Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Service
- If you are a patient seeing a healthcare provider, you can purchase our supplements directly through them through your healthcare provider. If you are a patient, you may purchase products directly from your provider or by receiving a code from a doctor or healthcare provider. Patients may purchase products after creating an account with the code given by the provider. For more information, visit our patient information page.
- If you’re a qualified healthcare practitioner and would like to open an account, you can register online. For more information, see our practitioner assistance page.
- Consumers who don’t have a healthcare provider can purchase our products directly from our own online store, www.PureForYou.com. At Purely For You by Pure Encapsulations you can not only purchase supplements you need, but also receive personalized supplement recommendations if you’re not sure what is right for you by taking our brief 5-minute questionnaire developed in collaboration with medical and nutritional experts to help you get started.
Online: PureEncapsulations.com
Phone: 800-753-2277 – Please note our updated customer service hours as of September 2nd and ongoing: Monday - Friday - 8:30 - 6:00 ET
Fax: 888-783-2277
Email: customerservice@PureEncapsulations.com
If you're a healthcare professional who does not have a Pure Encapsulations account but would like to open one, you can register here.
If you’re a patient looking to place an order, please contact your healthcare provider or visit our patient information page for more details.
If you’re a consumer and don’t have a healthcare practitioner to purchase your supplements from, you can purchase directly from our own online store, www.PureForYou.com.
To learn more about reselling our products online or to apply, please refer to our Pure Encapsulations Purchase Terms and Conditions or email our Ecommerce Compliance Manager at Jeffrey.Pokrajac@us.nestle.com.
- Shipments over $2,000 — 10% off
- Shipments over $1,000 — 7% off
- Shipments over $500 — 5% off
- Shipments over $300 — Shipping is free (US orders)
To enjoy free shipping on Continental U.S. web orders over $100, enter code WEBFREESHIP at checkout.**
For Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska there is a $12 flat rate shipping fee and free shipping at $500.
†Some restrictions may apply (applies to sales to healthcare providers only).
**Valid in USA for online orders only. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Free standard shipping will apply to entire order and become available at checkout.
**Valid in USA for online orders only. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Free standard shipping will apply to entire order and become available at checkout.
Rest assured, your safety is always our top priority. Your bottle is completely sealed under the cap to prevent tampering, which maintains the security and integrity of our supplements.
If this seal is broken or removed, please contact us with us your order number and your lot number and we would be happy to check on it for you.
*Based on 2023 annual projection
Manufacturing and Quality Standards
- Our raw materials are tested for identity, potency, microbial contaminants, heavy metals (including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead), 32 solvent residues, and allergens
- Herbal ingredients are tested for 70 different pesticide compounds and essential fatty acids and fish/krill oils are tested for dioxins, furans, PCBs, and other agents
- Fish oils are tested for oxidation, PCBs and PCB-like compounds, dioxins, and furans
- We also test for any specific contaminants known to be potential adulterants (for example, we test grapefruit seed for potential preservative contaminants)
Our products undergo testing by accredited and cGMP certified laboratories to ensure product purity and potency.
At Pure Encapsulations, probiotics are verified with DNA testing. Our products, as well as our manufacturing and testing procedures, are thoroughly inspected twice annually by the NSF (an organization that inspects products for compliance with the FDA GMPs)
Product Manufacturing and Ingredients
- Many common allergens like wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts & sesame
- Gluten
- Artificial colors, flavors & sweeteners
- Coatings & shellacs
- GMOs
- Unnecessary binders, fillers & preservatives
- Magnesium stearate
- Trans fats & hydrogenated oils
Most of our products are also FREE FROM soy, dairy, and preservatives, unless specifically noted on the label. Our products contain no hidden coatings, unnecessary excipients, binders, fillers, shellacs, artificial colors, artificial flavors or fragrance. We do not use magnesium stearate, preservatives, BHA or BHT in our products.
Please visit the Quality Assurance section of our website for more information on our GMO policy.
