Frequently Asked Questions

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of living cells which is produced in the body and functions to provide energy production at a cellular level, as well as having antioxidant activity. The heart muscles have the greatest need for CoQ10 followed by the liver and skeletal muscles. Dietary sources of CoQ10 include red meat, fish and vegetable oils such as soybean, sesame and canola. Individuals participating in endurance sports can benefit from CoQ10 as can heart patients where CoQ10 can improve symptoms and exercise tolerance. Deficiencies have also been linked to gum disease and lowered immune function.

Glucosamine is a natural component found in the cartilage matrix and synovial fluid of joints. It is a major building block of the substances that, together with protein, form the structural units in cartilage. Chondroitin, like glucosamine, is a natural component of cartilage. Chondroitin is also involved in the lubrication and nutrition of the joint, and helps the joints to resist compression. They both appear to work together in the synthesis of cartilage, reduce cartilage wear and provide temporary relief of the pain associated with arthritis.

Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and joint swelling associated with arthritis. Blackmores Omega Joint contains a concentrated dose of omega-3 fatty acids at three times the strength of standard fish oil. Lyprinol® has a more complex lipid structure compared to other marine oils, such as fish oil. It has been clinically proven to decrease joint pain from both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Many people living with arthritis benefit by starting with a glucosamine product or combined glucosamine and chondroitin product such as Blackmores Joint Formula with Glucosamine & Chondroitin, then adding extra support for inflammation, pain or swelling. Whether you choose standard fish oil, a concentrated fish oil or Lyprinol® depends on your personal needs and degree of discomfort.

Pain in the joints may relate to the early stages of arthritis, or another problem with your knee joints. Try taking Fish Oil 1000mg capsules (3 per day) along with Glucosamine 500mg tablets (3 per day). The Fish oil is not only good for inflammation in your joints, but also good for your heart, lowers cholesterol and helps provide some important fatty acids. Glucosamine, which is a component of cartilage in joints, has been clinically proven not only to relieve symptoms of painful joints but may also slow down progression of arthritis. You should take both these supplements long term. Ensure that you are drinking at least two litres of water daily and that your diet has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. It would help to lose some weight, if you are overweight, to reduce wear and tear of the joints.

A formulation containing Horseradish & Garlic can help dry up your running nose and clear your sinus. Allergies may be caused by foods like wheat, dairy, sugar; a lowered immune system or stress.

Blackmores’ products encapsulated with bovine gelatine are certified halal by The Australian Federation of Islamic Council (AFIC), which is recognised by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM).

A diet rich in fibre and maintaining adequate fluid intake of at least 6-8 glasses filtered water per day plus regular exercise, are important first steps in relieving sluggish bowel activity. Insoluble fibres found in vegetables, most grains including oats and rice bran, add greater faecal bulk and decrease the transit time. Blackmores Digestive Bitters before meals stimulates digestive function. Acidophilus bifidus helps to re-establish the healthy flora that resides in the gut, which will help to eliminate gas (flatulence), bloating and constipation. A cup of fennel tea after meals assists the digestive process and reduces flatulence.

It is important to firstly establish the cause of your fatigue. There are pathologies resulting in extreme fatigue that need to be ruled out. If the fatigue is due to stress and overwork, go for supplements with B group vitamins for healthy function of the nervous system. Potassium and magnesium phosphates are traditionally indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms of stress, anxiety and irritability. Blackmores Executive B has a combination of these nutrients which may be beneficial in times of physical and emotional stress and fatigue. A healthy diet, 1.5 litres of spring water daily and regular exercise are also important.

As we age, poor circulation to the brain can result in symptoms of impaired memory and concentration, forgetfulness, confusion, lack of energy and tiredness. An extract of the herb Gingko biloba, has been used in many trials and shows positive improvements in the areas of cognitive function. Gingko also has benefit in improving circulation to peripheral areas of the body. As it improves circulation and reduces the stickiness of blood platelets, consult your health care professional if taking anticoagulant medication.

At Blackmores, we have a fish oil quality testing program that we believe is unmatched by any other Australian company. Every batch of ingredients used in our products is scientifically and rigorously tested. This involves checking and testing that each ingredient complies with a list of stringent quality criteria which is confirmed by both our raw material supplier and our own internal procedures.

