Clinical Evidence Library

Supplement Ingredients

Browse clinical evidence summaries, FDA-compliant structure–function claims, and substantiation data for popular dietary supplement ingredients.

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A

Ashwagandha

34 studies·Stress & Anxiety

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It has become one of the most studied botanical ingredients in dietary supplements, with a growing body of clinical evidence supporting its effects on stress, anxiety, sleep, and physical performance.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

52 studies·Blood Sugar Support

Alpha-lipoic acid is a unique antioxidant that is both water- and fat-soluble, enabling it to function in every cell compartment. It plays a key role in mitochondrial energy metabolism and has clinical evidence for blood sugar support and neuroprotection.

Astaxanthin

29 studies·Antioxidant & Skin Health

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment from microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) with exceptionally potent antioxidant activity — up to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C in singlet oxygen quenching. Clinical evidence supports skin health, exercise recovery, and eye fatigue.

Aged Garlic Extract

48 studies·Cardiovascular Health

Aged garlic extract (AGE) is produced by ageing raw garlic in ethanol for 20+ months, producing unique organosulfur compounds including S-allylcysteine (SAC). Clinical evidence strongly supports its cardiovascular benefits.

Apigenin

14 studies·Sleep & Cellular Health

Apigenin is a bioactive flavonoid found in abundance in chamomile, parsley, and celery. It has significant evidence for supporting healthy sleep, reducing anxiety, and modulating several longevity-related pathways.

B

Berberine

47 studies·Blood Sugar Support

Berberine is an alkaloid found in several plants including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape. It has gained significant attention for its effects on blood sugar metabolism, lipid profiles, and gut health, with clinical evidence rivalling some pharmaceutical interventions.

Beta-Alanine

35 studies·Exercise Performance

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that increases intramuscular carnosine levels. It is one of the most well-supported sports performance ingredients, with robust evidence for improving exercise capacity during high-intensity activities lasting 1–10 minutes.

Boswellia

27 studies·Joint Health

Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense) resin extract contains boswellic acids that have potent anti-inflammatory effects through a unique mechanism — 5-LOX inhibition — distinct from NSAIDs. Clinical evidence strongly supports its use for joint and inflammatory conditions.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

22 studies·Hair & Nail Health

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin serving as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and amino acid catabolism. It is widely marketed for hair, skin, and nail health, though clinical evidence is mixed.

Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)

26 studies·Immune & Metabolic Support

Black seed oil from Nigella sativa has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. Its active compound thymoquinone has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects across a growing body of clinical trials.

Bovine Colostrum

25 studies·Immune & Gut Health

Bovine colostrum is the first milk produced by cows after calving, rich in immunoglobulins (IgG), lactoferrin, growth factors, and proline-rich polypeptides. Clinical evidence supports its use for immune function, gut health, and exercise recovery.

Boron

18 studies·Bone & Hormonal Health

Boron is a bioactive trace mineral that impacts the metabolism of other minerals (calcium, magnesium) and the levels of steroid hormones. It is increasingly studied for bone health, joint support, and hormonal optimization.

Bacopa Monnieri

46 studies·Memory & Cognitive Function

Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) is a premier adaptogenic and nootropic herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It has extensive clinical evidence for improving memory acquisition and retention, particularly in aging populations.

Black Cohosh

44 studies·Menopausal Symptom Support

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a North American botanical with the strongest evidence base of any herbal supplement for the management of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.

C

Curcumin

78 studies·Inflammatory Response

Curcumin is the primary bioactive compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa). It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is one of the most extensively studied botanical compounds. Bioavailability-enhanced formulations have significantly improved clinical outcomes in recent years.

Collagen Peptides

41 studies·Skin Health

Collagen peptides (hydrolysed collagen) are bioavailable fragments of collagen protein, the most abundant structural protein in the body. Clinical interest has surged in recent years, with evidence supporting benefits for skin elasticity, joint health, and bone density.

Creatine Monohydrate

186 studies·Muscle Strength & Power

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively researched and well-supported dietary supplements in existence. It is naturally produced in the body and stored primarily in skeletal muscle as phosphocreatine, serving as a rapid energy reserve during high-intensity activity.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

68 studies·Cardiovascular Health

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant naturally produced in the body, essential for mitochondrial energy production. Levels decline with age and are depleted by statin medications. It has strong clinical evidence for cardiovascular support and cellular energy production.

