Product Image

Blood Sugar Defense

KAL
4.6
(546 ratings)
Chromium 200 mcg
Fenugreek 100 mg
Zinc 15 mg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 10 mg
Product Image
Score 80.0

A comprehensive and value-oriented supplement designed to support healthy blood sugar levels, featuring a broad mix of minerals, antioxidants, and botanical extracts. It offers a well-rounded approach to metabolic health.

Quantity: 60 Tablet(s)Servings size: 2 Tablet(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Heart Health
Energy
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Metabolism Boost
Weight Loss

Score 80.0

A comprehensive and value-oriented supplement designed to support healthy blood sugar levels, featuring a broad mix of minerals, antioxidants, and botanical extracts. It offers a well-rounded approach to metabolic health.

Analysis

KAL Blood Sugar Defense is formulated as a multi-ingredient supplement primarily aimed at supporting healthy blood sugar levels. It includes key minerals like Chromium (as Polynicotinate) and Zinc (as Amino Chelate), which are well-regarded for their roles in insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. The formula also features a robust blend of botanicals such as Cinnamon, Gymnema, Bitter Melon, Fenugreek, Blueberry, Prickly Pear, and Indian Kino Tree, all of which have traditional and some scientific evidence supporting their effects on glucose metabolism. Alpha Lipoic Acid, a potent antioxidant, is included at a reasonable dose of 200mg, contributing to cellular health and nerve function often impacted by blood sugar issues. While the product is comprehensive in its ingredient variety for its primary goal, the inclusion of N-Acetyl L-Carnitine and Vanadyl Sulfate at very low dosages (10mg each) suggests they are more complementary than primary drivers for their specific benefits. Online reviews and nutritionist perspectives generally support the efficacy of these ingredients in combination for blood sugar health, emphasizing a holistic approach.

Pros
  • Contains a wide array of ingredients scientifically recognized for supporting healthy blood sugar levels.
  • Includes essential minerals like Zinc and Chromium in bioavailable forms.
  • Features multiple botanical extracts known for glucose metabolism benefits.
  • Offers a good price-to-ingredient diversity ratio, making it an accessible option.
Cons
  • Some ingredients, notably N-Acetyl L-Carnitine and Vanadyl Sulfate, are present in very low dosages, potentially limiting their full impact.
  • The effectiveness of some botanical extracts may vary due to standardized extract information not being fully detailed for all ingredients.
  • Claims for a wide range of secondary goals might lead to diluted efficacy for those specific purposes.
Warnings
  • Individuals with diagnosed diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before use, as this product may interact with blood sugar-lowering medications.
  • Monitor blood glucose levels regularly if using this product, especially if on other glycemic control treatments.
  • Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the blend of various herbal extracts.
$23.19($0.77 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 23.19
Vitacost
$ 23.19
iHerb
$ 23.19
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate Monohydrate) 5 mg
Zinc (Zinc Amino Chelate) 15 mg
Chromium (Chromium Polynicotinate) 200 mcg
Cinnamon bark extract (Flavonoids) 350 mg
Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg
Indian Kino tree heartwood & bark extract 200 mg
Gymnema leaf extract (Gymnemic Acids) 200 mg
Prickly Pear 100 mg
Fenugreek seed extract 100 mg
Bitter Melon fruit extract 100 mg
Blueberry 100 mg
N-Acetyl L-Carnitine (Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl) 10 mg
Vanadyl Sulfate 10 mg
Adults 18–50 Women
Categories
Zinc 85.0
The product contains 15mg of Zinc in an Amino Chelate form, which is well-absorbed and an appropriate daily dose for maintaining healthy zinc levels. This is a solid inclusion for overall health benefits beyond just blood sugar.
Chromium 80.0
With 200mcg of Chromium Polynicotinate, the product provides a clinically relevant and bioavailable form of chromium, a key mineral widely recognized for its role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Fenugreek 60.0
The inclusion of 100mg of Fenugreek seed extract contributes to the product's blood sugar-lowering profile. While beneficial as part of a blend, this dosage is lower than the amounts typically studied for significant standalone effects (often 500mg or more).
Goals
Metabolism Boost 75.0
Chromium, Cinnamon, Fenugreek, and Alpha Lipoic Acid are all active participants in glucose and lipid metabolism, directly supporting metabolic efficiency. While N-Acetyl L-Carnitine is included, its very low dosage means it contributes minimally to significant metabolic boosting effects.
General Health 70.0
By providing key minerals (Zinc, Chromium), a B vitamin, and a variety of antioxidant and metabolically active plant extracts, this supplement offers broad support for foundational health processes. It aids in maintaining overall wellness beyond its specific focus on blood sugar.
Immunity 65.0
The product contains 15mg of Zinc and 5mg of Vitamin B-6, both essential for a healthy immune system. Additionally, antioxidants from ingredients like blueberry and alpha lipoic acid contribute to overall cellular resilience, indirectly supporting immune function.
88 Value

