With the various formulations and dosages available of Source Naturals Pycnogenol, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. Pycnogenol, also known as French maritime pine bark extract, has been used not only as an antioxidant, but in the treatment of a number of different medical conditions, such as peripheral circulation problems, as well as promoting good cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. Source Naturals, one of the most prolific manufacturers, has several different Pycnogenol products to choose from, and they are laid out for you below.
Pycnogenol
Standard Pycnogenol comes in four different dosages, from 25 mg up to 100 mg, depending on the usage. It is advertised as containing 90% Pycnogenol extract by volume, which is a good amount compared to some other manufacturers. For preventative use and general good health, start at the lower dosages, but for treatment, start with 200 or so mg per day and taper off after a week or so.
Additional ingredients include: microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, modified cellulose gum, and colloidal silicon dioxide.
Source Naturals Pycnogenol and Grape Seed Extract
This formulation is the exact same as the standard Pycnogenol supplement with the addition of an equal amount of grape seed extract. Grape seed extract is another powerful antioxidant and recent research supports the idea that the two support each other and that grape seed extract benefits your health even more when they are taken together.
Pycnogenol Complex
Source Naturals Pycnogenol Complex is a little more interesting than the previous varieties we have discussed. While the actual Pycnogenol content is rather low, at only 25 mg per tablet, it comes bundled with eleven other compounds and antioxidants, including: vitamin C, bilberry, grape seed extract, turmeric root extract, ginkgo leaf extract, green tea extract, silymarin, quercetin, hawthorn berry extract, rosemary extract, and magnesium.
The bottom line is that if you are looking to add a wide range of antioxidants to your diet, this is a good choice. If it is the actual Pycnogenol you are after, however, you are better off looking elsewhere.
Source Naturals Pycnogenol Supreme
This product is very similar to the Source Naturals Pycnogenol Complex, but taken to the next level, with over 25 different compounds and antioxidants and enzymes. While it certainly will not likely do you any harm and contains quite a few very healthful compounds, you are still better off looking for a higher dose of actual Pycnogenol if those are the benefits that you are looking for.
Whatever formulation of Source Naturals Pycnogenol you choose, it is important to note that if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any sort of chronic medical condition, you need to talk to your doctor before adding any new supplement to your diet. Even though pine bark extract is generally very well tolerated with few side effects, you can never be too careful when it comes to your health.
