I’m Trying To Compare Vitamin Supplement From Companies Shaklee And Melaleuca. Which Is Better?
Each company makes claims as to why the are the best. However, I am having a difficult time finding any non biased information regarding either company. All the stuff I do seem to find is from people wanting to sell the product. Any guidance here would be helpful.
Thank you
Michelle
It is very difficult to determine the actual quality of a company’s vitamin/mineral supplements. There are a few ‘tests’ any good supplement must pass.
No sugars or preservatives are found in quality
1) The bottle is opaque (not ’see-through)- many vitamins
are easily damaged by light
2) The bottle has an expiration date
3) If the supplement contains vitamin E, it will be the
natural form: d-alpha-tocopherol (not the synthetic form
which is 7/8’s foreign to the body: dl-alpha-tocopherol -
(look for the little ‘l’ and think ‘l’ = looser!
4) All vitamins and minerals are listed on the label
in there exact form (e.g. d-alpha-tocopherol NOT JUST
“Vitamin E”.
5) Calicium should not be as ‘calcium carbonate’. This is
the ‘cheap’ form and not as well absorbed as chelated
forms, such as: calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, or
calcium malate.
6) Magnesium should be in an easily absorbable form such as
Magnesium citrate, Magnesium glycinate, etc. Magnesium
Oxide (MgO) is cheap, common, and very poorly absorbed.
7) Pills should be capsules and not tablets. Tablets
contain fillers and can be poorly absorbed by some.
supplements.
Quality supplements always pass all of these ‘tests’. Also note, any manufacturer that makes ’special claims’ about their products (e.g. malaleuca) MUST provide you with the PUBLISHED scientific reports that substantiate their claims.
Good luck!
Comparing brands of supplements can be confusing, especially with so many different ones on the market. Here are some things to look for when comparing brands (including Shaklee and Melaleuca):
- credbility and longevity of the company. (For example, has the company had problems in the past with their products, or sold products with ingredients that are now recognized has dangerous or questionable, such as ephedra or kava?)
- research and development (does the company do their own scientific research? how many credible scientists do they have?)
- manufacturing – are the products unique to the company, or are they just relabeled stock products made by bulk manufacturers?
- clinical studies – all companies say their products work, but is their efficacy backed by legitimate human clinical trials, published in peer-reviewed journals?
- fad ingredients – avoid companies that use fad ingredients that gets lots of press but have little scientific backing
- fad quantities – are the nutrient quantities in amounts in keeping with daily requirements or accepted research? (For example, with vitamins and minerals, avoid companies that give you lots of the “cheap” nutrients but avoid more expensive or bulky ones like calcium, biotin, etc.)
I have used both, but MUCH prefer (and continue to use) Melaleuca.