Try This Not That - Supplements!

Even after having particular supplements recommended by doctors or learning about them through the media, it can still be difficult for people to know which form of those supplements will be most effective. This list is designed to help you make the right choices.

This

Not

That

The Reason

Vitamin C-Lipid Metabolites	Ester-C	In one study, human volunteers received a 1000 mg oral dose of either ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, vitamin C-lipid metabolites (PureWay-C or Metabolic C), or Ester-C. Those who supplemented with PureWay-C were observed to have the highest absolute blood vitamin C levels.
		PureWay-C provides a statistically significant higher blood level than other forms of vitamin C at one, two, four and six hours after supplementation.
		PureWay-C also led to a greater reduction in plasma C-reactive protein and oxidized LDL levels compared to the other vitamin C formulations.

Vitamin D3		Vitamin D2	Vitamin D3 is absorbed and utilized by the body at a significantly better rate than for Vitamin D2. It is estimated that D3 is 1.7 to 2x more effective than D2 at raising levels of vitamin D in the body.
			Vitamin D3 offers a more efficient metabolic function than Vitamin D2. Studies have clearly shown better efficacy with supplementation using Vitamin D3 when compared to Vitamin D2. For example, all successful fracture trials have used vitamin D3, not D2.

Mixed Tocopherols

DL-Alpha Tocopherol

When looking for a Vitamin E supplement, do not settle for a synthetic form of a single fraction such as dl-alpha tocopherol. The natural form of the delta fraction "d-alpha" (without the "L") works better, and having the other fractions present makes it more potent. Opt for mixed tocopherols, which includes d-alpha, d-beta, d-delta, and d-gamma fractions.

Krill Oil	Fish Oil	Krill oil contains a naturally occurring, rich antioxidant preservative called astaxanthin, that protects against rancidity. Fish oil typically starts to go rancid just 3 months after packaging.
		Unlike Krill oil, fish oil has negligible effects on HDL, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein.
		Krill oil is absorbed more effectively than fish oil. The fatty acids in krill oil are bound to phosopholipids, allowing delivery into the cells. Fish oil often lingers in the stomach, and may create "fishy burps" because it is in triglyceride form, which must be broken down before the fatty acids can be absorbed.

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone)	Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone)	Both forms of vitamin K play a role in blood coagulation. However, unlike vitamin K1, vitamin K2 controls the removal of calcium from arteries and soft tissue, helps stabilize glucose levels, and decreases the risk of liver and prostate cancer.
		Vitamin K2 remains stable in the blood at least seven times longer than K1.
		Vitamin K2 is at least six times more potent than K1.

Folate		Folic Acid	Folate is the real form of the B-vitamin family known as vitamin B9. Folic acid is synthetic. It is estimated that up to 50% of the population have some defect in the enzyme responsible for the conversion of folic acid into folate. While up to 50% have a partial defect in this enzyme pathway, one in five people have an altered form of the enzyme. This means that folate works in everyone but folic acid does not.
			Folic acid supplementation can reduce the absorption of folate naturally found in foods, putting those with an enzyme problem at risk.

Dessicated Liver	Iron (ferrous sulfate)	Desiccated liver is not prone to causing constipation, nausea, and bloating, unlike the most common form of iron - ferrous sulfate.
		Desiccated liver is a heme form of iron, which is better absorbed than ferrous sulfate.
		Dessicated liver naturally contains all of the necessary co-factors for iron utilization.

Convolvulus Arvensis

Shark Cartilage

Shark Cartilage has been promoted for its ability to halt tumor growth by suppressing the growth of blood vessels, however the data on this action is conflicting. Convolvulus Arvensis is another natural antiangiogenic substance that helps starve tumors by the same process. Convolvulus is a 100 times more effective than Shark Cartilage.

Carnivora (venus flytrap extract)		Airborne	Unlike Airborne, which is largely made up of vitamins and minerals, Carnivora is a natural antibiotic, cough suppressant, possesses broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, anti-pathogenic, bactericidal, fungicidal activity, natural antiseptic, immune modulation activity, and has been used for decades with robust efficacy.
			Airborne does not contain clinically effective doses of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or amino acids, and has not been tested for efficacy.

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Comments (2)

ghai901 | March 9, 2012
Hi,

What is the preferred calcium supplement if one does not consume dairy/milk?

Greg

Brian | March 12, 2012
Calcium lactate (preferably paired with magnesium)

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