Facebook
InstagramProduct Frequently Asked Questions
Do your products contain artificial ingredients or common food allergens?
Our supplements are FREE FROM:
- Many common allergens like wheat, eggs, tree nuts & peanuts
- Gluten
- Artificial colors, flavors & sweeteners
- Coatings & shellacs
- GMOs
- Unnecessary binders, fillers & preservatives
- Magnesium stearate
- Trans fats & hydrogenated oils
Most of our products are also FREE FROM soy, dairy, and preservatives, unless specifically noted on the label. Our products contain no hidden coatings, unnecessary excipients, binders, fillers, shellacs, artificial colors, artificial flavors or fragrance. We do not use magnesium stearate, preservatives, BHA or BHT in our products.
‡Please visit the Quality Assurance section of our website for more information on our GMO policy.
Where do you source your ingredients?
Pure ingredients are critical to the quality of our products. Our ingredients are selected for quality and purity, and are provided in highly bioavailable forms. We source premium raw materials from trusted industry leaders, including the finest suppliers from the U.S., France, Japan, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. Ingredients are tested for purity and potency by independent certified laboratories. Ingredient suppliers must meet rigorous testing and quality criteria to qualify as a Pure Encapsulations supplier.
Is everything in the capsule listed on the label?
We know it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and it shows right on our labels. Every ingredient we put into our products, even if it is just a trace amount, is listed on the label. And if there’s an ingredient sourced from a possible allergen — we call that out too. We also list minerals by their true elemental weight and standardizations of herbal extracts.
Are Pure Encapsulations products kosher?
No. Our products are not certified as kosher.
What is the source of your Vegetable Capsules?
The capsules are made from soft wood, including Southern Pine, grown in North America. The pine is pesticide free.
Your herbal extracts are standardized. What does this mean?
A standardized extract is one that guarantees the precise concentration of what is considered the active, or pharmacological, ingredient of the herb. When an herbal extract is not standardized, the amount of the key constituent cannot be determined nor can it be consistent from one capsule to the next. Herbs that are standardized provide consistent, maximum nutritional benefits.
Do your products contain corn?
Many of our ingredients, including vitamin C, B12 and B2, are derived from corn dextrose fermentation. This process starts with isolating dextrose (a sugar, so it does not contain allergenic corn protein) from the corn, then feeding it to microorganisms. The nutrients produced by the microorganisms are then isolated and purified away from the starting materials. While no corn proteins or sugar remain in the final product (and we have tested with negative results), we do not routinely test for corn allergens, and therefore cannot guarantee its safety for someone with a corn allergy.
Are Pure Encapsulations ingredients GMO-free?
All Pure Encapsulations ingredients, including those derived from corn, are GMO free. This means that we have obtained statements from our suppliers certifying that the ingredients do not contain GMOs. For some nutrients of particular concern, we have done PCR testing to confirm the absence of genetically modified material. Please visit the Quality Assurance section of our website for more information on our GMO policy.
Are Pure Encapsulations ingredients organic?
While we do always try to source certified organic ingredients, we are often unable to find organic ingredients that meet our strict microbial standards. While many studies have found comparable nutrient levels between organic and non-organic crops, pesticide residues have been a concern. For this reason, each plant-derived ingredient is tested for a full panel of pesticides (approximately 70 compounds), in addition to the standard tests for identity, potency, solvent residues, heavy metals, and microbial contamination.
What is your policy for handling allergens?
Pure Encapsulations has a strict allergen standard operating process (SOP) in place to ensure that ingredients containing major allergens do not contaminate other ingredients or finished products. The SOP outlines procedures for flagging allergen-containing ingredients, separating these ingredients throughout storage and manufacturing, as well as thorough cleaning of all equipment after handling an allergen-containing material. Additionally, random testing of non-allergen containing products and equipment for the presence of allergens is done monthly to determine no contamination has occurred. All production and quality employees are trained twice annually on the safe handling of allergenic materials, products, and finished products to avoid cross-contamination.
Do you use synthetic ingredients?
Pure Encapsulations does use some synthetic ingredients. As a company that specializes in FREE-FROM formulas, we do sometimes choose to use synthetically derived ingredients if they can be made to act identically to naturally derived compounds in the body. This limits the potential for allergy in our highly sensitive customer population. Ingredients that cannot be synthesized identically are typically derived from fermentation.
Do Pure Encapsulations products contain soy?