Blackmores Fish Oil is molecularly distilled, mercury tested, without added artificial surfactants to disguise fishy odours. Our commitment to the highest standards, quality ingredients, good manufacturing practices and trustworthy information means that you can take Blackmores Fish Oil with confidence.

Antioxidants act as ‘free-radical scavengers’. Free radicals are common in the body, arising through a variety of mechanisms. Some are generated in the body as part of normal energy-producing processes, some are generated by pollutants such as air pollution, and some are generated by lifestyle factors such as excess dietary fats, cigarette smoke, and alcohol ingestion. Many of these free radicals are dealt with by the body’s own free radical, antioxidant defences. Some free radicals, however, escape these defences, and tend to accumulate. Research suggests that this accumulation of free radicals can result in cellular damage.

The nutrients vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene and zinc in Bio ACE have antioxidant properties that reduce the risk of cell damage attributed to free radicals. Vitamin B6 and folic acid enhance the antioxidant nutrients in this formula.

As we age, poor circulation to the brain can result in symptoms of impaired memory and concentration, forgetfulness, confusion, lack of energy and tiredness. An extract of the herb Gingko biloba, has been used in many trials and shows positive improvements in the areas of cognitive function. Gingko also has benefit in improving circulation to peripheral areas of the body. As it improves circulation and reduces the stickiness of blood platelets, consult your health care professional if taking anticoagulant medication.

Blackmores PhytoLife® is based on extracts of soy standardised to contain isoflavone glycosides which have been found to be of benefit during menopause when oestrogen production by the ovaries decreases.

Blackmores 45 Plus combines dong quai – a traditional tonic for the female reproductive system; black cohosh – traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of menopause and St Johns wort – traditionally used for relief of nervous tension and mild anxiety associated with menopause.
Increase regular exercise and include fresh green leafy vegetables, soy products and fresh ground linseeds in the diet. Decrease caffeine intake and increase water consumption to between 1.5 and 2 litres daily.

During pregnancy the body's requirement for certain nutrients is increased. Combined with a healthy diet, taking a supplement specifically formulated for pregnancy is advisable to support the recommended daily intake of nutrients (RDIs). Blackmores Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding Gold formula provides 17 essential nutrients including 10 vitamins, 6 minerals and omega-3 fatty acids which may be beneficial to a mother and her developing baby. It is recommended during pregnancy as well as when breast-feeding.

Blackmores I-Folic® contains both iodine and folic acid, which are important preconception nutrients. Iodine is essential for normal thyroid function, and is important for a baby’s brain development, visual skills, motor skills and hearing. Folic acid, if taken prior to conception, may reduce the risk of women having children with birth defects of the brain and/or spinal cord, such as spina bifida. Folic acid is also one of the nutrients necessary for the production of normal red blood cells. Not to be taken with Blackmores Pregnancy & Breast-Feeding Gold Formula or other folate supplements.

Low levels of GLA have been found in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Essential fatty acid deficiency can lead to an excess of the female hormone prolactin which is responsible for many of the symptoms of PMS. Supplementing with Evening Primrose Oil increases a prostaglandin known as PGE1, which may help with the symptoms of PMS. Lifestyle factors such as excess saturated fats in the diet, ongoing high stress levels, alcohol consumption, and smoking may all affect GLA metabolism, leading to the need for dietary supplementation.

Proseren is a concentrated extract of the herb Serenoa serrulata. The herb has been shown to relieve symptoms of medically diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia; these include frequency of urination, hesistancy, impairment of urinary stream and nocturia. BPH seems to be dependant on the actions of male hormones within the prostate.

Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, and cola drinks late in the day and replace with herbal teas such as chamomile. Reduce alcohol and avoid eating a large meal late at night Blackmores Tranquil Night or Valerian Forte are recommended for the temporary relief of insomnia and disturbed sleep. Tranquil Night combines the gentle sedative herbs Valerian, Hops and Passionflower with the synergistic action of vitamins specific for relaxing the nervous system and thereby improving sleep. Valerian Forte is a product, which contains a standardised dosage of Valerian, at a dosage that has been demonstrated to improve sleep quality and to reduce the symptoms of irregular sleep patterns such as the time taken to fall asleep and reducing night wakening. Both these products lack the common side effects of pharmaceutical sedatives and are non-habit forming. As insomnia can be due to a variety of causes, if it persists consult your health professional.