Do supplement labels seem indecipherable to you? Bioavailability, excipients, dosage forms... These technical terms turn a simple wellness purchase into an obstacle course.
At Pure Lab Nutrition, we believe that understanding what you consume is a fundamental right. That's why we've created this practical lexicon: clear, jargon-free definitions to make you an informed consumer.
Transform your next label reading into a moment of confidence!
Absorption
This is the passage of nutrients from your intestine into your blood to then be distributed throughout your body.
Not all nutrients are absorbed in the same way or with the same efficiency. For example, standard vitamin C is only absorbed at about 25%. This is why the form and timing of taking your supplements are crucial for their effectiveness, sometimes to improve nutrient absorption.
Amino Acids
The "building blocks" that make up proteins. Your body needs them to build and repair your muscles, skin, hair...
There are 2 types:
- Essential: your body cannot produce them, you must obtain them through diet or supplements
- Non-essential: your body can produce them on its own
Additives
Substances added to supplements to improve their appearance, taste, or preservation. They have no nutritional effect.
The main ones:
- Colorants: for color
- Sweeteners: for sweet taste without sugar
- Anti-caking agents: prevent powder from clumping
- Preservatives: extend shelf life
- Coating agents: for capsule shells
Our Pure Lab Nutrition advice: Choose supplements with the minimum necessary additives.
Bulking Agent
Ingredient added to provide volume when the active ingredient dose is very small. Like flour in a cake!
The most common: maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phosphate.
At Pure Lab Nutrition, we prefer natural alternatives like acacia fiber or rice starch, which are better tolerated by your body.
Allergens
Substances that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
The most common in supplements:
- Gluten (wheat, barley, oats)
- Lactose (dairy products)
- Soy
- Nuts
- Fish (for omega-3)
Important: These allergens must be indicated in bold on the label.
Reference Intakes (RI)
The officially recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals by the European Union. They serve as a basis for calculating percentages on labels.
Example: If you see "100% RI" for vitamin C, it corresponds to 80mg.
Bioavailability
The amount of active ingredient that actually reaches your blood and can act in your body.
The higher the bioavailability, the more effective the supplement. That's why we always choose the best-absorbed forms: magnesium bisglycinate rather than magnesium oxide, methylcobalamin vitamin B12 rather than cyanocobalamin.
Softgel
Soft shell containing liquid or oily active ingredients. Perfect for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and oils (omega-3, coenzyme Q10).
The shell is usually made of animal gelatin (bovine, porcine or marine). At Pure Lab Nutrition, we avoid bovine and porcine sources at all costs, and only use (for softgel dietary supplements (e.g., omega-3)) marine or vegan-derived shells.
Food Supplements
Products intended to supplement your normal diet by providing a concentrated source of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, plants, amino acids...
They come in different forms: capsules, tablets, powders, liquids. Important: They do not replace a balanced diet; they complement it.
Tablet
Solid form obtained by compressing powder. Like a pill, but with nutrients.
Advantages: precise dosage, good preservation, convenient to carry.
Excipient
Non-nutritional ingredient that helps to manufacture the supplement. It facilitates the production, preservation, or absorption of the active ingredient.
Examples: the capsule shell, the anti-caking agent that prevents the powder from sticking...
Our philosophy: A good supplement contains more active ingredients than excipients.
Plant Extract
Substance obtained by isolating the active part of a plant (roots, leaves, fruits...) through various processes.
An extract is said to be "standardized" when its active ingredient concentration is precisely known. The more standardized, the more effective and reliable it is.
Dosage Form
The form in which your supplement is presented: capsule, tablet, powder, liquid...
Each form has its advantages depending on the type of nutrient and your personal preferences.
Capsule
Hard shell that contains active powders. Easier to swallow than a tablet for many people.
There are two types:
- Vegetable (HPMC): suitable for vegetarians/vegans
- Animal gelatin: cheaper but of animal origin
At Pure Lab Nutrition, we prioritize vegetable capsules to respect all dietary regimens.
Made in France
Mention indicating that manufacturing took place in France. For supplements, this guarantees compliance with strict European standards.
Caution: Ingredients may sometimes come from elsewhere, but final assembly and controls are always carried out in France.
Minerals
Elements that come from the earth and are essential for your body. Calcium for bones, iron for blood, zinc for immunity...
Examples: magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, selenium.
They are present in small quantities in your body but play essential roles.
Nutraceutical
Product made from food ingredients but presented in supplement form (capsules, tablets...).
It provides a health benefit beyond basic nutrition.
GMO
Genetically Modified Organism: a living being whose genetic heritage has been modified by humans to obtain new characteristics.
"GMO-free" guarantees natural, non-genetically modified ingredients.
Active Ingredient
The ingredient that provides the desired effect. It's what works for your well-being!
In a turmeric supplement, the active ingredient is curcumin. In a multivitamin, it's all the vitamins and minerals.
Standardization
Precise measurement of the active ingredient concentration of a plant extract or supplement.
The higher and more precise the standardization, the more confident you can be in the product's effectiveness.
IU (International Unit)
Unit of measurement used for certain vitamins such as vitamin D or E.
Conversion examples:
- 1000 IU of vitamin D = 25 μg
- 100 IU of vitamin E = 67 mg
Vegan
Without any ingredients of animal origin. No gelatin, no lactose, no animal magnesium stearate...
Suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and people avoiding animal products for religious reasons.
Vitamins
Organic substances essential for the proper functioning of your body that your body cannot produce (or not enough).
There are 13 essential ones, classified into 2 groups:
- Water-soluble (dissolve in water): vitamins B and C
- Fat-soluble (dissolve in fats): vitamins A, D, E, K
Your Pure Lab Nutrition Buying Guide
Now that you've mastered the vocabulary, here are our tips for choosing wisely:
✅ Read the ingredient list: prioritize more active ingredients than excipients
✅ Check the forms: magnesium bisglycinate > magnesium oxide
✅ Look for standardization: standardized plant extracts = guaranteed effectiveness
✅ Control the origin: "Made in France" = strict standards
✅ Avoid unnecessary additives: useless artificial colors and flavors
Our Pure Lab Nutrition commitment: Transparent formulas, premium ingredients, excellent French manufacturing.
You now know how to decipher any label! No more blind purchases, make informed choices for your well-being.
Pure Lab Nutrition... The art of nourishing your well-being!
