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Supplements Directory

Find the right supplement by evidence, safety, and use case.

Every entry maps to article coverage and clinical context. Use filters to quickly narrow to compounds that match your risk tolerance and target outcomes.

107 supplements indexed from current articles

How to Read Evidence and Risk

These labels are directional research signals, not medical advice. Use them to compare options faster, then validate decisions with a qualified clinician.

Evidence Levels

  • A: Multiple strong human datasets with repeatable outcomes.
  • B: Promising human evidence, but endpoint quality/consistency still evolving.
  • C: Early or translational evidence; use exploratory caution.

Risk Levels

  • Low Risk: Generally well-tolerated in common protocols.
  • Moderate Risk: Potential interactions or dose sensitivity; monitor use.
  • Needs Monitoring: Physician-guided only; labs and clinical oversight expected.

Showing 107 of 107 supplements

Brain magnesium levels and cognitive function

GradeB

Magnesium L-Threonate

Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other magnesium forms, increasing brain magnesium levels. Animal studies show improved synaptic plasticity. Human RCTs show modest cognitive improvements and anxiety reduction.

Dose

1.5-2 g (providing ~144 mg elemental magnesium)

Effect

Modest cognitive improvement and anxiety reduction in human trials; superior brain penetration vs other forms

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 3 articles

  • cognitive function
  • brain magnesium
  • anxiety
  • synaptic plasticity
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Nitric oxide precursor and vascular health

GradeB

L-Arginine

Arginine is the primary dietary precursor to nitric oxide, supporting endothelial function. RCTs show modest blood pressure reduction; citrulline may be more effective due to better bioavailability.

Dose

3-6 g

Effect

Modest reductions in blood pressure and endothelial markers; smaller effect than citrulline at equivalent intake

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • cardiovascular health
  • blood pressure
  • exercise performance
  • nitric oxide
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Immune function and telomere support

GradeC

Astragalus

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) has a long history in traditional medicine. Cycloastragenol, a saponin derived from it, has been proposed to activate telomerase, but human evidence is limited and industry-funded.

Dose

500-1500 mg (standardized extract)

Effect

Immunomodulatory effects in some clinical contexts; telomere effects are preliminary and not independently replicated at scale

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • immune function
  • telomere biology
  • adaptogen
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Bone density and musculoskeletal health

GradeA

Calcium

Calcium is essential for bone mineral density. Supplementation reduces fracture risk in populations with inadequate dietary intake, particularly postmenopausal women. Routine supplementation in food-replete individuals is less clearly beneficial and may carry cardiovascular risk.

Dose

500-1000 mg supplemental (total target 1000-1200 mg from all sources)

Effect

Meaningful fracture risk reduction in deficient populations; risk-benefit less clear in replete adults

Safety

Moderate Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • bone density
  • fracture risk
  • osteoporosis
  • musculoskeletal
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Anti-glycation and cellular protection

GradeB

Carnosine

Carnosine is a dipeptide with antioxidant and anti-glycation properties. Human trials show modest effects on glucose control, AGE formation, and kidney function in diabetic populations. Longevity data is preliminary.

Dose

1000-2000 mg

Effect

Modest reduction in glycation markers and oxidative stress; stronger data in metabolic disease contexts

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • glycation
  • metabolic health
  • kidney function
  • neuroprotection
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Nitric oxide production and exercise performance

GradeB

L-Citrulline

Citrulline is more effective than arginine at raising plasma arginine and nitric oxide. RCTs show improvements in exercise performance, blood pressure, and endothelial function. Most studied as citrulline malate in exercise contexts.

Dose

6-8 g (as citrulline malate 2:1); 3-4 g as pure citrulline

Effect

Meaningful improvement in exercise endurance and modest blood pressure reduction in 8-12 week trials

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • exercise performance
  • blood pressure
  • cardiovascular health
  • nitric oxide
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Antioxidant enzyme support and iron metabolism

GradeB

Copper

Copper is an essential trace mineral required for superoxide dismutase function, iron metabolism, and connective tissue formation. Deficiency is uncommon but clinically significant; supplementation in replete individuals is not indicated.

Dose

1-2 mg (as part of multimicronutrient or to counterbalance zinc)

Effect

Deficiency correction: significant; routine supplementation in replete individuals: minimal to none

Safety

Moderate Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • antioxidant enzymes
  • iron metabolism
  • connective tissue
  • trace mineral
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Muscle strength, power, and cognitive function

GradeA

Creatine

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively studied sports supplements. Strong evidence for muscle strength, power, and lean mass gains. Emerging evidence for cognitive benefits, especially in sleep-deprived or older adults.

