Ingredient Dossiers

5-HTP is a serotonin precursor crossing the blood-brain barrier. Used for sleep and mood. Critical: avoid with SSRIs or MAO inhibitors due to serotonin syndrome risk.

ALCAR is the brain-accessible form of carnitine popular in cognitive and healthy aging stacks, but evidence is solid rather than remarkable.

AKG is popular in healthy aging circles, especially as Ca-AKG, but human evidence for anti-aging effects remains extremely limited.

Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut bacterium linked to better metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and healthy aging in observational studies.

Alpha-GPC is a bioavailable choline form with solid brain plausibility. Data for focus and cognition are interesting but not robustly compelling.

Mitochondrial antioxidant with dual water/fat solubility. R-form significantly more bioavailable than racemic mixture. Evidence strongest for diabetic neuropathy.

Apigenin is a flavonoid from chamomile and parsley that inhibits CD38, an enzyme that degrades NAD+. Complements NMN/NR approaches. Early human evidence.

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic adaptogen backed by multiple RCTs for stress and cortisol reduction. Sleep and testosterone effects are promising but come from small studies.

Astaxanthin is a membrane-spanning carotenoid antioxidant. Small RCTs show consistent benefits for skin protection and visual fatigue; cardiovascular and longevity data remain limited.

Astragalus is traditionally positioned for immunity and longevity, but modern human evidence for these claims is quite thin.

Bacopa is among the more credible herbal nootropics with decent data for memory, though effects remain moderate rather than dramatic.

Baicalin is a TCM flavonoid with an interesting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective story, but clinical evidence remains early-stage.

Berberine shows clinically relevant blood glucose and LDL effects in RCTs for type 2 diabetes. Significant drug interactions and unclear EU regulatory status require caution.

Beta-alanine elevates muscle carnosine and improves high-intensity exercise performance in 60–240-second efforts; it's a sports tool, not a longevity supplement.

Beta-glucans vary by source: oat forms are solid for cholesterol; fungal forms for immunity have weaker human evidence.

Betaine is a natural methyl donor that lowers homocysteine and shows modest strength gains in some studies, but evidence is inconsistent and limited.

Boron is discussed for bone, hormone, and inflammation support. Mechanistically interesting, but human evidence remains sparse.

Essential mineral for bones, muscles, and nerves. Meta-analyses show moderate bone effects in deficiency; high-dose supplements carry cardiovascular risks.

CDP-choline is an interesting choline form for brain and membrane metabolism. Evidence is solid but not strong enough for major claims.

Choline is essential for cell membranes, liver, and acetylcholine production. Important if underprovisioned—but not all choline forms deliver the same brain benefits.

Chromium is often marketed for blood glucose and appetite control. The evidence is mixed, and in healthy individuals, the added benefit is usually small.

Cistanche is a TCM botanical gaining longevity popularity, but human evidence remains limited and mainly rests on preclinical data.

CoQ10 reduces mortality in heart failure (Q-SYMBIO); relieves statin-induced muscle pain. In healthy individuals without heart disease, benefits are unproven.

Cordyceps is marketed for energy and endurance. The evidence is intriguing but mixed—no strong support for major performance claims.

Curcumin modulates inflammatory and oxidative pathways; moderate effects on CRP, IL-6, and joint pain—but only with enhanced formulations. Bioavailability is the limiting factor.

DLPA combines the neurotransmitter precursor L-phenylalanine with the D-form, which may prolong endogenous endorphins. Moderate evidence, older study base.

EGCG is green tea's most abundant catechin, studied for metabolism and cellular protection. High-dose supplements carry documented liver toxicity risks.

Essential for oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and immune function. Clearly effective when deficiency is confirmed — do not supplement without a lab diagnosis.

Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid found primarily in mushrooms, studied for potential antioxidant and age-related benefits despite limited human evidence.

Fisetin is a flavonoid senolytic that clears senescent ('zombie') cells in animal studies. Human trials are ongoing; robust clinical evidence is still lacking.

