Decoding Supplement Labels 

It’s what’s not inside that counts.

When choosing a supplement, the spotlight often falls on active ingredients—the nutrients that provide essential health benefits. But did you ever stop to examine the other ingredients listed on the label? These additional components, often overlooked, play a significant role in the quality, effectiveness, and safety of your supplements.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding these ingredients and selecting supplements that align with your health goals.

  

What Are Fillers in Supplements, and Why Are They Used?

When choosing food supplements, most of us focus on the active ingredients that promise health benefits—like essential vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts. But have you ever stopped to consider what else might be lurking in those tablets, capsules, or powders? Fillers, also known as excipients, are non-active ingredients added to supplements to bulk them up, bind them, or improve their shelf life. While they may seem harmless, not all fillers are created equal, and some can come with hidden downsides.

From reducing the effectiveness of the supplement to triggering unwanted side effects or even containing allergens, fillers can be more harmful than helpful. Let’s take a closer look at why fillers are used in supplements and why you might want to think twice before ignoring that "other ingredients" section on the label.

 

Common Fillers Found in Supplements:

• Maltodextrin: A processed carbohydrate derived from corn or rice, often used in powdered supplements but may be unsuitable for people avoiding highly processed additives.
• Lactose: Often used in small amounts; unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance.
• Magnesium Stearate: Often used as both a filler and a flow agent, but controversial due to potential interference with nutrient absorption.
• Silicon Dioxide: A filler used to prevent clumping.
• Starch: Derived from sources like corn or potato, providing bulk to tablets or capsules.
• Magnesium Silicate (Talc): A flow agent and filler, linked to potential health concerns; avoid where possible.
• Sodium Chloride (Table Salt): Adds bulk but is rarely necessary.

 

At KIKI Health, we’re committed to clean formulations. That’s why our supplements are made without artificial fillers or unnecessary additives, ensuring you get only what your body truly needs.

 

 

Understanding Binders and Their Purpose

Synthetic Binders are often cost-effective for manufacturers but can cause issues for consumers. Often found in tablet manufacturing, they act as a glue to hold ingredients together. Without them, most tablets would crumble under pressure. While binders are primarily used in compressed tablets, not all are created equal.

Typical Binders Include:

Cellulose: A natural fiber derived from plant cell walls, suitable for vegans.

Sugar Derivatives: May be used but can contribute unnecessary calories.

At KIKI Health our Spirilina and Chlorella Tablets are completely pure and do not contain any binders to form the tablets. Our tablets contain 100% active ingredients. When shopping for tablets, make sure to check the ingredient label thorougly to avoid unnecessary binders and additives with no health benefit, and possible unwanted side effects, such as diarrhoea.

 

Coatings May Contain Harmful Ingredients

Many coatings include synthetic or animal-derived compounds that can be unsuitable for specific diets or pose potential health risks:

 Gelatin-Based Coatings:

• What It Is: Derived from animal byproducts, typically pork or beef.
• Why to Avoid: Unsuitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with religious dietary restrictions.

 Titanium Dioxide:

• What It Is: A whitening agent often used in coatings to give tablets a uniform color.
• Why to Avoid: Classified as a potential carcinogen by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) when inhaled in powder form. Some studies suggest it may cause inflammation or DNA damage in high doses.

 Polyethylene Glycol (PEG):

• What It Is: A petroleum-based compound used to create shiny coatings.
• Why to Avoid: PEG may be contaminated with harmful byproducts like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.

 Artificial Colors:

• What It Is: Synthetic dyes used to make tablets visually appealing.
• Why to Avoid: Linked to allergic reactions, behavioral issues in children, and long-term health concerns.

 

Our Recommendation: Look for plant-based cellulose (Hypromellose) capsules or alternatives clearly labeled as vegan-friendly. At KIKI Health, we use Hypromellose for our capsules, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.It’s free from animal products and synthetic additives, ensuring a clean and ethical option.

 

Additives Like Colourings and Flavourings: Are They Necessary?

Lower-quality supplements often rely on colorings and flavourings to make their products more appealing. While natural additives can be harmless, synthetic colourings and flavourings might pose health risks over time.

What to Avoid:

Artificial colorings - often labeled with terms like FD&C or E-number dyes.

Artificial flavourings - that mimic natural tastes but may contain chemicals.

Choose supplements with minimal or no added flavourings, or opt for those made with plant-based, natural colouring agents like beetroot powder or turmeric.

  

Flow Agents and Their Impact on Quality

Flow agents help streamline manufacturing by preventing ingredients from clumping during the production process. While they can be necessary for efficiency, certain flow agents may interfere with nutrient absorption or pose potential health risks.

