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Last Updated: 14 October 2011

Swanson Health Products — Where quality still matters.

Highest Quality Vitamins and Supplements at Discount Prices

good health just got easier

NOTE:  I have been very pleased to participate in Swanson's affiliate program for the past few years. This company delivers outstanding products and services at the lowest possible price, and that is precisely what I want to offer visitors to Intraspec.ca.  Unfortunately, pursuant to changing legal requirements in various States and in light of other practical considerations, the Swanson affiliate program ended as of 30 September 2011.

The following review presents a company overview, selected products and excerpted descriptions, as well as additional references and resources with respect to specific vitamins and supplements. Visitors have found the content useful, so I will keep the page active for now.  Everything is up-to-date at this writing, and all of the links work.  Remember, products, descriptions, and prices are subject to change.  My effort here is a bit unusual in the absence of an affiliate program but, if Swanson permits, I will maintain the page and add new products from time to time.  One way or the other, though, I highly recommend that you visit swansonvitamins.com, where quality still matters.

Based in Fargo, N.D., Swanson Health Products (SHP) began as a mail-order business in 1969 and is now one of America's largest privately held dietary supplement suppliers. An industry leader in bringing Good Manufacturing Practices certified vitamins and supplements directly to consumers, SHP has an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service.

With a staff of more than 500, including nutritionists and chemists who keep abreast of the latest supplement research and develop products in response to emerging trends, SHP provides the highest quality vitamins, supplements and natural health care products at the lowest possible price. As part of their commitment to customer service, SHP recently expanded operations to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where they opened their new East Coast Distribution Center (ECDC) on 3 May 2010. The ECDC is designed to expedite shipments, eliminating one to two days in transit time on orders shipped to customers on the East coast.

How much can you save when you buy from Swanson?

As Swanson Health Products president Lee Swanson puts it, "Besides treating our customers well, we are in the unique position of being able to offer products direct to customers without going through a middle-man. Because of that fact, we are able to save customers 50% to 70% on their nutritional supplement expenditures. And those savings are on some of the highest quality products in the world.

Swanson has built its reputation on providing the best quality supplements for the lowest possible price. They also offer the lowest prices on National Brands, including brands such as TwinLab, the first company to offer complete lines of amino acids and fish oil supplements; Enzymatic Therapy, known for their rigorous testing protocols of products like Garlinase and the libido enhancer Hot Plants; and Alacer Corp, maker of the fizzy vitamin-C favorite Emergen-C.

The Seven Leaf Guarantee

As part of their comprehensive commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Swanson Health Products subscribes to a "Seven Leaf Guarantee". The following is adapted from the website; you can read the complete details here.

  1. Lowest Possible Prices — (a) If you find a product sold by another merchant at a price lower than Swanson's, Swanson will match the lower price. (b) If you buy a product from Swanson, then discover a lower price for the same product elsewhere, Swanson will match the price and refund you double the difference.
  2. Purity & Potency — The ingredients in Swanson products are tested at various stages throughout the production process to verify purity and potency. Finished products are tested for potency and stability by independent third-party laboratories; this is undertaken to ensure that each supplement contains exactly what it says on the label.
  3. 100% Money Back Guarantee — If for any reason you are not satisfied with a product, and you return the product within one year from the date of purchase, Swanson will refund the total cost — including, on domestic orders, the cost of shipping and handling.
  4. Security & Privacy — Swanson employs a state-of-the-art Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, assured by Entrust, which encrypts sensitive information on your browser and on their server. The closed yellow padlock at the bottom of your screen, or the "https" preceding the URL in the address bar, indicate that the checkout process is secure.
  5. Customer Service — Customer service representatives are trained to handle concerns with professionalism, and they have a high degree of product expertise. If more comprehensive product information is required, it can be obtained in your behalf from staff nutritionists, chemists, and other specialized employees. Representatives are available seven days a week — by phone
    (1-800-437-4148), email (customercare@swansonvitamins.com), and live chat.
  6. Innovative New Products — Swanson's Product Development department stays keenly aware of supplement research and emerging trends, often leading the way in formulating products for the general public under the Swanson label brand.
  7. Education — Swanson Health Products provides in-depth articles, expert information, supplement facts, email newsletters and many other learning tools in their catalog and on their website.

