Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

Revive Active understand what it takes to go the distance. The brand’s scientifically-formulated supplements are designed to support energy production, reduce fatigue, and help athletes recover more efficiently—so you can train harder, race stronger, and recover faster.

Before we take a closer look at some key supplements that can support busy triathletes with fitness, training and recovery though, it’s worth taking a look at what’s important when choosing your supplement products.

In short, there are some elemental facts about supplements you need to be aware of and apply when reading the label.

1. Quality – Check that the formula uses high-quality, evidence-backed ingredients. Many low-cost supplements rely on the cheapest forms of vitamins and minerals, which may be poorly absorbed or ineffective, and they often contain unnecessary fillers and binders. Prioritise products made with scientifically supported forms of ingredients – for example, magnesium bisglycinate, a form of magnesium known for its excellent absorption.
2. Dosage – More isn’t always better. What matters is whether the active ingredients are present in meaningful amounts. For instance, some omega-3 products claim high levels of fish oil, but the crucial EPA and DHA content is surprisingly low once you read the fine print. The elemental dose is important too, a label might claim 1000mg of magnesium, but only around 150mg of that is elemental magnesium (the part your body actually uses). Choose supplements that provide effective, evidence-based dosages and meet recommended NRVs.
3. Synergy – Ingredients should work together, not just coexist on a label. Some nutrients boost each other’s effects – like vitamin C, which helps enhance iron absorption, and vitamin D, which supports calcium uptake. Look for explanations on the packaging that show why the ingredients are present and how they work in combination.
4. Free From – It’s just as important to know what isn’t in your supplement. Some products contain unnecessary additives such as sugars, artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives. If you prefer cleaner formulas, check the label for “free from” statements to ensure the product aligns with your preferences.

Magnesium Complex

Magnesium Complex is a scientifically formulated, potent blend of 3 premium, highly absorbable forms of magnesium; Magnesium Bisglycinate, Magnesium Taurate and Magnesium Malate, accompanied by two essential B Vitamins; B1 and B6. Each form of Magnesium supports specific needs, with their synergy amplifying efficacy for benefits body-wide, including muscle and bone health, energy production, heart health and the nervous system.

These three premium forms of magnesium work together as a powerful trio, gentle on the stomach and highly absorbable. Cheaper forms, like magnesium oxide, are poorly absorbed by the body and can often cause bloating or digestive discomfort. 

Dosage is another important factor.  Aim for at least 250mg of elemental magnesium per daily serving. This is a meaningful amount to support muscles, nerves, and energy production. Magnesium Complex delivers 250 milligrams of elemental magnesium in a 2 capsule daily dose.

Iron Complex

Widely recognised as a key component of maintaining optimum health, getting a good level of iron from your diet can be tricky.  Revive Active’s Iron Complex features 8 active ingredients that combat the issues associated with iron absorption, providing 20mg of 2 elemental highly absorbable forms of iron that are gentle on the stomach; Iron Bisglycinate and Wholefood Iron from Buckwheat. Vitamin C, B Vitamins and Copper further enhance absorption, utilisation and overall blood support. Suitable from age 14+, Iron Complex those low in iron due to absorption issues and those who are particularly physically active. Iron Complex is also Vegan approved, gluten-free and halal certified.

Omega Active

Omega Active is a premium blend of highly bioavailable Omega‑3s with high levels of EPA and DHA sourced from sustainably harvested fish oil.  Each dosage delivers over 1,300 milligrams of fish oil to support heart, brain, eye, joint, and overall health.

High potency Omega Active is formulated to be gentle on the stomach, highly absorbable, and free from common contaminants, unlike some lower-quality fish oils.

It’s elemental

Revive Active’s commitment is to clean, high-quality, and scientifically supported formulations. Every Revive Active supplement is designed with performance and health in mind—no fillers, no artificial colours, and no compromises. Just targeted nutrition to power your performance.

But what do the brand mean by ‘elemental facts’? This is a way of looking at making sure the supplements you are spending your money on are in fact giving you what you need. Here’s how it works.

The elemental dose is the actual amount of a mineral that your body can absorb and use, without the added weight of the compound it’s attached to.

For example, a label might list magnesium citrate 1000mg, but only about 150mg of that is elemental magnesium—the part your body needs. The rest is made up of the citrate, which helps deliver the mineral but has no nutritional value on its own.

This idea applies to other minerals too, like calcium or zinc. What matters most is the elemental or active dose—not the compound’s total weight.

It’s not just the dose that matters—what else is in your supplement counts too. Some products are bulked out with extra ingredients that don’t add nutritional value but help with manufacturing or shelf life. The more fillers you see, the less room there is for the nutrients you want.

Common examples include:

• Magnesium oxide – cheap but poorly absorbed.
• Maltodextrin – a filler used in powders.
• Microcrystalline cellulose – bulks out tablets and capsules.
• Stearic acid or magnesium stearate – used to stop machinery sticking.
• Silicon dioxide – prevents clumping in powders.
• Shellac or glazing agents – used to make tablets look shiny or smooth.

Quality fish oils

While the term elemental doesn’t apply to fish oils, the same principle of looking for the active components still applies.

Here’s what to check:

• EPA and DHA Content: look for a combined EPA and DHA of over 1000mg per daily serving. Add the EPA and DHA numbers together to find this. Ignore the “total fish oil” figure—this doesn’t tell you how much active omega-3 you’re really getting.
• Added Antioxidant Protection: check that the product includes vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness.
• Minimal Additives: as with other supplements, simpler is often better. Check for unnecessary fillers or additives.

In conclusion

By learning to spot elemental doses, checking therapeutic levels of active ingredients, and avoiding unnecessary extras, you can make smarter choices—without falling for clever packaging.

Because when it comes to your health, it’s the quality that counts, not just the quantity.

You can find out more and secure the supplements you need by visiting the Revive Active website now.