Ingredients to Watch Out For:

Magnesium Stearate: A common flow agent that some studies have shown may inhibit the absorption of active nutrients, as well as slow down the rate that a supplement dissolves in your body.

Magnesium Silicate (Talc): Linked to potential health concerns. Prolonged exposure to magnesium silicate, especially in its powdered form, has been linked to respiratory and systemic health issues. Some studies suggest it may contribute to inflammation or oxidative stress when consumed in high amounts over time.

Our supplements are crafted with care, avoiding harmful flow agents while maintaining efficiency and quality.

 

Bioavailability: The Key to Absorbing Nutrients Effectively

Taking a supplement doesn’t guarantee your body will absorb all of its nutrients. Bioavailability refers to how efficiently your body absorbs and utilises nutrients from supplements. Natural, plant-based supplements often excel in bioavailability because their nutrients are closer to what your body recognises and metabolises from whole foods. Liquid minerals, topical sprays, and plant-based options can offer superior absorption due to their delivery methods and natural origins. Here’s why these forms stand out:

1. Natural Plant-Based Supplements: Easy for Your Body to Recognise

Plant-based supplements often contain nutrients in forms that closely mimic those found in nature, making them more bioavailable:

• Whole Food Extracts:
• Derived from fruits, vegetables, or herbs, these supplements retain their natural matrix of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and cofactors.
• Your body is designed to absorb nutrients from whole foods, so supplements made from food sources are easily identified and processed.
• Example: Vitamin C from acerola cherries is more bioavailable than synthetic ascorbic acid.

 

      2. Liquid Minerals: Fast and Efficient Absorption

Liquid supplements are inherently more bioavailable than tablets or capsules because they don’t require digestion before absorption:

• Rapid Absorption:
• Liquids bypass the need for disintegration in the stomach, allowing nutrients to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract.
• Example: Liquid magnesium chloride can be absorbed more efficiently than magnesium oxide in tablet form.
• Precise Dosage:
• Liquids allow for customised dosing, making it easier to tailor intake based on your body's needs.
• Example: Ionic liquid minerals like zinc sulfate deliver highly bioavailable, water-soluble forms of nutrients.

3. Topical Sprays: Direct Absorption Through the Skin

Topical sprays, such as magnesium oil, leverage transdermal absorption to bypass the digestive system entirely:

• Skin Absorption:
• Minerals like magnesium are absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream directly, avoiding potential losses during digestion.
• Example: Magnesium sprays can be ideal for people with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues that impair mineral absorption.
• Localized Benefits:
• Topical applications can target specific areas of the body for muscle relaxation or joint support while still contributing to systemic magnesium levels.
• Example: Athletes often use magnesium sprays to reduce muscle cramps and soreness.

 

Choosing the Right Supplement for Maximum Absorption

To ensure you're getting the most bioavailable nutrients:

• Opt for Plant-Based Supplements: These mimic the nutrients found in whole foods and are less likely to contain fillers or synthetic additives.
• Use Liquid or Topical Forms: These delivery methods bypass digestion and provide faster, more efficient absorption.
• Check for Clean Labels: Avoid artificial binders, coatings, or fillers that can inhibit bioavailability.

  

Dosing: Finding the Right Balance

The correct dosage of a supplement can vary widely depending on individual needs, dietary intake, and health conditions. While UK Recommended Daily Intakes (RIs) offer a general guideline, your specific requirements may differ.

 Key Points:

Some nutrients, like water-soluble vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C), are excreted if taken in excess.

Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the right dosage.

 

How to Choose High-Quality Supplements

Not all supplements are created equal. Use these tips to ensure you’re getting a product that aligns with your health goals:

Read Labels Thoroughly: Look for supplements that are non-GMO, allergen-free, and have no fillers or preservatives

1. Skip Synthetic Additives: Ingredients with prefixes like “propyl-” or “ethyl-” often indicate artificial compounds.
2. Choose Clean Formulations: Fewer ingredients mean fewer unnecessary additives. Stick to products with simple, recognizable components.
3. Prioritise Bioavailable Forms: Opt for supplements with proven absorption rates.

Reading supplement labels thoroughly helps you make informed choices. Look for brands that prioritise purity, transparency, and natural ingredients. A clean label ensures you’re giving your body the best possible support without unwanted extras!

 

Our Promise at KIKI Health

At KIKI Health we prioritise your health with products that deliver pure, effective, and clean nutrition. All our supplements are:

• Non-GMO and free from artificial fillers and harmful additives.
• Vegan-friendly, using plant-based ingredients and coatings.
• Made in the UK, adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.
• Formulated for Optimal Absorption, ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs without compromise.

Take control of your health today by choosing supplements that support your well-being without hidden extras. If you have any questions about what’s right for you, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.