| Name | Category | Type | One-liner use case | Who benefits most | Strength of evidence | Rank | Recommended brands (why) |
| Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) | Metabolic, Cardio, Brain | Supplement (oil) | Lowers triglycerides, supports heart/brain, reduces inflammation | Most adults not eating fatty fish 2–3x/week | Strong (many RCTs/meta-analyses for lipids, CV risk markers) | S | Nordic Naturals, Carlson, Life Extension, Thorne (triglyceride form, strict oxidation/heavy-metal testing) |
| Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-7) | Bone, Immune, Hormonal | Vitamins | Corrects deficiency; K2 helps keep calcium in bones, not arteries | Low sun exposure, darker skin, older adults | Strong (D deficiency outcomes; K2 observational/RCTs for bone/calcification) | S | Thorne, Momentous, Life Extension (clear dosing, K2 MK-7, COAs) |
| Magnesium (Glycinate / Threonate) | Sleep, Stress, Metabolic | Mineral | Repletes common deficiency; glycinate for calm/sleep, threonate for cognition | Poor sleep, high stress, athletes, low intake | Strong for deficiency correction; Moderate for sleep/cognition | A | Thorne, Life Extension, NOW (chelated forms, reliable content testing) |
| Creatine Monohydrate | Muscle, Brain, Healthy aging | Amino derivative | Boosts power/strength; emerging cognitive & neuroprotective support | Lifters, older adults, sleep-deprived, vegan/veg | Strong (hundreds of RCTs for performance; growing cognition data) | S | Transparent Labs, Thorne, Creapure® brands (purity, third-party tests) |
| Glycine | Sleep, Metabolic, Skin | Amino acid | Improves sleep quality, supports collagen synthesis & methylation balance | Poor sleep, low protein, high methionine intake | Moderate (sleep/metabolic RCTs; collagen support mechanistic + clinical) | A | Life Extension, NOW, BulkSupplements (simple single-ingredient, COAs) |
| N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) | Detox, Respiratory, Longevity | Amino derivative | Precursor to glutathione; supports liver, lungs, and redox | Polluted environments, illness recovery, high oxidative stress | Strong (hospital use; multiple RCTs for lung/liver markers) | A | Life Extension, NOW, Thorne (potency & identity testing) |
| Taurine | Cardio, Metabolic, Exercise | Amino sulfonic acid | Aids BP, lipids, HRV; modest endurance aid; promising aging biology | Endurance athletes, high BP, older adults | Moderate (human metabolic & performance data; strong animal aging data) | A | NOW, Life Extension, Thorne (single-ingredient purity) |
| Berberine | Metabolic, Longevity | Botanical alkaloid | Lowers glucose & LDL; similar to metformin for insulin sensitivity | Prediabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia | Strong (multiple RCTs/meta-analyses for glycemic/lipid markers) | S | Thorne Berbercap, Integrative Therapeutics (standardized extracts, COAs) |
| Aged Garlic Extract (Kyolic®) | Cardio | Botanical extract | Lowers BP, improves arterial health; immune support | Hypertension, subclinical atherosclerosis | Strong (multiple RCTs on BP/CAC progression markers) | S | Kyolic® Wakunaga (proprietary AGE, heavy-metal/PCB testing) |
| CoQ10 / Ubiquinol | Cardio, Energy | Quinone | Restores mitochondrial CoQ10; key for statin users & CHF | Statin users, older adults, heart failure | Strong for deficiency/CHF; Weak for young athletic performance | A (S for statin users) | Kaneka Ubiquinol brands, Thorne, Doctor’s Best, Jarrow (identity/potency) |
| Curcumin (enhanced bioavailability) | Anti-inflammatory, Joints | Polyphenol | Reduces inflammatory markers & joint pain | Arthritis, chronic inflammation | Moderate–Strong (many RCTs; form-dependent absorption) | A | Meriva® (Thorne), Longvida®, BCM-95®, BioPerine® combos (absorption data) |
| Psyllium Husk | Metabolic, Gut | Fiber | Lowers LDL, improves regularity & glycemic response | High LDL, constipation, high-carb diets | Strong (numerous RCTs/meta-analyses) | S | NOW, Konsyl (purity; minimal additives) |
| Melatonin (0.3–1 mg nightly) | Sleep, Antioxidant | Hormone | Improves sleep onset; potent nocturnal antioxidant | Shift workers, jet lag, older adults (low endogenous) | Strong (sleep latency; antioxidant mechanistic/clinical signals) | A (S for 50+ y/o) | Life Extension, Pure Encapsulations (low-dose options, clean excipients) |
| Niacin (nicotinic acid) | NAD+, Lipids | Vitamin B3 | Most potent per-mg NAD+ raiser; lowers LDL/TG (with flush) | Dyslipidemia requiring NA; budget NAD+ boost | Strong for lipids & NAD+; Caution (glucose tolerance at high doses) | B | Endurance Products (Slo-Niacin), NOW (dose control; avoid no-flush “inositol hexanicotinate”) |
| NR / NMN (grouped) | NAD+, Energy | Vitamin B3 forms | Raise NAD+ with less flush; mixed clinical outcomes | Older adults, low energy, high-stress loads | Moderate (consistent NAD+ ↑; functional endpoints mixed) | B | Tru Niagen® (NR), DoNotAge/ProHealth (NMN) (stability/identity data) |
| Ca-AKG (Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate) | Longevity, Bone | Organic acid salt | Supports bone & cellular metabolism; exploratory aging signals | Post-menopause bone support; healthy aging enthusiasts | Limited–Moderate (human biomarker trials; strong animal data) | B | DoNotAge, Renue by Science (purity; identity testing) |
| Sulforaphane (broccoli sprout extracts) | Detox, Anti-inflammatory | Isothiocyanate | Activates Nrf2; supports detox & antioxidant defenses | Urban pollution, metabolic inflammation | Moderate (human trials for detox markers; variability in assays) | B | Avmacol®, Thorne Crucera-SGS (stabilized myrosinase/SGS content) |
| Resveratrol (trans-) | Metabolic, Anti-inflammatory | Polyphenol | SIRT1 activation signals; metabolic support in IR | Metabolic syndrome; not ideal for high-intensity trainees | Limited–Moderate (heterogeneous human results; possible blunting of training adaptations) | C | Life Extension, Thorne (trans-resveratrol purity; light/oxidation protection) |
| PQQ | Mitochondrial support | Quinone | May support mitochondrial biogenesis & cognitive energy | Older adults with fatigue | Limited–Moderate (small human trials; cost sensitivity) | C | Doctor’s Best, Jarrow (identity; third-party tests) |
| TMG (Betaine) | Methylation, Homocysteine | Methyl donor | Lowers homocysteine; supports methylation pathways | High homocysteine, high NAM/Niacin users, athletes | Moderate (consistent homocysteine reduction) | B | Life Extension, Thorne, NOW (simple ingredient, COAs) |
| Chromium (Picolinate) | Glucose metabolism | Trace mineral | Improves insulin sensitivity in some IR populations | Prediabetes/IR; high-carb diets | Moderate (mixed but positive meta-signals) | B | NOW, Thorne (picolinate form, appropriate dosing) |
