At the Madison Clinic, we offer a wide range of superior supplements to help you reach your health and fitness goals. From vitamin and mineral complexes to herbal remedies and probiotics, you will find several high quality brands to meet your needs.
Not all supplements are created equally. Supplement companies vary substantially in terms of the dosage available per capsule, where they source their herbs, and the absorbability of the form of ingredients used. Though these may seem like minor details, the health effects of these variables can be profound.
For example, several brands of B complexes and multivitamins found at your local pharmacy and some health food stores use a form of vitamin B12 called cyanocobalamin. While these brands are often less expensive, the quality of the product they offer is compromised by the inferior nature of this ingredient. Cyanocobalamin is an inexpensive, synthetic form of B12 that does not occur in nature and actually contains cyanide! When it enters the body the toxic cyanide molecule is released and must be broken down, placing extra strain on your liver. In addition to this, a large portion of B12 in this form is lost in your urine, making it necessary to take more of the vitamin to meet your needs.
In contrast, methylcobalamin, commonly found in more expensive brands, is a much more superior form of B12. Not only is it more absorbable, but this form is actually beneficial for your liver when the methyl molecule is released in the degradation process! Methyl groups are used throughout your body for several important metabolic processes, including the formation of components of nerve cells. Thus, methylcobalamin not only reduces the toxic load on your system, but also plays an important role in neurological functioning, from cognitive performance and the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, to the treatment of peripheral nerve damage.
As you can see, knowing which supplement brands to use is important. If you are unsure of which brands you should be using, or want to know more about what supplements you can take to treat your health concerns, book an appointment with our Naturopathic Doctor to get well informed medical advice.