How to Choose the Best Quality Aloe Vera Pills and Supplements

Choosing the Best Aloe Vera Pills

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The gel from the leaves can be applied topically to treat skin conditions. When ingested as a juice or supplement, aloe vera may provide various health benefits thanks to its nutrients, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds.

Aloe vera pills contain concentrated extracts of the inner leaf gel in a convenient capsule form. But with so many different aloe supplements on the market, how do you determine the best quality products?

How Aloe Vera Pills Work

Aloe vera gel contains over 75 active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids. The anti-inflammatory properties mainly come from a compound called acemannan.

When aloe is processed into a supplement, manufacturers try to maintain the biologically active components. The pills may contain the raw gel or juice, or a dehydrated whole leaf extract.

Aloe is thought to aid digestion, boost immunity, regulate blood sugar, and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects in the body when taken as a supplement.

Benefits of Aloe Vera Pills

Research on oral aloe supplementation shows promising results for the following health benefits:

• Improves digestion and relieves constipation
• Lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics
• Hydrates and promotes skin health
• Boosts immune function and fights inflammation
• Supports oral health and reduces gingivitis
• Provides antioxidants to fight free radicals

More studies are needed to rate aloes efficacy for certain conditions. But the few risks make it worth trying for digestive regularity, blood sugar control, immunity, and skin health.

Choosing High Quality Aloe Pills

Since aloe vera pills are classified as a dietary supplement in the U.S., quality can vary widely between brands. Here are tips for finding the best aloe supplements:

• Check concentration - Many pills contain just trace amounts of aloe. Look for at least 10,000 mg of aloe vera extract per serving.
• Whole leaf extract - Products made from whole leaf retain more active compounds than purified gel extract.
• Organic and pure - Seek organic aloe with no added fillers, flavors, colors, or flow agents.
• Reputable brand - Established supplement companies test for potency and purity.
• Avoid carrageenan - Carrageenan as an additive may cause gut inflammation.
• No preservatives - Aloe is naturally antimicrobial so preservatives are unnecessary.

Top Rated Aloe Vera Supplement Brands

These aloe vera pill products rate well for their quality, purity, potency, and overall value:

Lake Avenue Nutrition Aloe Vera

These gluten-free softgels contain certified organic aloe leaf extract, with no added preservatives, flavors, or colors. The Lake Avenue Nutrition brand is reputable for premium supplements.

Nature's Way Aloe Vera Leaf Juice

Natures Way uses hand-harvested aloe leaves and presses the inner leaf juice. Their products are Non-GMO Project verified. The pills contain purified water, aloe juice, and vegetable cellulose.

Terry Naturally Aloe Vera Gel

This whole leaf aloe extract is highly concentrated at 10,000 mg per serving. Terry Naturally is known for superior herbal products. The aloe gel is unheated to retain bioactive compounds.

Now Foods Aloe Vera

NOW Foods offers affordable, quality supplements, including these preservative-free aloe vera pills made from organic aloe leaf. They are verified Non-GMO and NPA A-rated.

Puritans Pride Aloe Vera Leaves

Puritans Pride tests their aloe for purity and provides whole leaf aloe vera capsules containing 10,000 mg per serving. They use rapid freeze-drying to maintain active components.

What to Look for in Aloe Pills

Read product labels closely and research brands when selecting an aloe supplement. Seek out pills that:

• Are made from internal aloe leaf gel, not the rind or outer leaf
• Use organic, raw, or whole leaf extracts
• Have at least 10,000 mg aloe vera per serving
• Are free of unnecessary additives like colors and flavors
• Come from a reputable manufacturer that tests for quality

Avoid cheap products that use isolated aloe compounds rather than the whole leaf. With quality aloe supplements, you can benefit from this amazing plants nutrients and active substances.

Recommended Aloe Vera Pill Dosage

There is no standard aloe vera dosage established for supplements. Many pills provide a 10,000 mg serving of aloe extract, often split into two or three pills per day.

Follow supplement label directions to avoid side effects like diarrhea from taking too much. Start with the lowest dosage, see how your body responds, and increase slowly if needed.

Most studies showing benefits use doses of 200-400 mg daily for several weeks to months. But higher doses around 1,000 mg per day appear safe for healthy adults. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Oral aloe vera is considered relatively safe for most adults. When taken by mouth in supplement form, potential side effects can include:

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Nausea
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Allergic reactions

Topical application of aloe gel rarely causes skin irritation. However, swallowing too much can have laxative effects. Reduce your dosage if diarrhea occurs.

Due to its ability to lower blood sugar, those with diabetes should use aloe supplements with caution and monitor levels. Discontinue use at least 2 weeks before any surgical procedures.

Special Considerations for Aloe Pills

Before starting an aloe vera supplement, discuss use with your doctor if you:

• Have diabetes or blood sugar disorders
• Take water pills or laxatives
• Have intestinal conditions like IBS, Crohns disease, or ulcers
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an upcoming surgery
• Take medications that affect blood sugar or electrolytes

Aloe may interact with some prescription drugs like diabetic medications, diuretics, blood thinners, and steroids. Check for any contraindicated medical conditions or supplements.

The Bottom Line

When selecting an aloe vera pill, potency and purity are the most vital factors. Seek out reputable brands that use organic, whole leaf extracts. Start with lower doses and watch for possible digestive side effects.

Consuming aloe vera pills may promote digestive regularity, skin health, immune function, and blood sugar regulation. However, research on oral supplementation is still emerging. Talk to your integrative doctor about whether aloe vera pills fit into your personalized wellness plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.