| Electrolytes (balanced, low sugar) | Hydration, Performance | Mineral blend | Replaces sodium/potassium/magnesium lost in sweat | Endurance athletes, low-carb diets, heavy sweaters | Moderate for performance/hydration | B | LMNT, Skratch Labs, Ultima (clear sodium/potassium, clean labels) |
| Urolithin A | Anti-aging (mitophagy) | Postbiotic | Promotes mitophagy; may improve muscle endurance in older adults | 45+, detrained, post-illness | Moderate (human RCTs on function; limited long-term outcomes) | B | Timeline Mitopure®, Life Extension |
| Alpha-GPC | Brain (acetylcholine) | Choline donor | Short-term boost to attention/memory | Students, shift workers, low choline intake | Moderate (small RCTs; acute effects) | B | Jarrow, Double Wood (COAs), Thorne |
| Citicoline (CDP-Choline) | Brain (acetylcholine) | Choline donor | Supports mental energy and attention; stroke rehab adjunct | Older adults, low choline intake | Moderate–High | B | Cognizin® products (Kyowa), Life Extension |
| Bacopa monnieri | Brain (memory/learning) | Adaptogen | Improves memory consolidation over 4–8 weeks | Students, distracted pros | Moderate (multiple RCTs) | B | Himalaya, Life Extension, Thorne |
| Lion’s Mane (fruiting body) | Brain/nerve support | Mushroom | May support memory and mood | Adults with brain fog/low mood | Low–Moderate (emerging RCTs) | C | Real Mushrooms, Host Defense |
| Beet Root (nitrates) | Cardio/Performance (NO) | Food-derived | Raises nitric oxide; better endurance & BP | Endurance athletes; pre-hypertensive | High (exercise economy), Moderate (BP) | A | Beet It Sport, HumanN/Neo40 |
| L-Citrulline (or Citrulline Malate) | Performance (NO) | Amino acid | Increases arginine/NO; more reps/pump | Lifters, HIIT, endurance | Moderate | B | Kaged, Transparent Labs, NutraBio |
| Beta-Alanine (CarnoSyn®) | Performance (buffering) | Amino acid | Elevates muscle carnosine; delays fatigue (1–4 min efforts) | HIIT/interval athletes | High (meta-analyses) | A | CarnoSyn® products: Kaged, Thorne, Momentous |
| Boswellia (AKBA-std.) | Joints/pain | Botanical | Reduces joint discomfort; complements curcumin | Knee OA; lifters with aches | Moderate | B | 5-LOXIN®/AprèsFlex®: Life Extension, NOW, Jarrow |
| Glucosamine sulfate | Joints (OA) | Supplement | Slows OA symptoms; joint comfort | 40+, osteoarthritis | Moderate–High (sulfate > HCl) | B | Dona®, Doctor’s Best (sulfate), NOW |
| MSM (OptiMSM®) | Joints/skin | Sulfur compound | Joint pain relief; skin elasticity | OA; high-volume trainees | Moderate | B | Jarrow, Doctor’s Best (OptiMSM®) |
| Hyaluronic Acid (oral) | Skin/joints (hydration) | Polysaccharide | Improves skin hydration; mild joint support | Dry skin; mild joint issues | Moderate (skin), Low–Mod (joints) | C | Jarrow, Life Extension |
| Astaxanthin | Skin/eye, antioxidant | Carotenoid | UV/skin photoprotection; eye support | High sun exposure, endurance | Moderate | B | AstaReal®: BioAstin, Nordic Naturals |
| Lutein + Zeaxanthin | Eye (macula) | Carotenoids | Improves macular pigment; glare/contrast | Screen users; low leafy-greens | High (AREDS2 adjunct) | A | PreserVision AREDS2, Life Extension |
| Low-dose Lithium (orotate) | Brain/mood (trace) | Mineral | Trace dosing linked to mood/neuroprotection signals | Mood-fragile; low dietary lithium areas | Low–Moderate (observational > RCTs) | C | Life Extension (low dose), Pure Encapsulations |
| Inositol (myo-/D-chiro) | Metabolic & mood | Carbocycle | Insulin sensitivity; PCOS ovulatory support; calming | PCOS; anxious ruminators | Moderate–High (PCOS), Moderate (anxiety) | B | Theralogix Ovasitol®, Jarrow, NOW |
| Cocoa Flavanols | Vascular/cognition | Polyphenols | Improves endothelial function; acute cognitive boost | Hypertension risk; older adults | Moderate–High | B | CocoaVia (CocoaPro®), standardized products |
| Ginger extract | GI/metabolic | Botanical | Nausea relief; small glucose/weight effects | Nausea-prone; metabolic syndrome | Moderate (nausea), Low–Mod (metabolic) | C | Nature’s Way, New Chapter |
| Red Yeast Rice | Lipids (LDL) | Fermented extract | Statin-like LDL reduction (medical oversight) | Statin-intolerant adults | High (LDL); Safety depends on std. | B | Thorne Choleast-900, Life Extension (assayed) |
| Ginkgo biloba (std.) | Brain (circulation) | Botanical | Modest cognitive support in MCI | Older adults with MCI | Moderate | C | Nature’s Way Ginkgold, Doctor’s Best |
| Rhodiola rosea (std.) | Stress/fatigue | Adaptogen | Reduces perceived stress/fatigue | High-stress professionals | Moderate | B | Gaia, Thorne, NOW |
| Ergothioneine | Antioxidant/mitochondria | Amino-thione | Cytoprotective antioxidant; early cognition signals | Low mushroom intake; older adults | Low–Moderate | C | Products using ErgoActive®/NNB (COA-backed) |
| Nattokinase | Cardiovascular (fibrinolysis) | Enzyme | Supports healthy fibrin breakdown; blood flow | 50+ with elevated clot risk (MD guidance) | Low–Moderate | C | Doctor’s Best, Jarrow (activity-assayed) |
| Collagen peptides (hydrolyzed) | Skin/joints | Protein/peptides | Improves skin elasticity/hydration; joint comfort | 30+ skin goals; joint wear-and-tear | Moderate–High (skin), Moderate (joints) | A | Vital Proteins (NSF), Momentous (NSF), Thorne, Great Lakes |
| Ashwagandha (KSM-66/ Sensoril®) | Stress/sleep/men’s health | Adaptogen | Lowers cortisol; better sleep; small T support | Stressed poor sleepers; lifters | Moderate–High (meta-analyses) | A | KSM-66® products: Transparent Labs, Life Extension; NOW |
| L-Theanine | Sleep/calm/focus | Amino acid | Increases alpha-waves; smoother focus with caffeine | Anxious, caffeine users, sleep onset issues | Moderate | B | Thorne, NOW, Double Wood |
| Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma) | Men’s health | Botanical | Small ↑ in free T/libido; stress reduction | Men 35+ with high SHBG/stress | Low–Moderate | C | Nootropics Depot (COAs), Double Wood |
| Shilajit (purified, fulvic std.) | Men’s vitality/energy | Mineral pitch | May raise total T modestly; anti-fatigue | Men 35+, high training stress | Low–Moderate | C | Pure Encapsulations, Nootropics Depot (COAs) |
| Panax Ginseng (std.) | Energy/cognition | Botanical | Modest improvements in fatigue & glucose | Tired professionals; pre-diabetes | Moderate | B | Nature’s Way, KGC CheongKwanJang |
| GABA (oral) | Sleep/anxiety | Neurotransmitter | Calming; mixed oral bioavailability data | Sleep onset worriers | Low–Moderate | C | Thorne, NOW (pair with theanine) |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid / buffered) | Immunity & skin (collagen) | Vitamin | General immune support; supports collagen synthesis | Low fruit/veg intake; smokers; athletes in heavy blocks | Moderate–High for deficiency correction; Moderate for common cold duration | B | NOW (USP options), Thorne (buffered), NutriCost (COAs) |
| Vitamin E (tocotrienols) | Cardiometabolic & skin | Vitamin | Antioxidant with better membrane activity than α-tocopherol | Metabolic risk; fatty liver; skin aging | Moderate (mixed overall E, stronger for tocotrienols) | C | Annatto-GG / DeltaGold® based: Designs for Health, A.C. Grace |
| Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) | Bone & coagulation | Vitamin | Supports coagulation; adjunct bone health | Low leafy-green intake; on D without K | Moderate | C | Thorne, Life Extension |
| Folate (5-MTHF) | Methylation & pregnancy | B-vitamin | Active folate for methylation & neural tube support | Women trying to conceive; MTHFR variants | High (pregnancy), Moderate (general methylation) | A | Thorne 5-MTHF, Metagenics (COAs), Life Extension |
| Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin/adenosylcobalamin) | Neurologic & hematologic | B-vitamin | Prevents/perks up deficiency-related fatigue & neuropathy | Vegans, metformin users, low stomach acid | High for deficiency | A | Jarrow (methyl), Solgar, Pure Encapsulations |
| Thiamine (Benfotiamine) | Glucose & nerves | B-vitamin | Supports glucose metabolism; neuropathy support | High-carb diets; neuropathy risk | Moderate | B | Doctor’s Best Benfotiamine, Life Extension |
| Vitamin B6 (P5P) | Neurotransmitters & magnesium cofactor | B-vitamin | Active B6 for neurotransmitter synthesis & Mg utilization | Low PLP labs; PMS; athletes | Moderate | B | Thorne P5P, Pure Encapsulations |
| Zinc (picolinate/citrate) | Immunity & hormones | Mineral | Immune support; corrects low testosterone due to deficiency | Low meat intake; heavy sweaters; acne | Moderate | B | Thorne, NOW (picolinate), Life Extension |
| Selenium (selenomethionine) | Thyroid & antioxidant (GPx) | Mineral | Supports thyroid hormone deiodinases & antioxidant enzymes | Low seafood/nut intake; thyroid autoimmunity | Moderate | B | Life Extension, Thorne |
| Iodine (kelp-free measured dose) | Thyroid (caution) | Mineral | Corrects iodine deficiency for thyroid hormone synthesis | Low iodized-salt intake; pregnancy (MD-guided) | Moderate (deficiency), risks if excess | C | Pure Encapsulations (low-dose), Thorne |
| Boron | Hormones & bone | Trace mineral | Can lower SHBG → ↑ free T; supports bone/mineral metabolism | Men 35+ with high SHBG; low fruit/nut intake | Low–Moderate | C | Life Extension, NOW |
| Calcium D-Glucarate | Detox (estrogen/BA clearance) | Carbohydrate conjugate | Supports glucuronidation & estrogen metabolite clearance | High estrogen states; toxin exposure | Low–Moderate | C | Life Extension, Thorne |
| DIM (diindolylmethane) | Hormonal balance (estrogen) | Phytonutrient | Shifts estrogen metabolism toward 2-OH pathway | Estrogen dominance symptoms; athletes on cutting phases | Moderate (biomarkers), Low (clinical outcomes) | C | Thorne, Designs for Health |
| Saw Palmetto (std. fatty acids) | Men’s prostate | Botanical | Reduces LUTS in mild BPH | Men 45+ with BPH symptoms | Moderate (heterogeneous) | C | HPTLC-verified: NOW, Life Extension |
| Fenugreek (std., Testofen®) | Men’s health/glycemia | Botanical | Modest libido/T support; helps post-meal glucose | Men 30–60; insulin resistance | Low–Moderate | C | Nootropics Depot, Gencor Testofen® products |
| Quercetin (with bromelain) | Inflammation & seasonal support | Flavonoid | Mast-cell stabilization; mild anti-inflammatory | Seasonal allergy sufferers; athletes | Low–Moderate | C | Thorne, Life Extension, NOW |
| Apigenin | NAD/CD38 & sleep | Flavone | CD38 modulation (NAD preservation) + mild sleep aid | Biohackers stacking with NAD boosters | Low (human) | D | DoNotAge (COAs), Nootropics Depot |
| Fisetin | Senolytic candidate | Flavonoid | Investigational senolytic; antioxidant | Longevity enthusiasts (pulse dosing) | Low (human) | D | Doctor’s Best, DoNotAge (COAs) |
| Spermidine (supplement) | Autophagy (longevity) | Polyamine | Signals autophagy; human outcomes limited | Longevity enthusiasts (diet > pills) | Low–Moderate (assoc. > RCT) | D | Oxford Healthspan, DoNotAge (COAs) |
| Milk Thistle (silymarin) | Liver support | Botanical | Hepatoprotective antioxidant for liver enzymes | Alcohol/med exposure; NAFLD (adjunct) | Moderate (enzymes), mixed outcomes | C | Euromed Silymarin: Jarrow, NOW |
| Artichoke Extract | Lipids & bile flow | Botanical | Mild LDL/TC reduction; digestive support | High fat intake; sluggish digestion | Low–Moderate | C | Life Extension, NOW |
| SAMe | Mood/joints | Methyl donor | Antidepressant adjunct; OA pain relief | MDD adjunct; joint pain | Moderate–High (mood adj.), Moderate (OA) | B | Doctor’s Best, Jarrow |
| R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) | Glucose & neuropathy | Antioxidant | Insulin sensitivity & neuropathy support | Prediabetes; neuropathy | Moderate | B | Doctor’s Best R-ALA, Thorne |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) | Mito/brain | Amino derivative | Mitochondrial support; mental energy; neuropathy | Vegans; older adults; neuropathy | Moderate | B | Jarrow, NOW, Thorne |
| D-Ribose | Energy (ATP synthesis) | Carb | May aid recovery in chronic fatigue/heart failure | CFS/ME; HF (MD-guided) | Low–Moderate | C | Life Extension, Healthy Origins |
| Huperzine-A | Memory (AChE inhibitor) | Alkaloid | Short-term memory/learning boost | Students; MCI adjunct | Low–Moderate | C | Double Wood (COAs), Source Naturals |
| Pycnogenol® (pine bark) | Vascular & skin | Polyphenols | Endothelial function; skin elasticity; edema | Varicose tendencies; long flights; skin | Moderate | B | Pycnogenol® licensed brands: Horphag partners, NOW |
| Akkermansia muciniphila (Pendulum) | Gut barrier & glucose | Probiotic | Supports GLP-1/insulin sensitivity & mucin layer | Prediabetes; gut barrier issues | Moderate (strain-specific) | B | Pendulum Akkermansia (human RCT) |
| Clinically-validated probiotics (multi-strain) | Gut & immunity | Probiotic | Regularity, IBS relief, immune modulation (strain-specific) | IBS-C/D; antibiotic aftermath | Moderate–High (by strain) | B | Seed DS-01®, Culturelle, Align (strain-labeled) |
| Inulin/Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) | Prebiotic fiber | Prebiotic | Feeds bifidobacteria; improves stool frequency | Low-fiber diets; constipation | Moderate (GI), tolerance varies | C | NOW Inulin, Just Thrive Precision PREbiotic |
| Beta-Glucans (1,3/1,6 from yeast) | Immune priming | Polysaccharide | Trains innate immunity; reduces URTI days | Teachers, parents, athletes in season | Moderate | B | Wellmune®/WGP® products: NOW, Jarrow |
| Colostrum (low-heat) | Gut barrier & immunity | Bioactive protein | Supports gut permeability & URTI reduction in athletes | Endurance athletes; GI issues | Moderate (athlete URTI), variable quality | C | ARMRA, Sovereign Labs (low-heat processing) |
| Whey Protein (isolate/hydrolyzed) | Muscle & healthy aging | Protein | Maximizes MPS; convenient leucine-rich protein | Lifters; older adults (anabolic resistance) | High | A | Momentous (NSF), Transparent Labs, Optimum (Informed-Choice) |
