Professional supplement lines vs. generic brands? What's the difference and why pay more?

When it comes to nutritional supplements, one comment I hear a lot from individuals I consult is “I can pick up that supplement at the pharmacy”, or better yet, at a big box store. Most people are unaware of the differences that exist between professional line supplement brands and those that can be purchased at the local store, besides the higher price tag. When we further examine it, there is a reason why professional line supplement brands are more expensive; you pay for what you get!

I am not here to knock any company for what they do. Supplements mentioned in my blog will refer to brands that I whole heartadly believe in and have had great experience with. This blog is to educate those that are unaware of the quality differences between professional lines and generic brands. The supplements used by Be Nutritious are ones that I have used in my practice with great results, backed by research and testing, and one's I trust in to work effectively for myself, my clientelle and for those closest to me.

A recent New York State’s attorney general investigation resulted in four large, national retailers being accused of selling fraudulent and potentially dangerous herbal supplements, including GNC, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart. When the authorities conducted tests on several popular brands sold at these retailers, they found that 59 – 96% of the products did not contain any of the herbs identified on the label. Instead, the products contained fillers such as powdered rice, asparagus, houseplants, and allergenic ingredients such as peanuts, soy, and wheat (even in products that were labeled as being free of these allergens).

http://primaldocs.com/members-blog/supplements-5-questions-to-ask-before-you-buy/

Although this study was conducted in the U.S. and regulations are much tighter in Canada, when you purchase nutritional supplements from the ‘local store’ there is no way of determining if what you are purchasing meets a certain standard that your body deserves. You might ask yourself, how can I determine which brand contains high quality ingredients that my body will be able to absorb and utilize? The first part of my answer is to seek the advice and guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. They will be able to evaluate your overall state and determine which products are right for you.

Selecting professional line supplement brands is the next step in making a decision that your body will thank you for. Most professional supplement companies use high-grade raw ingredients which are routinely tested for impurities and quality. They contain less excipients, fillers, preservatives, and allergens than their inferior counterparts. These claims are proven through assays, batch testing, and 3rd party testing, most of which over-the-counter brands do not conduct. So many manufacturers add excipients and other fillers such as magnesium stearate and other agents such as lactose and dextrose to make the powder flow quickly and easily through their high-volume machines. The problem with this is, these additives may compromise the bioavailability of the nutrients in the supplement, and could potentially cause allergenic problems.

With higher quality raw ingredients, free of fillers and added agents, professional line brands are more readily and easily absorbed by the body. This results in the body performing less work to absorb and utilize what you have ingested because the ingredients are in a more pure state. Manufacturers tend to formulate products based on dosages used in scientific studies to accurately determine proper dosage guidelines.

When it comes to supplements, you usually get what you pay for. Supplement brands that are sold over-the-counter are typically cheaper than professional line brands and the reason comes down to the quality of the raw ingredients. As demonstrated by the conclusion of the attorney general’s investigation, most over-the-counter brands don’t invest in sourcing high quality ingredients, or ingredients that should be in the supplement to have its desired effect. Professional line products, that are marketed specifically toward health care professionals, as opposed to less informed consumers, are generally much more interested in producing supplements that are effective and that means using high quality ingredients that will produce results.

Another factor to consider is in what form are you taking your supplement? Tablet, capsule, powder or liquid? Tablets are cheaper to manufacture, but they usually contain coatings, binders, coloring, and glazes. Most professional line brands will offer nutrients in capsules or powders allowing for the purest form of the supplement. It is also important to consider that some nutrients, such as vitamin D3, are better assimilated in liquid form.

When it comes down to it, the choice is yours, but keep this in mind. The main reason we take supplements is to 'supplement' the daily nutrients that we are not getting from our daily nutrition. If this is true for you, than why waste money on supplements that are not going to provide you with the health benefits you seek.

Purchase supplements from a manufacturer that uses only the highest quality raw ingredients, free of any hidden additives, and are routinely tested for impurities and quality. Purchase supplements from a manufacturer that make supplements with raw ingredients in their activated forms, the forms that our bodies utilize most readily. And last but certainly not least, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for advice in choosing the right type of supplements for you. They may be more expensive, but with all the benefits, it’s a small price to pay for your health and your peace of mind.

For more information on supplements and professional line brands, contact Be Nutritious for a consultation or shop our Virtual Dispensary containing only professional line supplement brands such as Genestra, Thorne Research, AOR, Douglas Labs, Innate, CanPrev and so many more.

Be Nutritious offers a professional line of supplements.

We are so excited to be able to offer a high quality supplement line to our clientele with peace of mind knowing that only the purest form of raw ingredients were used to formulate these products. Click here for more information.

More products coming soon!

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