Outstanding Customer Service

"At Swanson Health Products," says Lee, "we treat every customer like we would treat a good friend or neighbor, and I think most people appreciate that. When you shop with Swanson, you can expect fast, friendly, personal service every time. Unlike most other companies, when you call Swanson, you get to talk to a real person, not a machine. That means if you have questions, you get answers. If you have a problem with your order, you get the personal attention you need to solve it promptly.

"It’s hard to put a dollar value on service like that, but I think it makes a huge difference. When all is said and done, our affordable prices are probably the main reason most of our customers first start shopping with Swanson, but our outstanding customer service is the main reason they keep coming back. It’s like my dad said back at the beginning, 'the satisfaction and goodwill of our valued customers is our most important asset'."

Shipping Policies

Standard shipping is $4.99 USD. Additional shipping fees apply to all orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, US Territories and Canada. Additional shipping fees also apply to all international and expedited orders.

Payment Options

  • You can pay for your purchases with:
    Visa, Master Card, Diner's Club, Discover, American Express, and PayPal.
  • As of 14 February 2011, purchases can be made using eBillme™, the safest way to pay online. Watch the demo. You can pay using your bank's online bill pay service, just like a utility bill. No personal or financial information is shared. The service is free to use; Buyer Protection and Cash Back are included. Introductory Offer: Earn up to 5% Cash Back
  • You can arrange payment by personal cheque or money order. Call 1-800-437-4148.
  • You can mail in your payment when you order through the catalog.
    Click here to request a free catalog.

More Ways to Save Money

  1. Coupons and Promo Codes
    1. Swanson First Time Customer Coupon - $5.00 Off
      Register (create an account) on the Swanson site, and you can redeem your $5.00 coupon when you place your first order. Coupon is good for one-time purchase but does not have an expiration date.
    2. Sign up for Swanson Emails
      As soon as you sign up, you'll begin receiving semi-weekly emails with promo codes affording you substantial savings on supplements. Use these promo codes when you order online.
    3. Swanson Vitamins on Facebook
      Special promo codes (different from the email specials) are provided for Swanson Facebook fans every month.
  2. Buy 1 Get 1 Free
    Save money without sacrificing quality — get two for the price of one. Quantities are limited.
  3. On Sale Now
    Swanson frequently updates their sale prices and reduces their close-out clearance items even further, offering you even bigger savings on a variety of discount supplements and natural health products.

Swanson Ultra 5-HTP
(L-5 hydroxytryptophan) Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract.

Swanson Ultra 5-HTP
Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Read (38) Reviews

→ Terrific mood and sleep support
→ Naturally derived neurotransmitter that supports your overall well-being
→ Each capsule delivers a potent 100 mg

Item #: SWU518
100 mg 60 Caps

SWANSON $4.19

Get high-powered support for your mental and emotional well-being with Swanson Ultra 5-HTP. A unique compound extracted from griffonia beans, 5-HTP works naturally within the body to promote healthy levels of serotonin, a hormone vital to healthy moods and sleep patterns.

Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
Made with 100% Certified Organic Spirulina


Overall Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWR044
500 mg 180 Tabs

SWANSON $6.99

→ 100% vegetarian
→ Most potent and digestible protein source among green foods
→ The ocean's greenest and healthiest spirulina

An optimum source for antioxidant protection that will boost your immune system health and vitality, spirulina ranks as one of nature's most powerful "superfoods." At over 60% protein, spirulina is the most potent and digestible source of vegetarian protein. This family member of blue-green algae packs in a whole lot of antioxidant and phytonutrient nutrition along with high amounts of beta-carotene, essential amino acids, minerals, B vitamins, and chlorophyll. Spirulina is also rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Spirulina is a blue-green algae found in the oceans and in alkaline lakes of Africa, Mexico, and South America. It occurs as filaments less than 1 mm long, consisting of transparent cells stacked end-to-end, taking on the spiral shape for which the algae is named. Often billed as a "superfood," dried spirulina is an excellent source of protein and also contains vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Most commercially available spirulina is cultivated in immense artificial ponds at Lake Texcoco, Mexico.

A typical recommendation for spirulina consumption is three 1 gram servings per day, with meals. Spirulina appears to be very well tolerated, with no known side effects. Animal studies have found no signs of toxicity for spirulina, even at very high intakes.