| Plant Protein (soy/pea-rice blends) | Muscle (dairy-free) | Protein | Muscle support when dosed for leucine (~2.5g) | Vegans; lactose-intolerant | Moderate–High (adequate dose) | B | Ritual, KOS (COAs), Nuzest (Informed-Sport) |
| Essential Amino Acids (EAA blends) | Muscle (intra/fasted) | Amino blend | Stimulates MPS when meals are light/fasted | Cutting phases; low appetite | Moderate | B | Kaged, Transparent Labs |
| HMB (β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate) | Muscle preservation | Leucine metabolite | Anti-catabolic; preserves lean mass in older/sarcopenic | 60+; immobilized; clinical rehab | Moderate–High (older adults) | B | Metagenics HMB, Optimum HMB |
| Betaine HCl (with pepsin) | Digestion (low stomach acid) | Acid support | Improves protein digestion in hypochlorhydria | Older adults; PPI weaning (MD-guided) | Low–Moderate | C | Thorne, NOW |
| Ginger + Peppermint (enteric) | GI motility | Botanical combo | Reduces nausea/bloating; supports motility | Functional dyspepsia; motion sickness | Moderate | B | IBgard/FDgard (encapsulated mint), Nature’s Way ginger |
| Lycopene | Prostate/vascular | Carotenoid | Antioxidant; prostate biomarker support | Men 45+; low tomato intake | Moderate (observational > RCT) | C | Life Extension, NOW |
| Beta-Carotene (avoid high dose in smokers) | Skin/antioxidant | Carotenoid | Provitamin A; skin hue | Low carotenoid diet; non-smokers | Moderate efficacy; safety caveat | D | Food > pills; if supplementing: low-dose mixed carotenoids |
| GHK-Cu (oral) | Skin & wound signals | Peptide complex | Collagen/elastin signaling; skin quality | Skin-focused users; wound/scar care | Low (oral), better topical | D | |
| Niacinamide (NAM) | Skin (photoaging), NAD salvage | B3 vitamin | Boosts NAD via salvage pathway; oral/topical benefits for skin tone/texture | Skin focus; those who can’t tolerate niacin flush | Moderate for skin; Low–Moderate for systemic longevity | B (skin) / C (longevity) | Oral: Life Extension, Thorne • Topical: Paula’s Choice, The Ordinary (for skin only) |
| EGCG (Green Tea Extract) | Cardiometabolic & antioxidant | Botanical | Modestly improves cardiometabolic markers; antioxidant | People not drinking green tea; metabolic risk | Moderate (biomarkers), liver-safety needs care | C | Life Extension Decaffeinated, Thorne Green Tea Phytosome |
| MCT Oil (C8/C10) | Brain energy (ketones) | Lipid | Rapid ketone source for mental energy and appetite control | Low-carb/fasters; cognitive demand days | Moderate (acute ketone/cog), Low (long-term outcomes) | B | Bulletproof (tested), NOW MCT, Sports Research |
| Calcium (citrate/carbonate) | Bone (with D/K2) | Mineral | Corrects deficiency for bone health; use food-first if possible | Low dairy/low intake; post-menopause (MD-guided) | Moderate benefits; safety caveat (CAC with high-dose pills) | C | Citrate forms: Thorne, NOW; aim to meet remainder via food |
| Iron (bisglycinate or heme) | Anemia & energy | Mineral | Repletes iron deficiency to restore energy and cognition | Confirmed iron-deficient (ferritin, CBC) | High (deficiency), risks if excess | A (deficiency) / F (unneeded) | Gentle Iron (bisglycinate): Solgar, NOW • Heme: Proferrin |
| Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) | Inflammation resolution | Lipid mediators | Supports resolution phase of inflammation (not general suppression) | Athletes in heavy blocks; chronic low-grade inflammation | Moderate (small RCTs/biomarkers) | B–C | Metagenics SPM Active, Designs for Health SPM Supreme |
| Digestive Enzymes (broad spectrum) | Digestion | Enzyme blend | Helps with high-protein/fat meals or pancreatic insufficiency | Older adults; indigestion; pancreatic enzyme insufficiency | Moderate (symptoms), Low (hard endpoints) | C | Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra, NOW Super Enzymes |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | Gut & travel immunity | Probiotic yeast | Reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea; traveler’s diarrhea | Antibiotics users; travelers | High (AAD), Moderate (IBS adjunct) | A–B | Florastor, Jarrow Saccharomyces boulardii + MOS |
| Tart Cherry (Montmorency) | Sleep & recovery | Botanical | Increases melatonin slightly; reduces DOMS | Lifters/endurance; poor sleep | Moderate (sleep latency/DOMS) | B | Cheribundi (juice), Life Extension Tart Cherry Extract |
| Valerian Root (std.) | Sleep onset | Botanical | Mildly shortens sleep latency | Occasional insomnia; prefers herbal | Low–Moderate | C | Gaia Herbs, Nature’s Way (std. valeric acids) |
| Kava (noble, peeled) | Anxiety (short-term) | Botanical | Anxiolytic comparable to mild benzos without sedation (monitor liver) | Situational anxiety; public speaking | Moderate efficacy; safety caveat (liver) | C | Noble-only: Kalm with Kava (COAs), Gaia Kava Root |
| Phosphatidylserine (PS) | Memory/Stress | Phospholipid | Supports working memory and lowers cortisol response | High-stress professionals; older adults | Moderate | B | Double Wood (COAs), Jarrow PS 100 |
| Uridine Monophosphate | Mood/Memory (stacking) | Nucleotide | May support synaptic phospholipids; often stacked with choline/DHA | Cognitive enhancement hobbyists | Low–Moderate | C | Nootropics Depot (COAs) |
| Heliocare (Polypodium leucotomos) | Skin (photoprotection) | Botanical | Oral photoprotective antioxidant; reduces UV-induced damage | Fair skin; high UV exposure (adjunct to sunscreen) | Moderate | B | Heliocare (IFC-Cantabria) |
| Plant Sterols/Stanols | Lipids (LDL) | Phytosterols | Lower LDL by reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption | High LDL; statin-intolerant | High (LDL reduction), outcomes less clear | A–B | Nature Made CholestOff (USP), NOW Plant Sterols |
| Citrus Bergamot (BPF) | Lipids (LDL/TG) | Botanical | Lowers LDL/TG; may raise HDL modestly | Mixed dyslipidemia; statin-intolerant | Moderate | B | Jarrow Bergamot BPF, Karuna Bergamot |
| Cinnamon (Ceylon/Cassia extracts) | Glucose (post-meal) | Botanical | Modest fasting glucose/HbA1c improvements | Prediabetes; high-carb diets | Moderate | B–C | Cinsulin® products (Indena), Life Extension |
| Gymnema sylvestre (std.) | Sugar cravings & glucose | Botanical | Reduces sweet taste perception; may aid glycemic control | Cravings; prediabetes (adjunct) | Low–Moderate | C | Gaia Herbs, Himalaya (std. gymnemic acids) |
| DHEA (low dose, MD-guided) | Hormones (adrenals) | Hormone | May improve wellbeing/libido in low DHEA; helpful in some women | Middle-aged/older with low DHEA-S | Moderate (deficiency), Low (general) | C | Life Extension DHEA (lab-guided dosing) |
| Pregnenolone (MD-guided) | Neurosteroid | Hormone | May aid sleep/mood/cognition in select cases | Low neurosteroids; clinician-supervised | Low | D | Designs for Health (with labs/MD) |