Calcium

134 studies·Bone Health

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% found in bones and teeth. It is essential for skeletal health, muscle contraction, nerve signalling, and blood clotting. Adequate intake is critical for preventing age-related bone loss.

Chondroitin Sulfate

53 studies·Joint Health

Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan found naturally in cartilage. Often combined with glucosamine, chondroitin has its own substantial evidence base for joint health and osteoarthritis symptom management.

Chlorella

21 studies·Detoxification & Immune

Chlorella is a single-celled green freshwater algae rich in chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Clinical evidence supports its effects on detoxification, immune function, and cholesterol management.

Chromium

64 studies·Blood Sugar Management

Chromium is a trace mineral essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. It is widely used to support healthy blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

Caffeine

450 studies·Focus & Physical Performance

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world. As a methylxanthine, it acts as a central nervous system stimulant, metabolic enhancer, and performance booster with a vast clinical evidence base.

D

Dong Quai

16 studies·Women's Hormonal Balance

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is often referred to as the 'female ginseng' in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has emerging clinical evidence for supporting women's hormonal balance and reproductive health.

E

Elderberry

14 studies·Immune Function

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract is one of the most popular immune-support botanicals, with clinical evidence supporting its use for reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections, particularly colds and influenza.

F

Folate (Vitamin B9)

94 studies·Prenatal Health

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and amino acid metabolism. It is especially critical during pregnancy for neural tube development. The active form, 5-MTHF (methylfolate), bypasses the need for MTHFR enzyme conversion.

Fadogia Agrestis

8 studies·Energy & Vitality

Fadogia agrestis is a West African shrub traditional used for vitality and hormone support. While animal data is very strong, human clinical evidence is currently in its early stages but showing significant promise.

G

Ginger

78 studies·Digestive Health

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a widely used medicinal spice with strong evidence for digestive support, nausea relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its bioactive compounds (gingerols, shogaols) have been studied in over 100 clinical trials.

Glycine

19 studies·Sleep & Recovery

Glycine is the simplest amino acid, serving as a building block for proteins including collagen, a neurotransmitter in the nervous system, and a precursor for glutathione synthesis. It has emerging evidence for sleep quality, metabolic health, and joint support.

Green Tea Extract

86 studies·Metabolic Support

Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis) is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). Clinical research supports its effects on antioxidant protection, metabolic rate, weight management, and cardiovascular health.

Glucosamine

78 studies·Joint Health

Glucosamine is an amino sugar and a natural component of cartilage. It is one of the most widely used supplements for joint health, with decades of clinical research and a complex evidence profile that varies by form and outcome measure.

Ginkgo Biloba

122 studies·Brain Health & Circulation

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaf extract is one of the most researched herbal supplements for cognitive health and peripheral circulation support.

H

Hyaluronic Acid

38 studies·Skin & Joint Health

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high-molecular-weight glycosaminoglycan found throughout the connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. While famous as a topical, oral HA has significant evidence for joint comfort and skin hydration.

I

Iron

112 studies·Energy & Vitality

Iron is an essential mineral required for oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting an estimated 2 billion people. Supplementation is particularly important for premenopausal women, athletes, and vegetarians.

Iodine

42 studies·Thyroid Function

Iodine is an essential trace mineral required for thyroid hormone synthesis. Deficiency remains the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability worldwide, and subclinical deficiency is re-emerging in Western populations.

L

L-Theanine

28 studies·Relaxation & Focus

L-Theanine is a non-protein amino acid found primarily in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). It is known for promoting relaxation without sedation and is often studied for its calming, focus-enhancing, and sleep-supporting properties. It's frequently combined with caffeine for synergistic cognitive effects.

L-Citrulline

29 studies·Exercise Performance

L-Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to L-arginine and nitric oxide. It is more effective than direct L-arginine supplementation at raising plasma arginine levels due to superior oral bioavailability and bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism.

Lion's Mane

18 studies·Cognitive Function

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom with unique neurotrophic properties. Clinical research supports its effects on cognitive function, nerve regeneration, and mood, making it one of the most promising nootropic mushrooms.

