Designs for Health, the trusted practitioner brand Learn More

Our Process

We achieve this through our focus on five guiding principles. Designing practitioner only nutritional products which demonstrate our commitment to clinical research, natural health science and innovative product development.

INNOVATION

DFH is committed to supporting the HCP community and advancing our collective mission of making functional medicine the new standard for healthcare throughout the world. That’s why we constantly review the latest science and seek feedback from the practising professionals we support.

CLINICAL RESEARCH

At Designs for Health, we formulate our products with evidence based scientific research and innovation in mind.

SCIENCE

Our research team analyse the latest research to ensure meaningful and relevant ingredients and formulations for our practitioners.

TESTING

Quality is controlled from raw material selection through to GMP manufacturing of the finished product. Our comprehensive testing for quality and efficacy specifically tests for; identity, purity and strength.

PRODUCT

We specifically formulate to ensure low quantity and number of excipients and provide full visibility of all excipients on all product labels. We use two part clear or soft gel capsules and select ingredients which do not contain gluten, soy protein and artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Science First

We constantly use our “Science First” approach to design nutritional products based on the latest science and innovation, and clinical health research.

The Science First Difference

Designs for Health is committed to producing the most effective and therapeutic nutritional products possible. We are responsible for meeting every aspect of this concept through our guiding principle: Science First.

The Science First concept includes product ingredient selection, raw material sourcing, product formulation, potency regulations and assurances, dietary recommendations, delivery methods, and education. Our Science-First principles guide all our decision-making processes from product ingredient selection to packaging.

All DFH supplements:

  • Include no artificial sweeteners or detrimental levels of nutritive sweeteners such as sucrose, glucose, fructose/ high fructose corn syrup or concentrated fruit juices
  • Are Free from all forms of soy protein

Our “Science First” Approach

From cutting-edge delivery technologies and diagnostic tools, to next generation sourcing and production techniques, we are creating products with quality, purity and potency in mind.

Science First: Delivery System Selection

Evail Technology

While soft gels are known for providing a more bioavailable option for the active ingredients they contain, Designs for Health wasn’t satisfied with the absorption and assimilation of certain nutrients delivered in this way. Our scientists were determined to create a more efficient system that would deliver a higher concentration of nutrients than what was available on the market. After spending almost four years working on a new delivery method, the result is our patented Evail™ emulsion technology, which radically improves the absorption rate of softgels.

Utilizing our proprietary blend of medium-chain triglyceride oils, non-GMO sunflower lecithin, annatto tocotrienols, and other natural compounds, our Evail™ process delivers highly bioavailable formulas. In other words, Evail™ technology provides the opportunity for greater absorption within the body, providing the opportunity to receive a more effective dose.

Numerous clinical studies have substantiated the efficacy of this technology. Plus, unlike many commercially available formulas, our Evail™ process uses only natural ingredients without potentially harmful surfactants and other undesirable compounds. Our products Berb-Evail™, Curcum-Evail™ and Ubiq-Evail™ not only use Evail Technology for superior bioavailability and absorption, but they do so without additives that are commonly used in the industry to increase absorption and bioavailability. We have used this technology to help improve the opportunity for greater absorption of important herbal extracts and fat-soluble nutrients that many people would otherwise have difficulty absorbing.

Liposomal Delivery Technology

Designs for Health set out to find a new delivery method so that when nutrients travel through the digestive system they are more readily absorbed into the blood and have an increased opportunity to reach the cells with full potency. This effective strategy is called liposomal technology.

Liposomes are spheres made of phospholipids, which are the basic building blocks of cell membranes, and they’re produced in liquid form. They encapsulate nutrients and bond with cell membranes to facilitate their delivery. Since liposomes bond so easily with the cell membranes, nutrients are more easily absorbed. That means lower doses may have equal or greater efficacy than higher doses provided in forms that are less bioavailable. Additionally, liposomes are extremely tiny particles, which allow for fast absorption in the body, starting in the mouth, where they’re absorbed through the inner lining of the cheeks and the floor of the mouth.

