Country Life Vitamins

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Country Life Vitamins Chelated Magnesium Glycinate is a dietary supplement designed to deliver magnesium to the body in a form that is believed to be easily absorbed. The product does not meet the criteria for being organic and lacks non-GMO certification, which detracts from its standing as a clean food option.

The supplement’s main active ingredient is magnesium bisglycinate, a chelated form of magnesium that is often used for its potential benefits in terms of bioavailability. However, the inclusion of non-organic additives raises concerns. Tapioca maltodextrin, a common additive derived from tapioca starch, is present in the organic coating of the tablets. Although maltodextrin is widely used in the food industry, it is processed and may spike blood sugar levels, leading to its deduction in the scoring process.

Additionally, the presence of palm oil and stearic acid sourced from palm raises environmental and health concerns. Palm oil production is notorious for contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction, while its health impacts are debated due to its saturated fat content. The sustainability claim attached to the palm sources does little to mitigate the negative scoring impact, as the product does not provide certification to back the sustainability claim.

Other ingredients include cellulose, used to create the tablet form, and silica, an anti-caking agent. These ingredients are less controversial but are part of the product’s overall composition.

The product’s score reflects a need for improvement in ingredient transparency and environmental responsibility. Although it provides a potentially bioavailable form of magnesium, the use of certain additives and oils detracts from its overall cleanliness. Consumers seeking cleaner food options might find the ingredient profile of the Country Life Vitamins Chelated Magnesium Glycinate wanting, as it falls short of the standards for a higher green leaf rating.