3.3 Biochemical composition
The basic biochemical composition of spirulina can be summarized as follows:

Protein: Spirulina contains unusually high amounts of protein, between 55 and 70 percent by dry weight, depending upon the source (Phang et al., 2000). It is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids, though with reduced amounts of methionine, cystine, and lysine, as compared to standard proteins such as that from meat, eggs, or milk; it is, however, superior to all standard plant protein, such as that from legumes.

Essential fatty acids: Spirulina has a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), 1.5–2.0 percent of 5–6 percent total lipid. In particular spirulina is rich in γ-linolenic acid (36 percent of total PUFAs), and also provides γ-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA, 36 percent of total), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Vitamins: Spirulina contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E.

Minerals: Spirulina is a rich source of potassium, and also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc.

Photosynthetic pigments: Spirulina contains many pigments including chlorophyll a, xanthophyll, beta-carotene, echinenone, myxoxanthophyll, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, diatoxanthin, 3-hydroxyechinenone, beta-cryptoxanthin, oscillaxanthin, plus the phycobiliproteins c-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.

Chelating of toxic minerals (neutralization of toxic minerals)
Spirulina has a unique quality to detoxify (neutralize) or to chelate toxic minerals, a characteristic that is not yet confirmed in any other microalgae (Maeda and Sakaguchi, 1990; Okamura and Aoyama, 1994). Spirulina can be used to detoxify arsenic from water and food. It also may be used to chelatize or detoxify the poisonous effect of heavy metals (minerals) from water, food and environment. Beijing University has extracted bioactive molecules from spirulina which could neutralize or detoxify the toxic and poisonous effect of heavy metals, and which showed anti-tumor activity. Several institutions in China are focusing on biomolecules which show anti-tumor, anti-age and anti-radiation properties (Liu, Guo and Ruan, 1991; Li and Qi, 1997).

3.3.2 Amino acids
Spirulina protein has a balanced composition of amino acids, with concentrations of methionine, tryptophan and other amino acids almost similar to those of casein although this depends upon the culture media used. [...]

3.3.3 Unsaturated fatty acids and lipids
The essential lipids (unsaturated fatty acids) in spirulina are about 1.3–15 percent of total lipid (6–6.5 percent), mainly constituting γ-linolenic acid (30–35 percent of total lipid) (Borowitzka, 1994; Li and Qi, 1997). Some researchers found that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could represent 25 to 60 percent of total fatty acids in spirulina. The important fatty acids like linoleic acid and linolenic acid are also present: up to 1.0 g/100 g of dry biomass of spirulina. The predominant fatty acids are palmitic acid (44.6–54.1 percent), oleic acid (1–15.5 percent), linoleic acid (10.8–30.7 percent) and γ-linolenic acid around 8.0–31.7 percent. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid rarely available in ingredients or diet. [...]

[...] 3.3.6 β-carotene and vitamins
The β-carotene, B-group vitamin, vitamin E, iron, potassium and chlorophyll available in the spirulina can promote the metabolism of carbohydrate, fats, protein, alcohol, and the reproduction of skin, muscle and mucosa. Spirulina contains large amounts of natural β-carotene and this β-carotene is converted into vitamin A. According to the findings of the National Cancer Institute, United States of America, an intake of 6.0 mg β-carotene daily may be effective in minimizing the risk of cancer. If anybody takes 4.0g spirulina daily, that is sufficient to get 6 mg β-carotene. At the same time, sufficient amount of B-group vitamins, iron and calcium will be obtained. However, these nutrients obtained from 4.0 g of spirulina are equivalent to or more than those obtained by eating more than 100g of terrestrial bright-coloured vegetables. [...]

More top-rated
spirulina products

Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
Super Green Max Plus

Swanson $16.99
9 oz (255 grams) Pwdr

Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
Seaweed Vegetable Complex

Swanson $9.99
60 Caps

Nutrex Hawaii
Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica

Swanson $17.65
Retail: $32.99
500 mg 400 Tabs

Earthrise
Spirulina Natural

Swanson $28.49
Retail: $52.92
16 oz (454 grams) Pwdr

Nature's Way
Spirulina

Swanson $5.86
Retail: $12.99
380 mg 100 Caps

How to Take It:

Pediatric
Although spirulina has been used in children, the safe and effective dose for those under 18 has not yet been established. Don't give spirulina to a child without talking to your doctor first.