Other products that contain soy are as follows:
Phytosterols sourced from soy target lipid metabolism and prostate health. Soy phytosterols do not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but are not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- Beta-sitosterol (contains soy phytosterols)
- CholestePure (contains soy phytosterols)
- SP Ultimate (contains soy phytosterols)
Soy lecithin used as the source of phospholipids (phytosome) to enhance absorption. Soy lecithin does not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but is not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- Liposomal glutathione (contains soy lecithin)
- Lycopene (contains soy lecithin)
- NeuroPure (contains soy lecithin)
- Q-Gel (contains soy lecithin)
- XanthiTrim (contains soy lecithin)
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid used for cognitive support. Phospholipids do not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but are not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- PS 100 (contains phosphatidylserine from soy)
Soy is used in the fermentation medium. The ingredients are isolated and purified and do not contain significant soy protein or isoflavones, but are not recommended for individuals with soy allergy:
- ProbioMood (soy is used as a food source for the probiotic organisms)
- NSK-SD (derived from fermented soy)
Product Use
Additionally, please note you will be charged once your products ship. If your order is split into two separate shipments, you will see two separate charges.
Pure Encapsulations Product Questions
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are found in very small amounts in the oils derived from borage seeds. PAs are soluble in both water and alcohol, but not very soluble in the oil. There are only 0.002 mcg PAs/maximum dose of our borage oil. This is less than what the German Health agency recommends, which is 1 mcg/day of PAs.
Why are the calcium supplements only 150 mg per capsule? I have to take 6-7 capsules to achieve 900 mg, and most recommendations are for 1,000-1,500 mg.
Pure Encapsulations uses the most bioavailable calcium chelates available, including citrate, citrate/malate, and aspartate. These forms of calcium have been shown to be more bioavailable than calcium carbonate, especially for individuals with low stomach acidity. Calcium citrate and the other calcium chelates that we use in our line take up considerable volume, resulting in a maximum capsule capacity of 150 mg elemental calcium (however, remember they are more absorbable). Because we do not use tablets, which contain excipients, fillers, shellacs, artificial preservatives, etc, we cannot compress this powder to provide a higher dosage per serving. Also, calcium is best absorbed and utilized when it is taken in several divided doses throughout the day. Six or seven capsules can be easily divided into two servings consisting of 3 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening, or 3 capsules in the morning and 4 capsules in the evening, respectively. Or, it can be taken in 3 or 4 divided doses daily, depending on compliance. Dietary sources of calcium can enhance calcium intake to help meet the requirements of each individual as needed. For example, one 8 oz serving of plain low-fat yogurt contains 350 mg calcium, one cup of skim milk contains about 300 mg calcium, and 8 oz orange juice with calcium provides 350 mg calcium.
What is the TOA and POA content of Cat's claw?
The content of TOAs (or tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids) is 0.27% and the content of POAs (pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids) is 2.73%.
Is your CoQ10 the cis or trans configuration?
Pure Encapsulations' CoQ10 is obtained naturally by fermentation. A series of crystallization and evaporation steps follows in order to achieve optimal purification. This results in the production of CoQ10 with a side chain of 10 isoprenoid units in the trans configuration, the form of CoQ10 that occurs naturally in the body's cells.
How much CoQ10 can someone take if they’re on statin drugs?
Statin drugs have been shown to interfere with your body's production of CoQ10 and the amount suggested in the published literature is 100-200 mg per day.
How does Pure Encapsulations Cranberry NS compare to cranberry juice?
Cranberry NS is a sugar-free alternative to commercial cranberry juice cocktails, which usually contain at least 30% sugar. Each Cranberry NS capsule has approximately three calories. One capsule of cranberry extract=10 oz Cranberry juice cocktail.
Pure Encapsulations fish oil products are either molecularly distilled or extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide. Each batch is tested for 17 dioxins and furans, 14 PCBs, peroxides, anisidine, microbial contaminants, and heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury at levels exceeding industry standards.
What is the difference between Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus?
It is believed that Panax ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng) may produce a more immediate, stimulating effect than Eleutherococcus senticosus, which may have a calming, tonifying effect. The difference lies primarily in their active compounds. Panax ginseng is standardized to contain 15% total ginsenosides whereas Eleutherococcus senticosus is standardized to contain 0.8% eleutheroside E and B. Also, some professionals do not recommend Panax ginseng for female patients because of possible masculinizing effects.
What is the difference between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Complex?
