Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are Ethical Nutrients products gluten free?
Answer: Yes, almost all Ethical Nutrients products use ingredients are that do not contain gluten and no gluten is added. The only exception is Super B Complex, which does contain a small amount of gluten.

Question: Why does Digestion Plus need to be taken after meals?
Answer: Digestion Plus is a digestive enzyme that assists with protein digestion in the stomach and can be of assistance in strengthening weakened digestion. We recommend taking Digestion Plus after meals to encourage your stomach to digest food to the best of its ability. Digestion Plus can then provide any additional support your body needs to digest food completely and encourage a well-functioning digestive system.

Question: Where is the hydroxyapatite in EthiCal sourced?
Answer: EthiCal contains calcium-rich hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is derived from bovine bone, sourced from Australian and New Zealand cattle that are raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones. The cattle are also assessed by vets to confirm that they are safe and disease-free.

Question: What is the best way to take Ginseng 5 Exhaustion Relief?
Answer: This product contains a combination of five ginsengs which act as a tonic and can increase energy in times of physical and mental stress, fatigue and poor immunity. Some people can find that the energizing effect of Ginseng 5 Exhaustion Relief is a little too stimulating. If this is the case, try reducing the number of capsules you take daily to just 1 capsule daily, and take this capsule early in the day (i.e. with breakfast).

Question: I am taking medication to lower my cholesterol and my Practitioner said I should take some extra coenzyme Q10. What dose of Hi-Strength Coenzyme Q10 do I need to take to optimise my cardiovascular function?
Answer: Many cholesterol-lowering medications can deplete your body of naturally occurring coenzyme Q10. It is essential to replace this coenzyme Q10 to maintain healthy heart and cardiovascular function. If you are taking medication to lower cholesterol, we recommend you take 150mg of Hi-Strength Coenzyme Q10 each day. Always check with your health care practitioner, doctor or pharmacist if you need further information.

Question: Is Hi-Strength Fish Oil tested for heavy metals?
Answer: Ethical Nutrients Hi-Strength Fish Oil is a high quality, molecularly distilled fish oil with low levels of contaminants to ensure the best purity and stability. The fish oil concentrates in Hi-Strength Fish Oil are rigorously tested for the presence of heavy metals and other contaminants, and are well below the Australian minimum allowable levels of pesticides, solvents and heavy metals.

Question: Can I take IBS Support and Inner Health Plus together?
Answer: Yes. It is safe to take IBS Support and Inner Health Plus at the same time. These products contain different strains of good bacteria that each work in different ways to support the health of your digestive tract. IBS Support may help reduce the symptoms of medically diagnosed irritable bowel disease and helps maintain normal bowel function. Inner Health Plus aids in maintaining a normal healthy gastrointestinal system and digestive function, especially after antibiotic use.

Question: Can I take Immune Defence as a preventative to avoid getting colds and flus?
Answer: Yes. Immune Defence contains herbs and vitamins with immune-enhancing effects. This makes it the ideal product to strengthen your immune system and reduce the likelihood of you getting further infections. Take 1 tablet daily, with food, as a maintenance dose or as part of general immune support, especially if you have a history of recurring infections.

Question: Is Immune Defence safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Answer: No. Immune Defence is not safe to take in pregnancy. However, it may be taken safely during breastfeeding at a maximum dose of 1 tablet per day.

Question: Why is there chickweed in Iron Plus?
Answer: Chickweed is nutritive herb that is rich in iron, calcium, zinc, and copper, as well as Vitamin C and B vitamins. It has been historically used as a restorative herb in the treatment of exhaustion and fatigue. Chickweed may improve the quality of blood, by increasing iron binding capacity.

Question: Can Iron Plus be taken by pregnant women?
Answer:Yes. Iron Plus is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many women experience a reduction in iron levels during pregnancy. Iron Plus may be beneficial in restoring healthy iron levels during this time, as well as reducing fatigue and shortness of breath, maintaining normal healthy energy levels, and assisting in the maintenance of good health and wellbeing.

Question: Will the calcium in Iron Plus compete with iron for absorption?
Answer: Iron Plus contains iron diglycinate, which is a highly absorbable form of iron which does not break down in the gut. It is absorbed as an amino acid and does not compete for absorption with calcium. This ensures that the maximum amount of both the calcium and iron are absorbed.