Adult
Consult a health care provider to determine the right dosage for you. A standard dose is 4 - 6 tablets (500 mg each) per day.

Precautions:

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Spirulina appears safe, even at high doses. However, it can be contaminated with other substances that can be toxic. It is important to buy a reputable brand of spirulina.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking spirulina.

People with a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid taking spirulina. People with this rare condition cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Spirulina is rich in all amino acids, including phenylalanine.

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, you should avoid spirulina as it could stimulate your immune system and make your condition worse.

Possible Interactions:

There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that spirulina interacts with any conventional medications. However, it is possible that spirulina might interfere with drugs given to suppress the immune system, including:

  • Adalimumab (Humira)
  • Azathioprine (Imuran)
  • Cyclosporine (Neoral)
  • Etanercept (Enbrel)
  • Infliximab (Remicade)
  • Leflunomide (Arava)
  • Methotrexate
  • Mycophenolate (CellCept)
  • Prednisone

Swanson Ultra Natto K-7 Natural Vitamin K-2


Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWU671
50 mcg 30 Sgels

→ Helps ensure that dietary calcium makes it to the bones and other target
   cells and tissues
→ Helps keep calcium in check within the cardiovascular system by
   encouraging optimum uptake throughout the body
→ All-natural, derived from natto, a Japanese fermented-soybean product

Vitamin K is essential to good health. We need it for normal clotting of blood and for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. The most recognized form is vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), but there are other incredibly important vitamin K compounds. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone), in fact, may be the most important form, as it is the most active in assisting the body's use of calcium. Although our bodies produce some vitamin K2, we store it in very limited amounts. A lack of K2, which can be caused by a poor diet, is not uncommon. Fortunately, a revolutionary new form of natural, highly assimilable vitamin K2, menaquinone-7, is now available. Vitamin K2 helps ensure that the calcium we consume makes it to the cells and tissues that need it. Thus, Vitamin K2 promotes both bone health and cardiovascular health by putting calcium in its place — in the bones — and by keeping it in check in the cardiovascular system.

[...]
SWANSON:
I’ve been using your Fermented Superfood Complex daily for months now and I’ve never in my life felt better energy and overall health. In particular, my gastrointestinal system seems to have really benefited. How do you explain this?

MICHIO KUSHI:
My superfood blend is very concentrated, enzyme-rich, all-natural whole food nutrition from 55 of the healthiest foods on earth. The major role of the natural enzymes created from the fermenting process is to enhance the nutritional content of the superfoods and thereby greatly enhance the health of all cells in the body. Activated by the superfood, the good bacteria help synthesize healthful nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids into components the body can easily absorb and utilize.

Eating fermented food nourishes the good bacteria in the intestines and has a cleansing effect within the intestines. Fermented foods help good bacteria establish themselves and proliferate over time, providing long-lasting effects. [...]


PreB and the Anew Farms in Brazil
double-click to enlarge

World's 1st macrobiotic supplement, featuring 55 fermented whole foods
click to enlarge

Michio Kushi's Fermented Superfood Complex with PreB® is one of those special supplements that only come along once every few years. It is the world's first macrobiotic supplement, featuring 55 fermented whole foods that are bursting with natural enzymes and nutrients to promote energy and vitality.

The term "macrobiotic" was first used by Hippocrates, and it means "great life" or "long life" in Greek. He used the word to describe people who were healthy and lived long. Developer of Fermented Superfood Complex Michio Kushi believes macrobiotics is an approach to life, or a philosophy, rather than a "diet." Macrobiotics emphasizes whole cereals, grains, legumes, vegetables, seaweed, fermented foods and fruits combined into meals according to the principle of balance known as yin and yang.