| Methylene Blue (USP-grade, low dose) | Mitochondria (niche) | Redox dye | ETS bypass in mitochondrial dysfunction; niche cognitive use | Documented mito issues; older adults | Low (human), potential drug interactions | D | Troscriptions (COAs), USP-grade only; avoid if G6PD-deficient |
| Serrapeptase/Nattokinase combos | Clot/viscosity (circulation) | Enzyme | Proteolytic/fibrinolytic support (Natto already listed; adding Serra) | High fibrin states (MD-guided) | Low–Moderate | C | Doctor’s Best, Arthur Andrew (check units/SPU/FU) |
| Elderberry (Sambucus) | URTI duration | Botanical | May shorten cold duration if taken early | Parents/teachers; travelers | Low–Moderate | C | Nature’s Way Sambucus (identity-tested) |
| Betaine (as HCl separate from TMG) | Digestion (low acid) | Acid support | Helps protein digestion in hypochlorhydria | Low stomach acid; older adults | Moderate (symptoms) | C | Thorne, NOW (already listed Betaine HCl above; include here if separate SKU needed) |
| Maca (Lepidium meyenii) | Libido/energy | Botanical | Modest libido/menopause symptom support | Menopause; low libido | Low–Moderate | C | Gaia Herbs, NHI Maca (COAs) |
| Plant Polyphenol Mix (grape seed/OPCs) | Vascular & skin | Polyphenols | Endothelial support; antioxidant | Varicose tendencies; skin elasticity goals | Moderate | B–C | Life Extension, NOW Grape Seed (std. OPCs) |
| SPMs + Fish Oil combo | Inflammation & lipids | Lipid combo | Pairing EPA/DHA with SPMs for resolution + lipids | Athletes; joint overuse | Moderate (complementary) | B | Nordic Naturals ProOmega + SPM Active (two products) |
| Pro-oxidant polyphenols (pterostilbene) | Longevity (speculative) | Polyphenol | Resveratrol analog; limited human data; LDL may rise | Longevity hobbyists (with COA) | Low | D | Nootropics Depot (COAs); use cautiously |
| Carnosine | Anti-glycation (skin/joint) | Dipeptide | Helps limit advanced glycation end products; niche skin/joint support | High sugar intake; skin aging focus | Low–Moderate (human markers > outcomes) | C | Life Extension, Doctor’s Best |
| Saffron (affron®/std.) | Mood & Eye (AMD adjunct) | Botanical | Small but consistent boost to mood/sleep; supports macular function | Mild low mood/stress; early AMD | Moderate (multiple RCTs, small N) | B | affron®-standardized (Nutralife/Double Wood), Life Extension |
| UC-II® (Undenatured Type II Collagen) | Joints (cartilage) | Protein fraction | Low-dose (40 mg) improves knee comfort/function | Knee OA; lifters with joint pain | Moderate (several RCTs) | B | NOW UC-II®, Jarrow, Healthy Origins |
| Silicon (ch-OSA) | Skin/Hair/Nails & Bone | Mineral complex | Improves hair tensile strength, nail brittleness; supports collagen cross-linking | Brittle hair/nails; peri/post-menopause | Moderate (cosmetic outcomes) | B | BioSil® (ch-OSA) |
| Pomegranate (std. punicalagins) | Cardiometabolic (arterial) | Polyphenol | Modest help for BP, endothelial function; antioxidant | Elevated BP/IMT; low fruit intake | Low–Moderate | C | Life Extension Pomegranate Complete, Pomella® extracts |
| TUDCA | Liver & Bile flow | Bile acid | Supports cholestasis and liver enzymes; niche GI use | Elevated cholestatic markers (MD-guided) | Low–Moderate (human in specific conditions) | C | Double Wood (COAs), Nutricost (use with clinician) |
| Bitter Melon (Momordica) | Glucose (post-meal) | Botanical | Mild fasting glucose/HbA1c reduction | Prediabetes; high-carb meals | Low–Moderate | C | Himalaya, Swanson (identity-tested) |
| Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) | Pain/Neuroinflammation | Lipid amide | Helps neuropathic pain and pelvic pain; well-tolerated | Chronic nerve pain; mast-cell driven pain | Moderate (several RCTs, small–mid N) | B | Ergomax PEA, Doctor’s Best, Nootropics Depot (COAs) |
| Cranberry (PAC-A standardized) | UTI prevention | Botanical | Reduces recurrent UTIs via anti-adhesion PAC-A | Women with recurrent UTIs | Moderate (prevention > treatment) | B | Ellura®, Azo Cranberry with PAC-A spec |
| Olive Leaf (oleuropein) | Blood pressure & lipids | Botanical | Modest BP lowering; antioxidant | Mild hypertension; metabolic risk | Moderate (BP), Low (outcomes) | B–C | Comvita, Gaia Herbs (std. oleuropein) |
| Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) | Gut (prebiotic/IBS) | Fiber | Improves regularity, IBS-C symptoms, and microbiome | Constipation-predominant IBS | Moderate | B | Sunfiber® (Tomorrow’s Nutrition), Healthy Origins |
| L-Glutamine | Gut lining (permeability) | Amino acid | Supports mucosal repair; may help IBS symptoms | Athletes with GI distress; IBS; post-abx | Low–Moderate | C | Thorne, NOW, Kaged |
| Pygeum africanum | Prostate/urinary flow | Botanical | Improves nocturia and flow in BPH | Men with mild–moderate BPH | Moderate (symptoms) | B | Life Extension, Jarrow (std. phytosterols) |
| Stinging Nettle Root (std.) | Prostate/SHBG | Botanical | May improve LUTS and lower SHBG modestly | Men with BPH; high SHBG | Low–Moderate | C | Gaia Herbs, NOW (std. lignans) |
| Vitex (Chasteberry) | Women’s health (PMS) | Botanical | Reduces PMS breast tenderness, mood swings | Premenstrual symptoms | Moderate (symptom relief) | B | Gaia Herbs, Nature’s Way (agnus-castus std.) |
| L-Tyrosine | Stress/Cognition (acute) | Amino acid | Supports catecholamines under stress/sleep loss; improves task performance | Operators, students, shift workers | Moderate (acute tasks) | B | Thorne, BulkSupplements (COAs) |
| 5-HTP | Mood/Sleep (serotonin) | Amino acid | Can aid sleep and mood; risk of GI upset & drug interactions | Those not on SSRIs/SNRIs; short-term sleep | Low–Moderate; safety caveats | C | Natrol, NOW (use cautiously; avoid with serotonergic meds) |
| Theaflavins (black tea) | Lipids/Inflammation | Polyphenol | Modest LDL and CRP improvements | Low tea intake; metabolic risk | Low–Moderate | C | Life Extension Theaflavins |
| Fucoidan | Immune/Anti-inflammatory | Polysaccharide (seaweed) | Early data for immune modulation & gut barrier | Interested in marine polysaccharides | Low | D | Doctor’s Best, Ancestral Supplements (COAs) |
| Propolis | URTI & oral health | Bee resin | May reduce duration of colds; supports oral microbiome | Teachers/parents; frequent flyers | Low–Moderate (heterogeneous) | C | Beekeeper’s Naturals (COAs), NaturaNectar |
| Royal Jelly | Skin/energy (speculative) | Bee product | Cosmetic/energy claims with limited clinical backing | Cosmetic focus | Low | D | Y.S. Eco Bee Farms (COAs) |
| Nigella sativa (Black seed, thymoquinone) | Cardiometabolic | Botanical | Modest reductions in fasting glucose, TG, and CRP | Metabolic syndrome traits | Moderate (biomarkers), small N | B–C | Amazing Herbs, Life Extension Black Cumin Seed |
| Hawthorn (Crataegus) | Cardiac support (adjunct) | Botanical | Symptom relief in mild CHF; BP support | Mild CHF (adjunct; MD-guided) | Moderate for symptoms; outcomes unclear | C | MediHerb (practitioner), Gaia Herbs |
