Here’s where I’m coming from: a milligram is simply a measure of weight. According to http://www.thefreedictionary.com, “A unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a gram.” Now, when comparing identical raw materials, pure ascorbic acid for example, we can say the greater the weight the greater the potency. That is, a 200mg. tablet is more potent than a 100mg. tablet. My assertion is we can ONLY say this because they are identical materials.

However, the relationship between weight and potency becomes a bit more complicated when looking at two related, but not identical, materials. For example, let’s say you’re shopping in a store and find two products that both read “Ginger” on the label. Product A is a capsule containing ground ginger weighing 300mg, while Product B is a softgel containing an extract made from ginger root at a 20:1 concentration. It also weighs 300mg. If we are to believe that weight equals potency, than these two products should yield the same amount of zingiberene or other pungent compounds. My feeling is they would not. I think we’d find Product B would be much more potent than Product A even though the weight is the same.

My real purpose for this podcast is to be sure you are comparing the same material when basing your decision on weight (micrograms, milligrams, grams or what have you). Too often, I see customers basing their decision solely on milligrams without a look to the raw materials which I think may yield a less effective result.

What do you think?