The exclusive blend of whole foods in our Fermented Superfood Complex is called preB®. Mr. Kushi developed preB® as a complete nutritional complex composed entirely of fermented foods, containing over 50 types of the world's healthiest plants and foods. These are combined and fermented using natural yeast, local bacteria and the miraculous water that gushes from the springs on the ANEW Farm in southern Brazil. The result is a totally unique, all-natural fermented food formula that concentrates all of the Kushi Macrobiotic principles into one convenient supplement for total health and wellness. Try Michio Kushi's Fermented Superfood Complex with preB® as part of a wholesome, natural diet, which is the most direct path to good health. → Read More

Swanson EFAs 100% Pure Krill Oil


Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5               
Read Reviews               

Item #: SWE059
500 mg 60 Sgels

SWANSON $12.99

→ Swanson EFAs Krill Oil featuring Superba™ Oil
→ Superior bioavailability delivered in the form of natural phospholipids
→ The most eco-friendly source of pure omega-3 krill oil

Krill oil is among nature's best sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids, but not all krill oil supplements are created equal. Swanson's team of experts discovered Superba™ Krill Oil, from Aker BioMarine™. This product's high-quality bioavailability sets it apart from the rest, and the Eco-Harvesting™ techniques employed in the production of Superba™ Krill Oil make it the environmentally responsible choice, protecting the ocean and its delicate ecosystems.

Each of Swanson's softgels delivers both EPA and DHA omega-3s, and supports omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids for complete EFA nutrition. The phospholipid form of krill oil allows the EPA and DHA to be taken up directly into cell membranes and dramatically enhances bioavailability. Krill also has the natural antioxidant astaxanthin, which not only protects the EPA and DHA from degradation, but provides valuable free-radical protection for the body. Swanson EFAs Krill Oil uses the best krill oil in the world, delivering a natural source of omega-3 nutrition for cardiovascular support, mental health maintenance, PMS, healthy skin and more.



Image Credit: British Antarctic Survey;
UC Santa Cruz Currents Online (13.02.06)

Krill is a tiny crustacean that looks much like a shrimp. In the oceans of the world, it is near the bottom of the food chain, but it is one of the earth's most abundant creatures. There are over 85 species of krill, yet only one that provides the quality human nutrition found in SUPERBA™ Krill — Euphausia superba, the Antarctic krill.

The Phospholipid Difference

While fish oils provide omega-3 fatty acids in triglyceride form, krill's omega-3s are primarily phospholipids, which are water dispersible and therefore more efficiently absorbed and utilized within the body. Plus, krill delivers naturally occurring astaxanthin and canthaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that not only protect the integrity of the omega-3s but also provide added nourishment for your body. To demonstrate the significant bioavailability of SUPERBA™ Krill, Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS scientists measured the omega-3 index (a diagnostic measurement of combined EPA and DHA concentrations in red blood cells) in volunteers consuming 2 grams of krill oil daily for 8 weeks. The charts shown below display the remarkable increase in the average omega-3 index — up 125 percent!

Eco Harvesting™ = Sustainability & Superb Quality

Aker's advanced harvesting and on-vessel processing protects the environment while producing absolutely fresh, single-source krill oil with full traceability, pristine purity and optimum stability. Aker's Eco Harvesting™ technology stays under water, bringing fresh, live krill directly onto the vessel (dubbed the Floating Life Sciences Factory) for immediate processing.

Swanson Ultra High Potency Astaxanthin

Swanson Ultra High Potency Astaxanthin
Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWU230
4 mg 60 Sgels

SWANSON $8.49

→ A powerful free-radical fighter
→ Molecular structure contributes
   to antioxidant capabilities
→ Each serving delivers 4 mg
   of astaxanthin

Optimize your free-radical defenses with Swanson High Potency Astaxanthin! A member of the carotenoid family, this potent formula has a molecular structure that makes it remarkably effective at neutralizing free radicals.

The ketocarotenoid astaxanthin can be found in the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, and Chlorococcum sp., and the red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma. The microalga H. pluvialis has the highest capacity to accumulate astaxanthin up to 4–5% of cell dry weight. Astaxanthin has been attributed with extraordinary potential for protecting the organism against a wide range of diseases, and has considerable potential and promising applications in human health. Numerous studies have shown that astaxanthin has potential health-promoting effects in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as cancers, chronic inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, liver diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, eye diseases, skin diseases, exercise-induced fatigue, male infertility, and HgCl2-induced acute renal failure. In this article, the currently available scientific literature regarding the most significant activities of astaxanthin is reviewed.