Most Pure Encapsulations products are soy-free; however, there are six ingredients used in the line derived from soy. Vitamin E derived from soybean oil (with the exception of Tocotrienols). While originally sourced from soybean oil, the oil is purified to remove all soy allergens and should be tolerable even to individuals with soy allergy.
Other products that contain soy are as follows:
Phytosterols sourced from soy target lipid metabolism and prostate health.‡ Soy phytosterols do not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but are not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- Beta-sitosterol (contains soy phytosterols)
- CholestePure (contains soy phytosterols)
- SP Ultimate (contains soy phytosterols)
Soy lecithin used as the source of phospholipids (phytosome) to enhance absorption. Soy lecithin does not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but is not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- Liposomal glutathione (contains soy lecithin)
- Lycopene (contains soy lecithin)
- NeuroPure (contains soy lecithin)
- Q-Gel (contains soy lecithin)
- XanthiTrim (contains soy lecithin)
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid used for cognitive support.‡ Phospholipids do not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but are not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- PS 100 (contains phosphatidylserine from soy)
Soy is used in the fermentation medium. The ingredients are isolated and purified and do not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but are not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- ProbioMood (soy is used as a food source for the probiotic organisms)
- NSK-SD (derived from fermented soy)
Can your products be taken during pregnancy or lactation?
Pure Encapsulations generally does not make recommendations concerning the use of products during pregnancy or lactation, with the exception of prenatal vitamins. Some products may have known contra-indications, while the effects of others have not been studied. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements while pregnant or lactating.
Do you have any supplements specifically formulated for children?
Our children’s line includes PurePals chewable tablets, EPA/DHA liquid (lemon flavor), PureNutrients Gummy, PureNutrients EPA/DHA Gummy, Probiotic 123, and more. Visit our Children’s section for a complete list of products.
Is my probiotic viable if it arrived warm? Was it left at room temperature overnight?
Pure Encapsulations probiotics are designed to be able to tolerate three to five days at room temperature without falling below label claim; however, if they are kept at room temperature for longer than this or exposed to high heat, a decline in potency is likely. The ice pack in the probiotics will be warm by the time of arrival at 48 hours. However, we have done shipping studies from Boston to Utah in the heat of the summer months and determined that it protects the probiotics through the shipping process. Despite no longer being cold at the time of arrival, the probiotic viability (based on our shipping study results) will not be compromised during a two-day shipping process, even to very warm climates.
Calcium
Why are the calcium supplements only 150 mg per capsule? I have to take 6-7 capsules to achieve 900 mg, and most recommendations are for 1,000-1,500 mg.
Pure Encapsulations uses the most bioavailable calcium chelates available, including citrate, citrate/malate, and aspartate. These forms of calcium have been shown to be more bioavailable than calcium carbonate, especially for individuals with low stomach acidity. Calcium citrate and the other calcium chelates that we use in our line take up considerable volume, resulting in a maximum capsule capacity of 150 mg elemental calcium (however, remember they are more absorbable). Because we do not use tablets, which contain excipients, fillers, shellacs, artificial preservatives, etc, we cannot compress this powder to provide a higher dosage per serving. Also, calcium is best absorbed and utilized when it is taken in several divided doses throughout the day. Six or seven capsules can be easily divided into two servings consisting of 3 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening, or 3 capsules in the morning and 4 capsules in the evening, respectively. Or, it can be taken in 3 or 4 divided doses daily, depending on compliance. Dietary sources of calcium can enhance calcium intake to help meet the requirements of each individual as needed. For example, one 8 oz serving of plain low-fat yogurt contains 350 mg calcium, one cup of skim milk contains about 300 mg calcium, and 8 oz orange juice with calcium provides 350 mg calcium.
CoQ10
Is your CoQ10 the cis or trans configuration?
Pure Encapsulations’ CoQ10 is obtained naturally by fermentation. A series of crystallization and evaporation steps follows in order to achieve optimal purification. This results in the production of CoQ10 with a side chain of 10 isoprenoid units in the trans configuration, the form of CoQ10 that occurs naturally in the body’s cells.
How much CoQ10 can someone take if they’re on statin drugs?
Statin drugs have been shown to interfere with your body’s production of CoQ10 and the amount suggested in the published literature is 100-200 mg per day.
Cranberry
How does Pure Encapsulations Cranberry NS compare to cranberry juice?
