9 Paleo Dietary Supplements For Your Next Product Line
Short-term studies have given credit to Paleo or Paleolithic diet for helping lose weight, and market research shows that it was followed by 3% of American consumers in 2019.[i] [ii] As the diet primarily follows the hunter-gatherer style of eating, it focuses on:
- fruits and vegetables
- nuts and seeds
- lean meats such as chicken, meat, and beef
In contrast, the keto diet restricts:
- dairy
- grains
- legumes
- processed foods
Paleo diet is great for health; however, by cutting out entire food groups such as dairy and grains, it may prevent the body from getting the essential nutrients, including a few specific vitamins and minerals. This is where the need for Paleo diet vitamins and fiber arises – it takes care of this nutritional gap that remains unfulfilled by food.
Which Supplements Can You Take On a Paleo Diet?
Current or aspiring brand owners that are thinking about bringing paleo-friendly dietary supplements to the market would be wise to include any of these 9 nutraceuticals in their product offering:
- Magnesium
Magnesium is vital for DNA synthesis, metabolism, mood regulations, muscle and nerve as well as a lot of other functions. It’s one of the most necessary and prevalent minerals that participates in over 300 bodily reactions. Research shows that many people do not obtain sufficient amounts of this essential mineral. Further, people with type 2 diabetes and digestive issues are also at risk of magnesium deficiency because of low absorption or retention of this mineral in the body. Thus, magnesium supplements are one of the key supplements for following a paleo diet. The daily value is 420 mg for women and men.[iii] [iv] [v]
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for helping to relieve inflammation due to physical overexertion, supporting brain health, and promoting healthy cardiovascular function. People following a paleo diet can get omega-3s through foods like oily fish, pastured, free-range eggs, and leafy greens. Additionally, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is vital for healthy living. In the western diet followed in the U.S., this ratio is approximately 10:1, while in the hunter-gatherer diet, it was closer to 2:1. The impact of modern living can leave you short on O-3. Hence, omega-3 fatty acid supplements are recommended every day for people following the paleo diet.[vi] [vii] [viii]
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for healthy teeth and bones and promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium. It’s also believed to participate in the functioning of the nervous system, brain, immunoregulation, and cellular growth. Oily fish, cod liver oil, and fortified foods are the best dietary sources of vitamin D after sun exposure. The adoption of modern lifestyle has left around 50% global population deficient in this sunshine vitamin. It’s recommended to use vitamin D supplements to combat its deficiency while on the paleo diet.[ix] [x] [xi]
- Calcium
Calcium is renowned for its role in healthy bone and teeth besides its functions in blood pressure regulation, healthy muscles, nerve health, and hormone signaling. As the primary calcium sources such as dairy products and grains are off-limits in the paleo diet, you are left with leafy greens, dried herbs, sesame seeds, sardines, and dried fruits, which might not suffice the daily calcium needs of your body. The daily value is 1300 mg.[xii] [xiii] [xiv]
- Digestive Enzymes
Though the paleo diet is healthy, it will most likely take your gut some time to transition to the new set of foods you've incorporated into your diet, and thus, can lead to changes in bowel habits. Digestive enzymes can help smoothen the journey to paleo adoption.[xv]
- Prebiotics
The gut-friendly bacteria sourced from probiotics have proven benefits for individuals with high cholesterol levels, skin issues, irritable bowel syndrome, and other issues related to gut health. Certain cultured foods like fermented dairy and salt-brine-pickled vegetables, which are good sources of probiotics, are restricted in the paleo diet. As the diet consists of lots of veggies that are an excellent source of fiber, it’s worth having a natural probiotic supplementation. A good probiotics supplement for the paleo diet is practical for today’s busy lifestyle and offers a much more comprehensive range of beneficial bacteria in one capsule.[xvi] [xvii]