Glucosamine Complex contains three different forms of glucosamine: glucosamine sulfate, n-acetyl-d-glucosamine, and glucosamine HCl in addition to vitamin C and manganese. Some healthcare professionals feel that this provides broad-spectrum joint support not achieved with Glucosamine Sulfate alone. Glucosamine Sulfate remains the most well-researched form of glucosamine. Individual results may vary.
What is the difference between glucosamine HCl and glucosamine sulfate?
Glucosamine sulfate is a form of glucosamine that is easily absorbed and has been extensively studied. Potassium chloride is added to provide product stability. Some professionals believe that their clients may experience enhanced joint support from the sulfate and potassium that this particular form provides. Glucosamine HCl is believed to be a slightly more stable form of glucosamine and has been only recently studied for joint support. Both have been shown to support joint health. Individual results may vary.
How do I know which joint support product to choose?
For the most part, this may involve some experimentation. There is no easy way to determine which product might be the most beneficial for each individual. Products that provide important building blocks include Glucosamine Sulfate, Collagen JS, MSM, Glucosamine/MSM with joint comfort herbs, Glucosamine Chondroitin with manganese, Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM, and Glucosamine Complex. Support for joint comfort and the tissues that surround the joint include EPA/DHA essentials, Boswellia, Glucosamine/MSM with joint comfort herbs, Ligament Restore, Systemic Enzyme Complex, Ginger, and Curcumin. Individual results may vary.
Can someone take your sulfate products (e.g. glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate) if they’re allergic to sulfa drugs?
Absolutely. A sulfa drug is any of a class of synthetic chemical substances derived from sulfanilamide and used to treat bacterial infections. These drugs inhibit the action of para-aminobenzoic acid, a substance bacteria need in order to reproduce. Glucosamine sulfate is not a sulfa drug. It is an amino sugar naturally found in cartilage matrix. As a dietary supplement, it promotes optimal joint health. Individual results may vary.
Can someone take glucosamine sulfate if they’re allergic to shellfish?
Most of our glucosamine products are sourced from the chitin (hard shell) of crab and other shellfish. It may be best to avoid these products if you have an allergy. We do, however, have a shellfish-free Glucosamine HCl + Chondroitin, derived from corn fermentation.
How can I choose between your magnesium products?
Pure Encapsulations offers a variety of highly bioavailable chelated magnesium forms for customers to choose from:
Magnesium citrate: Offers magnesium bound to the highly researched Krebs cycle intermediate citrate. As one of the most well-researched forms, some customers prefer to use this form for all minerals. However, magnesium citrate may cause diarrhea above 350 mg elemental magnesium. For people with occasional constipation, this may be the best choice.
Magnesium citrate/malate: Offers magnesium bound to both the highly researched Krebs cycle intermediate citrate and malate. For this form, citrate and malate are bound together and then the whole complex is bound to magnesium. Some studies suggest that this chelate may be better absorbed than the citrate form.
Magnesium glycinate: Offers magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is less likely to cause loose stools and therefore is the preferred form for individuals looking to supplement with higher levels of magnesium.
Magnesium aspartate: Offers magnesium bound to the amino acid aspartic acid. Aspartate is a common mineral chelate with a high bioavailability. It is one of the most common mineral chelates used in Europe; however, due to the low elemental value of magnesium, it is rarely the first option for U.S. practitioners.
Magnesium malate: Offers magnesium bound to the Krebs cycle intermediate malate. Malate is very similar to citrate, also in the Krebs cycle, and has shown comparable bioavailability. Because it binds two molecules of magnesium to every molecule of malate, many customers appreciate that products with this form contain slightly higher levels of magnesium. Magnesium malate may cause diarrhea above 350 mg elemental magnesium.
Magnesium threonate (CogniMag): This form has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier better than other forms of magnesium, so it offers targeted support for brain health. However, the high cost and low elemental value mean that generally, individuals would also supplement with another form to target other body tissues.
How much actual zinc is your Zinc (citrate)? How much actual magnesium is in your Magnesium (glycinate)?
Pure Encapsulations lists all minerals by their elemental weight. For example, Zinc (citrate) lists 30 mg zinc, and therefore contains 30 mg of elemental zinc from a larger amount of zinc citrate. Magnesium (glycinate) lists 120 mg of magnesium, and therefore contains 120 mg of elemental magnesium from a larger amount of magnesium glycinate.