Well-studied soluble fiber for digestive health; also shown to benefit cholesterol and glucose markers. Low hype, high utility.

Essential B-vitamin for DNA synthesis, cell division, and homocysteine metabolism. Strong evidence for neural tube defect prevention in pregnancy. L-methylfolate benefits MTHFR carriers.

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweed with growing evidence for prebiotic gut effects, muscle health, and cardiovascular markers.

GABA seems logical for relaxation and sleep, but faces a major bioavailability problem: oral doses likely reach the brain only partially, limiting measurable effects.

Popular nootropic extract with mixed evidence for memory and circulation. Heterogeneous study results and significant interaction risk with anticoagulants require careful consideration.

Ginseng is a classical adaptogen for energy and stress, but evidence is mixed and highly extract-dependent. More serious than trend ingredients, yet less effective than marketing suggests.

Glucosamine is a classic joint supplement with mixed evidence. Some data supports potential benefits, but not enough to warrant broad therapeutic claims.

Glutathione is the body's most celebrated antioxidant. As a supplement, the evidence is far less impressive than its reputation.

Glycine is the smallest amino acid, required for glutathione, collagen, and creatine. In GlyNAC form, it shows promise for aging markers in older adults.

GlyNAC combines glycine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to support glutathione synthesis. Early clinical data in healthy aging contexts are promising but still limited.

Gotu Kola is discussed for vascular, skin, and cognitive support. Evidence is interesting but inconsistent rather than robust.

Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) is an adaptogenic herb from Southeast Asia that activates AMPK like metformin, and is associated with longevity in Chinese populations.

Citrus flavonoid with promising vascular and anti-inflammatory evidence in preclinical and small human studies, but overall support remains moderate.

Endogenous glycosaminoglycan with high water-binding capacity. Multiple RCTs demonstrate moderate effects on skin hydration and wrinkle reduction; oral joint data weaker.

Hydroxytyrosol is an olive polyphenol studied for oxidative stress and vascular markers. One of the few EFSA-approved polyphenol claims.

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber with solid biological plausibility for gut health. Practically beneficial, but not an aging shortcut.

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormones and cognitive development. Germany faces structural deficiency despite salt iodization. EFSA-approved claims.

Kaempferol is another flavonoid perpetual: mechanistically intriguing, clinically thin. Interesting for research, not for health claims.

Potassium is essential for blood pressure, nerves and muscles. Often more important via diet than supplementation—and potentially risky when overdosed.

The world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. Hundreds of RCTs confirm effects on alertness, reaction time, endurance, and short-term cognition.

Collagen is one of the most popular supplements. Human trials support benefits for skin elasticity and joint markers; broader anti-aging claims remain unproven.

Creatine is one of the most thoroughly studied supplements for high-intensity muscular work. The strongest evidence is from strength and power sports; further applications are still being explored.

Pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterols and delta-7 sterols linked to prostate and bladder health. Moderate evidence from small RCTs.

Copper is essential for enzymes, iron metabolism, and connective tissue. Justified for deficiency—but high-dose supplementation isn't advisable for otherwise healthy individuals.

L-Carnitine shuttles fatty acids into mitochondria. Sounds like a fat burner, but typically delivers less than marketing promises for healthy people.

L-citrulline may boost nitric oxide production and is linked in studies to improved blood flow and endurance performance during physical exertion.

L-glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. Clinically well-supported in critical care; evidence for oral supplementation in healthy individuals is more limited.

Strain-specific probiotic with RCT evidence for bone health in older women. Reduced bone loss by ~50% over 12 months.

L-theanine promotes relaxed alertness via alpha-wave activation. Best evidence for caffeine synergy; moderate effects on stress markers. Alone, cognitive benefits are limited.

L-tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin and melatonin. Biologically plausible for sleep and mood, but direct supplementation effects remain limited and variable.