| Berberis aristata + Silymarin combo | Lipids/Glucose | Botanical combo | Silymarin can support berberine tolerability and LDL lowering | Those intolerant to berberine GI effects | Low–Moderate (combo data) | C | Integrative Therapeutics Berberine Complex |
| Grape Seed OPC (standalone) | Vascular/edema | Polyphenol | Reduces leg edema and supports microcirculation | Long-standing, flights | Moderate | B | Life Extension, NOW (std. OPC % shown) |
| Resistant Starch (RS2/RS3 powders) | Gut (butyrate) | Prebiotic | Increases butyrate producers; improves stool form | Low-fiber diets; IBS-C (titrate slowly) | Low–Moderate | C | Bob’s Red Mill Potato Starch (RS2); Hi-Maize® (RS2) |
| Astragalus membranaceus | Kidney/Immune; Telomere hype | Botanical | Traditional kidney/immune support; telomerase claims preliminary | Immune support seekers | Low–Moderate (specific endpoints) | C | Planetary Herbals, Gaia Herbs |
| Holy Basil (Tulsi) | Stress/adaptogen | Botanical | Mild reductions in stress and perceived anxiety | High-stress lifestyles | Low–Moderate | C | Organic India Tulsi, Gaia Herbs |
| Schisandra chinensis | Stress/Liver (ALT) | Botanical | Adaptogen with possible liver enzyme benefits | Stressed individuals; mild ALT elevations | Low–Moderate | C | Gaia Herbs, Paradise Herbs |
| Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) | AMPK/Metabolic | Botanical | AMPK-activating tea; gentle metabolic support | Low-intensity metabolic support | Low–Moderate | C | Hyperion Herbs (tea), Dragon Herbs |
| Echinacea (purpurea/angustifolia) | URTI prevention (seasonal) | Botanical | Small reduction in cold incidence/duration | Seasonal use; high-exposure jobs | |||
| Spirulina | Metabolic & immune | Algae | Modest lipid/glucose support; antioxidant protein source | People with low veggie/protein intake | Low–Moderate (heterogeneous quality) | C | Nutrex Hawaii, NOW (COAs) |
| Chlorella | Detox & micronutrient | Algae | Binds some heavy metals; B12 analogs; chlorophyll | High fish intake; low greens | Low–Moderate | C | Sun Chlorella, Jarrow |
| Arginine (L-Arginine) | Vascular (NO) | Amino acid | Short-term pump/BP support; less effective than citrulline | Athletes chasing pumps; mild ED | Moderate for NO, weaker than citrulline | C | Thorne, NOW |
| L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT) | Performance & recovery | Amino acid | Aids recovery and androgen receptor density in some studies | Strength/power athletes | Low–Moderate | B–C | Kaged, Jarrow |
| Agmatine Sulfate | Neuro & pain | Amine | May help neuropathic pain and mood; nitric oxide modulation | Neuropathic pain; pre-workout users | Low–Moderate | C | Nootropics Depot (COAs) |
| Phosphatidylcholine (PC) | Liver & cognition | Phospholipid | Supports bile flow and membrane repair; choline source | Fatty liver risk; low choline diets | Moderate (liver enzymes) | B | BodyBio PC, Thorne |
| Apple Cider Vinegar (Acetic acid) | Post-meal glucose | Fermented food | Blunts post-prandial glucose/insulin spikes | High-carb meals; prediabetes | Moderate (acute effects) | B | Bragg (with “mother”); capsules: Enzymedica |
| Diosmin/Hesperidin | Vein & lymph (legs) | Flavonoids | Reduces leg edema and venous insufficiency symptoms | Prolonged standing, travel | Moderate (symptom relief) | B | Daflon®/Vasculera (Rx in some regions); Life Extension |
| Rutin | Capillary strength | Flavonoid | Supports fragile capillaries; adjunct for hemorrhoids/veins | Those with easy bruising, venous issues | Low–Moderate | C | Swanson, NOW |
| Tributyrin (Butyrate) | Gut barrier & immune | Postbiotic | Increases butyrate; supports barrier integrity, motility | IBS, low fiber diets | Low–Moderate (promising) | C | Healthy Gut Tributyrin, MitoPure® Butyrate equivalents |
| N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (NAG) | Gut lining | Amino sugar | Mucin support; may ease IBS/IBD symptoms adjunctively | IBS/IBD (with clinician) | Low–Moderate | C | Jarrow, NOW |
| Strontium (citrate) | Bone density (caution) | Mineral | Increases DXA readings; safety/interpretation concerns | Severe osteopenia (MD-guided) | Low–Moderate; safety caveats | D | Life Extension (only with MD; separate from Ca) |
| Ipriflavone | Bone turnover | Isoflavone | May reduce bone resorption; mixed fracture data | Post-menopause (adjunct) | Low–Moderate | C | Double Wood (COAs) |
| Vitamin K2 (MK-4) | Bone & arterial | Vitamin | High-dose MK-4 used in Japan for bone; short half-life | Osteoporosis protocols (MD-guided) | Moderate (bone markers/outcomes in Japan) | B | Thorne MK-4 |
| Bromelain (stand-alone) | Inflammation & sinus | Enzyme | Reduces nasal swelling and post-exercise soreness | Sinus issues; DOMS | Moderate (symptom relief) | B | Doctor’s Best, NOW |
| NADH (reduced NAD⁺) | Energy (CFS) | Coenzyme | May help chronic fatigue in small trials | CFS/ME populations | Low–Moderate | C | Enada® NADH |
| Oxaloacetate (OAA) | Metabolic/brain (speculative) | Metabolite | Emerging data for fatigue & mood; TCA cycle support | Biohackers; fatigue | Low | D | benaGene® |
| DMAE | Cognitive (speculative) | Choline analog | Cosmetic skin tightening claims; unclear cognition benefits | Cosmetic users | Low | D | Life Extension DMAE |
| Policosanol | Lipids (LDL) | Alcohol mixture | Mixed results; Cuban vs non-Cuban data conflict | Statin-intolerant seeking mild help | Low–Moderate | D | Life Extension, Jarrow |
| CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) | Fat loss (claims) | Fatty acid | Minimal fat-loss effect; GI upset possible | Limited use cases | Low–Moderate (tiny effects) | D | NatureWise, Sports Research |
| Garcinia cambogia | Weight loss (claims) | Botanical | No meaningful, sustained fat-loss; GI risks | — | Low | F | — |
| 7-Keto DHEA | Metabolic (MD-guided) | Hormone metabolite | Slight metabolic rate bump; hormonal caveats | Middle-aged with MD oversight | Low–Moderate | C | Life Extension (doctor-supervised) |
| L-Ornithine | Ammonia & sleep quality | Amino acid | Reduces perceived fatigue; supports ammonia handling | High-protein eaters; late-night heavy meals | Low–Moderate | C | NOW, Thorne |
| Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis) | Performance (endurance), Energy | Mushroom extract | May improve aerobic capacity and fatigue resistance | Endurance athletes, low-energy individuals | Moderate human; small RCTs | B | Nammex/Real Mushrooms, Host Defense, Double Wood |
| Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) | Immune, Stress/Sleep | Mushroom extract | Immune modulation and calmer sleep | Stressed adults, frequent colds | Moderate human; many mechanistic | B | Host Defense, Real Mushrooms, Life Extension |
| Chondroitin sulfate | Joint | Supplement | Supports joint comfort with glucosamine | Adults with knee OA | Moderate–strong human | B | Doctor’s Best, Kirkland, NOW |
