Active Ingredients

A single-ingredient preparation contains one substance and provides its amount directly. This is its entire advantage: you know what you are taking and how much, and the effect can be attributed to a specific substance instead of guessing which item from a long list worked. In this category, we have gathered ingredients that do not have their own shelf with us.

How to choose a single-ingredient preparation?

With one ingredient, the choice comes down to four questions, and all have answers on the label.

1. Amount per daily serving. Not per capsule, but per serving recommended by the manufacturer, as it can be one, two, or three pieces. Comparing two preparations based on the content in a capsule can mislead by one hundred percent.

2. Form of the substance. The same name hides different chemical compounds with different solubilities. Coenzyme Q10 appears as ubiquinone and ubiquinol, magnesium as several salts, and hyaluronic acid in several molecular weights. A reliable label names the form, not just the substance.

3. Supporting absorption additive. Some preparations contain piperine or a carrier fat, because without them, the substance passes through the digestive system poorly utilized. This is information from the composition, not from the front of the packaging.

4. Origin of the raw material. With colostrum, it matters which milking it comes from and whether the manufacturer provides the content of immunoglobulins. For MSM or inositol, the purity of the raw material confirmed by batch testing is essential. Manufacturers who provide this usually do so directly.

What you will find in the single-ingredient supplements category

The category collects ingredients that do not fit among vitamins, minerals, or plant raw materials in our tree. You will find coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, MSM, inositol, MCT oil in capsules and powder, colostrum in several forms, and propolis.

Formulas combining several substances are gathered in the complexes category, single plant raw materials in the plant extracts category, and vitamins and minerals in the vitamins and minerals categories.

Most common ingredients and what you should know about them

Coenzyme Q10 is a compound present in every cell, also produced by the body. It is sold in two forms: ubiquinone, which is the oxidized form, and ubiquinol, which is the reduced form. It is fat-soluble, so oil-based preparations are absorbed better than dry powder.

MSM is an organic sulfur compound, in English methylsulfonylmethane. It is usually sold in powder form, as servings are often measured in grams, not milligrams. It has a distinctly bitter taste, so it is most often dissolved in juice.

Hyaluronic acid for oral use differs from that in cosmetics in molecular weight. Manufacturers provide it in daltons, and this is information that realistically distinguishes preparations. We write about this in the text about oral hyaluronic acid.

Colostrum is the first milk secreted after childbirth, obtained from cows. The key to quality is the day of milking and the drying method, as high temperatures destroy some proteins. More in the guide about colostrum.

MCT oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids most often derived from coconut oil. It is available in liquid, capsule, and powder form, and manufacturers differ in the proportion of individual fractions, which they provide on the label.

How to use single-ingredient preparations

Fat-soluble substances, such as coenzyme Q10 or MCT oil, should be taken with a meal containing fat. Powders, such as MSM or inositol, are dissolved in water or juice, and the serving is measured with a scoop provided by the manufacturer or a scale, as a teaspoon is an unreliable measure for them.

With a single ingredient, it is easier than with a complex to notice how you react, so it is worth introducing one preparation at a time and waiting two weeks before adding another. Recording the serving and the start date takes a moment, but greatly facilitates later assessment.

Safety and contraindications

A dietary supplement does not replace a varied diet or treatment prescribed by a doctor. Do not exceed the serving provided by the manufacturer. Do not use preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding without consulting a doctor.

Colostrum comes from cows, so it is not suitable for people with milk protein allergies. When taking medications regularly, especially those affecting blood clotting, consult the preparation with a doctor or pharmacist. Store products out of reach of children, in a dry place, and away from light.

Frequently asked questions

Ubiquinone or ubiquinol: which form of coenzyme Q10?

Ubiquinol is the reduced form, and the body utilizes it without additional transformation, which is why it is sometimes described as better absorbed. Ubiquinone is more stable and cheaper, and the body converts it on its own. At a younger age, the difference is less significant than at an older age. Both forms are better absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat.

How much MSM dissolves at once?

Manufacturers usually provide from one to three grams per serving, which is an amount requiring a scoop, not a capsule. The powder dissolves in water or juice, with the taste being distinctly bitter, so fruit juice is more practical. Start with the lower limit of the recommended serving and gradually increase, observing the reaction.

How does oral hyaluronic acid differ from cosmetic?

Primarily in molecular weight, which the manufacturer provides in daltons. Oral preparations usually use smaller molecules, as they must pass through the digestive system. Cosmetics work on the surface of the skin and use larger molecules that retain water in the epidermis. These are two different applications of the same chemical name.

Is colostrum suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

It depends on the preparation and the severity of the intolerance. Colostrum contains lactose, although usually less than milk, and some manufacturers provide its content on the label. In the case of an allergy to cow’s milk proteins, colostrum is contraindicated regardless of lactose content, as it is the proteins that are the allergenic component here.

Does powdered MCT oil differ from liquid?

The powder is created by combining oil with a carrier, most often acacia fiber or starch, so a gram of powder contains less fat than a gram of oil. However, it dissolves in drinks without separation and is more convenient for travel. When comparing preparations, look at the content of the oil itself per serving, not the weight of the powder.