Product Assistance

How do I know I am buying a quality brand?

Ask the purchase store to recommend only their top quality brands. Ask where the product comes from, how long they have been in the business of manufacturing or supplying health supplements. Ask what experience the manufacturers have with handling herbs and nutritional substances. Ask what the company policy is on purchase of their raw ingredients - is quality more important than price! If the store cannot answer these questions to your satisfaction, ask for the suppliers' details and talk to the naturopath or quality control manager.

Where is the best place to buy supplements?

Always purchase your supplements from a reputable natural health practitioner, health store or pharmacy where there are staff to help you choose appropriate, quality products. Supermarket brands are generally of poor quality and low therapeutic efficacy, which is why they are "safe" for sale without experienced assistance.

Where should I store my supplements?

Check the label to see if refrigeration is required. If not, store your supplements in a cool, dry, dark cupboard, away from the reach of young children.

Should I take my supplements with or without food?

Some are best with meals, some are best on an empty stomach; check the label for suggested time to take it. If there is no specific guideline, the time you take the supplement is not likely to matter too much. If you are unsure when is the best time for YOU and YOUR supplement, talk to the staff at the store you purchased the product from, or call our naturopathic help line, toll free on 0508 600 400.

When dosage instructions state 2-3 daily, should I take them together or separately?

At a dosage of two to three tablets daily, divide the doses and take one tablet at 2 or 3 separate times during the day. If the dosage reads two or three tablets three times daily, take 2 or 3 tablets together at 3 separate times during the day.

Is it ok to take supplements with my medications?

If you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medications you MUST inform the staff at the purchase store so they can advise you on safety of concomitant use. If you are unsure, call our naturopathic help line toll free on 0508 600 400.

Is it safe to take dietary supplements during pregnancy?

There are certain dietary supplements, such as folic acid, essential fatty acids, calcium, and a good multivitamin and mineral that are recommended during pregnancy, however, there are several herbs and nutrient dosages that should be avoided during pregnancy. Always seek recommendations from someone qualified to advise you before using any herb or nutrient during pregnancy. A general rule of thumb during pregnancy is - if it is not essential, or professionally recommended, do not take it. Call our naturopathic help line, toll free on 0508 600 400 for further information.

Some of the tablets are quite large, if I can't swallow them, can I crush them?

In order to supply adequate amounts of the nutrients, some tablets are quite large. Most can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food or beverage. Some, however, are best left in tablet or capsule form. Call our naturopathic help line, toll free on 0508 600 400 for further information if you are having difficulty swallowing your supplement.

Why does my urine turn bright yellow when I take some supplements?

This occurs mostly with multivitamins or formulas that contain B vitamins. B complex vitamins are water-soluble. That means the body does not store them, but removes any daily excess via the kidneys. The change in colour of the urine is a sign that the B vitamins are being well absorbed from the intestinal tract, and the body is just removing any surplus to requirements at the time.

If you have a question about our range of products that is not covered in this section, please contact us directly.