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Welcome to the brand new Optimised Health Show – the evolution of Healthy Living with the Laus! In this exciting return episode, hosts Ben and Sarah Lau pull back the curtain on an industry they're deeply immersed in – the supplement world. From shady marketing tactics to shocking manufacturing practices, this episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone who cares about their health and what they’re putting into their bodies.
Why We’re Back – and Better Than Ever
After a long hiatus (and a rebrand!), Ben and Sarah are back behind the mics, more passionate than ever about helping people navigate the often confusing world of health and wellness. Broadcasting from the grey skies of northern England – a far cry from their former Ibiza paradise – they share why they left the sunshine and how their move is helping them focus on expanding their health ventures, including this very podcast.
The Dark Side of the Supplement Industry
Most people assume that if a supplement is on the shelf – or sold on Amazon – it must be safe and effective. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Ben, founder of Love Life Supplements, and Sarah, a qualified functional nutritionist, break down just how unregulated the industry really is.
In many countries, supplements are classified as food, not drugs. That means they’re subject to far less rigorous testing and approval processes. In fact, anyone can start a supplement brand with minimal oversight. Scary, right?
This leads to issues like:
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Mislabelled products – claiming to contain ingredients they don’t
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Under-dosed formulas – not providing effective quantities
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Contaminated batches – with heavy metals, mould, or even plastic
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Low bioavailability – using forms of nutrients the body can’t absorb
What to Look for in a High-Quality Supplement
With so much noise in the market, how do you know which brands to trust?
Ben and Sarah offer a practical checklist:
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Full transparency: Reputable brands disclose every ingredient, including dosage and form.
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Certificate of Analysis (CoA): A third-party verified document confirming the product contains what it says – and nothing it shouldn't.
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Proper testing: Not just of the finished product, but also of every raw ingredient – for things like heavy metals, pathogens, and active ingredient levels.
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Avoid proprietary blends: These often hide low doses of key ingredients behind fancy names.
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No unnecessary fillers: Many companies add bulking agents just to make the capsule look full or aid machine processing – not to benefit your health.
At Love Life Supplements, transparency and purity are non-negotiable. Ben even shared how they’ve had to battle manufacturers to produce products without fillers, and sometimes lose 10% of a batch just to uphold their quality standards.
Supplement Quality Isn’t Just About Ingredients
It’s not just what’s in your supplement – it’s how your body can use it.
Some cheaper forms of nutrients, like magnesium oxide or ferrous sulphate (iron), are poorly absorbed and can even cause side effects. Love Life Supplements prioritises highly bioavailable forms – meaning your body actually benefits from what you're taking.
They also highlight the importance of testing your nutrient levels (like iron or vitamin D) before supplementing. Overdosing – especially on fat-soluble vitamins – can be just as harmful as deficiencies.
Fish Oils – Friend or Foe?
Fish oils are one of the most popular supplements on the market, but Ben and Sarah warn that up to 40% of them may be oxidised (essentially, gone rancid) by the time they reach the consumer. This can actually cause inflammation – the very thing omega-3s are meant to combat.
Look for reputable brands that use antioxidants (like vitamin E) to protect the oils, or opt for krill oil, which is naturally more stable.
Your Genes Matter Too
Not all supplements work the same for everyone. Sarah explains how your genetic makeup can determine how well you metabolise certain nutrients. For example, those with an MTHFR gene mutation may not convert folic acid into its active form – and in some cases, it could do more harm than good.
Personalisation is key, and this is where functional testing and one-to-one consultations can make a world of difference.
Price vs. Value – Why Cheap Isn’t Always Cheerful
One of the biggest takeaways? If a supplement is suspiciously cheap, there’s usually a reason.
Ben explains that some Amazon bestsellers include high doses of cheap ingredients, under-dosed premium ones, and little to no testing. They might look good on paper (and have thousands of reviews), but they can actually be completely ineffective or even dangerous.
In contrast, a properly manufactured, thoroughly tested, and bioavailable supplement will cost more – because it costs more to make. But when it comes to your health, the real question is: can you afford not to invest in quality?
Love Life Supplements: Clean, Transparent, Effective
Love Life Supplements is proudly built on the very principles discussed in this episode. Every product:
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Is manufactured in GMP-certified facilities
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Is free from unnecessary fillers and excipients
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Uses the most bioavailable forms of nutrients
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Comes with full transparency and rigorous testing
And we don’t hide behind proprietary blends. Every label tells the full story – because you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
Ready to Optimise Your Health?
If this episode opened your eyes to the realities of the supplement industry, make sure to share it with your friends, subscribe on your favourite podcast platform, and leave us a five-star review!
👉 Want to work with Sarah 1-to-1 or learn more about personalised supplement protocols? Book your free discovery call via the link in the show notes.
🎧 Listen now to Episode 1: The Dark Side of the Supplement Industry – and discover how to make smarter, safer choices when it comes to your health.
Stay tuned for more episodes of the Optimised Health Show. Until then – stay informed, stay healthy, and stay optimised.