Berberine Complex

Swanson
4.6
(873 ratings)
This product combines Fenugreek (150mg), Gymnema sylvestre (150mg), and Ceylon Cinnamon (150mg) with a powerful 150mg of Berberine HCl. Berberine is highly recommended by nutritionists for blood sugar support, often considered more potent than many individual herbs. The inclusion of Berberine alongside other supportive ingredients at a reasonable price per serving offers a significantly better value proposition for comprehensive blood sugar management compared to KAL, which does not contain Berberine.
85 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine Alpha Lipoic Acid

Best Naturals
4.7
(258 ratings)
While KAL includes Acetyl L-Carnitine (10mg) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (200mg), this alternative provides robust doses of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (525mg) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (225mg) at a much lower price per serving than KAL. For those prioritizing the significant metabolic and nerve health benefits of these two compounds for blood sugar management, this product offers superior active ingredient content per dollar, making it an excellent value.
83 Value

Chromax 1000 1000 mcg

Swanson
4.8
(202 ratings)
KAL's product contains 200mcg of Chromium Polynicotinate. This alternative provides 1000mcg (five times the amount) of Chromium Picolinate, a well-researched and effective form for blood sugar support, at a much lower price per serving compared to the overall KAL blend. For individuals seeking a potent and cost-effective dose of chromium as a primary intervention for blood sugar management, this offers significantly better value.
95 Performance

Life Extension Mix Tablets

Life Extension
4.7
(295 ratings)
While a comprehensive multivitamin, this product offers significantly higher and well-sourced forms of crucial blood sugar-supporting minerals like Chromium (500mcg Crominex 3+) and Zinc (35mg L-OptiZinc), along with Alpha Lipoic Acid and a vast array of other antioxidants and metabolic cofactors. Its overall comprehensiveness and quality ingredients make it a superior choice for supporting general metabolic health, which indirectly provides robust blood sugar support beyond KAL's blend.
90 Performance

Glycemic Vibrance H

Vibrant Health
4.2
(120 ratings)
This product is specifically formulated for glucose stability and contains many of the same key ingredients as KAL, often in higher or more effective doses (e.g., Fenugreek 500mg, Gymnema 400mg, Chromium Niacinate 800mcg). It also includes additional potent botanicals like Banaba and Holy Basil. The specialized and more robust formulation makes it a more potent and comprehensive option for dedicated blood sugar management.
88 Performance

Acetyl-L-Carnitine With Biosint Carnitines 500 mg

Doctor's Best
4.5
(4113 ratings)
The N-Acetyl L-Carnitine dosage in KAL Blood Sugar Defense (10mg) is very low. This alternative provides a vastly superior dose of 1000mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl (with Biosint Carnitines indicating quality). Acetyl-L-Carnitine is crucial for mitochondrial health, energy metabolism, and nerve function, all highly relevant to blood sugar management and potential neuropathy. This product offers a significant upgrade for this specific, important ingredient.
75 Budget