Question: What dose of Lysine Viral Cold Sore Defence do I need to take during a cold sore attack?
Answer: We recommend 2-3 Lysine Viral Cold Sore Defence tablets per day during a cold sore attack.

Question: Can I use Lysine Viral Cold Sore Defence as a preventative? If so, what dose do I take?
Answer: Yes. Lysine Viral Cold Sore Defence is an effective preventative against cold sores at a recommended dose of one tablet a day. Zinc Fix is also beneficial for reducing the likelihood of a cold sore outbreak.

Question: Can Lysine Viral Cold Sore Defence be used during pregnancy?
Answer: Lysine Viral Cold Sore Defence is safe in pregnancy at the recommended dose of one tablet per day.

Question: Can I give Sleep Enhance to my kids?
Answer: Yes. Sleep Enhance is safe and effective for use in children to improve sleep quality and reduce restlessness. The recommended dosage for children is 1 tablet in the evening with dinner, or 30 minutes before bedtime.

Question: Will the valerian in Super B Complex make me drowsy?
Answer: No. The valerian and hops in Super B Complex support the nervous system in times of stress, anxiety, restlessness and nervous tension. If taken at higher doses, these herbs may help promote a good night’s sleep, however they will not cause drowsiness at the recommended dosage of 1 Super B Complex a day.

Question: Can I take Urinary Tract Support during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes. Urinary Tract Support is safe to take during pregnancy.

Question: How does Urinary Tract Support differ from cranberry?
Answer: Urinary Tract Support has a noted antimicrobial action, with broad-spectrum antibacterial and ant-inflammatory activities on the urinary system. It relieves the pain and burning sensation associated with cystitis. Cranberry has been used in the prevention of urinary tract infection, by preventing bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract.

Question: Can I take Urinary Tract Support with antibiotics?
Answer: Urinary Tract Support has an antimicrobial action and may be used to relieve the pain and burning associated with cystitis, and in many cases, may be used in place of antibiotics. In the event that antibiotics are required for treatment, Urinary Tract Support may still be used as supportive treatment. Always check with your health care practitioner, doctor or pharmacist if you need further information.

Question: How does the Zinc Taste Test work?
Answer: Visit your local pharmacy or health food store and request a zinc taste test to check your zinc levels. The Zinc Test is a quick and reliable way to check your zinc status in just 10 seconds. To take the test, you hold 10 mls of the zinc solution in your mouth for 10 seconds and notice how it tastes. The test works through the action of gustin, a zinc-dependent enzyme present in saliva. A lack of taste or a delayed taste perception indicates a zinc deficiency state. An immediate strong taste perception of the solution suggests adequate zinc levels. If you zinc levels are low, we recommend supplementing with Zinc Fix and retesting zinc levels after 30 days of supplementation.

Question: Can I give Zinc Fix to my kids?
Answer: Yes. Zinc Fix can promote healthy growth and development in children and support immunity to treat infections and reduce the risk of them returning. The dosages for different age groups we recommend are:

0 – 2 years – ¼ teaspoon daily
2 – 5 years – ½ teaspoon daily
5 – 12 years – ¾ teaspoon daily

Question: I am taking the Oral Contraceptive Pill. What nutrients do I need to support my health?
Answer: Women taking the oral contraceptive pill may have increased requirements for certain essential vitamins and nutrients. Taking a daily multivitamin, such as Super Multi Plus, and Inner Health Plus may help you maintain optimal health and wellbeing generally, and is especially beneficial to those taking the oral contraceptive pill.

Fish Oil

Question: I eat a lot of fish. Why do I need to take fish oil?
Answer: Even if your diet includes a large amount of fish, unless you are eating 1.23 kg of snapper every day, chances are, you're still not getting a therapeutic dose of omega-3. It is far more convenient to take omega-3 in liquid form to get a therapeutic dose and there is no concern over heavy metals and other toxins which can be quite high in fish.

Still enjoy fish as part of a healthy diet but definitely don't rely on it alone for all your omega-3 needs.

Question: I'm worried about the toxicity of fish oil; will high doses make me sick?
Answer: Because Ethical Nutrients Hi-Strength Liquid Fish Oil is molecularly distilled, the heavy metals and toxins which are a concern with fish and fish oil products are filtered out. See our purity chart for more information on the safety of Ethical Nutrients Fish Oils.

