BioStacks
Best for
Ingredients (8)
Zinc Bisglycinate
100%Dose
37.5 mg
Target
15–30 mg
Form
Premium
Vitamin D3
100%Dose
1000 IU
Target
1000–5000 IU
Form
Premium
Vitamin C
40%Dose
100 mg
Target
250–2000 mg
Form
Budget
Zinc
40%Dose
6 mg
Target
15–30 mg
Form
Not listed
Oregano Oil
49%Dose
73 mg
Target
150–600 mg
Form
—
Other Ingredients (10)
Caramel ColorColor
Class III and IV caramel colors contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) in 2011 (Monograph Vol. 101). California Prop 65 lists 4-MEI as a known carcinogen; products delivering >29 mcg/day require a cancer warning label. NTP TR-535 (2007) found 4-MEI caused lung tumors in mice. Major cola brands (Coca-Cola, Pepsi) voluntarily reformulated 2012-2014 to reduce 4-MEI below California thresholds. Because labels never specify Class I (sugar + heat only, safer) vs Class III/IV (ammonia-process, contains 4-MEI), consumers cannot verify which they're consuming. Combined with the additive's purely cosmetic purpose, the risk:benefit ratio is unfavorable for any supplement.
CarboxymethylcelluloseThickener
Carboxymethylcellulose was the second emulsifier (with polysorbate 80) in Chassaing et al. 2015 (Nature, PMID 25731162), which showed mucus-barrier thinning, a microbiota shift toward pro-inflammatory species, low-grade inflammation, and metabolic syndrome in mice. Chassaing 2022 (Gastroenterology, PMID 34774538) tested CMC directly in a randomized controlled human feeding trial and found reduced microbial diversity and bacterial encroachment into the normally sterile mucus layer in a susceptible subset of participants. EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation could not establish a safe level due to data gaps. For a purely textural excipient, the gut-barrier risk profile is unfavorable when safer thickeners are widely available.
ShellacCoating
Natural resin secreted by the lac bug, used as a coating and glazing agent for tablets and pills
Rice Bran OilCarrier
An oil pressed from rice bran, used as a carrier and emollient
Silicon DioxideAnti-caking
Fine silica powder used to prevent clumping
BeeswaxCoating
Natural wax produced by honeybees, used as a coating and binding agent in softgels and tablets
GelatinCapsule
Protein derived from collagen, used in traditional capsule shells
GlycerinHumectant
Sweet-tasting liquid used in soft capsules and liquids
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Sources & Scoring
Nutrient data (RDA, UL, and safety thresholds) sourced from: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.
The score analyzes what's on the label: ingredient doses vs. clinical ranges, chemical forms, evidence levels, and known interactions. It does not verify label accuracy or test for contaminants — for that, look for third-party certifications like USP or NSF.