In order to achieve the highest absorption rate, DFH has created the smallest liposome particle size in the industry—from 40 to 100 nanometres, as opposed to the more common 200 to 600 nanometres from other manufacturers. These smaller particles are developed to go straight into the bloodstream and cells, resulting in faster absorption in the mouth, plus the smaller particles circulate throughout the body longer.

The phospholipids used in DFH’s new liposomal products are derived from non-GMO sunflower lecithin, which allows for effective delivery with both water and fat-soluble compounds. Liposomes also penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and though they absorb quickly in the mouth, they also survive the acidic environment of the stomach, ensuring intestinal uptake and delivery to their target tissues.

With an absorption rate of up to 90%, this new nutrient delivery system is groundbreaking. The potency of nutrients delivered by liposomes also means this advanced technology is beneficial to those who would prefer to swallow fewer capsules.

Zeta Potential

Every batch of Designs for Health’s liposomal products undergoes rigorous zeta potential testing, both upon release and throughout the product’s shelf life. This meticulous approach ensures consistent, superior quality of their liposomal formulations. Zeta potential, a key indicator of liposomal integrity, measures the electrical charge between a liposome’s outer edge and surrounding water molecules. This property is crucial for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of liposomes, as it prevents particle aggregation and helps retain the encapsulated ingredients.

By focusing on zeta potential in addition to particle size, Designs for Health provides a more comprehensive quality assurance. This commitment to thorough testing demonstrates DFH’s dedication to delivering highly effective and stable liposomal products, setting a new standard in the industry for liposomal formulation quality.

Science First: Product Ingredient Selection

VivoMega Platinum Omega 3™

All of our Designs for Health Omega 3 products use a patented source of highly concentrated pure fish oil, VivoMega Platinum. VivoMega is sourced using the highest standards of freshness and purity from sustainable wild sardines, anchovies and mackerel. The fish are caught off the coast of Peru, Chile and Morocco by fisheries strictly regulated by fishing quotas set by governmental agencies of the respective countries.VivoMega is a certified sustainable by two of the main certifying organs for sustainable and responsible fishery; Friend of the Sea and IFFO RS.

With a minimum of 90% fatty acid content, VivoMega uses proprietary technology to produce superior omega 3 concentrates; these include state of the art distillation and urea technology to ensure a high level of concentration with minimal impurities.

DeltaGold® Tocotrienols

The term “Vitamin E” covers eight compounds grouped into tocopherols and tocotrienols, each with different chemistries and biological effects. Clinical studies show delta and gamma tocotrienols provide significant health benefits, but the commonly used alpha-tocopherol form interferes with the delivery of those benefits. Commercial supplements are typically rich in tocopherols namely alpha-tocopherol.

Advancements in Vitamin E research show that tocotrienol fractions are more effective and have more unique beneficial properties than alpha-tocopherol. Designs for Health is committed to transitioning tocopherol containing products to tocotrienols due to its clinical applications and synergistic qualities.

DeltaGold® Tocotrienols is derived from annatto, the only known plant containing tocotrienols with virtually no tocopherols present. DeltaGold ® can be found in our Annatto E 150 product.

GELITA Collagen PeptidesTM

Designs for Health have partnered with GELITA to bring you a range of clinically efficacious collagen products to ensure you get the results your patients seek.

GELITA Bioactive Collagen Peptides® (BCPs) are a composition of specific peptides optimized for physiological benefits. The peptides are derived from a highly controlled production process of collagen determined by hydrolysation conditions. As a result, GELITA Bioactive Collagen Peptides® differ in physiological functionality. They are optimized to maximise stimulation of the human cell types involved in collagen biosynthesis.

Backed by clinical research, GELITA COLLAGEN PEPTIDESTM excel in the areas of skin health, joint health, tendon health, bone health and muscle health. GELITA COLLAGEN PEPTIDESTM can be found in our Whole Body Collagen, Complete Joint Collagen and Active Body Collagen products.

