Welcome to Quest's Frequently Asked Questions Page.

This section of the website is provided to give visitors answers to the most frequently asked questions about nutrition and health issues being put to our Nutrition team.

If the information you require is not available go to the contact section of this site to mail us your question.

Please refer to the Questions and Answers below.

Timed Release or Standard Release…?

Quest Timed Release tablets are designed to release nutrients more slowly than standard release supplements. This maximizes the time available for the water-soluble nutrients to be absorbed. Timed release supplements should be taken with a main meal to help digest the tablet and aid the absorption of nutrients. This type of supplement is best taken by those with a healthy digestive system.

Timed release supplements are ideal for healthy people, or those a little under the weather, in order to maintain good health. Timed release may be taken by students, business people, athletes, people living stressful lifestyles and shift workers. Timed release supplements are ideal for long-term preventative use.

Standard release supplements are simple in structure and designed to break down in the stomach where the disintegrated particles are then taken into the small intestine where the nutrients are quickly absorbed. Standard release supplements should be taken with some food in order to help digest the tablet and maximize absorption of the nutrients. At least two slices of toast with a non-fizzy drink should be consumed (breakfast) before swallowing this type of supplement.

Quest Standard Release supplements are ideal for everyone, especially teenagers, the elderly, people who are ill, convalescing or those with impaired digestion.

Is Acidophilus suitable during pregnancy?

Yes. This product is perfectly safe to take during pregnancy and should be recommended. Recent scientific studies have shown that improving the intestinal flora of the mother may decrease the risk of the baby developing neurological diseases such as autism.

What does timed release mean?

In contrast to conventional tablets, which releases all the ingredients within a short period of time - usually less than 30 minutes, timed release tablets meter out small quantities over a prolonged period - Quest timed release is over six hours. The importance of timed release technology lies with the water soluble vitamins which cannot be stored by the body. As normal digestion occurs, the tablet is eroded by the enzymes of the digestive tract, and the nutrients bound in the timed release matrix are slowly released. This allows time for the maximum absorption of the nutrients in the digestive tract and therefore their efficient utilisation.

I have noticed a discolouration of my urine after taking Super Once A Day. Should I continue using it?

This is a perfectly harmless consequence of using higher strength supplements. The nutrient responsible for causing this effect is Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) which is naturally bright yellow in colour. This discolouration could also be used in a positive way as this shows that the nutrients in the tablets are being absorbed and utilised efficiently.

How much Allicin is present in Quest Kyolic Garlic?

Quest Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract does not contain any allicin at all! Research has shown that allicin is a very harsh and unstable compound which is responsible for the characteristic garlic odour. Studies also suggest that allicin is not absorbed into the blood stream and therefore cannot exert any health promoting effects. Kyolic Garlic 'ages' such harmful compounds out of the extract over a period of 20 months. This leaves an extract containing a cascade of extremely stable compounds that are readily absorbed into the circulatory system.

Does the Quest Synergistic Iron cause intestinal problems?

The most common form of iron supplement is ferrous sulphate, but it is known to produce side effects. However, Quest amino acid chelated iron provides a strong bond to hold the mineral chelate together, therefore carrying no electrical charge. This means that the mineral is encased in the chelate and is attracted to the villi (the absorption site) allowing optimum absorption and utilisation and therefore will not cause intestinal problems.

Are fish oils safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes. The use of Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy is highly documented and should be recommended. They have been shown to aid the baby's mental development and reduce the incidence of neurological conditions. They have also been shown to reduce the risk of post natal depression experienced by the mother after giving birth, and therefore their use during pregnancy may also lead to an increase in breast-fed babies. However, Cod Liver Oil should be avoided during this time due to its vitamin A content especially if other vitamin A containing supplements are being used.

Why is Quest Super Once a Day Timed Release not suitable for vegans?

Do you have a vegan alternative? Quest Super Once a Day Timed Release is not suitable for vegans because it contains vitamin D which is derived from sheep's wool and carotenoids which are stabilised with gelatin. The vegan alternative is Quest Super Once a Day Vegan which has the same full spectrum of nutrients except vitamin D and the carotenoids have been removed.

What does synergistic minerals mean?

Synergistic means 'helpful', therefore they are added nutrients that help enhance the formulation by increasing the effectiveness of the mineral. For example Synergistic Magnesium has added vitamin B6 which increases the absorption of magnesium and therefore also its utilisation.

Are Quest products kosher?

Yes, all Quest products are kosher.

What are amino acid chelated minerals?

Amino acid chelated minerals are minerals that are bound to amino acids to form a tight bond that is electrically neutral, therefore do no react with dietary components or inhibitors which may affect the absorption and the use of the mineral within the body. Therefore this makes amino acids the ideal chelating material for enhancing absorption of minerals into the body.

Is it safe to take Quest Enzyme Digest during pregnancy?

Yes. It is completely safe to take Quest Enzyme digest during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Does the Quest Non-dairy acidophilus need to be stored in the fridge?

The bacteria in Quest probiotic supplements are stable at room temperature. However, we recommend that, once opened, the bottles are stored in the fridge to safeguard against them being stored next to any direct source of heat which would compromise the quality of the ingredients.

Is Acidophilus Plus suitable for children?

Yes. This product can safely be taken by new-born babies at a dose of half a capsule. 1-3 years can use 1 capsule per day, 3-7 years 2 capsules per day, 8-12 years 3 capsules per day and children over the age of twelve can have the full dose of 4 capsules per day. The capsules can be pulled apart and the contents sprinkled over cold food if necessary.

Are herbal supplements safe to take with medication?

There are very few scientific studies regarding the safety of herbal supplements with medication, which is the reason behind the general advice to avoid herbs whilst using pharmaceutical products, unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

What is the source of your Glucosamine Sulphate?

Since glucosamine is primarily used by animals as a molecule for the structure of joints, the source of this nutrient is almost exclusively of animal origin. Quest have sourced this raw material from the shells of crustaceans.