Chromium Picolinate 200 mcg

21st Century
4.7
(11965 ratings)
This alternative provides Chromium Picolinate, a well-researched form of chromium, at the same 200mcg dosage as the original product's Chromium Polynicotinate. It offers a significantly lower price per serving, making it a very economical choice for targeting the chromium component of blood sugar regulation, a key ingredient in KAL's blend.
80 Budget

Fenugreek 610 mg

21st Century
4.6
(993 ratings)
The original product contains 100mg of Fenugreek seed extract. This alternative delivers a much higher dosage of Fenugreek (610mg) at a considerably lower price per serving. Fenugreek is a primary herbal ingredient recognized for its role in supporting healthy blood glucose levels, offering a more potent and cost-effective option for this specific benefit.
78 Budget

Chelated Zinc 50 mg

21st Century
4.7
(23910 ratings)
KAL Blood Sugar Defense includes 15mg of Zinc Amino Chelate. This alternative provides a higher dose of Zinc (50mg) in a well-absorbed amino acid chelate form, similar to KAL's, but at a significantly lower price per serving. Zinc is an essential mineral vital for insulin production and function, making this a cheaper way to supplement a potent dose of this key component.
88 Value

Berberine Complex

Swanson
4.6
(873 ratings)
This product combines Fenugreek (150mg), Gymnema sylvestre (150mg), and Ceylon Cinnamon (150mg) with a powerful 150mg of Berberine HCl. Berberine is highly recommended by nutritionists for blood sugar support, often considered more potent than many individual herbs. The inclusion of Berberine alongside other supportive ingredients at a reasonable price per serving offers a significantly better value proposition for comprehensive blood sugar management compared to KAL, which does not contain Berberine.
85 Value

Acetyl L-Carnitine Alpha Lipoic Acid

Best Naturals
4.7
(258 ratings)
While KAL includes Acetyl L-Carnitine (10mg) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (200mg), this alternative provides robust doses of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (525mg) and Alpha Lipoic Acid (225mg) at a much lower price per serving than KAL. For those prioritizing the significant metabolic and nerve health benefits of these two compounds for blood sugar management, this product offers superior active ingredient content per dollar, making it an excellent value.
83 Value

Chromax 1000 1000 mcg

Swanson
4.8
(202 ratings)
KAL's product contains 200mcg of Chromium Polynicotinate. This alternative provides 1000mcg (five times the amount) of Chromium Picolinate, a well-researched and effective form for blood sugar support, at a much lower price per serving compared to the overall KAL blend. For individuals seeking a potent and cost-effective dose of chromium as a primary intervention for blood sugar management, this offers significantly better value.
95 Performance

Life Extension Mix Tablets

Life Extension
4.7
(295 ratings)
While a comprehensive multivitamin, this product offers significantly higher and well-sourced forms of crucial blood sugar-supporting minerals like Chromium (500mcg Crominex 3+) and Zinc (35mg L-OptiZinc), along with Alpha Lipoic Acid and a vast array of other antioxidants and metabolic cofactors. Its overall comprehensiveness and quality ingredients make it a superior choice for supporting general metabolic health, which indirectly provides robust blood sugar support beyond KAL's blend.
90 Performance

Glycemic Vibrance H

Vibrant Health
4.2
(120 ratings)
This product is specifically formulated for glucose stability and contains many of the same key ingredients as KAL, often in higher or more effective doses (e.g., Fenugreek 500mg, Gymnema 400mg, Chromium Niacinate 800mcg). It also includes additional potent botanicals like Banaba and Holy Basil. The specialized and more robust formulation makes it a more potent and comprehensive option for dedicated blood sugar management.
88 Performance

Acetyl-L-Carnitine With Biosint Carnitines 500 mg

Doctor's Best
4.5
(4113 ratings)
The N-Acetyl L-Carnitine dosage in KAL Blood Sugar Defense (10mg) is very low. This alternative provides a vastly superior dose of 1000mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl (with Biosint Carnitines indicating quality). Acetyl-L-Carnitine is crucial for mitochondrial health, energy metabolism, and nerve function, all highly relevant to blood sugar management and potential neuropathy. This product offers a significant upgrade for this specific, important ingredient.