PureWay-C™

PureWay-C is an innovative lipid-based formulation containing a blend of ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids and fatty acids to optimise the bioavailability, cellular uptake, and tissue distribution & retention of Vitamin C.

The Bioflavonoids in the formulation help protect the ascorbic acid from oxidative damage, keeping it stable and active in the system for prolonged periods.

The fatty acid portion facilitates cellular absorption and enables the normally water-soluble ascorbic acid access to biological tissues. It acts as an alternative “ascorbic acid carrier”, enhancing intestinal absorption, tissue distribution, and cellular uptake kinetics of vitamin C. 

Both in vivo and in vitro research has been conducted on PureWay-C, and its efficacy has been documented in reliable peer-reviewed medical journals

Levagen+

Levagen®+ is an advanced palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) formulation created to overcome traditional dispersion issues of PEA, utilising patented LipiSperse® delivery system technology.

Award-winning LipiSperse® is scientifically proven to increase the bioavailability and functionality of PEA.  Levagen®+ has been clinically shown to be absorbed within 45 minutes and with x1.75 the absorption that standard PEA.

HydroCurc®

HydroCurc® is a bioavailable curcumin manufactured using the patented LipSperse® technology.  LipiSperse® has the capacity to facilitate increased absorption while at the same time reducing or eliminating the effect of food in the absorption of many bioactive compounds.

Improvement in bioavailability using LipiSperse® can lead to; improved efficacy, Optimal onset of action, lower dose needed improved use compliance.

Magtein®

Magtein® is a form of Magnesium Threonate that has been extensively researched in clinical studies. It was created by experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Tsinghua University in Beijing. The goal was to develop a bioavailable magnesium form that could easily cross the blood-brain barrier, making it unique and highly effective.

Sensoril®, Shoden® & NooGandha™ Extracts

 

Sensoril®

Sensoril® is a patented combination of roots and leaves of the Ashwagandha plant containing > 10% withanolides. An aqueous extraction process is used to create Sensoril®, providing an extract that is 95% water soluble. Sensoril® has been the focus of 11 randomised, placebo-controlled,
double-blind clinical trials in the United States and internationally and is certified organic.

While the root is the focus of many Ashwagandha extracts on the market, Sensoril® places equal importance on the leaves, which also contain bioactive compounds shown to provide many of the health benefits Ashwagandha is famous for. Due to the inclusion of the Ashwagandha leaves and the aqueous extraction method, the Sensoril® extract produces higher quantities of the standardised bioactives withanolide glycosides and withaferin A.

Shoden®

Shoden® is backed by clinical trials and utilises the roots and leaves of the Ashwagandha plant to create an extract containing 35% withanolide glycosides. The Shoden® extract also contains 21 bioactive withanolide glycosides, along with 4-5% bioactive withanolide aglycones (including withaferin A and withanone) – making Shoden® a market-leading high-potency Ashwagandha extract.

NooGandha™  

NooGandha™ extract provides full-spectrum Ashwagandha root delivered via liposomal technology whereby the extract is bonded to phospholipids to enhance absorption and bioavailability. 

GIVOMAG™

GIVOMAG™ is a highly bioavailable source of magnesium. GIVOMAG™ is magnesium​bound by a glycerophosphate​ ​anion. This forms a chelate, meaning the magnesium is bound at two points instead of just forming one bond. This is important because this type of bond protects magnesium throughout digestion.

The unique structure of GIVOMAG™ allows for better absorption of magnesium into the bloodstream and more effective magnesium metabolism.

Affron®

Affron® is a high-quality saffron ingredient that contains 3.5% Lepticrosalides™, which is responsible for its beneficial and sensory properties.

It has been scientifically proven through eight human clinical studies. The authenticity of Affron® is guaranteed through local sourcing of the Spanish species Crocus sativus L. and a unique extraction process that effectively concentrates and preserves the actives with minimal energy consumption.

