Why do dosage recommendations vary between different supplement companies?

There are a few reasons why supplement dosages vary. Some companies offer products with doses much smaller than what’s been proven to work, essentially giving you less value for your money. Others go the opposite route, offering higher doses simply as a marketing strategy to make their products seem more powerful or effective, even when those larger doses aren’t necessary.  

Additionally, some supplements come with specific dosing issues that aren’t always mentioned on the label. For example, green tea extracts might not work as well when taken with food, and some minerals compete with each other for absorption. There are many dosing factors that often get overlooked.

Different forms of supplements matter, too. Zinc is a good example of this. Zinc supplements come in different forms - such as zinc acetate, zinc citrate or zinc gluconate - each of which provides a different amount of actual zinc. This can be bit tricky to figure out. Always check the label to make sure you know exactly what you're taking.

Also, avoid products with hidden ingredient mixes, as they don't tell you how much of each ingredient you're actually getting.

Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions when choosing supplements, ensuring you're getting both quality and value without falling for common industry traps.