Detoxification

Winners Explained

 

SC Quality Benchmark for Detox Products   The SC expert panel found it was difficult to define ´quality´ in this category. The products were assessed on the nutritional value they would provide in support of the body’s detoxification systems over and above that provided by a balanced diet and drinking 2 litres of water every day in addition to a higher intake of fruits and vegetables. However, consideration was given to products that met the following criteria: - Contained significant levels of liver-active antioxidants - Contained above RDA levels of vitamins - Delivered at least 3g of Fibre - Delivered at least 200mg of the active ingredient Silymarin (from Milk Thistle)

 

In any detoxification regime, undoubtedly the most important steps are to eat a balanced diet and to accelerate the flushing of toxins from the body by increasing consumption of water to 2-3 litres per day, while at the same time reducing intake of alcohol, caffeine and highly processed foods.

In addition to this it is advised to significantly increase consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, as these will provide antioxidants which are known to be depleted during detoxification functions carried out by the liver. It will also provide a significant level of Fibre, which itself will accelerate elimination of toxins from the body.

In most cases this is all that is necessary, but if supplements are being used look for those that offer high levels of antioxidants and B-Vitamins and possibly consider Milk Thistle.

Quality

In reviewing this category of eight products it was found that there were a variety of product types, and it was difficult to identify any one product that would have a strong likelihood of delivering any additional benefits in a detoxification programme over and above the dietary recommendations made above.

As such, the quality of the products in this section in terms of deliverable benefits was mediocre. Worth a mention are the Boots 5 Day Detox Plan and Detox Express from Bioconcepts, which both have some merit but are expensive for what they provide, also, they are designed for very short term use.

Similarly, Detoxil from Vitabiotics is worth consideration if only because it is a good quality multivitamin with the correct emphasis on B-Vitamins and the dietary guidelines on the pack are good.

The Milk Thistle products Lichtwer Pharma (Cynara) and Tesco are reasonable value and deliver the level of active ingredient to provide the benefits associated with supplementation of this herb.

Value range

The value range for this category is difficult to compare as some products in this category are expensive, but only intended for short term use e.g. Boots 5-Day Detox Plan, and Detox Express from Bioconcepts, while others are intended for much longer term use e.g. Milk Thistle from Tesco and Detoxil from Vitabiotics

Value range for short term use products (up to 5 days) £2.00 - £2.70 (Only two products assessed)

Value range for longer term (over 5 days) use products £0.13 - £1.33