Nutrex Hawaii
BioAstin
Natural Astaxanthin

SWANSON
$11.20
Retail $21.99
60 Gcaps

Nutrex Hawaii
BioAstin Natural
Astaxanthin Supreme

SWANSON
$16.69
Retail $29.99
60 Veg Sgels

NOW Foods
Astaxanthin

SWANSON
$10.49
Retail $19.99
60 Veg Sgels

Swanson Ultra
EyesAlive

SWANSON
$18.99
60 Caps

Swanson Ultra
Saw Palmetto/ Astaxanthin
Prostate Complex

SWANSON
$10.99
90 Sgels

Swanson Superior Herbs Rhodiola Rosea Extract

Swanson Superior Herbs - Rhodiola Rosea Extract
Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWH100
250 mg 60 Caps

SWANSON $8.99

→ An herbal tonic to fight
   physical and mental fatigue
→ Works to fend off the
   negative effects of stress
→ Standardized to 60%
   polyphenols including
   5% rosavins

This plant naturally grows in cold regions, including the arctic, Central Asia and mountainous regions of the United States and Europe. It has been used for centuries in Russia, Scandinavia and Iceland to quell anxiety and strengthen mental stamina. Also known as golden root, rhodiola is already known to counter symptoms of mental and physical fatigue.

Don't let stress wear you down — re-energize with Swanson Rhodiola, the herbal tonic that fights mental and physical fatigue. The key to rhodiola's stress-fighting power lies in unique polyphenol constituents known as rosavins, which help control stress hormones. Swanson's Rhodiola Extract is standardized to 60% polyphenols, including 5% rosavins, for guaranteed potency in each capsule.

Swanson Ultra Acti-Joint®

Acti-Joint® is the only joint care complex in America featuring pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate from European nutraceutical specialists Bioiberica. This 99.9% pure form of chondroitin works with just one sixth of the standard serving — 200 mg versus 1,200 mg. Your joints are complex mechanisms involving a variety of structures that each need specific nourishment. Acti-Joint was developed specifically to address the three primary structures and functions within the joints.

Cartilage: Cartilage has mechanical characteristics necessary for frictionless movement of joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are primary components of healthy cartilage. Each contribute to both structure and function, helping to keep the tissue b and resilient, yet supple enough to support full and free movement.

Subchondral Bone: Another component of healthy joints is the subchondral bone, the bone structures beneath the cartilage. Emerging research indicates a role for glucosamine and chondroitin in helping maintain healthy subchondral bone.

Synovial Fluid: The third and very important aspect of joint health is the fluid in and around the joint, called synovial fluid. This viscous liquid, which lubricates the joint and interacts with cartilage, is secreted by a soft tissue within the joint cavity called the synovial membrane. Acti-Joint® delivers hyaluronic acid (HA) in the form of Hyal-Joint®, the most active form of oral HA available for joint health support specific to the synovial fluid membrane functions.

Acti-Joint brings together the three leading supplements for joint health, but it's more than a simple combination. It's the high quality of the ingredients and the precision combination that counts. No other complex in the U.S. delivers this pharmaceutical-grade glucosamine and chondroitin together, along with Hyal-Joint.

Item #: SWU663
860 mg 60 Caps

SWANSON $9.99

→ Acti-Joint Glucosamine,
   Chondroitin & Hyaluronic Acid
→ The three leading joint health
   supplements in one ultimate
   combination formula
→ Features 99.9% pure
   pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin

Swanson Kyoto Brand
Kyoto Chlorella

Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWK002
200 mg 1500 Tabs

SWANSON $35.99

→ Phytonutrient-packed to help reinvigorate your body
→ State-of-the-art processing breaks down the plant's cell wall for optimum bioavailability
→ Studies confirm up to an 83% digestibility rate

Rejuvenate your body with the phytonutrient-packed power of chlorella! Harvested from the pristine waters of the Ishigaki Islands of southern Japan, Swanson Kyoto Chlorella utilizes an advanced processing technique to break open the plant's cell wall and unlock its nutritional bounty for optimal bioavailability. In fact, an independent study by the Japanese Food Hygiene Association showed the digestibility of Swanson Kyoto Chlorella to be 83%.

Swanson Premium
Cinnamon Gymnema Mulberry Complex

Item #: SW1048
120 Caps

SWANSON $5.99

→ Works to support healthy blood sugar naturally
→ Cinnamon, gymnema and mulberry support metabolic function
→ Each two-capsule serving supplies 500 mg of each of these
   time-honored herbs

An all-natural way to support healthy blood sugar, Cinnamon Gymnema Mulberry Complex features three time-honored herbs that have proven their value for metabolic support. Cinnamon has flavonoids that help the body use its insulin supply more efficiently. Gymnema and mulberry have been used for centuries by Ayurvedic and Chinese herbalists to promote healthy glucose metabolism.