Unique IS2: Bacillus coagulans

Unique IS-2 is a microbial strain belonging to the Bacillus coagulans species. B. coagulans Unique IS-2 is a gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium that can survive in aerobic and anaerobic conditions (facultative anaerobe). This transient strain has the potential to produce a variety of digestive enzymes, anti-microbial molecules (including bacteriocins) and vitamins, delivering powerful digestive system support.

Immunolin®

ImmunoLin® is a serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI) that has emerged as a unique alternative to bovine colostrum to support healthy digestion and immune function.


SBI comprises over 90% protein and more than 50% immunoglobulins, other peptides, and growth factors found naturally in milk or colostrum. Proteomics techniques have identified over 180 unique proteins in SBI.

Immunolin contains no lactose or milk proteins such as casein and β-lactoglobulin, which some people can poorly tolerate.

ProbioBrain B1714

Probiobrain, with the unique patented and proprietary Bifidobacterium longum 1714 strain, results from 15 years of research. It is a revolutionary psychobiotic that works on the gut-brain axis to help people manage their psychological responses to stress.

Sabinsa C3 Curcumin

C3 Complex is a premier clinically studied turmeric extract. This potent blend harnesses ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern scientific precision to deliver unparalleled benefits.

Derived from Curcuma longa rhizomes, Sabinsa C3 extract boasts an impressive 95% curcuminoid content, carefully balanced for maximum efficacy. Sabinsa’s ISO-certified manufacturing process ensures the highest purity and is free from impurities and contaminants.

With precisely calibrated ratios of curcumin (70-80%), demethoxycurcumin (15-25%), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (2.5-6.5%), Sabinsa C3 Complex stands as the gold standard in turmeric extracts. Backed by extensive research across various health applications,

Gnosis BIOOTIC® S boulardii

BIOOTIC® is a cutting-edge probiotic featuring Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763, a live yeast strain meticulously developed for optimal digestive support. This innovative probiotic stands out with its superior gastrointestinal survival, rapid action, and unique compatibility with antibiotic treatments. Backed by over 50 years of global research, BIOOTIC® has earned EFSA approval and Qualified Presumption of Safety status. Importantly, it is genetically matched to reference standards, ensuring consistent quality and efficacy with every dose, making it a trusted choice for healthcare professionals.

Clinically proven effective for a wide range of applications, BIOOTIC® offers flexible dosing and 24-month room temperature stability and is produced under stringent cGMP standards. BIOOTIC® works through a multifaceted approach, delivering comprehensive support for digestive health.

Quatrefolic®

Quatrefolic® is an innovative ingredient developed as a fourth-generation folate supplement. It is the glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is structurally identical to the reduced and active form of folate found in the human body. This formulation offers greater stability when compared to other folate supplements.

Unlike folic acid, which requires conversion in the body to become biologically active, Quatrefolic® is considered a “finished” folate that can be used immediately without any metabolisation. This key difference allows Quatrefolic® to effectively bypass the genetic variations that can affect the body’s ability to convert folic acid into its active form. As a result, Quatrefolic® may provide a more direct and efficient way of supplementing folate, particularly for individuals who have difficulty processing folic acid.

Quatrefolic® has been involved in several clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy, including studies showing improved outcomes in lowering homocysteine levels and enhancing fertility in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

Ferrochel® Chelated Iron 

Ferrochel® is a patented iron supplement developed by Albion Minerals, consisting of ferrous bisglycinate chelate. This unique form of iron is created through a proprietary chelation process that binds iron to two glycine molecules, resulting in a small, stable, and electrically neutral compound. Unlike traditional iron salts, Ferrochel® remains intact throughout the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for optimal absorption without interfering with other nutrients.

The unique chemical structure of Ferrochel® sets it apart from other iron supplements on the market. Ferrochel® has been studied in numerous clinical trials worldwide, including a randomised trial conducted by the University of São Paulo and the National University, which compared its effectiveness to ferrous sulfate.

