Customer Reviews

NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (Professional Version)

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

As a family physician who regularly recommends nutritional supplements to promote health and wellness, I am really impressed with the quality and quantity of information presented in this book. I particularly appreciate the creation of a "Blended Standard" benchmark that incorporated the expertise of a panel of clinicians and researchers. Although the writing shows thorough research and understanding of science, both consumers and health care providers will find the book useful and easy to read. THANK-YOU Mr MacWilliams for a great book!

The information contained in this reference guide is one of the best I have seen based on the complexity of subject matter. The conclusions reached are explained in great detail and dose indeed reflect an opinion based on the research compiled by the broad list of professionals contained therein. Everyone can read the material and conduct his or her own independent research for accuracy of statements regarding the basis of conclusions reached, qualifications of listed personnel, as well as any other facet of the subject matter. A careful look at the conclusions will clearly reveal manufactures that produce some very good products. This book clearly presents the reasons why they have adopted what is known as "the blended standard" so obviously any company, (and there are more than a few) that meet and or exceed these standards and do well in this particular guide. Where a comparison is made and a standard is used there is always some bias and rightly so as this is a representation of specific views held at a particular time by a specific group of published professionals with the existing knowledge at the time of publishing. We are making many discoveries regarding these issues and as a result views and positions will no doubt change but at present this represents a very good effort at getting to the facts of the benefits of improving our views on health. For those familiar with the previous edition it is clear that the publisher has raised the bar considerably in determining a very reasonable method in separating one product from another regardless if one agrees with the premise. It is always up to the consumer to look past any perceived bias to make an informed decision. This book is educational, informative and is relatively easily understood by lay people as well as professionals. I applaud Mr. Lyle MacWilliams in this effort.

This is sort of the 'Consumer Reports' approach to sorting out the various products that are available. A comprehensive and scientific method of evaluating hundreds (1500, actually!) of products, all of which claim to be 'the best'. I sell nutritional supplements and was delighted to find that my products are among the very few ranked as the best in this evaluation!!

I have read criticism of this book by some who are concerned that there was a connection between the author, MacWilliams, and the USANA company, which is the one of the very few "Top-Rated" products (MacWilliams himself acknowledges that he is a consultant for several manufacturers). After reviewing the evaluation methodology, and considering that products from 5 other manufacturers, with which MacWilliams has no relationship whatsoever (as far as I can determine) are also "Top-Ranked", I think it is clear that there is no indication whatsoever of any conflict of interest. Some have criticized that one of the researchers who developed the "blended laboratory standard" against which the products were compared is on USANA's Medical Advisory Board (this is clearly stated in his bio in 'The Comparative Guide' so there is no attempt to hide this information). But, every one of the researchers who participated in development of the "blended laboratory standard" are experts in their fields... OF COURSE their advice is sought by many companies in the industry. Those who seek to inpugn this publication are most likely venting 'sour grapes' that their product(s) didn't fare well in the comparison... perhaps their effort would be better directed at improving the quality their products, rather than trying to discredit what appears to be such a fair and balanced evaluation!

I loved this book. It was packed with interesting scientific information on why a quality supplement is important for everyone. The ratings were eye opening as I had been buying inferior supplements because I did not know any better. I have changed my buying choices with the information I learned in this book and have seen big changes in my health that I think are do to taking better supplements.

I found The Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements Consumer Edition by Lyle MacWilliams to be a helpful guide to understanding the scientific ratings conducted of the products. Since nutritional supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, it is difficult for the consumer to evaluate and compare the products to determine quality.

Over 1500 US and Canadian supplements were scientifically rated and compared, using 18 critical health supportive criteria to evaluate each product.

It is helpful for learning about the appropriate use of nutritional supplements and how they contribute to optimal health, disease prevention, and anti-aging defense.

There are ratings included of many popular brands of supplements, including those sold in drug and health stores.Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements

I was very impressed by the information and comparisons in this book. I have taken many supplements in the past not really understanding the different aspects of supplements. The product ratings list in the back opened my eyes to just what products are providing a good nutritional balance.

I have read this book from cover to cover. The information is excellent and well-researched. It is important to know how vitamins work in our bodies and why they offer protection from certain diseases. The guide is easy to use.

Finally, an independent review of the Nutritional supplements! Too many people have been spending hard earned money on different supplements, and now they can make an objective comparison based on objective, quality information. It is the Consumer Guide to Supplements.

It is amazing though that only 4 companies are really any good - all the others are finally being recognized for what they are - garabage.

Great reference book - we use it in our practices all the time.

Thanks!

As a chiropractor who has had two years of clinical nutrition in school and many years prior and after my doctor of chiropractic education about nutrition, I find this book to be be what the nutritional community needs. This book was a delight to read, and I read it from cover to cover, and it contained all the necessary information to make informed decisions about supplements.

With all the hype, misleading information, and overwhelming selling strategies in the market place that make no sense and actually insult most of us, this book is the perfect tool to help the professional and lay person gather accurate and unbiased information.

Finally, a comprehensive guide that gives the reader a structured way to make an informed educational decision about supplements. This is by far the best source of comparative information I have ever reviewed. This book shows the science.

I have found this source very helpful on trying to find out which vitamins have what they say they have in their labels.