Cranberry NS is a sugar-free alternative to commercial cranberry juice cocktails, which usually contain at least 30% sugar. Each Cranberry NS capsule has approximately three calories. One capsule of cranberry extract=10 oz Cranberry juice cocktail.
Fish Oil
Is the fish oil microfiltered (molecularly distilled)? Has it been tested for heavy metals?
Pure Encapsulations fish oil products are either molecularly distilled or extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide. Each batch is tested for 17 dioxins and furans, 14 PCBs, peroxides, anisidine, microbial contaminants, and heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury at levels exceeding industry standards.
Glucosamine
What is the difference between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Complex?
Glucosamine Complex contains three different forms of glucosamine: glucosamine sulfate, n-acetyl-d-glucosamine, and glucosamine HCl in addition to vitamin C and manganese. Some healthcare professionals feel that this provides broad-spectrum joint support not achieved with Glucosamine Sulfate alone. Glucosamine Sulfate remains the most well-researched form of glucosamine. Individual results may vary.‡
What is the difference between glucosamine HCl and glucosamine sulfate?
Glucosamine sulfate is a form of glucosamine that is easily absorbed and has been extensively studied. Potassium chloride is added to provide product stability. Some professionals believe that their clients may experience enhanced joint support from the sulfate and potassium that this particular form provides. Glucosamine HCl is believed to be a slightly more stable form of glucosamine and has been only recently studied for joint support. Both have been shown to support joint health. Individual results may vary.‡
How do I know which joint support product to choose?
For the most part, this may involve some experimentation. There is no easy way to determine which product might be the most beneficial for each individual. Products that provide important building blocks include Glucosamine Sulfate, Collagen JS, MSM, Glucosamine/MSM with joint comfort herbs, Glucosamine Chondroitin with manganese, Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM, and Glucosamine Complex. Support for joint comfort and the tissues that surround the joint include EPA/DHA essentials, Boswellia, Glucosamine/MSM with joint comfort herbs, Ligament Restore, Systemic Enzyme Complex, Ginger, and Curcumin. Individual results may vary.‡
Can someone take your sulfate products (e.g. glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate) if they’re allergic to sulfa drugs?
Absolutely. A sulfa drug is any of a class of synthetic chemical substances derived from sulfanilamide and used to treat bacterial infections. These drugs inhibit the action of para-aminobenzoic acid, a substance bacteria need in order to reproduce. Glucosamine sulfate is not a sulfa drug. It is an amino sugar naturally found in cartilage matrix. As a dietary supplement, it promotes optimal joint health. Individual results may vary.‡
Can someone take glucosamine sulfate if they’re allergic to shellfish?
Most of our glucosamine products are sourced from the chitin (hard shell) of crab and other shellfish. It may be best to avoid these products if you have an allergy. We do, however, have a shellfish-free Glucosamine HCl + Chondroitin, derived from corn fermentation.
Magnesium
How can I choose between your magnesium products?
Pure Encapsulations offers a variety of highly bioavailable chelated magnesium forms for customers to choose from:
Magnesium citrate: Offers magnesium bound to the highly researched Krebs cycle intermediate citrate. As one of the most well-researched forms, some customers prefer to use this form for all minerals. However, magnesium citrate may cause diarrhea above 350 mg elemental magnesium. For people with occasional constipation, this may be the best choice.‡
Magnesium citrate/malate: Offers magnesium bound to both the highly researched Krebs cycle intermediate citrate and malate. For this form, citrate and malate are bound together and then the whole complex is bound to magnesium. Some studies suggest that this chelate may be better absorbed than the citrate form.
Magnesium glycinate: Offers magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is less likely to cause loose stools and therefore is the preferred form for individuals looking to supplement with higher levels of magnesium.‡
Magnesium aspartate: Offers magnesium bound to the amino acid aspartic acid. Aspartate is a common mineral chelate with a high bioavailability. It is one of the most common mineral chelates used in Europe; however, due to the low elemental value of magnesium, it is rarely the first option for U.S. practitioners.
Magnesium malate: Offers magnesium bound to the Krebs cycle intermediate malate. Malate is very similar to citrate, also in the Krebs cycle, and has shown comparable bioavailability. Because it binds two molecules of magnesium to every molecule of malate, many customers appreciate that products with this form contain slightly higher levels of magnesium. Magnesium malate may cause diarrhea above 350 mg elemental magnesium.
Magnesium threonate (CogniMag): This form has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier better than other forms of magnesium, so it offers targeted support for brain health.‡ However, the high cost and low elemental value mean that generally, individuals would also supplement with another form to target other body tissues.
