GI Sustain
Metagenics
Score 68
This comprehensive powder provides macronutrients, a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and a blend of amino acids, intended for general nutritional support and digestive health.
Score 68
This comprehensive powder provides macronutrients, a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and a blend of amino acids, intended for general nutritional support and digestive health.
Analysis
GI Sustain from Metagenics is designed as a nutritional support blend, offering 170 calories per serving from a mix of 13g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. This makes it suitable for individuals looking for a supplement that can act as a light meal component or a substantial snack, providing a foundational blend of energy and building blocks.
Beyond the macronutrients, this product includes a diverse range of essential vitamins and minerals, often in well-regarded forms like calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, and methylcobalamin. It also features a blend of amino acids, notably L-Glutamine, Glycine, and L-Cysteine, which are often sought for various bodily functions including digestive and overall cellular support. The inclusion of isomaltooligosaccharides also adds a fiber component.
While comprehensive in its ingredient list, it's important to note that the dosages for individual amino acids like Glycine (100mg) and L-Cysteine (25mg) are relatively low compared to what you might find in dedicated single-ingredient supplements. This means it functions more as a general nutritional boost rather than a high-potency source for specific amino acid therapies.
Pros
- Provides a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
- Includes a moderate amount of protein per serving.
- Contains L-Glutamine, which may contribute to digestive health.
- Offers a source of dietary fiber through isomaltooligosaccharides.
- Uses various forms of nutrients that are generally well-utilized by the body.
Cons
- High price per serving for a nutritional powder.
- Specific amino acid dosages (e.g., Glycine, Cysteine) are quite low.
- Only 14 servings per container, requiring frequent reordering.
- The calorie count might be higher than desired for those seeking just a vitamin/mineral supplement.
Warnings
- Review the full ingredient list carefully if you have sensitivities or allergies to any components.
- This product is nutritionally dense; consider its calorie and macronutrient contribution to your daily intake.
- Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
$95.95($6.85 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 95.95 |
Goals
Impact
Highest effect
GI Sustain is well-suited for general health due to its extensive profile of macronutrients, a wide variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It provides a foundational nutritional boost that can support overall well-being.
Impact
Highest effect
This product features L-Glutamine (500mg), an amino acid often used to support the integrity of the gut lining. The inclusion of isomaltooligosaccharides also provides a source of fiber, which can contribute to a healthy digestive system.
Impact
High effect
GI Sustain includes key bone-supporting nutrients such as Calcium (300mg), Phosphorus (180mg), Vitamin D (1.2mcg), and Magnesium (120mg). These ingredients can contribute to maintaining healthy bones.
Impact
High effect
This product contains amino acids like L-Cysteine and DL-Methionine, which can play roles in various metabolic processes within the body. It also provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals that support overall bodily functions, indirectly contributing to maintaining health.
Impact
High effect
The product supplies important nutrients for skin, including Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, and protein, all of which are involved in skin maintenance and repair. These ingredients can contribute to healthy-looking skin.
Impact
Moderate effect
The product provides a range of antioxidant vitamins (C, E, A) and minerals, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress. This broad nutritional support may contribute to the body's natural anti-inflammatory processes.
Impact
Moderate effect
With its comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, this product aims to support overall cellular health and bodily functions. Maintaining these functions is an aspect of healthy aging.
Impact
Moderate effect
The presence of B vitamins and magnesium in the formula can help support normal nervous system function, which may be helpful during times of stress. However, it is not specifically designed as a primary stress-relief product.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calories | 170 Calorie(s) |
Total Fat | 5 Gram(s) |
Total Carbohydrates | 24 Gram(s) |
Protein | 13 Gram(s) |
Vitamin A | 1200 mcg |
Vitamin C | 102 mg |
Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg |
Vitamin E | 33.5 mg |
Thiamine | 0.5 mg |
Riboflavin | 0.6 mg |
Niacin | 10 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.7 mg |
Folate | 235 mcg DFE |
Vitamin B12 | 2.1 mcg |
Biotin | 105 mcg |
Pantothenic Acid | 100 mg |
Calcium | 300 mg |
Iron | 3.6 mg |
Phosphorus | 180 mg |
Magnesium | 120 mg |
Zinc | 7.5 mg |
Copper | 0.5 mg |
Manganese | 1.3 mg |
Chromium | 75 mcg |
Sodium | 20 mg |
Potassium | 300 mg |
Isomaltooligosaccharides | 3.4 Gram(s) |
L-Glutamine | 500 mg |
Glycine | 100 mg |
DL-Methionine | 100 mg |
L-Lysine | 35 mg |
L-Threonine | 34 mg |
L-Cysteine | 25 mg |
Glycine 50
The product contains 100mg of Glycine per serving. While Glycine is present, this amount is relatively modest compared to standalone glycine supplements that often offer 500mg to several grams for targeted intake.
