzymes to convert fish oil into Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) which are the nutritionally essential Omega 3 fatty acids. Manufacturers can choose to include EPA and DHA in these active forms which does not rely on the body and have been shown to be therapeutically beneficial. The higher quality fish oil supplements include EPA and DHA in these active forms.
Another important factor is the type of fish used and the impact this has on heavy metal levels. As a general rule, the larger the fish, the higher its propensity for carrying heavy metals like magnesium. Try to choose a fish oil that is derived from small fish types in clean waters to reduce this risk.
The ‘Greenie’ in you might also like to know whether the fish come from environmentally sustainable and renewable waters or whether the fish are farmed or free range. Many Australian manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure that their fish sources are sustainable and humane, while others take less care.
Rest assured that the Theraputic Goods Association (TGA) approves every ingredient in every product before it may be legally sold in Australia so it will never be harmful to you. Rather these fish oil tips are points to look out for when you compare one fish oil to the next.
For more information or to read fish oil product reviews from industry professionals visit Australia’s vitamin information website HealthyComaprisons.com.au.
© Kristy Lee 2008
Blackmores puts elbow grease into Arthritis products
A recent independent review conducted by a panel of respected Australian Naturopaths has found Blackmores Arthritis products to be the highest quality in the category.
The panel of health professionals reviewed 20 of Australia’s highest selling Arthritis products for quality and effectiveness and found Blackmores products to take 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th position with their Odourless Fish Oil product taking the lead.
Blackmores’ Lyprinol product derived from New Zealand Green Muscle Oil is a relatively new product which was praised in the review due to the significant research supporting its benefits for Arthritic inflammation.
The review was published by Australian vitamin information website HealthyComparisons.com.au which displays vitamin supplement product ratings out of 100 for quality and effectiveness and presents written reviews from the individual panel members.
Surprisingly, the review pushes some top-selling Australian products to the bottom of the quality list for a variety of reasons including manufacturers’ use of poor quality inactive ingredients and/or the use of Glucosamine Sulfate instead of the Hydrocholoride form which is deemed to be more effective.
For more information about the Arthritis vitamin supplement reviews or to download a summary of the results visit HealthyComparisons.com.au.
The panel of health professionals reviewed 20 of Australia’s highest selling Arthritis products for quality and effectiveness and found Blackmores products to take 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th position with their Odourless Fish Oil product taking the lead.
Blackmores’ Lyprinol product derived from New Zealand Green Muscle Oil is a relatively new product which was praised in the review due to the significant research supporting its benefits for Arthritic inflammation.
The review was published by Australian vitamin information website HealthyComparisons.com.au which displays vitamin supplement product ratings out of 100 for quality and effectiveness and presents written reviews from the individual panel members.
Surprisingly, the review pushes some top-selling Australian products to the bottom of the quality list for a variety of reasons including manufacturers’ use of poor quality inactive ingredients and/or the use of Glucosamine Sulfate instead of the Hydrocholoride form which is deemed to be more effective.
For more information about the Arthritis vitamin supplement reviews or to download a summary of the results visit HealthyComparisons.com.au.
Some Leading Australian Pregnancy Vitamins Lack Vital Nutrients
Most women are aware of the benefits that prenatal and pregnancy vitamins can bring for mother and child~. However, a recent independent review conducted by a panel of Australian Naturopaths has shown that some of Australia’s leading^ prenatal and pregnancy vitamin formulas could be significantly improved.
Review panellist and Naturopath Eliza Finn of CBD Natural Health commented that “It appears that some leading Australian over-the-counter products misleadingly lack the quality and variety of vital ingredients necessary for optimal nutritional support for mother and developing baby. While most products contain high amounts of folate well known to be necessary during pregnancy, they often leave out important, synergistic and essential nutrients needed such as other B-group vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calcium, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids that are also important during this time. ”
The results of the review have been published on Australian vitamin information website HealthyComaprisons.com.au. Website Director Kristy Lee added “There are some fantastic products on the market, however it’s important to note that not all products offer the rainbow and/or dosages of ingredients necessary to support their intended benefit. Expecting mothers should always research products well or consult a health professional before making purchases that affect mother and baby’s health.”
“HealthyComparisons.com.au not only provides important information about vitamins for expecting mothers, but provides product comparisons and reviews for 33 different health categories including Arthritis, Multivitamins, Menopause, PMS and even Weight Loss.”