Dose

3-5 g

Effect

Large effect on acute power output; moderate effect on strength and lean mass with training; small to moderate cognitive effect

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 3 articles

  • muscle strength
  • sarcopenia
  • cognitive function
  • exercise performance
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Senolytic therapy (senescent cell clearance)

GradeC

Dasatinib

Dasatinib (a BCR-ABL inhibitor) combined with quercetin is being investigated as a senolytic regimen in early-phase human trials. Mayo Clinic studies show reduction in senescent cell burden. Still experimental outside oncology.

Dose

100 mg (dasatinib) + 1000 mg (quercetin), intermittent

Effect

Meaningful reduction in senescent cell markers in early trials; clinical outcomes not yet established

Safety

Needs Monitoring

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • cellular senescence
  • senolytics
  • longevity
  • aging biology
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Adaptogen for stress and fatigue

GradeC

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is an adaptogen with evidence in animal and some human studies for stress resilience and fatigue reduction. Evidence quality is lower than for rhodiola or ashwagandha.

Dose

400-800 mg (standardized extract)

Effect

Modest improvements in fatigue and stress indices in small trials; effect sizes generally below rhodiola

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • adaptogen
  • stress
  • fatigue
  • immune function
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Methylation, homocysteine reduction, and DNA repair

GradeA

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Folate is essential for one-carbon metabolism, DNA methylation, and homocysteine clearance. Deficiency is strongly associated with elevated homocysteine and cardiovascular risk. MTHFR variants affect conversion efficiency of folic acid to active methylfolate.

Dose

400-800 mcg (as methylfolate preferred)

Effect

Large in deficiency; meaningful homocysteine reduction in hyperhomocysteinemia; modest in replete individuals

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • methylation
  • homocysteine
  • cardiovascular risk
  • DNA repair
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Joint health and cartilage support

GradeB

Glucosamine

Glucosamine sulfate has the strongest evidence for knee osteoarthritis symptom reduction. The GAIT trial showed modest benefit; the MOVES trial showed equivalence to celecoxib in some subgroups. Structural modification effects remain debated.

Dose

1500 mg (sulfate form)

Effect

Modest pain and function improvement in knee osteoarthritis; effect size smaller than NSAIDs but with better safety profile

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • osteoarthritis
  • joint health
  • cartilage
  • inflammation
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Master antioxidant and detoxification

GradeB

Glutathione

Glutathione is the primary endogenous antioxidant. Direct supplementation has poor oral bioavailability in standard form; liposomal and S-acetyl-glutathione forms show better absorption. NAC is often more cost-effective as a glutathione precursor.

Dose

250-500 mg (liposomal or S-acetyl form)

Effect

Meaningful oxidative stress reduction with bioavailable forms; modest compared to NAC in most contexts

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • antioxidant
  • detoxification
  • oxidative stress
  • immune function
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Muscle protein synthesis trigger

GradeA

Leucine

Leucine is the primary branched-chain amino acid that triggers mTORC1-dependent muscle protein synthesis. The leucine threshold (minimum dose to trigger MPS) is critical for aging muscle, which requires higher doses than younger individuals.

Dose

2-3 g per meal (as part of protein intake)

Effect

Large at threshold doses for MPS; foundational for muscle preservation in aging

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • muscle protein synthesis
  • sarcopenia
  • aging muscle
  • exercise recovery
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Nerve growth factor and cognitive support

GradeB

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane) stimulates NGF synthesis in vitro and in animal models. Human RCTs (primarily in Japan) show modest cognitive improvement in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Evidence is growing but remains limited to small trials.

Dose

500-3000 mg (fruiting body extract)

Effect

Modest cognitive improvement in MCI populations; NGF pathway effects well established preclinically

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • cognitive function
  • neuroprotection
  • NGF
  • neurogenesis
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Energy metabolism, muscle, and sleep

GradeA

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions. Deficiency is common (estimated 40-60% of adults suboptimal). Supplementation improves sleep quality, reduces blood pressure, and supports glucose metabolism. Form significantly affects bioavailability.

