Supplement Ingredients and Why They Matter

When you’re advising to a client or customer about supplements, it’s important to consider several factors. First, the supplement should be safe. Second, it should be backed by research. Third, it should work. However, there’s a fourth factor. In nearly all cases, supplements contain other substances – you should know about those ingredients, both to explain them to customers and clients, and also to prevent any side effects or other issues.

Active vs. Inert

Supplement ingredients can be either active (meaning they have some sort of effect on the body) or inert (meaning they should not have any effect on the body). Active ingredients include the specific substance, such as a plant extract, that makes the supplement do whatever it is supposed to do. In addition, active ingredients may be added to boost the effect of the primary ingredient. Many supplements contain multiple active ingredients and you should know about each one.

Inert ingredients are usually considered harmless, but that isn’t always the case. For example, ingredients may cause problems if the consumer/client wants to avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives. People who are vegan for ethical reasons may want their supplements to contain gelatin that is not derived from animal products. All of these will be listed on the supplement label, and if you have any questions, you can always contact the manufacturer.

Some supplements may contain substances that can be outright dangerous, either to the population at large or to certain individuals. For example, caffeine may be included in some weight loss products, because it increases metabolism. People who are caffeine sensitive, however, may react with a racing pulse and elevated blood pressure, or develop sleep disturbances. With herbs, which are often used in supplements, the dividing line between a correct dose and toxicity may be very narrow.

Supplements are a way to promote people’s health by preventing nutrient deficiencies and supporting body functions and metabolic processes. If you are properly educated about supplement ingredients, you can protect your clients and customers as well as give them good advice about what supplements to use. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at https://www.interhealthusa.com/ or call 1-800-783-4636. At InterHealth Nutraceuticals, we’re committed to helping you keep your clients and customers healthy.