What makes Mara Labs different from other supplement companies?
Mara Labs is a small company based out of Charlottesville, VA. We create, produce, and ship all of our products under one roof, which is rare in the supplement world. We are committed to creating and delivering products backed by evidence-based research to you and your loved ones. Therefore, we only use high-quality, naturally derived, and sustainably sourced ingredients. None of our supplements contain harmful additives or unnecessary fillers, so we can all feel confident about what we put into our bodies.
How does BrocElite® differ from other broccoli supplements?
BrocElite® takes the guesswork out of receiving benefits from the powerful phytonutrient, sulforaphane. It is the only broccoli supplement on the market offering pure, naturally derived Stabilized Sulforaphane in the capsule, as opposed to other broccoli supplements that contain the precursor glucoraphanin, which is often confusingly marketed as “sulforaphane glucosinolate.” To learn more about the differences between sulforaphane and glucoraphanin, check out this podcast. BrocElite® is made from natural ingredients and contains no additives, fillers, or synthetic chemicals.
What is Sulforaphane?
Sulforaphane is a sulfur-based phytonutrient (a fancy term for a plant-based molecule) found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and kale. Research studies have shown that sulforaphane blocks inflammation, enables detoxification, benefits brain health, promotes antioxidant production, enhances antiviral/antibacterial response, increases immune function, and more.
What is Broccoli Seed Complex (BSC)?
Our Broccoli Seed Complex is a proprietary blend that contains “cousin” molecules to sulforaphane (AITC, BITC, and Iberin), which are closely related to each other in structure and function and increase the bioavailability of sulforaphane. It also includes PEITC, the phenethyl form of sulforaphane derived from watercress, which works in synergy with sulforaphane to induce a higher Nrf-2 induction.
What are your capsules made of?
Our capsules are made of a cellulose derivative and are both vegan and gluten free.
Do you have a certificate of analysis?
Yes! Every batch of BrocElite® that we produce is tested internally and externally by a third party to confirm its sulforaphane content. This third-party testing is performed by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, VA. We regularly update the Certificate of Analysis on our website. Here is an example. Additionally, any materials that we outsource, like our quercetin and curcumin, come from wholesalers that are GMP certified and provide a multitude of tests that include ICP-MS Heavy Metal Test.
Do you test for heavy metals?
Making sure our product is free of heavy metals and toxins is very important to us. Any materials that we outsource, like our broccoli seed and curcumin, come from wholesalers that are GMP certified and provide a multitude of tests that include ICP-MS Heavy Metal Test. We internally test our BrocElite® on renal proximal tubular cells, which are the most sensitive cells in the body. It's actually more thorough than just doing a test for heavy metals, because something that might be ''heavy metal free'' can also be toxic and kill the proximal tubular cells. Sulforaphane is the only substance we've seen that is not only non-toxic but also promotes growth of the cells. We don't outsource this test simply because most other labs can’t perform it. Additionally, we work out of one facility in Charlottesville, VA that is solely dedicated to producing our supplements, so we do not have concern of cross-contamination. Having a product that is free from fillers, toxins, metals, glyphosate, and harmful chemicals is all very important to us.
Why do you use plastic bottles?
Currently, due to our operations facilities and costs, we use plastic bottles to keep our product fresh during packaging and shipment. As we grow our company, we hope to implement solutions for sustainable, carbon-neutral packaging while still maintaining the efficacy of our product.
Why do you sell 30 capsule and 60 capsule bottles of BrocElite® if you recommend 2 capsules per day?
While our recommended therapeutic dose is 2 capsules (10mg Stabilized Sulforaphane) per day, our 30-capsule and 60-capsule size bottles allows customers to decide how much they want to take. We suggesting starting off with 1 capsule per day and gradually increasing to 2 capsules per day. For people with gut sensitives, 1 capsule per day may work best and therefore a 30-capsule bottle option is better suited. For those who take the recommended daily dose, a 60-capsule bottle is more cost-effective.
Can I take all of the Mara Labs supplements together?
Yes! Each of our products have a specific purpose and are designed so that they can be taken together. We suggest taking 1 capsule of each in the morning with breakfast, and 1 capsule of each in the evening with dinner. But, if you prefer, you can take both capsules at the same time.
Can I take your supplements alongside other supplements and medications?
Our supplements are all-natural and can be taken alongside other supplements and medications, though we do suggest consulting your doctor before adding our supplements into your routine. Additionally, sulforaphane can lower blood pressure so customers on blood pressure and blood thinner medications should talk to their provider before beginning BrocElite®.
Can I take your supplements if I’m pregnant or nursing?
You should consult your physician or OBGYN before using our supplements if you are pregnant or nursing.
Is there a guarantee?
We strongly believe you will benefit from our products and experience how important it is to your health. If you are not completely satisfied with our products, however, we offer a 100%, 100-day money-back guarantee on your first bottle purchased from our website. Your original shipping costs will not be refunded.