How much actual zinc is your Zinc (citrate)? How much actual magnesium is in your Magnesium (glycinate)?
Pure Encapsulations lists all minerals by their elemental weight. For example, Zinc (citrate) lists 30 mg zinc, and therefore contains 30 mg of elemental zinc from a larger amount of zinc citrate. Magnesium (glycinate) lists 120 mg of magnesium, and therefore contains 120 mg of elemental magnesium from a larger amount of magnesium glycinate.
d-Mannose
Is d-mannose safe for diabetics?
D-mannose is very safe, even for long term use (even though most people will only need to use it for several days or weeks). Although it is a simple sugar, very little of it is metabolized. It does not interfere with blood sugar regulation even for diabetics, though close monitoring is always advised. It creates no disruption or imbalance in normal microflora.
Mineral Chelates
What is the difference between citrates, aspartates, glycinates, malates and picolinates?
Aspartates, citrates, malates, glycinates, and picolinates are superior forms of chelates because they are organic compounds (carbon-containing), which are better absorbed by the body. Most of these chelates are also krebs cycle intermediates, supporting the body’s metabolic processes. Minerals chelated with inorganic compounds such as carbonate are not as well absorbed. Technically, aspartate and glycinate are considered “amino acid chelates”. Citrate, malate, and picolinate are not amino acid derivatives and are not categorized as amino acid chelates. Nonetheless, each of these is an organic chelate and most are krebs cycle intermediates supporting optimal absorption. At this time, studies have not compared the effects of aspartates vs. citrates vs. malates vs. glycinates vs. picolinates enough to know whether a significant difference exists between these forms. It is believed, however, that any of these organic compounds and krebs cycle intermediates have the potential to be better absorbed than other forms.
Multivitamins
Why do you offer Nutrient 950® w/out iron, copper or iodine? With NAC?
Not everyone needs iron supplementation, and many individuals do not need additional copper or iodine. We added Nutrient 950® with n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) because we make it by request for a large physician group and wanted to offer it to all other healthcare professionals. Please refer to our Multivitamin Brochure for more details and a full product overview chart that includes specific recommendations.
Soy
Are your soy products genetically modified?
No. All Pure Encapsulations products are GMO-free. We are committed to sourcing ingredients from non-GMO sources. We work diligently with our supplier partners to obtain non-GMO documentation. We also utilize third party laboratories to test for the presence of genetically modified DNA.
Vitamin B
What is the difference between pantethine and pantothenic acid (calcium pantothenate) and can pantethine be used for adrenal support?
Pantothenic acid is a single molecule whereas pantethine is a double molecule. Panthethine consists of two molecules of pantothenic acid, which are also attached to molecules of cysteamine. Cysteamine is believed to play the primary role in the cardiovascular support properties of pantethine, and pantothenic acid primarily serves as a stable carrier for cysteamine. When digested, pantethine is hydrolyzed into cyteamine and two molecules of pantothenic acid. In addition to cardiovascular health, panthethine may be helpful for supporting similar applications as calcium pantothenate, including adrenal support.‡
What are the sources of your B vitamins?
The sources of our B vitamins are as follows:
Vitamin B1 (thiamine HCl): synthetic
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): fermentation of corn
Niacinamide and Niacin: synthetic
Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate): synthetic
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal HCl): synthetic
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin): fermentation of corn
Folate: synthetic
Biotin: synthetic
As a company that specializes in FREE-FROM formulas, Pure Encapsulations does sometimes choose to use synthetically derived ingredients if they can be made to act identically to naturally derived compounds in the body. This limits the potential for allergy in our highly sensitive customer population. Ingredients that cannot be synthesized identically are typically derived from fermentation.
Vitamin C
On the labels for Buffered Ascorbic Acid products, it indicates that 1,000 mg buffered ascorbic capsules provide 500 mg vitamin C or that 4,400 mg buffered ascorbic acid powder provides 2,200 mg vitamin C. What are the remaining mg made up of?
This formula is buffered with mineral ascorbates (calcium, magnesium and potassium ascorbates) to create a neutral pH vitamin C for sensitive individuals. The remaining mg are an excellent source of these minerals.
What is your vitamin C derived from?
Vitamin C contained in Pure Encapsulations Pure Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Buffered C is derived from corn dextrose fermentation. Sensitivity to this product, even for people with a sensitivity to corn, is rare since the protein has been removed.