Cysteine 45
GI Sustain includes 25mg of L-Cysteine. This is a very low dosage for L-Cysteine; dedicated supplements for this amino acid typically contain much higher amounts, often in the hundreds of milligrams.
Alternative products
94 Value 
Sleep Nighttime Powder
youtheory
If your primary goal is sleep support and mood balance, this powder offers an excellent blend including a high dose of L-Glycine, Magnesium, L-Tryptophan, and L-Theanine. It provides comprehensive nighttime support for a much lower cost per serving than GI Sustain.
82 Value 
True Calm
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For those focused on mood support and stress relief, this formula combines Glycine, GABA, Taurine, B vitamins, and Magnesium. It's a great value option that provides a multi-ingredient approach to support a calm and balanced state, hitting key mood and stress goals found in GI Sustain.
88 Value 
R.E.M. Maintenance
Metabolic Maintenance
This product delivers a significant amount of Glycine (3500mg) along with Magnesium, Inositol, 5-HTP, and Melatonin. It's an excellent value for those prioritizing sleep quality and mood regulation, offering a powerful blend that surpasses GI Sustain in these specific areas at a more accessible price point per serving.
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Glycine Powder
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For those seeking significant support for sleep, mood, and even aspects of digestive health, this high-potency Glycine powder delivers a substantial dose. Its concentrated form and higher serving amount of Glycine can offer a more targeted and potent approach compared to the smaller amount found in GI Sustain.
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NAC + Glycine Powder Natural Peach Ginger Flavor
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This alternative provides a robust combination of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), which supports the body's natural detoxification pathways, and a high dose of Glycine. It offers a more focused and potent approach to detoxification and overall cellular health compared to the broad spectrum of GI Sustain.
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Advanced Magnesium Complex
AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
This comprehensive magnesium complex, including magnesium glycinate which provides additional Glycine, can offer enhanced support for bone health, muscle relaxation, stress relief, and mood. It targets several key goals of GI Sustain with well-absorbed forms of magnesium and a beneficial amino acid.
88 Budget 
Pharmaceutical Grade AjiPure Glycine 500 mg
Swanson Ultra
This offers a focused dose of Glycine, an amino acid that can contribute to sleep support and a calm mood. It's a very cost-effective way to get Glycine, which is one of the key amino acids in GI Sustain for general well-being.
88 Budget 
L-Cysteine 500 mg
NOW
If you're looking to specifically support detoxification processes and general cellular health, this L-Cysteine product is a very budget-friendly option. L-Cysteine is an important component of GI Sustain for these goals.
98 Budget 
Glycine 1000 mg
Life Extension
Providing a higher single dose of Glycine than some other basic options, this product is still incredibly affordable per serving. Glycine is often used to support healthy sleep patterns, a relaxed mood, and can play a role in digestive comfort.
94 Value
Sleep Nighttime Powder
youtheory
If your primary goal is sleep support and mood balance, this powder offers an excellent blend including a high dose of L-Glycine, Magnesium, L-Tryptophan, and L-Theanine. It provides comprehensive nighttime support for a much lower cost per serving than GI Sustain.
82 Value
True Calm
NOW
For those focused on mood support and stress relief, this formula combines Glycine, GABA, Taurine, B vitamins, and Magnesium. It's a great value option that provides a multi-ingredient approach to support a calm and balanced state, hitting key mood and stress goals found in GI Sustain.
88 Value
R.E.M. Maintenance
Metabolic Maintenance
This product delivers a significant amount of Glycine (3500mg) along with Magnesium, Inositol, 5-HTP, and Melatonin. It's an excellent value for those prioritizing sleep quality and mood regulation, offering a powerful blend that surpasses GI Sustain in these specific areas at a more accessible price point per serving.
97 Performance
Glycine Powder
Vital Nutrients
For those seeking significant support for sleep, mood, and even aspects of digestive health, this high-potency Glycine powder delivers a substantial dose. Its concentrated form and higher serving amount of Glycine can offer a more targeted and potent approach compared to the smaller amount found in GI Sustain.
92 Performance
NAC + Glycine Powder Natural Peach Ginger Flavor
Pure Encapsulations
This alternative provides a robust combination of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), which supports the body's natural detoxification pathways, and a high dose of Glycine. It offers a more focused and potent approach to detoxification and overall cellular health compared to the broad spectrum of GI Sustain.
90 Performance
Advanced Magnesium Complex
AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
This comprehensive magnesium complex, including magnesium glycinate which provides additional Glycine, can offer enhanced support for bone health, muscle relaxation, stress relief, and mood. It targets several key goals of GI Sustain with well-absorbed forms of magnesium and a beneficial amino acid.