Tannin Safety...

Some sites on the internet claim that tannins are carcinogenic and that individuals should be wary of consuming them in supplement form. These sites and their information are incorrect.
Tannins from plants are available in two forms: hydrolysable and condensed. The tannins found in Tanalbit® and Intensive Nutrition's other plant tannin formulas (Viracin®, Tabit®, TanOral®, etc.) are condensed tannins. Condensed tannins are polyphenolic compounds and have an entirely different mechanism than hydrolysable tannins, namely, condensed tannins are not absorbed by the body. Consequently, condensed tannins exert not only high antioxidant activity but also protective activity, specifically in the gastrointestine (as is the case with Tanalbit®, etc.). Hydrolysable tannins, however, are absorbed by the body and it those tannins which may pose a concern when ingested (this, however, is not conclusive).

Plant Tannin Effectiveness

Tanalbit® and our other plant tannin products are complexed with protein which allows for seamless transfer of the tannin complex into the large intestine. Without protein, the tannin complex is destroyed by stomach acids, rendering the tannin less effective.

Tanalbit® and our other plant tannins function by adhering to the outer membrane of a yeast and/or bacterial cell. The plant tannin complex covers all the receptor sites on the yeast/bacterial cell, rendering the unwanted organism harmless (i.e. it can no longer adhere to the host, which is you!). In so doing, the unwanted yeast and/or bacteria dies and is digested out by your system.

Plant Tannin importance to the Gastrointestine

Tanalbit and our other plant tannin products are polyphenols which means that they have high antioxidant value. They offer not only gastrointestinal support but a protective effect throughout the gastrointestine In addition, Tanalbit® can be utilized for detoxification, specifically for heavy metal contamination in the body.