Ox bile supplements can look alike on the shelf. The label tells you what’s actually different.
1. The amount per serving
Check the milligrams per serving and how many capsules a serving is. Many products use 500 mg or more. More isn’t automatically better — some people find a high dose doesn’t agree with them. WellAfter uses 125 mg per 2-capsule serving.
2. The standardization
“Standardized to 40% cholic acid” tells you the strength of the bile acids in the ingredient. If a label doesn’t say, you can’t compare strength.
3. What else is in it
Look for digestive enzymes (WellAfter uses DigeZyme®, a multi-enzyme complex) and botanicals, each with its amount listed.
4. Proprietary blends
A proprietary blend lists the total weight but not each ingredient’s amount. WellAfter has one: a 300 mg blend of Terminalia chebula and Sphaeranthus indicus extracts. Everything else is listed individually.
5. The other ingredients
Capsule type and fillers matter if you avoid animal products. Ox bile is bovine, and many capsules are gelatin, so these products usually aren’t vegetarian.
6. When to take it
Bile supplements are meant for mealtime. WellAfter’s label says two capsules with your largest meal.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.