Nutri Courses

Advisory

Extract

This is a concentrated form of food—most commonly of plant origin—that contains a high amount of its active ingredients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, phytochemicals...). The extract is obtained through the process of extraction, where water, alcohol, or another solvent is used to separate these active ingredients from the rest of the plant. Extracts are often used in dietary supplements and medicinal products because they provide a high amount of active ingredients without the need to consume large amounts of the whole food or plant. Their use brings a range of health benefits—supporting the immune system, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, etc.

Hello,

How can one tell if a product contains a standardized amount? Is it enough for the manufacturer to state, for example: Panax ginseng standardized extract, 330 mg/capsule, or does this need to be documented somehow? Another manufacturer lists it as an extract of six-year-old red Korean true ginseng root 10% (Rb1 + Rg1 + Rg3 - 4 mg/g), jujube extract 2%, meaning 360 mg of active ingredients, with a total content of ginsenosides (saponins) being 70 mg/g. In this case, they don't state that it is a standardized amount but they do provide a KOREA INSAM Certificate issued by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture to distinguish the original quality of true ginseng from other types of ginseng or their imitations. Holders of these certificates must meet strict conditions. In South Korea, there are only a few manufacturers who meet the quality requirements for this certificate. Can you advise which product to choose?

Thank you.

In this case, the second product is more advantageous because it clearly states the content of ginsenosides, which are the substances that determine the adaptogenic effect of ginseng. The first-mentioned product guarantees a standardized extract but does not specify which particular components are included; it is only related to the name of the herb, which essentially means that the capsule contains 330 mg of ginseng extract (you do not know how much of active substances it represents).

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

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