Swanson Premium
D-Mannose

Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SW913
1.75 oz (50 grams) Pwdr

SWANSON $14.99

→ Effective nutritive
   support for the
   bladder and urinary
   tract
→ Even more powerful
   than cranberry juice
→ A naturally occurring
   sugar with unique
   protective properties


Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

SWANSON $9.99

→ Nourishes healthy
   flora
→ Supports urinary
   tract health
→ Convenient, easily
   portable capsules

Looking for an effective natural choice for urinary tract care — more powerful than cranberry juice? Swanson D-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar with specific nutritional benefits for the bladder and urinary tract. Its unique protective properties are gaining it increasing recognition as one of the best nutritional approaches for natural urinary tract maintenance.

D-Mannose powder is a great option for bladder health that seems to be more powerful than cranberry. It provides a protective coating to help keep the urinary tract healthy, and it is naturally occurring in many fruits like peaches, apples and berries. D-Mannose powder is also generally regarded as safe with no side-effects and, perhaps more importantly, it is pleasant tasting.

Technically, D-Mannose is a "simple sugar." Functionally, it nourishes the healthy flora that colonize the membranes of the urinary tract and keep us in balance. It's no surprise that we've heard from so many of you who appreciate its benefits. But as with all powdered supplements, mixing often gets in the way. If you're a D-Mannose fan looking for a portable solution, or you're interested in going beyond cranberry on your quest for urinary tract health, these caps are for you.

Swanson Superior Herbs
Saw Palmetto

Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

→ PalmettoPure Saw Palmetto Extract made with organic saw palmetto
→ Premier herb for prostate health
→ Standardized to 85%-95% fatty acids; Vegetarian

The herb of choice for prostate care! Saw palmetto has emerged as the world's #1 herb for all-natural prostate health maintenance.

These convenient softgels feature a concentrated saw palmetto extract standardized to 85-95% fatty acids for guaranteed potency.

Swanson Ultra PalmettoPure Saw Palmetto Extract contains Valensa's USPlus Certified Organic Saw Palmetto extract, produced using Valensa's CO2 extraction and O2B advanced peroxidation blocking system.

Solvent free. Vegetarian.

Swanson Ultra Magnesium Oil

The Zechstein Sea Well —
A 250-Million-Year Legacy

Over 250 million years ago, the ancient Zechstein Sea extended across Europe from what is now northern England to Germany. Throughout the ages, the sea flooded and evaporated in four cycles, leaving rich deposits of minerals and natural elements behind. Today, nearly one mile beneath the surface of the earth in the Netherlands lies the world’s oldest and most pristine natural magnesium chloride deposit ever discovered. This is the Zechstein Sea Well, the source of Swanson Ultra® Magnesium Oil.

The Zechstein Sea Well, source of the world’s finest Magnesium Oil

Tapping Ancient Purity...
One Mile Down

For millions of years the Zechstein magnesium deposit remained undisturbed about one mile beneath the surface of the earth (1,500–2,000 meters), where it is protected from modern pollution. Today this pure magnesium chloride is solution-mined using nothing but pure water to produce the world’s finest Magnesium Oil. Water is pumped down under intense pressure to the magnesium layer. The magnesium dissolves into the water and the solution is then pumped to the surface where it is collected and refined into pure magnesium chloride. Zechstein Minerals BV is committed to responsible mining and maintains a variety of ecological programs to minimize the environmental impact of its operations.

Swanson Ultra
Magnesium Chloride Flakes


Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWU495
2.2 lb (35.27 oz) Flakes

SWANSON $14.99

→ Maintains smooth, supple skin
→ Magnesium chloride comes
   from the ancient Zechstein
   Sea in the Netherlands
→ Developed by Dr. Barbara Hendel

→ Dr. Barbara Hendel's
   Magnesium Oil, from the
   Ancient Zechstein Sea
→ Nourishes & moisturizes skin
→ Apply after showering
   or bathing

Mined from deep underground at the site of the ancient Zechstein Sea in The Netherlands, Swanson Ultra Magnesium Oil is a super-saturated spray of pure magnesium chloride and water -- nothing added, nothing taken away. Naturopathic expert Dr. Barbara Hendel recommends Magnesium oil for daily use. It's non-greasy and absorbs rapidly leaving little residue and no unpleasant scent. Magnesium Oil consists of a supersaturated solution of magnesium chloride and pure water.