L-Tyrosin is an amino acid precursor of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Studies show cognitive benefits under acute stress and sleep deprivation.

Edible mushroom with active compounds (hericenones, erinacines) that stimulate NGF and BDNF synthesis. Early RCTs in MCI and anxiety show positive signals — evidence remains preliminary.

Lithium oroate is hyped for mood and neurobiological research. Evidence is sparse while safety and regulatory concerns remain uncertain.

Xanthophyll carotenoids that concentrate in the macula. Strong evidence for slowing AMD progression (25% reduction in AREDS2). Also studied for contrast sensitivity, glare, and cognitive function.

Luteolin is an intriguing flavonoid with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential. The catch: human evidence lags significantly behind the mechanistic story.

Marketed for libido, energy, and hormonal balance. Human data exist but are modest in size and strength—weaker evidence than typical promotion suggests.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Low intake is common. The form significantly affects bioavailability and tolerability.

Manganese is an essential trace element for enzyme function, bone metabolism and antioxidant systems. Deficiency is rare; supplementation in healthy adults lacks clear evidence of benefit.

Melatonin regulates the sleep–wake cycle and has antioxidant properties. Evidence is strongest for jet lag and sleep onset; prescription-only above 0.5 mg/day in Germany.

Molybdenum is an essential trace element for certain enzymes. Deficiency is rare, and there is usually little reason for supplementation.

MSM is marketed mainly for joint health and inflammation. The data aren't empty, but significantly smaller than most claims suggest.

Multivitamins are the world's best-selling supplements. Evidence for health benefits in well-nourished individuals is surprisingly weak.

Myo-inositol has solid RCT evidence for PCOS and insulin resistance. Promising but limited data for anxiety and panic disorder.

NAC is a glutathione precursor with established medical use. As a longevity supplement (especially as GlyNAC), early human data is promising but limited.

NMN is a direct precursor to NAD+. Animal studies are promising — robust human trials are still lacking, and the EU regulatory status is unclear.

Like NMN, NR is a NAD+ precursor — but unlike NMN, it is approved as a Novel Food in the EU. Human studies confirm NAD+ elevation; clinical benefits remain unclear.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA) are among the most thoroughly studied supplements. Evidence is strong for triglycerides and high-risk cardiovascular patients; smaller for healthy individuals.

Phosphatidylserine is a membrane phospholipid with an EFSA-approved health claim for maintaining normal cognitive function at 100 mg/day.

Phosphorus is essential for bones, ATP and cell membranes. Deficiency is rare, and supplements are unnecessary for most people.

Piperine boosts bioavailability of nutrients like curcumin, but its effects on absorption and drug metabolism create potential for supplement and drug interactions.

PQQ is often linked to mitochondria and cellular energy. It sounds elegant, but human evidence remains limited.

Probiotics are live microorganisms with strain-specific effects. Strong evidence for antibiotic diarrhea and IBS; product quality varies dramatically.

Pterostilbene is a resveratrol analogue from blueberries with superior bioavailability (~80% vs 20%). Similar mechanisms (SIRT1, AMPK) but fewer human studies to date.

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and senolytic potential. Human senolytic evidence is limited to tiny pilot studies using Dasatinib+Quercetin combined — not quercetin alone.

Rapamycin is the best-supported longevity drug in animal studies, but it is prescription-only and not approved for anti-aging use in humans.

Reishi is among the most famous medicinal mushrooms. The immune support and longevity narrative is compelling, but human evidence remains limited.

Known for sirtuin activation in animal models. Poor oral bioavailability (<1% free form) translates poorly to humans; a 2026 umbrella review found no convincing metabolic effects even in diabetics.

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen with RCT evidence for mental fatigue and stress relief. Data are promising but show some heterogeneity across studies.

Rutin is a flavonoid with vascular and antioxidant properties. Biologically plausible but clinically a niche topic with limited human evidence.

Saffron is mainly studied for mood, stress, and PMS. Human trials are interesting, but still too small and narrow to justify broad health claims or premium pricing narratives.

