The Bioavailability of Ingredients in Supplements

by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition – November 22, 2024

Myth 1: All supplements have the same bioavailability.

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which active ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Not all supplements are created equal; the bioavailability of an ingredient can vary widely based on its formulation, the presence of other nutrients, and the individual's digestive health. For instance, curcumin (found in turmeric) has low bioavailability when taken alone but can be enhanced when combined with black pepper extract (piperine).

Myth 2: Higher doses always mean better absorption.

Some believe that taking larger doses of a supplement guarantees better bioavailability. However, this is not always true. Excessive amounts of certain nutrients can lead to poor absorption or even toxicity. It's essential to find a balance and consider both the dose and the form of the supplement.

Why It Matters:

Understanding bioavailability is crucial for effective supplementation. Products designed for optimal absorption can significantly improve health outcomes. At our company, we prioritize using forms of ingredients known for their high bioavailability. By educating consumers about this aspect, we empower them to make informed choices for their health and wellness journey.

by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition – November 22, 2024

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Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

High Protein: The Half-Truth That’s Worse Than a Lie

The term “high protein” gets thrown around a lot these days. Flip any snack, shake, or cereal box and you’ll see it splashed across the front like a badge of health. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, does it really mean anything? As someone who lives and breathes nutrition (and reads way too many food labels), I recently came across a well-known subscription-based brand launching what they called “high protein milk.” That was it. Just that one claim on the front. Naturally, I flipped it over to see the numbers. Per 100ml, the milk has just 7g of protein. The serving size? A very specific 425ml, which gives them 30g protein per serving — just enough to meet the legal minimum of 20% Daily Value to call it “high protein.” Sounds smart, right? But here's the catch:That one “serving” also gives you: 13.6g of carbs 13.5g sugar (from lactose) 13.6g of fat, nearly 10g of which is saturated fat So yes, you could drink nearly half a litre of milk to hit your protein goal... but you’d be taking in significant sugar and saturated fat alongside it. From a regulatory standpoint, they’ve done just enough to make the claim stick. But from a consumer trust standpoint? It’s fuzzy at best. This should be labeled as “higher protein than regular milk,” not “high protein.”Because most people won’t drink 425ml in one go — and even if they did, they should know what else they’re getting with that protein. The bigger issue here? We’re seeing this everywhere. Brands are slapping “high protein” on everything from chips to biscuits to breakfast drinks, hoping you won’t flip the pack to see the full story. But under a Front-of-Pack Label (FOPL) system like Renewtra’s, this kind of creative marketing wouldn’t pass. A traffic light-style label would show all the macros — protein, sugar, saturated fat — up front, with zero room for ambiguity. Because if we really care about health, then "high protein" should mean more than just clever math. It should mean honest nutrition.

Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

The One Nutrient Deficiency You Won’t See Coming

Let’s be honest, most of us worry about iron, B12, or vitamin D. And sure, when you're low on those, your body lets you know. But protein deficiency? That’s a quiet one.No sudden crash. No dramatic signs. Just a slow, invisible breakdown. Protein is literally everywhere in your body, muscles, skin, hormones, immunity, enzymes. But when your intake is low, your body doesn't complain immediately. Instead, it adjusts, compromises, and silently declines. And here’s the kicker:Protein deficiency builds over years.There’s no routine blood test to catch it. By the time symptoms show up-weak muscles, hair fall, brittle nails, fatigue, low immunity-the damage has already been compounding in the background. Sound familiar? Now think about your parents.Knee pain, joint stiffness, low stamina, slow healing, we often chalk it up to just aging.But chronic low-protein diets, especially in traditional Indian meals, play a huge role in low mobility and muscle loss as they grow older. For years, they’ve prioritized carbs and cut out "heavy foods", and now, they're paying the price. And unless we break the cycle, we might be next. Most of us think we’re getting enough protein. A little dal, a few almonds, maybe the occasional protein bar. But quantity isn’t everything, quality and consistency matter. So here’s your reminder:Start taking protein seriously for your health, your future, and the people who raised you. Because this isn’t just about fitness.It’s about strength, longevity, and living well at every age.

Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

Health Halo Alert: When “Protein” Is Just a Distraction

High Protein?… Check Again. Because not all “protein-packed” claims are what they seem. These days, you can’t walk two scrolls on Instagram without seeing a bar, cookie, or drink labeled “HIGH PROTEIN!” It’s on breakfast cereals. It’s on pasta. Heck, even water’s trying to get in on the protein game. But here's the deal: A lot of these so-called “protein-rich” products? They're faking it. Just because something contains protein… doesn’t mean it’s a good source of protein. Enter: Protein Washing. Think of it like greenwashing — but instead of pretending to be eco-friendly, brands slap “high protein” on the pack to ride the health wave. The truth? Many of them barely have 3–5 grams of protein per serving. That’s less than a single boiled egg. Let’s talk about those protein chips, shall we? They might have 3-4 grams of protein per serve (yep, barely anything), but guess what else they’re loaded with? Sodium. Lots of it. To "entice your taste buds,” as they’ll say — but it’s really just salt dressed up as flavor. So while you think you’re snacking smart, you're mostly eating a salty chip with a side of marketing. Funnily enough, there will be more grams of carbs than protein per serve in a 'Protein snack', how does any of this make sense? Here’s the Problem: The Health Halo. Slap “high protein” on a product and suddenly it feels like a guilt-free buy. But often, that shiny label is hiding what actually matters: High carbs Saturated fats Artificial junk It’s a classic bait-and-switch. The word protein distracts you from reading the rest of the label — and boom, you're trapped under the health halo. So What Should You Watch For? Read beyond the front: “High-protein” should mean at least 10–20g per serving if it’s meant to support muscle health. Beware the halo.Just because it says “protein” doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Some of these snacks are loaded with sugar, artificial junk, or have poor overall macros. “High protein” ≠ always useful protein. Quantity and quality matter. Look for complete sources like whey, pea + rice, or soy. Bottom line? Don’t get fooled by big words and bold fonts. Ask better questions. Because your health deserves more than a marketing gimmick.