Moisturize and Nourish Your Skin

Dr. Hendel:
...Magnesium salts have been used in both traditional and "modern" healthcare for a wide variety of applications. Of course Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate, is the most recognizable. Other salts of magnesium, carbonate and phosphate, are used in homeopathic remedies. I’ve used all of these agents in my practice.

I’m so thrilled about Magnesium Oil because it is an excellent and affordable solution that offers a convenient alternative to traditional Epsom salt use and it can be used more selectively; in other words, rather than soaking your entire body in an Epsom salt bath, you can use Magnesium Oil on an isolated area—say, for example, a patch of dry skin. You can put it exactly where you want it.

[...] Magnesium Oil isn’t actually an oil; rather, it’s a supersaturated solution of magnesium chloride and pure water. The magnesium gives it a slippery feel, which is why it is called Magnesium Oil. It absorbs readily into the skin, leaving no oily residue, no scent, no sign whatsoever that it has been applied. [...]

SWANSON: How should Magnesium Oil be used?

Dr. Hendel:
First of all, it’s simply fantastic for the skin. I recommend it be applied after bathing or showering, anywhere you want to moisturize and nourish your skin. Second, although this is not magnesium sulfate (this is not an Epsom salt product), it may be used in a similar manner for similar purposes. As I said earlier, the advantage is that it can be applied directly where needed, eliminating the need for a total-body immersion. I recommend that those interested do a little research online to learn more about this excellent new alternative.

CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS
"At Swanson, you'll always get the greatest value for your health dollar. Order today at these special internet prices and save even more — up to 50% off our already low everyday prices." We update these items monthly.

Olive Leaf Extract Super Strength


Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWH139
750 mg 60 Caps

SWANSON $9.49

Fortify your body's natural defenses with the herbal immune-boosting power of Super Strength Olive Leaf Extract. Herbalists around the world are touting the protective powers of the olive leaf, and for good reason. Olive leaves contain a unique natural antioxidant constituent known as oleuropein, which neutralizes harmful free-radicals to bolster immune function. This Super Strength Olive Leaf Extract is standardized to 20% oleuropein concentration to deliver an impressive 150 mg oleuropein per capsule.

Regular strength Olive Leaf Extract, 15% standardized oleuropein concentration → 500 mg 60 Caps, $5.99.


French Green Clay Natural Detoxifier


Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SW1222
1,000 mg 60 Caps

SWANSON $5.49

→ Detoxify naturally with
   French Green Clay
→ Contains minerals, trace
   elements and phyto-
   nutrients
→ Comes from pesticide-
   free deposits in France

While many people recognize the benefits of natural clays for skincare, most Americans have yet to experience the age-old European practice of including specialized French Green Clay in the diet. This special form of clay (also known as illite clay) contains minerals, trace elements and phytonutrients (which give it its green color). It also absorbs unwanted substances in the GI tract, making it an excellent addition to any detoxification program. Our French Green Clay comes only from specifically selected, pesticide-free deposits in France, where it is sun-dried and naturally processed into a fine powder. supplements or medications. [...]


Swanson Ultra
Himalayan Crystal Salt Combo


Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Read Reviews

Item #: SWU516
1 Kit

SWANSON $14.99

→ Only real Himalayan Salt
   in America endorsed by
   Dr. Barbara Hendel
→ Perfect combo for easy
   use and handy refills
→ The finest, most pure
   cyrstal salt in the world

Swanson Himalayan Crystal Salt Combo is the perfect collection for easy use and handy refills. Endorsed by Dr. Barbara Hendel, the founder of the European crystal salt movement, this is the only real Himalayan Salt in America of its kind. As the ancient seas evaporated and the Himalayan Mountains rose from the earth, ribbons of pure crystal salt were stretched throughout the rock. Its structure, mineral composition and purity was thus preserved to this day. This crystal salt is finely ground and 100% pure and natural. It's more pure and refined than table salt; it's more pure and wholesome than sea salt or rock salt.

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