SAMe supports mood, liver function, and methylation as a central methyl donor. It has clinical evidence but is regarded as more therapeutic than typical supplements.

Classic adaptogenic berry used for stress resilience and liver support. Traditional use is extensive, but human clinical evidence remains modest and inconsistent.

Irish Sea Moss is a red algae marketed as a natural mineral source. Viral on social media but virtually no clinical evidence for health benefits.

Selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidases and thyroid hormones. In Germany and Austria, selenium supply is structurally low due to selenium-depleted soils.

Shilajit is marketed for energy, testosterone, and mitochondrial health, but human data is limited and product quality issues are a genuine concern.

Silicon is marketed for skin, hair, nails and connective tissue. Biologically plausible but clinical evidence is limited.

Silymarin is the classic liver compound. Evidence exists but is considerably mixed compared to its reputation in detox and liver support products.

Natural polyamine from wheat germ and legumes. Robustly induces autophagy in cell and animal models; early human trials show positive signals for cognition and heart function.

Sulforaphan activates Nrf2-dependent defence mechanisms and is typically sourced from broccoli sprouts. Strong preclinical evidence; clinical data still building.

Taurine is an amino acid with a central role in energy metabolism. Animal and observational data have sparked aging research interest; robust human evidence is far more limited.

TMG provides methyl groups and correlates with lower homocysteine. Biochemically plausible but as a healthy aging supplement, it's more niche than essential.

Popular in male health stacks, but evidence is small, extract-dependent, and not hype-free. Interesting signals but modest robustness.

Trehalose is a natural disaccharide investigated for autophagy activation in animal models. Human evidence is limited, but early data suggest metabolic benefits.

Urolithin A is a gut microbiome metabolite from pomegranate polyphenols, emerging in aging research as a mitophagy inducer.

Essential for vision, skin, and immune function. Clearly useful for deficiency, but high doses are toxic—especially in pregnancy.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is essential for energy metabolism and nerve function. Supplements address deficiency and help high-risk groups—not a general anti-aging compound.

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and homocysteine metabolism. Deficiency is common in vegans, older adults, and metformin users and causes irreversible nerve damage.

Vitamin B2 is essential for energy metabolism and antioxidant defence. Most relevant for deficiency correction and potentially for migraine prevention in susceptible individuals.

Vitamin B3 is essential and a NAD+ precursor. While deficiency correction matters, high-dose niacin causes side effects—benefits for aging in healthy adults remain unclear.

Vitamin B5 is essential for CoA and energy metabolism. Deficiency is rare—extra supplements bring little with adequate intake.

Vitamin B6 is essential for amino acid metabolism, nerve function, and blood cell formation. Useful for deficiency—chronic high doses can cause nerve damage.

Biotin is essential but deficiency is rare. For hair and nails only truly beneficial if a deficiency exists – plus lab values can be distorted.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and other normal body functions, with approved EFSA claims. Megadoses show no clear benefit beyond adequate intake.

Vitamin D3 is well supported for bone, muscle, and immune function when deficiency is confirmed. Without deficiency, additional benefit is significantly weaker — not a universal upgrade.

Low vitamin D levels are common in northern climates. Supplementation is comparatively well studied in deficiency; K2 is often combined but has weaker standalone evidence.

Vitamin E: 8 lipid-soluble antioxidants protecting cell membranes. Natural mixed tocopherols are generally safe; high-dose synthetic forms carry risks documented in the SELECT trial.

Vitamin K1 is essential for blood clotting and likely important for bone metabolism. Supplementation makes sense with low intake but is medically relevant for anticoagulant users.

Vitamin K2 activates calcium-regulating proteins and is studied primarily for bone and vascular health. MK-7 from natto demonstrates good bioavailability.

Zinc is involved in hundreds of enzymes and is essential for immune function, DNA repair, and hormone synthesis. Low intake is not uncommon in older adults and vegans.