Question: I just can't stomach the thought of taking liquid fish oil, are capsules available?
Answer: Yes. Ethical Nutrients Hi-Strength Fish Oil Capsules are available for people who can't take the liquid or are travelling. Because these capsules are high strength you only need to take 6 capsules per day to get therapeutic doses for treating inflammation associated with arthritis.

Question: Can my child take Ethical Nutrients Hi-Strength Liquid Fish Oil too?
Answer: Yes they can! Many studies have shown the benefits of fish oil on brain function, memory and concentration and children only need half the amount as adults for a therapeutic dose.

Question: Can I take flax seed or other vegetable oils instead of fish oil and still get the same health benefits?
Answer: Flaxseed oil is a source of omega-3 and omega-6 oils. Whilst it does increase the levels of EPA and DHA, it is not nearly as much as fish oil. The reason for this is that fish oil already contains the preformed EPA and DHA we need, whilst the body has to convert the omega-3 in flax oil to EPA and DHA. For the therapeutic dose needed to treat the inflammation associated with arthritis, fish oil is the most convenient and cost effective option.

Question: Is fish oil the same as cod liver oil?
Answer: No. Fish oil comes from the body of the fish excluding the liver and is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish liver oils are taken in much smaller doses and are a source of Vitamin A and Vitamin D.

Question: Can fish oil interfere with any of my medications?
Answer: If you are on any serious medications including blood pressure medication and anticoagulants, please consult your health care practitioner before taking any new supplement.

Question: What is the best time to take my daily dose of Ethical Nutrients Hi-Strength Liquid Fish Oil?
Answer: Whenever is most convenient for you! However, for people with sensitive digestive systems, liquid fish oil is best taken just before, or with a meal.

Question: I'm pregnant / breastfeeding, can I take Ethical Nutrients Hi-Strength Liquid Fish Oil?
Answer: Yes you can! Taking fish oil whilst pregnant and breast feeding has many benefits for both you and your baby and the purity of Ethical Nutrients fish oil means it's a safe option.

Question: The fish oil is repeating on me, what can I do to minimise this?
Answer: Taking the fish oil in a small amount of juice or with food will minimize this effect. Refer to the tips for taking fish oil section of the fish oil page for more information on this. Also make sure your not taking more than the recommended dose (5 mL) at any one time as your digestive system may have trouble absorbing so much oil if you're taking too much.

Travel Bug

Question: Can my child take Ethical Nutrients Travel Bug too?
Answer: Yes they can! Even infants can take this product. For any child or infant who can't swallow a capsule, break open the contents into food or drink instead.

Question: Can't I just take Inner Health Plus?
Answer: Because Health World test the long-term stability of all our strains of probiotics, we have found that in tropical temperatures, Inner Health Plus may not survive unrefrigerated for the length of the average holiday. However, the microorganism in Travel Bug can survive tropical temperatures, at full potency, for at least one month after the product is taken out of the fridge.

Question: What if I'm travelling for longer than a month?
Answer: Travel Bug is only guaranteed at full potency for one month, however, after a month the product may still be effective as the microorganisms do not all die off at once.

Question: Can Travel Bug interfere with any of my medications?
Answer: If you are on any serious medications including blood pressure medication or anticoagulants, please consult your health care practitioner before taking any new supplement. There is a theoretical caution in people on immunosuppressive therapy or with severely compromised immunity.

Question: Will Travel Bug definitely stop me from getting sick?
Answer: Travel Bug is to reduce the risk of diarrhoea whilst travelling, however, people who are extra sensitive or catch a particularly nasty bug may still get sick. If this happens, Travel Bug can then be used to treat the diarrhoea and help you get back to your holiday fun quicker!

Question: What is the best time to take my Travel Bug?
Answer: For the five days before traveling, take one capsule before breakfast and continue for the length of your trip. If you do still end up sick whilst away, you may increase your dose to 2 capsules daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Question: I'm pregnant / breastfeeding, can I take Travel Bug?
Answer: Yes you can! But this is only to be taken to prevent travel sickness, it is not a treatment for morning sickness.

Question: I'm lactose intolerant, can I take Travel Bug?
Answer: Travel Bug does contain lactose so this product is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.