“Whilst the vitamin information and reviews do not replace the personal advice of a qualified health professional, they go some way towards ensuring that there is independent information available for Australian consumers”.
For more information on the reviews and to meet the vitamin review panel, visit HealthyComparisons.com.au.
~Vitamin supplements may only be of assistance where dietary intake is inadequate.
^Top 16 Pregnancy vitamins as ranked by National Pharmaceutical Retail Sales Volumes provided by Synovate Aztec were reviewed.
Review panellist and Naturopath Eliza Finn of CBD Natural Health commented that “It appears that some leading Australian over-the-counter products misleadingly lack the quality and variety of vital ingredients necessary for optimal nutritional support for mother and developing baby. While most products contain high amounts of folate well known to be necessary during pregnancy, they often leave out important, synergistic and essential nutrients needed such as other B-group vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calcium, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids that are also important during this time. ”
The results of the review have been published on Australian vitamin information website HealthyComaprisons.com.au. Website Director Kristy Lee added “There are some fantastic products on the market, however it’s important to note that not all products offer the rainbow and/or dosages of ingredients necessary to support their intended benefit. Expecting mothers should always research products well or consult a health professional before making purchases that affect mother and baby’s health.”
“HealthyComparisons.com.au not only provides important information about vitamins for expecting mothers, but provides product comparisons and reviews for 33 different health categories including Arthritis, Multivitamins, Menopause, PMS and even Weight Loss.”
“Whilst the vitamin information and reviews do not replace the personal advice of a qualified health professional, they go some way towards ensuring that there is independent information available for Australian consumers”.
For more information on the reviews and to meet the vitamin review panel, visit HealthyComparisons.com.au.
~Vitamin supplements may only be of assistance where dietary intake is inadequate.
^Top 16 Pregnancy vitamins as ranked by National Pharmaceutical Retail Sales Volumes provided by Synovate Aztec were reviewed.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Vitamins for Sinus and Hayfever
Hayfever is an allergy which is triggered in some people by seasonal plants, airborn chemicals and dust particles and is characterised by sneezing, itchy eyes or runny nose. Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses which is often linked with hayfever.
Horseradish is said to have antibiotic properties and is believed to facilitate the drainage of the nasal mucous membranes and sinuses to clear the respiratory passages.
Cod liver oil is derived from the liver of fish cod. It’s high in vitamin A and vitamin D as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that promotes the health of all the body's cells and tissues. It is a powerful antioxidant that assists your immune system.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron from food. It helps build and repair red blood cells, bones and tissues, protects against bruising, keeps the walls of blood vessels firm and helps protect from infection by keeping the immune system healthy.
Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to be good for the prevention and treatment of sinus and hayfever, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.
For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Visit our vitamins for sinus and hayfever page for more information about sinus and hayfever vitamins.
© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.
There are a number of vitamins which are said to be useful in the prevention or treatment of sinus and hayfever including garlic, horseradish, cod liver oil and vitamin C.
Garlic is said to have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties and is often used to support minor respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis. It is also a good source of quercetin, a natural antihistamine.Horseradish is said to have antibiotic properties and is believed to facilitate the drainage of the nasal mucous membranes and sinuses to clear the respiratory passages.
Cod liver oil is derived from the liver of fish cod. It’s high in vitamin A and vitamin D as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that promotes the health of all the body's cells and tissues. It is a powerful antioxidant that assists your immune system.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body absorb iron from food. It helps build and repair red blood cells, bones and tissues, protects against bruising, keeps the walls of blood vessels firm and helps protect from infection by keeping the immune system healthy.
Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to be good for the prevention and treatment of sinus and hayfever, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.
For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Visit our vitamins for sinus and hayfever page for more information about sinus and hayfever vitamins.
© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Vitamins for Stress Relief
Any physical, emotional or mental stress has a physical effect on the body. It may increase levels of hormones like adrenalin and cortisone, reduce the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, increase the metabolism, increase levels of free radicals and may reduce the levels of vitamins A, B, C and E.
Some people find that B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E are useful for maintaining health in times of stress.
Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin that is a cofactor in the conversion of glucose to other sugars. It helps the body's cells produce energy.
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the metabolism of energy and is required in the support of bodily processes involving Vitamin B6, niacin, folate and Vitamin K.
