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GSE® Liquid Concentrate Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I want to use the GSE® Liquid Concentrate? - As a natural, non-toxic compound our Grapefruit-Seed-Extract (Grapefruit Seed Extract) Liquid Concentrate has many uses. Internally, the concentrate has been used as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including Candida infections, sore throats, intestinal upset, etc.

How can the product be non-toxic if it is so potent? - Extensive testing done at independent laboratories and universities around the world has proven the concentrate to be safe for human consumption. It is effective against pathogens because it belongs to a family of compounds known as quaternary compounds. This family is best known for benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride as well as the infamous Quaternium group, a very toxic antimicrobial preservative used in the cosmetics industry. While Grapefruit Seed Extract is molecularly similar to these compounds, there are some profound differences in structure and function. Studies done to date indicate that there is little danger in either short-term or long-term internal use.

What is the pH of this product? - The concentrate has a pH of about 3.8, which is very acidic. This is why we recommend you dilute it before use. We do not know if the product becomes alkaline when ingested the way orange juice and other citrus foods do.

Is this product safe for use with children? - Yes. The extract is frequently used in pediatric medicine in applications such as diaper rash, ear infections, abrasions, etc. Common sense will indicate using a very dilute solution on an infant.

What about using it for my pets? - Since the concentrate is safe for consumption, it is well suited for animal uses. The extract can be added to the animal’s water or food.

What about the "grapefruit juice effect"? - There is a phenomenon known as the "grapefruit juice effect". Two components found in grapefruit juice, naringin and naringenin*, inhibit production of an enzyme in the intestinal tract, thus increasing the rate of absorption for certain classes of drugs (including some antihistamines, birth control pills, anti-epilepsy medications, and some Antibiotics ).

In some instances, as in low dose birth control pills and some uses of Antibiotics , this could be a good thing because the net result is "more efficacy, less drug". In other cases, especially for anti-seizure medicines, blood levels have to be monitored and maintained very carefully. The customer would be well-advised to check with his doctor or pharmacist to see if there is any interaction between his medication and the naringin and naringenin*.

*NOTE: Nutribiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract contains only 0.1% of these compounds.

Is there anything I can't use the concentrate for? - We do not recommend using it in your eyes, even in a dilute form. We also advise users to dilute the extract before use. If you place a drop of the product on your tongue, it will burn. Sensitive skin areas also will end up with an unpleasant irritation if the concentrate is used full-strength.