We live in an era where wellness is trending and supplements have become part of the routine for millions of people. But just because something is trendy doesn't mean that all the products you find on the market are up to par.
Not all supplements are created equal. In fact, the vast majority do not deliver what they promise.
In this article, we explain how to identify a high-quality supplement high-quality supplement, why the form of the ingredient and excipients matter, and what you can really expect from a well-formulated product like those from ZZEN Labs.
Table of contents
What is a “real supplement”?
When we talk about real supplements, we are referring to products that:
They use ingredients in their purest and most bioavailable form (the body absorbs and uses them).
They do not contain fillers, colorants, or unnecessary excipients.
They have a consistent formulation based on scientific evidence, not on trends or marketing.
They communicate transparently what they carry and why.
In contrast, many supplements on the market use the minimum amount required to justify the labeling, but in useless doses, synthetic ingredients, or with very low absorption rates.
And...what good is a supplement if your body can't use it?
Fillers: the invisible enemy
Many brands add cheap fillers to reduce costs, increase volume, or facilitate industrial production.
The most common ones?
Magnesium stearate
Silicon dioxide
Artificial colors and flavors
Synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals with low bioavailability (such as magnesium oxide)
Although technically “legal,” these ingredients provide no nutritional value and, in some cases, may even hinder the absorption of active compounds.
Why the shape of the ingredient makes a difference
It is not the same to say that a product contains magnesium as it is to say that it contains magnesium glycinate.
The difference is enormous:
Ingredient |
Common and inexpensive form |
Bioavailable form |
Magnesium |
Magnesium oxide |
Magnesium glycinate |
Ashwagandha |
Generic extract |
KSM-66 (standardized) |
Saffron |
Non-standardized powder |
Dry extract standardized in safranal |
Melatonin |
Synthetic |
Melatonin + Melotime (sustained release) |
At ZZEN Labs, we only work with active, natural forms that the body can recognize, absorb, and use effectively.
The importance of meaningful wording
A real supplement does not just combine “trendy” ingredients. It goes further. It seeks real synergies, respects dosages, and does not create false expectations.
For example:
En ZZEN Focus, we combine L-theanine and caffeine in a 2:1 ratio, as demonstrated by studies on concentration and sustained cognitive performance, without peaks or troughs.
In ZZEN Calm, we use ashwagandha KSM-66 (550 mg) and dry saffron extract (30 mg), a natural formula designed to help manage daily stress, without sedation or dependence.
At ZZEN Sleep, we prioritize deep rest, with ingredients such as magnesium glycinate, melatonin (1 mg), Melotime, GABA, and griffonia, which act on different stages of sleep.
How can you tell if you are taking a supplement that is not “real”?
Here are some warning signs to help you identify supplements that are NOT genuine:
It does not specify the type of extract or its standardization.
The active amounts are too low.
Many ingredients appear that do not contribute anything.
The product promises immediate or miraculous effects.
It is very inexpensive for what it claims to offer.
The brand does not clearly disclose its ingredients.
At ZZEN Labs, quality matters more than quantity.
We believe that when done right, less is more. That's why our nootropics:
They contain no fillers, colorings, or sugars.
They contain natural ingredients with maximum bioavailability.
They are formulated with logic, evidence, and respect for your body.
They don't promise magic: they help you gradually and realistically.
The difference between just any supplement and a real one isn't just in the label. It's in how it truly supports you, day after day.
Conclusion: Not all supplements are created equal. And that matters.
Investing in your well-being isn't about taking more capsules, but about making the right choices. It's about understanding that your body deserves ingredients that work, not marketing excuses.
So, if you're tired of products that don't work or labels that don't tell the truth, explore what we do at ZZEN Labs.
And remember: you don't need more. You just need better.
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