Vitamin B3 is necessary for the metabolism of serotonin - a neurotransmitter that keeps the mind calm.
Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin which helps the body's cells produce energy. It regulates the functioning of adrenal glands, where stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are synthesized.
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that performs a wide variety of functions in the body. It helps the body make protein and convert tryptophan into niacin and serotonin. It also helps to produce chemicals like haemoglobin, insulin and infection-fighting antibodies.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that works in tandem with Folate to support cellular replication. Vitamin B12 also synthesises myelin to protect nerve fibres.Vitamin B Complex is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the cells metabolise protein, fat and carbohydrates and produce energy.
Vitamin C is used in the metabolism of stress-related hormones like adrenaline, dopamine and noradrenalin. It is an antioxidant that helps reduce free radicals.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps prevent illness and cancer. It's believed that Vitamin E may help prevent and treat heart disease. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which is believed to help protect cell membranes against the damaging effects of free radicals.
There is no conclusive evidence that vitamins for stress relief are effective, however it is generally agreed that they would help stressed people to stay calm under emotionally stressful conditions. They do also help meet the body’s higher energy and nutrient requirements during stress.
Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to be good for stress relief, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.
For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Visit our Vitamins for Stress Relief page for more information about stress relief vitamins.
© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.
Some people find that B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E are useful for maintaining health in times of stress.
Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin that is a cofactor in the conversion of glucose to other sugars. It helps the body's cells produce energy.
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the metabolism of energy and is required in the support of bodily processes involving Vitamin B6, niacin, folate and Vitamin K.
Vitamin B3 is necessary for the metabolism of serotonin - a neurotransmitter that keeps the mind calm.
Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin which helps the body's cells produce energy. It regulates the functioning of adrenal glands, where stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are synthesized.
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that performs a wide variety of functions in the body. It helps the body make protein and convert tryptophan into niacin and serotonin. It also helps to produce chemicals like haemoglobin, insulin and infection-fighting antibodies.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that works in tandem with Folate to support cellular replication. Vitamin B12 also synthesises myelin to protect nerve fibres.Vitamin B Complex is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the cells metabolise protein, fat and carbohydrates and produce energy.
Vitamin C is used in the metabolism of stress-related hormones like adrenaline, dopamine and noradrenalin. It is an antioxidant that helps reduce free radicals.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps prevent illness and cancer. It's believed that Vitamin E may help prevent and treat heart disease. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which is believed to help protect cell membranes against the damaging effects of free radicals.
There is no conclusive evidence that vitamins for stress relief are effective, however it is generally agreed that they would help stressed people to stay calm under emotionally stressful conditions. They do also help meet the body’s higher energy and nutrient requirements during stress.
Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to be good for stress relief, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.
For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Visit our Vitamins for Stress Relief page for more information about stress relief vitamins.
© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Vitamins for the Prevention and Treatment of Cold Sores
Numerous studies have shown that supplementation with Lysine may reduce the onset and severity of cold sore symptoms. Sufficient levels of Lysine in the body are said to inhibit the replication of the virus.
Lysine is an amino acid that cannot be synthesised by the human body and must be ingested. It is a necessary building block for all protein in the body and plays a major role in the production of enzymes.
It is recommended that cold sore sufferers ingest 1-1.5g of Lysine daily for prevention and increase supplementation to 2-2.5g when an outbreak occurs.
There is some evidence to suggest that Lysine may stimulate the liver to increase the production of Cholesterol.
Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to have benefits for the prevention and treatment of cold sore, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.
For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Navigate to HealthyComparisons.com.au' Vitamins for Cold Sore page for more information about vitamins for cold sore.
© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.
Lysine is an amino acid that cannot be synthesised by the human body and must be ingested. It is a necessary building block for all protein in the body and plays a major role in the production of enzymes.
It is recommended that cold sore sufferers ingest 1-1.5g of Lysine daily for prevention and increase supplementation to 2-2.5g when an outbreak occurs.
There is some evidence to suggest that Lysine may stimulate the liver to increase the production of Cholesterol.
Whilst all of these nutrients and vitamins are said to have benefits for the prevention and treatment of cold sore, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this article. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.
For more information visit Australia's vitamin information website. Navigate to HealthyComparisons.com.au' Vitamins for Cold Sore page for more information about vitamins for cold sore.
© Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.
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