MenaQ7® Vitamin K2

MenaQ7® is a specialised form of Vitamin K2, specifically menaquinone-7 (MK-7), which is produced through natural fermentation.  This product is developed with a focus on delivering high-quality Vitamin K2 that adheres to stringent quality standards.

MenaQ7® has been involved in several clinical trials, including a 3-year study with postmenopausal women that demonstrated improvements in bone strength and cardiovascular health, as well as a 1-year trial showing reduced arterial stiffness in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. Additional research is ongoing to explore its effects on migraines and vascular calcification in various patient populations.

Quercefit® 

Quercefit® is a proprietary formulation developed by Indena, featuring a food-grade lecithin-based delivery system of quercetin phytosome®. This innovative product is designed to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of quercetin, a flavonoid found in various fruits and vegetables.

Quercefit® is produced using Indena’s advanced phytosome technology, which combines quercetin with sunflower lecithin to create a more easily absorbable form of the compound. The effectiveness of Quercefit® has been evaluated in several clinical trials, focusing on its potential applications in various areas of health and wellness.

Kaneka Ubiquinol

Kaneka Ubiquinol is a next-generation Coenzyme Q10 product launched by the Kaneka Corporation in 2007. As the reduced and more absorbable form of CoQ10, it offers enhanced benefits compared to traditional CoQ10 supplements. Kaneka Ubiquinol is derived from the world’s most recognized and researched CoQ10 ingredient, backed by over 30 years of study

Before its commercial release in 2006, Kaneka spent more than a decade researching and testing this groundbreaking nutritional ingredient. Currently, clinical research is being conducted to explore the potential benefits of Kaneka Ubiquinol in various areas, including cardiovascular, neurological, and liver-related conditions.

What sets Kaneka Ubiquinol apart is its production through a natural fermentation process using yeast. This bio-fermentation method results in a bio-identical form of CoQ10, structurally identical to the CoQ10 naturally produced within the human body. Kaneka has been refining this process since 1977 when they first began manufacturing highly purified CoQ10 from yeast. This long-standing commitment to natural fermentation and quality control has helped establish Kaneka Ubiquinol as a trusted and widely used nutritional ingredient in the supplement industry.

Quali C

Quali-C® is a premium brand of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. This high-quality ingredient is produced through a proprietary fermentation process, ensuring its purity and consistency. Quali-C® is manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities in Scotland, adhering to strict quality control measures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Quali-C® has been included in clinical trials investigating the effects of vitamin C supplementation. These studies have explored various aspects of vitamin C’s role in human health, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of this essential nutrient.

Product Formulation & Potency Decisions

We take pride in developing highly effective synergistic formulations through the power of science. Our team uses extensive research to create formulations that contain the utmost potency with the most effective results. Over the years, practitioners have come to trust and rely on our products and ingredients, knowing they are receiving the highest quality of nutritional supplement products available.

Diagnostic Tools

The GI MAP – GI Microbial Assay Plus

Designs for Health have partnered with Diagnostics Solutions Laboratory to bring the GI MAP stool analysis to the Australian market. A convenient take-home test, enabling you to assess the health of the GI Tract.

The GI-MAP is unique in the field of comprehensive stool testing. It relies exclusively on quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more, by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Whilst also reporting on important intestinal health markers such as calprotectin, zonulin, pancreatic elastase and secretory IGA, enabling you to make clinically relevant decisions for your patients.

 

OMX | Organic Metabolomics 

The OMX ™ Organic Metabolomics test from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory evaluates urine metabolites – including organic acids, amino acids, Neurotransmitters and other key compounds – to assist practitioners in unravelling their patient’s metabolic pathways, revealing their unique Metabolic Signature.

Using a systems-biology approach, OMX assesses biomarkers that go beyond the traditional lists of metabolites. This test enables practitioners to see a patient’s larger health picture by deciphering and connecting perturbations of key metabolic pathways and analytes, allowing for truly personalised therapeutic support. 

 

 

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