Dose

200-400 mg elemental magnesium

Effect

Meaningful improvement in sleep and metabolic markers in low-intake individuals; modest blood pressure reduction

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 3 articles

  • sleep quality
  • blood pressure
  • glucose metabolism
  • muscle function
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NAD+ precursor and lipid metabolism

GradeA

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin is a direct NAD+ precursor and has decades of evidence for raising HDL and lowering triglycerides. AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE trials showed cardiovascular benefit over statins was not additive. NAD+ elevation is dose-dependent.

Dose

50-500 mg for NAD+ support; 1000-2000 mg for lipids (medical use)

Effect

Large lipid effects; moderate NAD+ elevation; cardiovascular clinical benefit disputed in statin-treated populations

Safety

Moderate Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • NAD+ biology
  • lipid management
  • cardiovascular health
  • flush
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NAD+ restoration and cellular energy

GradeB

Nicotinamide Riboside

NR (nicotinamide riboside) robustly raises blood NAD+ in human trials. Downstream benefits (energy, muscle, cognition) are more modest and inconsistent across trials. Mechanism is established; clinical translation is still being characterized.

Dose

300-1000 mg

Effect

Significant NAD+ elevation (40-60% in blood); clinical outcomes more modest and variable

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • NAD+ biology
  • energy metabolism
  • mitochondrial function
  • aging
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Inflammation resolution and cardiovascular health

GradeA

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids have robust evidence for triglyceride reduction, cardiovascular risk in high-risk populations (REDUCE-IT), anti-inflammatory effects, and brain support. VITAL trial showed modest benefit in non-high-risk populations.

Dose

1-4 g EPA+DHA

Effect

Large triglyceride reduction; moderate cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk individuals; modest anti-inflammatory effect

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 5 articles

  • cardiovascular health
  • inflammation
  • brain health
  • triglycerides
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Cell membrane integrity and liver health

GradeB

Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine is the primary phospholipid in cell membranes and a choline source. RCTs support its use in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver enzyme normalization. Also serves as a choline source for acetylcholine synthesis.

Dose

1000-3000 mg

Effect

Meaningful liver enzyme reduction in NAFLD; moderate cognitive choline support

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • liver health
  • cell membrane
  • choline
  • cognitive function
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Blood pressure and electrolyte balance

GradeA

Potassium

Potassium has strong evidence for blood pressure reduction, particularly in the context of a high-sodium diet. The DASH diet's blood pressure effects are partly attributed to high potassium intake. Supplementation reduces BP by 3-5 mmHg in hypertensive individuals.

Dose

Up to 99 mg per supplement (OTC limit); dietary target is 3500-4700 mg/day

Effect

Moderate, consistent blood pressure reduction; larger effect in sodium-high diets

Safety

Moderate Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • blood pressure
  • cardiovascular health
  • electrolyte balance
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Cholesterol reduction and gut health

GradeA

Psyllium Fiber

Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber with FDA-approved health claims for heart disease risk reduction via LDL cholesterol lowering. Meta-analyses confirm 5-7% LDL reduction. Also improves glycemic control and gut transit.

Dose

7-10 g (about 1 tablespoon)

Effect

Moderate LDL reduction (5-7%); meaningful improvement in glycemic control and bowel regularity

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • LDL cholesterol
  • gut health
  • glycemic control
  • constipation
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SIRT1 activation and metabolic support

GradeC

Pterostilbene

Pterostilbene is a dimethyl ether analog of resveratrol with greater bioavailability and longer half-life. Preclinical data is promising for SIRT1 activation, metabolic effects, and neuroprotection. Human trial data is very limited.

Dose

50-150 mg

Effect

Promising preclinical data; human evidence is sparse and cannot confirm clinical benefit

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • SIRT1 pathway
  • metabolic health
  • antioxidant
  • neuroprotection
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Liver protection and enzyme normalization

GradeB

Silymarin (Milk Thistle)

Silymarin (the active complex of milk thistle) has the strongest evidence among herbal liver protectants. Multiple RCTs show meaningful reduction in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) in NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease. Hepatoprotective mechanisms are well-characterized.

Dose

420-600 mg (standardized to 70-80% silymarin)

Effect

Moderate to meaningful liver enzyme reduction in liver disease populations; hepatoprotective effect consistent across trials

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • liver health
  • NAFLD
  • liver enzymes
  • hepatoprotection
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Mood support and mild antidepressant effects

GradeB

Saffron

Multiple small RCTs show saffron extract comparable to low-dose antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression. Active constituents crocin and safranal modulate serotonin reuptake and BDNF signaling. Evidence base is promising but trials are mostly small and short.