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential dietary nutrient that acts as an antioxidant. Additionally, it’s critical for healthy immune function and enhances the absorption of nonheme iron. Although uncommon in Western populations, vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, a medical condition characterized by widespread connective tissue weakness, fatigue, and capillary fragility. Fruits like oranges, kiwis, tomatoes, and vegetables like green peppers and broccoli are good sources of vitamin C. However, if the vitamin C consumption through diet isn’t sufficient, it’s best to opt for vitamin C supplements.[xviii]
- Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 helps your body to use calcium and supports healthy artery function. . Low vitamin K2 intake can lead to tartar formation on the teeth, plaque building in the arteries, and hardening of the tissue that can contribute to physical discomfort like reduced flexibility and stiffness. The human body doesn’t always produce sufficient vitamin K2. The vitamin is found mostly in grass-fed animal products and fermented foods such as yogurt. As dairy is entirely restricted in the paleo diet, your vitamin K2 sources become somewhat limited. In such a case, Vitamin K2 supplements can fortify your paleo diet to bridge this nutrition gap.[xix] [xx]
- Iodine
One study reveals that some people on the paleo diet can develop iodine deficiencies most likely due to lower consumption of packaged foods that are fortified with iodine. Iodine is critical for making thyroid hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. Further, these hormones are crucial for proper brain and bone development during pregnancy. Iodine deficiency can cause lower-than-average IQ and decreased ability to think clearly and work. It’s worth to take oral iodine supplements if you don’t eat seaweed, seafood, or other iodine-rich sources.[xxi]
Can NutraScience Labs Help You Contract Manufacture High-Quality Paleo Dietary Supplements?
NutraScience Labs is a leading provider of dietary supplement contract manufacturing services. Our team possesses over 120 years of nutraceutical industry experience and we've developed high-quality products for over 2,300 start-up and established brands. We'll work with you every step of the way - from initial conversation to finished product - to ensure the paleo-friendly supplement you contract manufacture with us exceeds your expectations!
In addition to world-class supplement contract manufacturing, NutraScience Labs also provides award-winning label and packaging services and convenient order fulfillment solutions to its customers. Taking advantage of these in-house services can save you countless amounts of money and stress - while also allowing you to bring your product to the market faster than your competitors.
To learn more about how we can help you turn your idea into a reality, call 855-492-7388 to speak to one of our knowledgeable production specialists or send us your request to receive a free price quote.
References:
[i] https://www.insider.com/what-is-paleo-diet
[ii] https://www.statista.com/statistics/993725/consumer-diet-share-us/
[iii] https://top10supps.com/paleo-diet/
[iv] https://www.bellaallnatural.com/blogs/learn/supplements-people-eat-vegetables
[v] https://perfectketo.com/using-supplements-on-keto/
[vi] https://top10supps.com/paleo-diet/
[vii] https://thepaleodiet.com/science/key-concepts/omega-6-omega-3-fatty-acid-ratio
[viii] https://thepaleodiet.com/vitamin-d-and-omega-3-supplements-on-the-paleo-diet
[ix] https://top10supps.com/paleo-diet/
[x] https://thepaleodiet.com/vitamin-d-one-of-the-few-supplements-paleo-dieters-may-require
[xi] https://thepaleodiet.com/vitamin-d-and-omega-3-supplements-on-the-paleo-diet
[xii] https://top10supps.com/paleo-diet/
[xiii] https://www.bellaallnatural.com/blogs/learn/supplements-people-eat-vegetables
[xiv] https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer.pdf
[xv] https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/shocking-side-effects-of-paleo-diet/ar-AAHzzEh
[xvi] https://top10supps.com/paleo-diet/
[xvii] https://thepaleodiet.com/probiotics-paleo-and-gut-health
[xviii] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
[xix] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5494092/
[xx] https://draxe.com/nutrition/vitamin-k2/
[xxi] https://top10supps.com/paleo-diet/ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/#:~:text=Iodine%20is%20a%20mineral%20found,development%20during%20pregnancy%20and%20infancy.