While I was deciding which of the many ashwagandha supplements I was going to buy, I found there was very little to choose between. Once you’ve selected the dose and formula the only difference is the branding and sales pitch.
The package that finally hooked me in was that of Next Gen U Nutrition Organic Ashwagandha Capsules. I liked the clean simple design on the package and the blurb sounded like it was a potent and well-formulated product.
You can’t get a true picture of any product from the packaging alone so what was I going to find when I opened the bottle? Let’s get into the details and real experience of taking Next Gen U’s ashwagandha for a month. I will share with you what the experience taught me about this supplement and what to look for from any ashwagandha capsule.
Who is Next Gen U Nutrition?
Next Gen U are a natural sports nutrition brand who produce organic vitamin capsules and supplement powders. They focus on a small number of products which, while they are suitable for vegans, are accessible for all.
Their range includes multivitamins, curcumin (extracted from turmeric), protein powder, berry blends and greens blends.
Is it value for money?
For 120 high strength capsules with 5% withanolides, I was impressed by the price of £14.99. Compared to other products you get a strong 500mg capsule for a low price.
Ashwagandha supplements are currently better value than many of the more publicised items like turmeric or CBD.
The only drawback again was with the branding and packaging. Online the pictures are impressive and they stand out compared to those of their competitors. Once the bottle arrived, I was underwhelmed. The impression it gives is one of ‘bargain basement’ instead of ‘top of the range’.
What does it taste like?
The more natural supplements I have tried the more I have realised that a closed capsule doesn’t mean that they will be tasteless. Each one seems to have a unique taste and strangely strong taste, and some are a lot more pleasant than others.
These capsules are among the less pleasant and have a harsh note, similar to horseradish with a musty background to it.
Bioavailability
This is how easily the active ingredient can reach your body. The bioavailability of this product was what particularly drew me to this capsule. It contains 5% withanolides and their presence in the ashwagandha formulation allows for better absorption.
Next Gen U have also taken steps to minimise the levels of withaferin A which makes the product safer and easier to absorb.
How effective is it?
I have taken this supplement twice daily for a month now and have been very impressed. After a couple of weeks, I noticed a definite reduction in feelings of stress and anxiety.
Recently I increased the dose and continue to feel focused and positive. Unfortunately, it is very hard to know if this is down to the capsules, but I believe that it is.
When I first started taking ashwagandha I immediately became susceptible to tension headaches. For the first week, it took very little for me to get a splitting headache. I used a little CBD oil which really helped but it wasn’t long before they completely disappeared.
My Supplement Recommendations
These are products that I currently use and enthusiastically recommend:
Multivitamin – Nutrigenesis Multi for Men or Nutrigenesis for Women. Performance Lab use their patented Nutrigenesis technique to provide a range of vitamins and minerals in their most effective form. Read my review.
Nootropic – Mind Lab Pro contains eleven natural nootropics that have been proven to support cognitive function and brain health. Read my review.
Collagen – Edible Health Bovine Collagen. This excellent bovine collagen powder is completely tasteless and absorbs quickly into any liquid. It’s third-party lab tested and provides 13g of collagen per serving. Read my review.
Turmeric – VitaBright Organic Turmeric with Ginger and Black Pepper. These turmeric capsules are organic, effective and affordable. They include black pepper to enhance curcumin absorption and ginger to provide additional useful benefits. Read my review.
Incredible value – G&G Vitamin 28 day packs This is the most affordable way to buy supplements in the UK. One tub holds 28 daily packs of up to 11 different vitamins, minerals or food supplements.