Supplements can be tempting when they promise to help improve bowel movement or make hair grow faster, but their claims cannot always be trusted as being accurate. Unfortunately, due to being unregulated products may not always deliver as promised.
Third-party testing is now readily available to determine which supplements deliver on their promises. Take a look at these studies.
Bioavailable Liver Supplements
If you love liver, consider taking a supplement to get all its benefits without eating it directly. Liver-nourishing ingredients such as milk thistle, dandelion root and turmeric help detoxify the liver while also reducing inflammation levels and maintaining overall vitality.
1MD Liver MD supplements are doctor-recommended because they’re sugar, gluten and dairy free with no preservatives added – plus packed full of beneficial ingredients such as vitamin E, milk thistle extract, selenium and zinc for liver health.
Desiccated beef liver supplements are often made of desiccated raw frozen liver that has been flash-frozen raw to preserve fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A (Duizer, J Food Sci 2017). For maximum bioavailability and optimal bioavailability, look for grass-fed desiccated liver supplements with non-defatted desiccated raw liver that hasn’t been defatted, which saves even more nutrients. Grass-fed desiccated liver may be more costly but has healthier benefits and taste plus may contain higher amounts of copper which could potentially cause nausea (J Diet Suppl 2020) so sensitive digestive systems should take note when purchasing such supplements.
Omega-3 Supplements
As humans do not produce omega-3 fatty acids themselves, these supplements must come from food or supplement sources. A great choice for vegetarians and vegans as well as anyone who suffers from fish allergies! This gummy supplement makes for easy consumption!
This product also provides pregnant women and babies with essential choline nutrients, according to studies published by Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology. A study concluded that mothers who took high doses of DHA and EPA during gestation produced infants with larger hippocampal volumes, which may help improve learning and memory ability in later life.[1]
Our registered dietitians appreciate that this option has been rigorously third-party tested to ensure its purity and potency, including heavy metal testing. Furthermore, it carries the USP Verified mark and was manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), meaning standardized procedures were followed during production; additionally it’s free from artificial coloring, flavoring or allergens; for optimal absorption it should be taken with food as per manufacturer recommendation and contains 500 mg combined of EPA and DHA per serving.
Weight Loss Supplements
Supplementing with certain nutrients can help meet your health goals; however, maintaining a well-balanced diet remains key to weight management. If supplement use becomes part of your lifestyle plan, look for products with a United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) verified mark – this means the supplement has been tested and contains what was declared on its label in terms of potency and dosage.
Dietary supplements marketed for weight loss come in various forms, such as tablets, liquids and powders. Most often these supplements contain herbs and botanical extracts as well as vitamins, minerals and caffeine; their manufacturers claim these products reduce macronutrient absorption, curb appetite and body fat accumulation while simultaneously increasing metabolism and thermogenesis [11].
Contrary to over-the-counter and prescription drugs, dietary supplements do not undergo FDA review prior to being sold and this can lead to fraudulent or misleading claims on product labels as well as failing to meet quality standards set by the agency.
Energy Supplements
Certain vitamins and minerals play an integral part in increasing energy levels by supporting fundamental cellular functions that convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins to usable energy sources. Achieve adequate levels of B vitamins, magnesium and iron may also help decrease feelings of fatigue.
Energy supplements often include herbal or botanical ingredients like ashwagandha, rhodiola and ginseng that have long been used by traditional cultures to increase mental and physical performance. Such herbs and plants may boost energy by relieving feelings of stress while simultaneously increasing immune function and encouraging healthy sleeping patterns.
If you’re seeking energy supplements, look for products that have been third-party tested to ensure their quality. While not required by law, many supplement companies opt for this testing process in order to show their dedication in producing top-quality products. Also make sure it contains no ingredients known to interfere with certain medications or cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.