India’s health food space is exploding—but with it, so are misleading labels and half-truths disguised as wellness. Let's understand the difference between 'healthy' and 'better for you'

Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

“Better For You” Does NOT Equal “Healthy” — Let’s Not Confuse the Two!

As the founder of Renewtra, I spend a lot of time studying ingredients, consumer behavior, and what’s really on Indian shelves. And what I’m seeing is concerning.India’s health food space is exploding—but with it, so are misleading labels and half-truths disguised as wellness.Let's understand the difference between 'healthy' and 'better for you':

Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

Myth: Any ingredient that you don’t understand on a label is bad for you!

Well, you won’t understand ingredients on your life saving medicines, that doesn’t make it bad for you, does it? You don’t understand them because you haven’t studied pharmacy. There’s lot of scaremongering lately and little common sense. Even turmeric and saffron have E-numbers as food colours which you won’t understand if labelled that way.The issue is not the ingredients on the label, the issue is deception and lies on the labels. Don’t be scared of ingredients or names you don’t understand, not everyone has a degree in chemistry or pharmacy! Be scared of companies who deceive you on their labels. Companies have found clever ways to hide food additives by disguising them as food ingredients. For example, labelling ingredients as ‘blends’, ‘proprietary blend’, ‘herbal blend’, ‘digestive enzyme blend’, ‘cocoa blend’. What are these blends made up of? What are the individual ingredients that go into these blends? Labelling ‘monk fruit’- is it 100% monk fruit extract or is it monk fruit sweetener which contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol. ‘No sugar’, ‘sugar free’- It means it has 0 added sugar, however, total sugar content maybe present. Product will often contain high carbs which somewhat negates the benefits of 0 sugar. Don’t take chemistry and pharmacy lessons from anyone who is not qualified to do so. Use logic, use common sense and be careful where you consume your truth from. Stay healthy! -Shilpa Khadilkar A Qualified Pharmacist

Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

Why Your Anti Aging Cream Is Not Enough?

When it comes to skin aging, many people believe that wrinkles and fine lines are solely a result of getting older. But here’s a shocking fact: 90% of skin aging occurs due to sun exposure! It’s time to bust some myths about aging and understand the real causes of premature skin aging.

Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

The Truth About "Chemical Free" in Supplements

The term "chemical free" is often marketed in supplements, creating confusion and misconceptions about what it really means. Let's break it down. Myth 1: Supplements can be chemical free. Everything is made of chemicals, including water and vitamins. The term "chemical free" is misleading because it implies that products devoid of any chemical substances are somehow safer or more natural. In reality, all supplements contain chemicals, whether they are natural or synthetic. Myth 2: Natural means better. Just because a supplement is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it’s inherently safe or effective. Natural substances can also have side effects or interact negatively with medications. Conversely, synthetic compounds can be rigorously tested and found beneficial. Why We Avoid the Term: At our company, we choose not to use "chemical free" on our labels because we believe in transparency. Instead, we focus on quality and sourcing ingredients that are safe and effective. Our aim is to educate consumers about what goes into their supplements, rather than relying on buzzwords that may mislead. By doing so, we uphold our commitment to informed health choices.

Our Blog 'Labels Without Lies' – by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition

What is Maltodextrin and Why We Don't Use It

Maltodextrin is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about its safety and nutritional value. Derived from starch through a process called hydrolysis, maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that can be found in many processed foods. It's commonly used as a thickener, filler, or preservative due to its ability to improve texture and shelf life.**Myth 1: Maltodextrin is unhealthy.**While maltodextrin is a processed ingredient, it can be consumed safely in moderation. However, it has a high glycemic index, which means it can spike blood sugar levels. This is a concern for those managing diabetes or blood sugar issues.**Myth 2: It’s all artificial.**Maltodextrin is derived from natural sources like corn, potatoes, or rice. Despite its synthetic-sounding name, it’s not an artificial additive.**Why We Avoid It:**At our company, we prioritize whole, minimally processed ingredients. While maltodextrin can be safe, we choose to omit it to maintain transparency and quality. Our focus is on providing products with clear nutritional benefits, steering clear of additives that may confuse consumers or undermine health goals. By avoiding maltodextrin, we align with our commitment to wholesome eating.

The Bioavailability of Ingredients in Supplements

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