And why that’s actually a Good Thing!
If you’ve ever gone to reorder your favourite Thorne product, only to find it’s temporarily unavailable or discontinued, you’re not alone.
We personally know how frustrating it can be, especially when you rely on Thorne for your daily supplement routine. But the reason behind it actually speaks volumes about what makes Thorne truly exceptional.
At Nutrition Capital, as an approved Thorne distributor here in Australia, we see firsthand the standards that set Thorne apart. Behind every product that reaches our shelves is a process defined by science, integrity, and a commitment to doing things the right way, not the fast way.
The Thorne Difference: Quality Over Convenience
Since 1984, Thorne has operated with a clear philosophy: when it comes to health, “good enough” is never good enough.
For over 35 years, they’ve refined every detail of their manufacturing process; from sourcing and testing raw materials to formulating, encapsulating, and packaging their products.
This meticulous approach is why Thorne occasionally experiences backorders or discontinues products altogether. It’s not due to poor planning, it’s due to their uncompromising standards.
Why Thorne Takes Its Time
Most supplement companies can produce a product in a few weeks.
Thorne typically takes up to 16 weeks or more from ingredient sourcing to final testing. That’s because every batch of raw material goes through extensive testing in-house, even after suppliers provide Certificates of Analysis.
On average, about 15% of raw materials are rejected during Thorne’s testing process. If an ingredient doesn’t meet strict purity or potency standards, production stops until a new, verified source is found.
This can lead to extended backorders, but it ensures every Thorne product you buy meets the highest level of safety and efficacy.
Manufacturing Without Compromise
Thorne could streamline production by using flow agents and lubricants like magnesium stearate, common in the supplement industry, to speed up encapsulation. But these additives can reduce nutrient absorption.
Instead, Thorne refuses to use such shortcuts. Their manufacturing process takes longer, and their team spends up to 12 hours cleaning and sanitising equipment between batches. It’s extra time that guarantees every product is as pure as possible.
Why Some Products Are Discontinued
Occasionally, Thorne discontinues a product because an ingredient can no longer be sourced to their standard of quality or sustainability.
A notable example is Sedaplus, a sleep-support formula discontinued due to the lack of a clean, contaminant-free valerian root extract.
Thorne could have reformulated, but without valerian, the key ingredient responsible for the product’s efficacy, it wouldn’t have met their expectations.
The same principle applies when ingredients pose environmental or ethical concerns. Thorne has phased out products containing over-harvested or unsustainable botanicals like goldenseal and osha, and even discontinued Krill Oil to reduce ecological impact.
Commitment That Extends Beyond the Label
Thorne’s integrity extends to every aspect of their operations, including packaging and shipping. Nearly all materials are made from recycled sources, and Thorne has implemented paperless “pick, pack, and ship” systems to minimise environmental waste.
Why Nutrition Capital Stands Behind Thorne
As a proud Thorne partner, we believe that every product on our shelves reflects not just scientific excellence, but a deep respect for your health and the planet.
When a Thorne product is temporarily unavailable or discontinued, it’s because quality came first, as it always should.
At Nutrition Capital, we share that belief.
We’re here to help you find the right alternatives when your favourite Thorne products are out of stock, and we’ll always keep you informed as soon as new shipments arrive from Thorne’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Because when it comes to your health, and the trust you place in your supplements, nothing less than exceptional will do.