With all the research we do around here, we’re often asked if there are any particular products we recommend. And yes, there are a few.
They have to meet our high standards of course. Which means that they can’t be second-rate, use cheap ingredients or bad manufacturing practices. And they have to be based on sound, solid science.
The products that do meet our standards, that we have vetted and are comfortable endorsing carry the RTRG (Rag-Tag Research Geek) Seal of Approval™.
Standards For RTR Geek Approval™
In order to be recommended on this site, and/or bear the RTR Geek Approved™ seal, a product must meet the following standards:
- Product must be manufactured in GMP certified facility that meets or exceeds all applicable requirements and standards
- Product must be documented free from harmful toxins such as lead, mercury, or pesticides
- Product must be documented to meet all label ingredient claims
- Harvesting and processing of raw materials must be done in environmentally friendly/ sustainable manner and comply to ethical trade standards
If it bears our seal or is recommended on this site, you can be sure these standards have been met.
What you see here represents the best of our knowledge, based on the most up-to-date science for today. When that science changes, we’ll change with it.
When new information emerges, we either demand changes to the formula of those products or find new ones to recommend.
We don’t sell any products on this site in order to keep the research and recommendations objective.
If you’re interested, the full line of RTR Geek Approved™ products can be found at www.aProvenProduct.com
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I’m looking into supplements for my daughter, who is 26 with PCOS and insulin resistance and is 360 pounds. She is already on meds, the endo Dr. recommended Cinnamon, Bitter Melon, Gymnema leaf. I can’t find a good supplement for these, and what about Glysen? Have you ever heard of these? Perhaps you can do some research on these? I am sure there are a lot of other people with these problems…
Thanks, Jeanne
Hi JeanneAlice. First, I am not a doctor, so whatever he or she recommended for your daughter is more than likely best.
As for a bit of information on the supplements, I’m sure I can find something, but I do not have specific recommendations on what to buy. I would bring information to your doctor. I am certain he must have specifics if he is recommending them for her.
Cinnamon- Two studies have shown that cinnamon and cinnamon extract in the diet may help type 2 diabetics to control blood glucose levels. Furthermore, ingredients are bioavailable and may have an effect on the target tissues.
Pharmacological experiments suggest that dietary cinnamon activates the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response in human epithelial colon cells and may therefore represent an experimental chemo preventive dietary factor targeting colorectal carcinogenesis colorectal carcinogenesis. (Colon cancer)
Bitter Melon-This may have been difficult to find because it has many names. You might find it listed under: bitter melon, bitter gourd or bitter squash, to name a few. Bitter melon has been used in various Asian and African herbal medicine systems for a long time but no real scientific studies have been done in the United States that I could find reference to. It has been used in other countries such as Turkey to help with stomach complaints. Bitter melon is traditionally regarded in Asia as useful for preventing and treating malaria. I also found laboratory studies regarding it’s anti cancerous properties as well, although not too many online sources were available for the Bitter melon. In 2007, a study by the Philippine Department of Health determined a daily dose of 100 mg per kilogram of body weight is comparable to 2.5 mg/kg of the anti-diabetes drug glibenclamide, if taken twice per day. The reason you do not see it very much sold in the United States is that there are studies it can be potentially toxic, but only at an extremely large quantity.
Gymnema leaf-Gymnema leaf contains substances that may decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made.
Glysen- Glysen has been used a support product for healthy blood sugar management. It contains herbs, vitamins, enzymes and minerals to support healthy receptor levels.
I hope that helps!
What supplement do you recommend for a healthy prostate?
How do you rate this product? I purchased Ultimate Green Coffee Bean made with svetol from Walmart for $9.98. 84 caplets. Take 3 a day with 8 oz. water. Supplemental facts lists it is svetol green coffee extract. It claims to be 45% chlorogenic acid. Other ingredients: microcystalline cellulose, dicaclum phosphate, coating (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, tiacetin, mineral oil, titaium dioxied, yellow 5, blue 1, talc),silica, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, magnesium sterate. It is distributed by Wellnx Life Sciences in Delaware. Product: Hytogenix Ultimate Green Coffee Bean made with svetol. What is your opinion of this product?
Hi Shirley! Chlorogenic acid is the active ingredient in green coffee beans. This product contains 45% chlorogenic acid, a fairly good, but not great number. The label refers to “svetol,” but this is just a proprietary name for chlorogenic acid, nothing more. In other words, it sounds impressive, but it’s really just redundant!
Before this extract became popular, studies were done which demonstrated its effectiveness with several health issues, and they were all conducted with “non-trademarked” GCB extract without a trade name like “svetol.” In three different studies, non-trademarked chlorogenic acid was linked to weight loss, the impedance of glucose absorption, and the reduction of triglycerides in the bloodstream. For more information on these studies, I’ve provided the following links:
http://imr.sagepub.com/content/35/6/900.abstract
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/78/4/728.long
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/6/9
This product also contains a whole lot of other ingredients I’d call “fillers;” a more desirable product would be 100% green coffee bean extract, without all of the extra stuff. From its ingredient profile, I’d call this average at best.