Dose

30 mg standardized extract (15 mg twice daily)

Effect

Modest to moderate antidepressant effect in mild-to-moderate depression; comparable to low-dose SSRIs in some trials

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 1 article

  • mood
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • sleep
Open profile

Uric acid reduction and post-exercise recovery

GradeB

Tart Cherry Extract

Tart cherry (Montmorency variety) contains anthocyanins and polyphenols that inhibit xanthine oxidase and reduce uric acid. RCTs show gout flare reduction and modest uric acid lowering. Also studied for sleep quality (melatonin content) and exercise-induced muscle damage.

Dose

480-960 mg extract (equivalent to 8-16 oz tart cherry juice)

Effect

Modest uric acid reduction; meaningful gout flare frequency reduction in observational and RCT data; modest sleep improvement

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 1 article

  • gout
  • uric acid
  • joint health
  • sleep
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Methylation, homocysteine reduction, and neurological support

GradeB

B Vitamins

The B vitamin complex (particularly B6, B9/folate, B12) supports one-carbon metabolism and homocysteine clearance. High homocysteine is an independent cardiovascular and cognitive risk factor. RCTs confirm that B vitamins meaningfully lower homocysteine. Neurological support evidence is strongest for B12 deficiency correction.

Dose

B6 2-10 mg, B9 400-800 mcg (folate), B12 500-1000 mcg

Effect

Meaningful homocysteine reduction; cognitive benefit most clear in B12-deficient populations; modest neuroprotective effect in trials

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 1 article

  • methylation
  • homocysteine
  • cognitive decline
  • energy
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Advanced glycation end-product (AGE) inhibition and neuroprotection

GradeB

Benfotiamine

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble thiamine (B1) analogue with superior bioavailability. It activates transketolase, which diverts glucose metabolites away from AGE-forming pathways. Clinical trials show benefit in diabetic neuropathy and promising data on AGE accumulation reduction.

Dose

150-300 mg

Effect

Meaningful benefit in diabetic neuropathy; modest AGE reduction in controlled studies; mechanistically strong for glycation inhibition

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • glycation
  • AGEs
  • neuropathy
  • blood sugar
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Methylation support and homocysteine reduction

GradeB

TMG (Trimethylglycine / Betaine)

TMG is a methyl donor that supports one-carbon metabolism and reduces homocysteine. RCTs show meaningful homocysteine reduction as an adjunct to B vitamins. Also studied for exercise performance and liver health.

Dose

500-3000 mg

Effect

Moderate homocysteine reduction; modest exercise performance effect; meaningful liver fat reduction in NAFLD

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • methylation
  • homocysteine
  • liver health
  • exercise performance
Open profile

Fat-soluble antioxidant and cellular protection

GradeB

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant protecting cell membranes. Evidence for disease prevention in replete adults is weak; dietary insufficiency is common. High-dose supplementation has raised safety concerns in trials (SELECT, HOPE).

Dose

15 mg RDA; supplemental range 100-200 IU if warranted

Effect

Minimal in well-nourished adults; modest antioxidant support at dietary doses

Safety

Moderate Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • antioxidant
  • oxidative stress
  • vitamin E
  • fat-soluble vitamins
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Muscle protein synthesis and sarcopenia prevention

GradeA

Whey Protein

Whey protein is the highest-leucine, fastest-digesting complete protein source. RCTs consistently demonstrate its superiority for post-exercise muscle protein synthesis. Particularly effective for older adults who require higher leucine per meal to trigger MPS.

Dose

20-40 g (providing 2-3 g leucine)

Effect

Large at threshold leucine dose for MPS; consistently outperforms plant proteins for post-exercise synthesis rate

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • muscle protein synthesis
  • sarcopenia
  • exercise recovery
  • aging muscle
Open profile

Macular pigment and eye health

GradeA

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid concentrated in the fovea of the macula. AREDS2 demonstrated that lutein + zeaxanthin reduces AMD progression in high-risk individuals. Dietary intake from leafy greens is the primary source.

Dose

2 mg (as part of AREDS2 formula with 10 mg lutein)

Effect

Meaningful reduction in AMD progression risk in high-risk populations; moderate macular pigment density improvement

Safety

Low Risk

Mentioned in 2 articles

  • eye health
  • macular degeneration
  • foveal health
  • antioxidant
Open profile