| Meso-zeaxanthin | Eye (macula) | Carotenoid | Completes macular pigment alongside lutein/zeaxanthin | Screen-heavy users, early macular risk | Moderate human | B | MacuHealth (LMZ3), Life Extension |
| D-Aspartic Acid (DAA) | Hormone (T) | Amino acid | May transiently increase testosterone in some | Men with low T; training blocks | Mixed/weak human | D | BulkSupplements, NutraBio |
| Fadogia agrestis | Hormone (T) | Herb | Popular T booster with minimal human data | Niche biohackers only | Very weak human | F | — (avoid until better data) |
| Mucuna pruriens (L-DOPA) | Mood/Drive | Herb extract | Dopaminergic support; libido/motivation | Low drive or Parkinson’s adjunct (MD-guided) | Moderate (specific contexts) | C | Himalaya, NOW, Double Wood |
| Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) | Skin, Women’s health | Oil | GLA for skin hydration and PMS symptoms | Women with PMS/eczema | Moderate human | C | Barlean’s, NOW, Solgar |
| Borage Oil (high-GLA) | Skin, Inflammation | Oil | Higher GLA per softgel than EPO | Those wanting higher GLA dose | Moderate human | C | Life Extension, NOW |
| Ceramides (wheat extract oil) | Skin | Lipid extract | Improves skin barrier and hydration | Dry/aging skin | Moderate human | B | Ceramosides® products (Life Extension, Sports Research) |
| L-Serine | Neuro, Sleep | Amino acid | May support neuropathy, sleep quality | Neuropathy risk, poor sleep | Early human | C | Thorne (Seriphos alt is phosphoserine), BulkSupplements |
| Zinc Carnosine (PepZin GI) | Gut lining | Complex | Repairs/soothes gastric mucosa | GERD/gastritis support | Moderate human | B | Doctor’s Best PepZin GI, Jarrow |
| Larch Arabinogalactan | Immune/Gut | Fiber | Prebiotic; may cut URTI duration | Frequent colds, low fiber intake | Moderate human | C | Swanson, NOW |
| Andrographis paniculata | Immune (URTI) | Herb | Reduces duration/severity of colds | Teachers, parents, travelers | Moderate human | B | Gaia Herbs, Himalaya |
| AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) | Immune | Mushroom-derived | NK-cell activity; adjunct during cold season | Immunity-focused adults | Early–moderate human | C | Quality of Life (AHCC®), Swanson |
| Butterbur (PA-free) | Allergy/Migraine | Herb | May reduce allergic rhinitis/migraine frequency | Seasonal allergy sufferers | Moderate human | C | Petadolex® (PA-free only) |
| Celery Seed Extract | Uric Acid/BP | Herb | Supports uric acid and mild BP | Gout-prone, mild hypertension | Early–moderate human | C | Swanson, Nature’s Way |
| Black Cohosh | Women’s health | Herb | Menopause hot-flash relief | Peri/postmenopausal women | Moderate human | B | Remifemin®, Nature’s Way |
| Vinpocetine | Brain blood flow | Drug-like | Cerebral circulation/cognition support | Older adults (note regulatory status) | Mixed human | C | Life Extension (check legality in your country) |
| Capsaicin (oral) | Metabolic | Compound | Tiny thermogenic effect; appetite aid | Cutting phases | Mixed human | D | Swanson, NOW |
| Choline Bitartrate | Brain/Liver | Choline salt | Budget choline for liver/methylation | High alcohol/fatty liver risk | Moderate human | C | NOW, BulkSupplements |
| Grape Skin Polyphenols | Vascular | Polyphenols | Endothelial function; BP support | Hypertensive/pre-hypertensive | Early–moderate | C | Life Extension, Pure Encapsulations |
| Meso-PS (Phosphatidylserine 100 mg variants) | Stress/Cortisol | Phospholipid | Blunts exercise-induced cortisol; focus | High-stress workers | Moderate human | B | Jarrow, Double Wood |
| Green Coffee Bean (chlorogenic acids) | Metabolic | Extract | Small aid to glucose/weight control | Overweight, high post-meal glucose | Mixed human | C | NatureWise, Life Extension |
| Berberine + Inositol combo | Metabolic/PCOS | Stack | Insulin sensitivity & cycle regularity | PCOS (MD-guided) | Moderate human (combo) | B | Thorne, Life Extension (separate ingredients) |
| Skullcap (Baicalin) | Calm/Inflammation | Herb | Anxiolytic + anti-inflammatory flavones | Stress/anxiety | Early–moderate human | C | Gaia Herbs, Double Wood |
| Horsetail (Silica herb) | Hair/Nail | Herb | Silica source for hair/nails | Weak hair/nails | Weak–early human | D | Nature’s Way |
| Pine Pollen | Hormone (T) | Pollen | Claims natural T support; scant human data | Men chasing natural T | Very weak | F | — (insufficient evidence) |
| Bacillus spore probiotics | Gut resilience | Probiotic | Heat-stable spore strains; bloat support | Travelers; SIBO-prone (case-by-case) | Moderate strain-specific | C | Microbiome Labs (MegaSpore), Just Thrive |
| Bifidobacterium longum 1714 | Stress/Brain–gut | Probiotic strain | May reduce stress scores | High-stress adults | Early–moderate strain-specific | C | Zenflore® (PrecisionBiotics) |
| Korean Red Ginseng (Rg1/Rb1-std.) | Energy/Libido | Adaptogen | Mild energy, libido, glucose effects | Fatigued adults | Moderate human | B | CheongKwanJang, ILHWA, Nature’s Way |
| Cissus quadrangularis | Joint/Tendon | Herb | May reduce joint discomfort | Lifters with elbow/knee niggles | Early–moderate | C | PrimaForce, Swanson |
| Pau d’Arco (lapachol-std.) | Microbalance | Bark extract | Traditional anti-microbial support | Recurrent yeast issues | Weak–early | D | Herb Pharm |
| Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) | Women’s health | Herb | Menopause/PMS support, libido | Peri-menopausal women | Early–moderate | C | Himalaya, Banyan Botanicals |
| Dandelion (Taraxacum) leaf | Fluid balance | Herb | Gentle diuretic; bloat relief | PMS bloat, salt-heavy diets | Weak–moderate | C | Gaia Herbs |
| Cissus + Curcumin topical (combo) | Joint (topical) | Topical stack | Local joint comfort | Lifters with localized pain | Early | C | Euphoria formulations (various) |
| Beta-Sitosterol (stand-alone) | Prostate | Plant sterol | Urinary flow in BPH | Men >50 with LUTS | Moderate human | B | NOW, Swanson |
| Astaxanthin + Vitamin E mix | Skin/Photo | Antioxidant stack | UV-induced skin fatigue & wrinkles | Outdoor athletes | Moderate human (combo) | B | AstaReal® sources (Sports Research, NOW) |
| Coluracetam/Noopept | Nootropic | Peptide-like | Subjective memory/focus | Biohackers; very limited data | Very weak human | F | — (not recommended) |
| Gynostemma pentaphyllum (tea) | Metabolic/Longevity | Herb | AMPK-leaning, mild glucose/lipid | Metabolic syndrome | Early–moderate | C | Dragon Herbs, Teawarehouse |
| Sclareolide | Body comp | Terpene | Marketed for “cutting”; evidence lacking | Cutting phases | Very weak | F | — |
| Cissus + MSM + Boswellia combo | Joint stack | Supplement stack | Multi-pathway joint support | Heavy lifters, OA | Moderate (components) | B | Build from individual reputable brands |
| Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) | Mood/Anxiety | Herb | Serotonergic calm; social stress | Acute anxiety | Early–moderate | C | Zembrin® products |
