Product Purity FAQ
After extensive research on vegetarian capsules, pullulan emerged as the purest option available. Derived from fermented tapioca starch, pullulan is water-soluble, entirely toxin-free, and free from animal products. These capsules align with the preferences of health-conscious consumers, as they are organic, starch-free, gluten-free, preservative-free, plant-based, and non-GMO.
Moreover, pullulan capsules cater to specific dietary needs and cultural preferences, holding Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, as well as Halal and Kosher certifications. They are also approved by the Vegetarian Society. Additionally, pullulan capsules require minimal processing and are considered environmentally friendly.
In contrast, the most commonly used vegetarian capsule in the supplement industry is "vegetable cellulose," primarily due to its cost-effectiveness. Despite being derived from plant fiber, vegetable cellulose capsules undergo a rigorous manufacturing process that synthetically alters the cellulose to form a hard capsule (known as Hypromellose or HPMC). This process introduces toxic substances, making the cellulose less 'natural'—a factor we are not comfortable with.
For some vitamins, the synthetic and natural forms are equally effective, while for others, there are key differences in how they function in the body.
- Our Vitamin K2 is synthesized to ensure purity and effectiveness. It is microencapsulated to prevent degradation in the presence of magnesium and calcium and is 100% Trans, making it the superior choice. Naturally sourced K2 from natto is present in very low amounts, in the microgram range. Extracting it requires solvents, which also pull out various other oils, creating a mixture with less than 1% K2. Additionally, much of the K2 in this extract is in the CIS form, which is less beneficial than the preferred Trans form.
- Vitamin E is an example where the synthetic version does not work the same way as the natural form. It’s like trying to wear a left-handed glove on your right hand—it sort of fits but isn’t ideal.
- Our Vitamin D3 is naturally sourced from lichen, which grows on trees and rocks. The lichen is harvested, and the D3 oil is extracted and concentrated using a solvent. This process allows us to offer a VEGAN D3. In contrast, non-vegan D3 is typically sourced from sheep lanolin—extracted from the wash water after sheep are cleaned.
- Our Citric Acid is sourced from non-GMO sugar beets.
- Our Magnesium Carbonate is made from seawater and carefully sourced for purity and quality.