Is d-mannose safe for diabetics?
D-mannose is very safe, even for long term use (even though most people will only need to use it for several days or weeks). Although it is a simple sugar, very little of it is metabolized. It does not interfere with blood sugar regulation even for diabetics, though close monitoring is always advised. It creates no disruption or imbalance in normal microflora.
What is the difference between citrates, aspartates, glycinates, malates and picolinates?
Aspartates, citrates, malates, glycinates, and picolinates are superior forms of chelates because they are organic compounds (carbon-containing), which are better absorbed by the body. Most of these chelates are also krebs cycle intermediates, supporting the body's metabolic processes. Minerals chelated with inorganic compounds such as carbonate are not as well absorbed. Technically, aspartate and glycinate are considered "amino acid chelates". Citrate, malate, and picolinate are not amino acid derivatives and are not categorized as amino acid chelates. Nonetheless, each of these is an organic chelate and most are krebs cycle intermediates supporting optimal absorption. At this time, studies have not compared the effects of aspartates vs. citrates vs. malates vs. glycinates vs. picolinates enough to know whether a significant difference exists between these forms. It is believed, however, that any of these organic compounds and krebs cycle intermediates have the potential to be better absorbed than other forms.
Why do you offer Nutrient 950® w/out iron, copper or iodine? With NAC?
Not everyone needs iron supplementation, and many individuals do not need additional copper or iodine. We added Nutrient 950® with n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) because we make it by request for a large physician group and wanted to offer it to all other healthcare professionals. Please refer to our Multivitamin Brochure for more details and a full product overview chart that includes specific recommendations.
Is the pancreatin in Pancreatic Enzyme formula processed such that it contains lactose?
Our full-strength pancreatin does not contain lactose. At full-strength, the product is designated as "10x". When pancreatin products are not full-strength, such as "4x", they are "diluted" with either lactose or sucrose, as specified by the USP.
Are your soy products genetically modified?
No. All Pure Encapsulations products are GMO-free. We are committed to sourcing ingredients from non-GMO sources. We work diligently with our supplier partners to obtain non-GMO documentation. We also utilize accredited and cGMP certified laboratories to test for the presence of genetically modified DNA.
What is the difference between pantethine and pantothenic acid (calcium pantothenate) and can pantethine be used for adrenal support?
Pantothenic acid is a single molecule whereas pantethine is a double molecule. Panthethine consists of two molecules of pantothenic acid, which are also attached to molecules of cysteamine. Cysteamine is believed to play the primary role in the cardiovascular support properties of pantethine, and pantothenic acid primarily serves as a stable carrier for cysteamine. When digested, pantethine is hydrolyzed into cyteamine and two molecules of pantothenic acid. In addition to cardiovascular health, panthethine may be helpful for supporting similar applications as calcium pantothenate, including adrenal support.
What are the sources of your B vitamins?
The sources of our B vitamins are as follows:
Vitamin B1 (thiamine HCl): synthetic
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): fermentation of corn
Niacinamide and Niacin: synthetic
Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate): synthetic
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal HCl): synthetic
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin): fermentation of corn
Folate: synthetic
Biotin: synthetic
As a company that specializes in FREE-FROM formulas, Pure Encapsulations does sometimes choose to use synthetically derived ingredients if they can be made to act identically to naturally derived compounds in the body. This limits the potential for allergy in our highly sensitive customer population. Ingredients that cannot be synthesized identically are typically derived from fermentation.
On the labels for Buffered Ascorbic Acid products, it indicates that 1,000 mg buffered ascorbic capsules provide 500 mg vitamin C or that 4,400 mg buffered ascorbic acid powder provides 2,200 mg vitamin C. What are the remaining mg made up of?
This formula is buffered with mineral ascorbates (calcium, magnesium and potassium ascorbates) to create a neutral pH vitamin C for sensitive individuals. The remaining mg are an excellent source of these minerals.
What is your vitamin C derived from?
Vitamin C contained in Pure Encapsulations Pure Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Buffered C is derived from corn dextrose fermentation. Sensitivity to this product, even for people with a sensitivity to corn, is rare since the protein has been removed.