| Proline + Hydroxyproline | Skin/Collagen | Amino acids | Collagen precursors (non-collagen) | Low-protein diets | Early–moderate | C | BulkSupplements (or get via collagen peptides) |
| Oxaloacetate (OAA) | Mitochondrial / Longevity | Metabolite salt | Supports mitochondrial turnover and may slow biological aging markers | Older adults, fatigue or metabolic-slowdown cases | Moderate (human pilot + animal lifespan) | B | BenaGene®, Jarrow (Oxaloacetate complex) |
| NADH (reduced NAD⁺) | Energy / Cognitive | Coenzyme | Directly donates electrons to the mitochondrial chain; small boost to alertness | Chronic fatigue, jet lag, low-energy | Moderate (small RCTs) | C | Enada®, NOW Foods |
| Ketone Esters (R-3-hydroxybutyl R-3-hydroxybutyrate) | Energy / Brain fuel | Exogenous ketone | Rapid clean fuel for brain and endurance | Endurance athletes, keto-adapted users | Moderate (acute human) | B | H.V.M.N., KetoneAid KE4 |
| Ketone Salts (BHB Salts) | Energy / Metabolic | Salt complex | Raises blood β-hydroxybutyrate mildly for mental energy | Low-carb dieters, fasting support | Mixed / moderate | C | Perfect Keto®, KetoLogic® |
| Succinic Acid | Mitochondrial cycle | TCA intermediate | Enhances ATP production and antioxidant buffering | Fatigued or metabolic-syndrome adults | Early human | C | BulkSupplements |
| Malic Acid | Energy / Recovery | TCA intermediate | May reduce post-exercise soreness (with magnesium malate) | Chronic fatigue, athletes | Moderate human | C | NOW Foods, Thorne (Mag Malate) |
| D-Ribose | Energy metabolism | Simple sugar | Restores ATP in myocardium and fatigue conditions | Chronic fatigue, heart failure patients | Moderate human | B | Life Extension, Doctor’s Best |
| L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT) | Energy / Recovery | Amino-acid derivative | Transports fatty acids into mitochondria for fuel; reduces DOMS | Strength athletes, vegetarians | Strong human | A | NOW, Thorne, NutraBio |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) | Brain / Mitochondrial | Amino-acid derivative | Supports brain energy, focus, and nerve repair | Aging brains, fatigue | Strong human | A | Jarrow, Doctor’s Best, Thorne |
| R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) | Antioxidant / Energy | Fat-soluble antioxidant | Recycles CoQ10 and glutathione; improves insulin sensitivity | Diabetics, mitochondrial support | Strong human | A | Doctor’s Best (R-ALA), Life Extension |
| Coenzyme Q9 (Ubiquinone-9) | Energy support | Quinone | Similar to CoQ10 with better tissue penetration in some | Older adults | Early–moderate | C | Swanson, NOW |
| Carnitine Orotate | Energy / Liver | Carnitine complex | Combines carnitine & orotic acid for liver mitochondrial support | Fatty liver, chronic fatigue | Early human | C | Double Wood Supplements |
| Phosphatidylcholine (PC) | Cell membrane / Liver | Phospholipid | Rebuilds mitochondrial and liver membranes | Fatty liver, high-toxin exposure | Strong human (liver data) | A | BodyBio PC, NOW, Thorne |
| Carnosine | Longevity / Glycation | Dipeptide | Buffers pH and reduces AGEs for mitochondrial protection | Aging adults, diabetics | Moderate human | B | Life Extension, Double Wood |
| Ubiquinol + PQQ Combo | Mitochondrial biogenesis | Stack | Stimulates new mitochondria and ATP production | Older adults, low energy | Moderate–strong | A | Life Extension (Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer) |
| MitoQ (CoQ10 targeted) | Targeted mitochondrial | Antioxidant derivative | Delivers CoQ10 directly to mitochondria for ROS reduction | Aging adults with oxidative stress | Moderate human | B | MitoQ Official |
| Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) | Mitochondrial biogenesis | Quinone | Stimulates new mitochondrial growth | Cognitive aging, fatigue | Strong preclinical + human pilot | B | Jarrow, NOW Foods |
| Urolithin A (Mitopure®) | Mitophagy / Longevity | Metabolite | Promotes mitophagy to clear damaged mitochondria | Aging adults / low muscle energy | Strong human pilot (2022–23) | A | Timeline Nutrition (Mitopure®) |
| Magnesium Malate | Energy / Fatigue | Mineral complex | Combines Mg + malic acid for ATP cycle support | Chronic fatigue and muscle soreness | Strong human | A | Thorne, NOW |
| Riboflavin (B2) | Energy / Migraine | Vitamin | Cofactor for FAD & mitochondrial energy; lowers migraine frequency | Migraine sufferers, low energy | Strong human (migraine data) | A | Thorne, NOW, Pure Encapsulations |
| Pantethine (B5 active) | Energy / Metabolic | Vitamin | Supports CoA synthesis for fat metabolism | Lipid issues / fatigue | Strong human | B | Jarrow Formulas, NOW |
| Methylene Blue (low dose) | Mitochondrial redox | Redox dye | Electron carrier enhancing ETC efficiency (µM dose only) | Cognitive decline / biohackers | Early–moderate human | C | Troscriptions (Blue Cannatine) – use MD supervision |
| Succinate Dehydrogenase Boosters (stack) | Mitochondrial enzyme | Stack concept | Theoretical TCA amplifiers (e.g., oxaloacetate + succinate) | Research / advanced biohackers | Early data only | D | — |
| Sodium Pyruvate | Energy buffer | Metabolite salt | Improves cellular redox and fatigue tolerance | CFS / exercise fatigue | Early human | C | BulkSupplements |
| Niacinamide Riboside Hydrogen (NRH) | NAD⁺ precursor | NAD⁺ booster | New generation precursor with rapid NAD⁺ rise | Longevity research users | Early human (2022–24 data) | B | ChromaDex (Niagen prototype) |
| Alpha-Ketobutyrate (AKB) | Longevity / Metabolic | Keto-acid | May extend lifespan via redox balance (rodent data) | Advanced longevity users | Preclinical only | D | — |
| Thiamine (Benfotiamine for mitochondria) | Energy / Nerve | Vitamin B1 form | Improves nerve energy metabolism & glycation defense | Diabetic neuropathy | Strong human | A | Doctor’s Best, Life Extension |
| Acarbose | Longevity / Metabolic Health | Prescription alpha-glucosidase inhibitor | Slows carbohydrate absorption, blunts glucose spikes, and extends lifespan in mice more than almost any other compound tested | People with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or those seeking to reduce post-meal glucose spikes | Strong animal (longevity), moderate human (glucose/lipid studies) | A | Prescription only (Glucobay®, Precose®). Research alternatives: physician-compounded or MD-supervised use only |
| Finasteride | Hormonal Health / Hair | Prescription 5α-reductase inhibitor | Blocks conversion of testosterone into DHT, reducing hair loss and prostate growth | Men with androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) | Strong human (multiple RCTs, FDA-approved) | A (for hair loss) / C (for overall health) | Prescription only (Propecia®, Proscar®) |
| Thodiola rosea | |||||||
| Turkesterone | |||||||
| asprin | |||||||
The Perfect Oral Routine
2 years ago, I had visibile black and brown stains on my teeth, and my oral hygiene was terrible. I