Lutein

44 studies·Eye Health

Lutein is a carotenoid pigment concentrated in the macula and retina of the eye. The landmark AREDS2 trial established its role in eye health, and emerging research supports cognitive benefits through its presence in brain tissue.

L-Glutamine

92 studies·Gut & Immune Health

L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the human body. It is a 'conditionally essential' nutrient, meaning demand increases dramatically during periods of metabolic stress. It is a primary fuel for the cells of the gut and immune system.

M

Magnesium

89 studies·Sleep & Relaxation

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It's critical for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, blood pressure management, and protein synthesis. An estimated 50% of the US population doesn't meet the recommended daily intake.

Maca Root

18 studies·Sexual Health

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian cruciferous root vegetable traditionally used for fertility, energy, and stamina. Clinical evidence supports its effects on sexual function, mood, and menopausal symptom management.

Melatonin

112 studies·Sleep

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland that regulates circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycles. It is the most widely used sleep supplement globally, with strong evidence for sleep onset, jet lag, and shift work support.

Maca Root

22 studies·Sexual Health & Libido

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian cruciferous root vegetable traditionally used to enhance energy, stamina, and reproductive health. Clinical research supports its effects on libido, mood, and menopausal symptom relief.

Myo-Inositol

118 studies·Women's & Metabolic Health

Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that acts as a second messenger in intracellular signaling, particularly for insulin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is one of the most studied supplements for metabolic and reproductive health.

Milk Thistle

58 studies·Liver Health & Detoxification

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a botanical extract containing silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans with potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. It is the most studied herbal supplement for liver support.

N

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)

53 studies·Antioxidant & Detoxification

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a bioavailable form of the amino acid L-cysteine and a precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. It has a long clinical history — originally used as a mucolytic agent — and is now widely studied for its antioxidant, detoxification, and respiratory support properties.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

72 studies·Antioxidant & Respiratory

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. It has broad clinical applications including respiratory health, liver protection, mental health, and immune function. Its use in supplement form was briefly challenged by FDA in 2020 but has since been resolved.

O

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

214 studies·Cardiovascular Health

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are essential polyunsaturated fats found primarily in oily fish and algae. They are among the most extensively studied supplement ingredients, with evidence supporting cardiovascular, cognitive, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

P

Probiotics

156 studies·Digestive Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They are among the fastest-growing supplement categories, with clinical evidence supporting benefits for digestive health, immune function, and mental well-being via the gut-brain axis.

Panax Ginseng

58 studies·Energy & Cognition

Panax ginseng (Korean/Asian ginseng) is one of the most widely used adaptogens with thousands of years of traditional use. Its active compounds, ginsenosides, have diverse pharmacological effects on energy, cognitive function, immune modulation, and sexual health.

Psyllium Husk

64 studies·Cholesterol Management

Psyllium (Plantago ovata) husk is a soluble fibre supplement with FDA-authorised health claims for heart disease risk reduction. It is one of the most evidence-backed natural ingredients for cholesterol management and digestive regularity.

Phosphatidylserine

24 studies·Cognitive Function

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid essential for cell membrane integrity and signalling. It has a unique FDA qualified health claim for cognitive function and is one of the few nutrients with this distinction for brain health.

Pycnogenol® (Pine Bark Extract)

160 studies·Cardiovascular & Skin Health

Pycnogenol is a standardised extract from French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster), rich in procyanidins. It has one of the broadest clinical evidence bases of any botanical, with over 160 clinical studies across cardiovascular, skin, joint, and cognitive health.

Potassium

145 studies·Cardiovascular Health

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that maintains intracellular fluid balance, supports nerve conduction, and enables muscle contraction. It is a critical counterpart to sodium in blood pressure regulation.

Q

Quercetin

36 studies·Immune & Anti-inflammatory

Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. It has broad biological activity including anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and immune-modulating effects, with growing clinical evidence for exercise performance and immune support.

R

Rhodiola Rosea

28 studies·Fatigue & Stress

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Scandinavian and Russian herbal medicine. Clinical research supports its effects on fatigue reduction, stress resilience, cognitive performance under stress, and exercise capacity.

