Topic 09 of 10
Supplements and minerals
Which supplements are worth taking, and which to leave on the shelf.
Magnesium, vitamin D, creatine, omega-3, iron, electrolytes and hundreds more, with doses, forms and the cautions that matter.
Guidance
Strong consensus
38The named experts point the same way, and the guidance has stayed stable.
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Chamomile for relaxation and gut soothing
Use chamomile to calm the nervous system, aid digestion, and promote restful sleep.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Collagen peptides for skin health and recovery support
Collagen peptides are a gentle add-on for skin, joints, and recovery.
Strong consensusLimited research -
EPA and DHA for dietary fat balance and inflammation
EPA and DHA are strongly supported for inflammation and brain health.
Strong consensusSome research -
Magnesium threonate for brain health, sleep, mood
Magnesium threonate is valued for supporting sleep, mood, and cognition.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Methylated b vitamins for mitochondrial health support
Methylated B vitamins can be especially helpful for those with methylation pathway issues.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Creatine monohydrate for creatine supplementation
Creatine monohydrate is well-studied and supports muscle, mood, and energy for most people.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Antioxidant for oxidative stress and heart disease
Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and support mitochondrial health.
Strong consensusSome research -
Magnesium malate for muscle tension and cramps
Magnesium malate is a reliable choice for muscle tension, cramps, and energy support.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Vitamin B12 for vegan and plant-based diets
Vitamin B12 is essential for plant-based eaters and daily supplementation is a wise choice.
Strong consensusSome research -
Electrolytes for hydration and performance
Electrolyte balance is crucial for hydration, energy, and sleep, especially with intense activity or fasting.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Phosphatidylserine for cognitive decline and stress management
Phosphatidylserine may support memory, mood, and stress resilience, especially during challenging times.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Taurine for brain and gut health
Taurine supports gut, brain, and heart health in practical ways.
Strong consensusSome research -
L-theanine for people sensitive to caffeine-induced anxiety or nighttime anxiety
L-theanine may gently ease anxiety and support relaxation, especially around sleep.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Magnesium glycinate for sleep supplementation
Magnesium glycinate is a favourite for sleep, relaxation, and overall mineral support.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Ghk-cu for skin and beauty support
GHK-Cu is widely valued for supporting skin, hair, and tissue repair.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Baking soda for cancer and general health
Baking soda is a gentle, practical tool for various household and health uses.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Epsom salt bath for magnesium and sulfate absorption
Epsom salt baths support magnesium and circulation, especially for those sensitive to oral supplements.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Magnesium
Magnesium is widely helpful for stress, sleep, and mood, but high doses can be risky.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Glycine for amino acid supplementation
Glycine is valued for its calming and restorative roles, but individual responses vary.
Strong consensusWell researched -
Hydrolyzed collagen for collagen support for skin and gut health
Hydrolyzed collagen is a gentle way to support skin, gut, and connective tissue health.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Vitamin K2 for bone and arterial health
Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to bones and is especially helpful for bone and heart health.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Urolithin a for mitochondrial health supplementation
Urolithin A supports mitochondrial health and muscle function, but research is still early and cycling is advised.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Curcumin
Curcumin shows promise for brain and inflammation support, but take it with fat for best absorption.
Strong consensusSome research -
Creatine supplements for supplementation for muscle health
Creatine is safe and effective for muscle health, brain support, and healthy ageing, especially for women over 30.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Vitamin C for immune function and antioxidant protection
Vitamin C is a safe, versatile antioxidant with benefits for immunity and hormone balance.
Strong consensusWell researched -
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports bone health, but supplementation may impact your body’s natural production.
Strong consensusWell researched -
Intravenous vitamin C for advanced cancer support
IV vitamin C is sometimes used in advanced cancer care, but should be considered with care.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Sodium for electrolyte balance
Adequate sodium is essential for hydration, energy, and electrolyte balance, especially on low-carb diets.
Strong consensusWell researched -
Lion's mane mushroom for postpartum brain fog and anxiety support
Lion's mane mushroom may support brain function and mood, but consult your doctor if taking medications.
Strong consensusSome research -
Coenzyme q10 for mitochondrial health optimisation
Coenzyme Q10 is important for mitochondrial energy production and may be especially helpful as we age.
Strong consensusSome research -
Collagen for joint, skin, and gut health
Collagen supports joints, skin, and gut, but balance with other proteins is important.
Strong consensusSome research -
Vitamin D testing for vitamin D metabolism and testing
Testing vitamin D helps prevent deficiency and supports immune and developmental health.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Creatine for exercise performance and brain health
Creatine is a well-supported choice for muscle, brain, and mitochondrial energy.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Riboflavin for general supplementation
Riboflavin is a gentle way to support detox and energy metabolism.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Adaptogen for supporting fertility for men and women under stress
Adaptogens can help with stress, but work best alongside lifestyle changes.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is widely supported for mood, immunity, and hormone balance, especially in winter.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Zinc
Zinc is a key mineral for immune, hormone, and metabolic health.
Strong consensusSome research -
Methyl B12 for vitamin b12 supplementation
Methyl B12 is often helpful, but some may prefer other B12 forms.
Strong consensusLimited research
Recommended
29Most named experts recommend it. A few attach conditions, noted on each page.
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Bee pollen for antioxidant and immune support
Add bee pollen to your diet for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting nutrients suitable for vegetarians.
RecommendedLimited research -
Glycine supplementation for metabolic and inflammatory support
Supplement glycine to support glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation, and aid detoxification pathways.
