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Here at Quest, we ensure that all our products are of the highest quailty and that this quality is maintained with every single tablet/capsule that we produce. Below are some of the examples of how we do it!

Timed Release and Standard Release Tablets

Timed release denotes a process whereby the ingredients of a tablet are trickled out of a binding matrix. In contrast to standard release tablets, which releases all the ingredients within a short period of time, Quest has designed a patented timed release process patent no. GB2305604), which provides high levels of nutrients in one tablet that are slowly broken down in the body, releasing nutrients over a six hour period.

Timed release allows for efficient usage of the B and C vitamins which can not be otherwise stored in the body. Such formulations are suitable for those with active lifestyles, who have high nutrient requirements. A special process in tablet manufacturing results in Quest's highly effective timed release formulations. During manufacture, nutrients are blended with a specific combination of binding and disintegrating components, which, upon tablet compression, trap the nutrients in a matrix. 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.

Dissolution tests are conducted on all Quest timed release products to ensure that all ingredients are released for absorption over six hours.

Amino Acid Chelated Minerals

Quest chooses to use amino acid chelated minerals as this mimics the way the body treats minerals and provides the best absorption for anyone using mineral supplements. When amino acids are used to bind with minerals, this avoids minerals that might cause gastric upset and ensures they will not react with other dietary components. Amino acids are the ideal chelating material for enhancing absorption of minerals into the body. A simplified overview of the process used in the manufacture of Quest's amino acid chelated minerals follows:

Rice protein is "hydrolysed" (broken up into its constituent amino acids) by the addition of digestive enzymes. The resultant amino acid "soup" is then adjusted to a specific pH depending on the mineral or mineral blend being chelated. Mineral and "soup" are mixed, and chelation occurs. The newly formed chelate mixture is dried at low temperatures, powdered and then incorporated into the relevant formula. The result is highly absorbable, easily utilisable mineral supplements.

Research is ongoing and it is widely accepted that amino acid chelated minerals are absorbed in greater amounts than other mineral forms. The table below lists the ratios of quantities of minerals absorbed from amino acid chelates, with those from sulphates, carbonates and oxides.

Standardised Herbs

Quest Standardised Herb Extracts offer a unique guarantee of purity, potency and quality at every stage of manufacture - even in the finished tablet. This gives users, from qualified practitioners to the general public, reliable and effective products.

Quest has developed pioneering methods (using TLC, HPLC and GC) of tablet analysis that ensure the extract contains all of the herb compounds in naturally occurring amounts, plus a specified potency of selected active compounds in the final tablet. Anyone using a Quest formula will know that it is consistent from batch-to-batch, month-to-month and year-to-year.

Quality Control Process - Suppliers of 'standardised powder extracts' are inspected to ensure they conform to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Quest's high quality standards are maintained through stringent specifications. The supplier will then use herb plants that meet this specification with each delivery being tested for conformity.

TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) - This is used to identify and semi quantify the naturally occurring individual compounds which are present in the herb. This ensures that these compounds are contained in the standardised powder extract. TLC is also used to detect the presence of any foreign material that may be present.

HPLC & GC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography & Gas Chromatography) - Quest also indicate the equivalence of herb powder used to produce the standardised powder extract. This allows the customer and retailer to easily compare the product for both potency and value.

Science Based Formulations - Herbal products should be backed by authoritative, scientific data. Quest nutritionists review recognised journals including the herbal pharmacopoeia and document the evidence of the positive effects and safety of each herb. This ensures that once launched, our products meet the highest possible standards and that consumers can use these products with confidence to improve their health.