Resveratrol

41 studies·Cardiovascular & Anti-ageing

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red grape skins, red wine, and Japanese knotweed. It activates sirtuins and AMPK, with clinical evidence supporting cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic health.

S

Selenium

64 studies·Thyroid Function

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions primarily through selenoproteins — a family of at least 25 proteins with antioxidant, immune, and thyroid-related functions. Both deficiency and excess carry health risks, making appropriate dosing critical.

Saw Palmetto

34 studies·Prostate Health

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a palm plant extract widely used for prostate and urinary health support. It is one of the most studied botanicals for men's health, with evidence primarily supporting urinary symptom management.

Spirulina

35 studies·Lipid & Metabolic Support

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a cyanobacterium microalgae and one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Clinical evidence supports its effects on lipid profiles, blood pressure, blood sugar, and antioxidant capacity.

T

Turmeric

91 studies·Inflammatory Response

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a golden spice containing curcumin and over 200 other bioactive compounds. While curcumin gets the most attention, whole turmeric provides additional turmerones and polysaccharides with distinct biological effects.

Taurine

33 studies·Cardiovascular & Anti-ageing

Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid abundant in the brain, heart, retina, and skeletal muscle. A landmark 2023 study in Science linked taurine decline to ageing, generating significant interest in its anti-ageing and longevity potential.

Tribulus Terrestris

19 studies·Sexual Health & Libido

Tribulus terrestris is a plant traditionally used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for vitality and reproductive health. Clinical evidence shows mixed results for testosterone but consistent benefits for sexual function and libido.

Tongkat Ali

24 studies·Vitality & Hormonal Health

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a Southeast Asian medicinal herb with emerging clinical evidence for supporting endogenous testosterone production, reducing stress, and improving vitality and sexual health.

V

Vitamin D3

127 studies·Bone Health & Calcium Metabolism

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin produced in the skin upon sunlight exposure. It plays a critical role in calcium absorption, bone metabolism, and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread globally, making it one of the most supplemented nutrients.

Vitamin C

168 studies·Immune Function

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble essential vitamin and powerful antioxidant. It is required for collagen synthesis, immune function, iron absorption, and neurotransmitter production. Despite being one of the most widely supplemented nutrients, subclinical deficiency remains common.

Vitamin B12

89 studies·Nervous System Support

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for nervous system function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency is common in older adults, vegetarians, vegans, and those taking metformin or proton pump inhibitors.

Vitamin K2

32 studies·Bone Health

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium metabolism, directing calcium to bones and teeth and away from soft tissues like arteries. Unlike K1 (phylloquinone), K2 has unique cardiovascular and bone-specific benefits beyond clotting.

Vitamin B6

56 studies·Mood & Neurotransmitter Support

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions, primarily in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune function. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P5P) is the active coenzyme form.

Vitamin A

98 studies·Immune & Vision Support

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, cell differentiation, and reproductive health. It exists as preformed retinol (from animal sources) and provitamin A carotenoids (from plant sources, primarily beta-carotene).

Vitamin E

102 studies·Antioxidant Protection

Vitamin E is a family of eight fat-soluble compounds (four tocopherols, four tocotrienols) with antioxidant properties. Alpha-tocopherol is the most studied form, but mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols are gaining research attention for distinct benefits.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

42 studies·Energy & Nervous System Support

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is a vital water-soluble vitamin that serves as a cofactor for several key enzymes involved in energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. It is especially critical for glucose metabolism and neurological function.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

34 studies·Energy & Headache Support

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for energy production, cellular function, and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids. It is a key component of the coenzymes FAD and FMN.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

112 studies·Lipid & DNA Support

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin that is converted into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for hundreds of metabolic reactions, DNA repair, and cellular energy production.

Vitamin B5

26 studies·Metabolic & Skin Support

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is a water-soluble vitamin required for the synthesis of Coenzyme A (CoA), a fundamental molecule in the metabolism of fatty acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids.

Valerian Root

48 studies·Sleep & Relaxation

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a traditional sedative herb used for centuries to improve sleep quality and reduce mild anxiety. It is one of the most studied herbal sleep aids in modern pharmacology.

Z

Zinc

92 studies·Immune Function

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. It is required for the activity of over 300 enzymes. Mild zinc deficiency is common, particularly in athletes, vegetarians, and older adults.

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