RecommendedLimited research -
Vitamin E for reducing inflammation and protecting skin and eyes
Include vitamin E in your diet or supplements to reduce inflammation, protect cells, and support skin and retinal health.
RecommendedLimited research -
Vitamin D3 and K2 for vitamin D supplementation in winter
Vitamin D3 with K2 is a reliable way to support healthy vitamin D levels when sunlight is low.
RecommendedLimited research -
Lactoferrin supplementation for immune and gut support
Use lactoferrin to support immune defence, gut barrier, iron metabolism, and reduce endotoxin burden.
RecommendedLimited research -
Phosphatidylcholine for liver detoxification
Phosphatidylcholine supports liver health and cell membranes, especially when dietary choline is low.
RecommendedLimited research -
Copper supplementation for mineral balance and enzyme support
Use copper supplements to support iron metabolism, DAO enzyme function, and potentially alleviate anxiety and insomnia from zinc-copper imbalance.
RecommendedLimited research -
DHA for brain health and cognitive function
DHA is important for brain health and is especially valuable during pregnancy and postpartum.
RecommendedLimited research -
Detox programme for post covid vaccination detox
Professional detox programs can help remove toxins but should be balanced with nourishment.
RecommendedLimited research -
Collagen supplements for collagen supplementation
Collagen supplements can help maintain joint, skin, and gut health, especially as we age.
RecommendedLimited research -
Glutathione
Glutathione is recommended for detox and antioxidant support, especially with genetic needs.
RecommendedWell researched -
Nattokinase for heart health supplements
Nattokinase shows promise for supporting heart and circulation health.
RecommendedSome research -
DAO enzyme supplements for histamine intolerance symptom relief
Consider oral DAO supplements to help break down histamine and reduce related symptoms, though evidence is promising but not definitive.
RecommendedLimited research -
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important, but high doses can be risky without balancing other fat-soluble vitamins.
RecommendedSome research -
Gelatin for joint health and collagen synthesis
Gelatin before exercise may help support joints and collagen.
RecommendedSome research -
Ashwagandha for stress and hormonal balance
Ashwagandha may help lower stress and support hormone balance, though effects can vary.
RecommendedLimited research -
Aspirin for birth control users showing increased lipid oxidation
The panel is split on aspirin; benefits and risks depend on context and individual health status.
RecommendedSome research -
Nicotinamide riboside for nad+ supplementation
Nicotinamide riboside is a promising NAD+ supplement, but balance with methyl donors matters.
RecommendedWell researched -
Peptide
Peptides can be useful, but sourcing and safety require care.
RecommendedLimited research -
Protein powder for exercise recovery and supplementation
Protein powders can help fill gaps, especially for athletes and those with higher protein needs.
RecommendedLimited research -
Fish oil
Fish oil is a helpful tool for managing inflammation and supporting overall health.
RecommendedLimited research -
Magnesium citrate for sleep and calm
Magnesium citrate is a helpful option for sleep and relaxation.
RecommendedLimited research -
Cod liver oil for dietary sources of vitamin d3
Cod liver oil is worth exploring, but moderation is key due to vitamin content.
RecommendedLimited research -
N-acetylcysteine for detoxification and PCOS support
NAC may support detoxification and antioxidant defences, especially if animal protein intake is low.
RecommendedWell researched -
Sulforaphane supplement for detoxification and brain health
Sulforaphane supplements are recommended for gentle detox and cognitive support.
RecommendedLimited research -
Whey protein for glutathione and protein support
Whey protein is a solid option for protein and glutathione support.
RecommendedLimited research -
Methylene blue for mitochondrial support
Methylene blue shows promise for mitochondria, but panel is split on regular use.
RecommendedSome research -
Milk thistle for supplements for glutathione
Milk thistle may help support antioxidant defences, but evidence for routine use is still emerging.
RecommendedLimited research -
Multivitamin
Multivitamins can fill some gaps, but aren’t a substitute for a varied diet.
RecommendedLimited research
Worth exploring
4Promising, with thinner support so far. Reasonable to try with care.
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Lysine for managing cold sore outbreaks.
Support for lysine is thin so far, but some use it for cold sores.
Worth exploringSome research -
Bpc-157 peptide for functional medicine gut healing
Support is thin so far, but some use BPC-157 for gut and tissue recovery.
Worth exploringLimited research -
Selenium for nutrient support for thyroid autoimmunity
Selenium may help thyroid health, but individual needs and soil content vary widely.
Worth exploringWell researched -
Nicotinamide mononucleotide for anti-ageing supplementation
Support for NMN is thin so far, with little human data.
Worth exploringLimited research
Contested
6Credible experts land on different sides. Read both before deciding.
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Exogenous ketones for cognitive and performance enhancement
The panel is split on exogenous ketones for performance or cognition.
ContestedLimited research -
Metformin for longevity and mitochondrial medicine
The panel is split; metformin’s benefits for longevity are debated and support is thin so far.
ContestedSome research -
Vitamin D supplement
The panel is split; natural sun is preferred over supplements for vitamin D.
ContestedLimited research -
Leucine for muscle protein synthesis
The panel is split; whole protein sources are usually preferred over leucine alone.
ContestedLimited research -
Nicotine for mitochondrial health and ageing
The panel is split on nicotine; some see cognitive benefits, others caution about risks.
ContestedLimited research -
Iron supplements for pregnancy and iron metabolism
Our sources steer away from iron supplements unless a true deficiency is confirmed by testing.
ContestedSome research
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Guides
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