Below are the Unicity community’s most frequently asked questions. Learn more about product composition, nutrition, and how our products Make Life Better.
Unicity Science FAQs
What is maltodextrin and why is it used in a product?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate, made by breaking down vegetable starch into shorter chains of glucose molecules. It is often used as an ingredient carrier and flow agent in foods and dietary supplements to help evenly disperse small amounts of other ingredients, such as flavors. It may also be used as a thickener, such as in beverages, sauces, and gravies.
In addition, some of our products contain another form of maltodextrin called resistant maltodextrin, or soluble corn fiber. Because resistant maltodextrin is not broken down by our digestive enzymes, it is not absorbed into the bloodstream, and it has a lower glycemic index than regular maltodextrin. Resistant maltodextrin passes relatively intact into the large intestine where your gut microorganisms reside, and it is classified as a fiber that “feeds” your beneficial gut microorganisms (prebiotic).
How are dietary supplements regulated in the United States?
Dietary supplements in the U.S. are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, also referred to as DSHEA. Dietary supplements are defined as products intended to supplement the diet and contain one or more of the following dietary ingredients: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and other substances such as enzymes and metabolites.
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements do not require pre-approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be sold. However, there are many regulations in DSHEA that apply to dietary supplements in the U.S. to ensure the product is safe and properly labeled. The FDA also requires dietary supplement manufacturers and distributors to follow current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs), which ensure consistent quality of the products.
Unicity has a stringent quality program to ensure we meet and exceed all regulatory requirements set forth by the FDA and DSHEA. Furthermore, we have several products that have received third-party certifications such as NSF Certified for Sport, and manufacturing facilities with third-party certification for good manufacturing practices.
How much caffeine is safe for adults?
Experts agree that most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, while pregnant women should not consume more than 200 mg daily. (In general, a caffeinated soda contains about 30–40 mg of caffeine and a high-quality cup of coffee contains about 75–100 mg of caffeine.) However, each individual’s sensitivity to caffeine can vary greatly, and you may wish to adjust your consumption accordingly.
How much protein should I be eating every day?
For adults, the general recommendation is to consume at least 0.36 g of protein per pound of body weight, per day. For example, a 150-pound individual would need 54 grams of protein per day. Individuals looking to add more muscle mass would most likely need more than that. Other factors at play include age, gender, activity level, body composition, and other health considerations such as pregnancy, lactation, and illness. When it comes to planning for very specific nutritional needs, it is best to consult with a registered dietician who can provide personalized guidance for your situation.
Can’t I just consume dietary fiber from food instead of taking fiber supplements?
Food processing tends to eliminate a lot of beneficial fiber from food, and, as a result, many people don’t get enough fiber in their diets. With our unique blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, you will receive benefits that support healthy cholesterol levels, a healthy digestive system, and a curbed appetite. In addition, you will receive vitamins and minerals that are not present in normal dietary fiber.
What products can be used by pregnant or nursing women?
Unicity recommends that anyone nursing or pregnant consult with their physician before using any nutritional supplements.
Why aren’t the amino acids listed on the label, and could you provide the amounts in milligrams or grams? How do you find the NPU/net protein score on Complete and or other products?
Having the amino acids listed on the label is not a regulatory requirement, so we do not list them. We don’t use NPU as a protein score as it is an outdated way to look at protein quality. Instead, we use the PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score). The scale is from 0-1 with 1 meaning that the protein provides all necessary amino acids. Unicity Complete has a score of 1, so even though we don’t list the amino acids, we can say that all standard amino acids are present in sufficient quantities and from sufficiently digestible sources.
How much protein should I be eating every day?
That depends on your goals and lifestyle. The short answer is that 10-35% of your daily calories should come from protein. For a 2000-calorie diet, the range would be 50-175 grams of protein. Some research suggests that individuals looking to lose weight or support a more active lifestyle should consume closer to 35%. We recommend speaking with your physician to determine the best amount for you.
Is there anything I should consider when making decisions about what to eat during my regular meals?
Choose low-carbohydrate options during meals. If you decide to indulge, choose dinner as your higher-carb meal. You will have more time to get back to the Fat Burning Zone during your nighttime fast.
Have More Questions? Contact Us!
Please note: We cannot answer questions related to diseases, medical advice, product use with medications, or competitor comparisons. For those questions, you will need to contact your primary healthcare provider.