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Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements

Description

This guide seeks to educate consumers about the science and value of nutritional supplementation, and to provide them with a simple, reliable tool with which to compare nutritional products. Section I: Aging, Oxidative Stress and Degenerative Disease

Section I of this guide discusses the theories of aging and the intricate links between aging, oxidative stress and degenerative disease. The remarkable protective powers of the endogenous and dietary antioxidants and their role in mitigating the aging process are examined. Five degenerative disease processes are highlighted, including recent scientific evidence supporting the use of nutritional supplementation as a preventive measure.

Section II: Criteria for Advanced Supplementation

Section II reviews the substantial scientific evidence employed in developing the fourteen analytical criteria imbedded in the product-rating methodology used in this comparative guide.

Creation of the Final Product Score, based on these fourteen criteria, has been an evolutionary process. With each edition of this comparative guide, we have built on previous research as newly published scientific findings have become available. The result has been the creation of a robust analytical model, based on the scientific literature and the independent recommendations of our seven cited authorities.

In each of the chapters of Section II, the reader is introduced to one of the fourteen criteria and the scientific evidence supporting its use. For those who find the reading a little technical, we refer you to the highlighted text. For those who wish to explore the science of advanced nutrition, we invite you to "dive in."

Section III: How the Comparisons were Made

Section III provides further explanation of the Final Product Score and introduces the Blended Standard, a nutritional benchmark we have created based on the independent recommendations of seven scientific authorities. A brief biographical background of each of the seven authorities and their specific recommendations for optimal daily nutritional intake is also provided.

The use of the Blended Standard, as a benchmark for optimal nutrition and the foundation for the Final Product Score, is featured. The Final Product Score is described in detail in Chapter 17. This fourteen-point score is the heart of our comparative analysis; it provides a rigorous quantitative evaluation and relative ranking of all products, based on the Blended Standard benchmark.

Section III also provides a summary of the 25 top-rated products, listed according to Final Product Score. From this list, the top six products are profiled. These are products of exceptional standing and merit your serious attention as a consumer. Included is a brief profile of each company, with contact information, company history and general information. Points of interest on product formulations, including a breakout of the individual product criteria ratings and information on manufacturing processes (if available), is also provided.

Section IV: Graphical Comparisons

In Section IV, selected products from companies throughout the United States and Canada are graphically compared to the Blended Standard benchmark. With each graph, we have provided the Final Product Score for that product, illustrated as both a percentage ranking and a five-star rating. This allows easy comparison of relative product ratings.

In writing this comparative guide, over 1,000 American and Canadian nutritional products were initially examined. Over five hundred qualifying products, representing the best in the line-up of more than 210 companies, were further evaluated, and their respective nutrient contents were compared to the selected nutritional standards. Two hundred and thirty-two (232) finalists, representing the top-rated product(s) from each manufacturer, were then selected and compared graphically. (Some companies have more than one product represented, if they market in

Reviews

Rating: 1 / 5
Date: 2010-02-10
Summary: "What is not so good about too much vitamins"

I used to be a vitamin freak for years and years, that is why I bought this book. All the hypes about how good vitamin supplement is for your body does not hold any more for me. I develop chronic pain suddenly a few years ago after over 30 years of taking high end vitamin supplement, and was laid off for a year from my usual exercise regime of spinning, pilates, yoga and running. I went to all sorts of medical specialist and they never found out what caused my chronic pain. Then my daughter told me to experiment with my food intake, like stopping my vitamins one by one. I did that and my pain went away. Now I only take a general vitamin pill a day, minerals, calcium and fish oil. I get my vitamins now mainly from my food. So do not believe all the things this book tells you. Listen to your body and do not overdose it with too much vitamins, get them from your food - plenty of green vegetables, and fruits.

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Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2008-06-16
Summary: "information you can't find anywhere else"

Lyle McWilliam does the world (certainly North America) a service with this book by discussing multi-vitamins and multi-minerals in detail, creating a clear and easy to understand grading system and then grading every product he can get his hands on.

His explanations of vitamins and how they work and the various studies and understanding of the aging process are excellent and well worth reading for anyone concerned about their health.

I do find that his discussion of Olivol, an extract from olives with a process patented by Usana Incorporated AND including it in his grading criteria does bias him towards the Usana line of products. I still think it is a quibble over the top two or three, which are all excellent products.

What would surprise most people is that the common ones found in grocery stores and drug stores are just not worth taking. It is also the case that most doctors don't have a clue about what constitutes good nutrition and they could benefit immensely from reading this book.

Other interesting information includes which vitamins can be taken to excess and which ones can't (fat soluble versus water soluble vitamins).

All in all an excellent book.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2007-04-04
Summary: "If you're looking for a guide on nutritional supplements, this is it!"

This book was exactly what i needed. If you are looking for a guide on supplemental vitamins, this book is it!

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2007-03-29
Summary: "Comparative Guide to Neutritional Supplements"

This is the most complete and comprehensive review that I have ever studied. It is presented in a way that it is a valuable guide to the lay person (patient) and a really excellent guide to the physician. Physicians do not get this level of information on nutritional supplements in their academic studies. Every phusician - especially Family Practice Physicians - should have this information in his office for quick review. Few professionals have any idea of the action and reaction of these preparations nor do they have any idea of how to establish a dosage regime for a specfic patient's needs.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2007-03-04
Summary: "Much Needed Objective Evaluation"

Having a doctorate in organic chemistry, I am very aware of the differences that can exist in supplements today and was quite pleased to see this comparative guide published. I am looking forward to the new edition. Lyle McWilliam has done a comprehensive and objective evaluation (he is not directly affiliated with Usana - contrary to the claims of some reviewers), making this a worthwhile tool for those trying to decide which supplements they should spend their money on.