If you've been following us for a while, you know that we describe our supplements as "clean". But what does that actually mean? What makes our products "clean" and how can you spot a supplement that isn't? In this article, we'll break down what a clean supplement really means and why it's useful to become a label detective.
possible. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards animal testing and animal-derived ingredients—including gelatin capsules.
Fully traceable. We know the origin of every ingredient, which must pass a strict supplier validation program covering manufacturing, quality, and sample controls.
Controlled for your safety. Every raw material complies with food safety regulations. We analyze each product batch and perform microbiological controls after manufacturing.
Plastic-free. All our packaging is recyclable and ocean-friendly. This costs us up to 5 times more than regular plastic—an investment we make for a greener future.
No unnecessary additives. From the outset, we decided to exclude common additives like magnesium stearate and maltodextrin. Our formulas contain only pure active ingredients.
Become a label detective
When choosing a supplement, it's essential to examine potential allergens, present additives, and verify if nutrients are in natural or synthetic form.
Allergens
If a food supplement contains one of the 14 major allergens—whether as an ingredient or a processing aid—they must be listed on the label in bold or with visual contrast.
Common additives to watch out for
Additives such as corn starch, maltodextrin, soy lecithin, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate are frequently used as binders, emulsifiers, or fillers. Some may be derived from genetically modified plants. Magnesium stearate is considered safe in small quantities, but its cumulative exposure from multiple sources (supplements, foods, confectionery) has not yet been clearly evaluated.
Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamins
The form of a nutrient matters more than any marketing claim. Natural and active forms of vitamins and minerals often have better bioavailability than their synthetic counterparts.
Take folate: a methylfolate supplement provides the active form directly usable by the body, whereas synthetic folic acid must first be converted. Similarly, chelated forms of minerals outperform mixed or buffered forms in terms of absorption.
FAQ
What is a "clean" food supplement? A clean supplement is formulated without unnecessary additives, palm oil, animal-derived ingredients, with recyclable packaging and fully traceable ingredients.
How to check if a supplement is vegan and palm oil-free? A vegan product contains no animal-derived ingredients. Look for the Vegan Society logo on the label. For palm oil, it's more complex because its derivatives have hundreds of different names—a serious brand will be transparent about this.
Why do brands use additives? Additives are often used during manufacturing as emulsifiers, thickeners, binders, or flow agents. At NEOSIUM, we choose to use only pure active ingredients, without superfluous additives.
What certifications should I look for on a label? The Vegan Society logo confirms the absence of animal ingredients. Also check the recycling symbol, allergens in the ingredients list, and the form of nutrients (natural or synthetic).
Recognizing a quality product means knowing what should not be on the label, as much as what should be. At NEOSIUM, we've simplified this choice for you: ethical, traceable, and uncompromisingly formulated supplements.
