Research Area: Blood Sugar
22 ingredients studied for effects on Blood Sugar — sorted by research relevance.
Berberine
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.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
NAC is a glutathione precursor with established medical use. As a longevity supplement (especially as GlyNAC), early human data is promising but limited.
Taurin
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.
Vitamin D3 + K2
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.
Gynostemma (Jiaogulan)
Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) is an adaptogenic herb from Southeast Asia that activates AMPK like metformin, and is associated with longevity in Chinese populations.
NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)
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.
Glycin
Glycine is the smallest amino acid, required for glutathione, collagen, and creatine. In GlyNAC form, it shows promise for aging markers in older adults.
Pterostilben
Pterostilbene is a resveratrol analogue from blueberries with superior bioavailability (~80% vs 20%). Similar mechanisms (SIRT1, AMPK) but fewer human studies to date.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms with strain-specific effects. Strong evidence for antibiotic diarrhea and IBS; product quality varies dramatically.
Caffeine
The world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. Hundreds of RCTs confirm effects on alertness, reaction time, endurance, and short-term cognition.
Alpha-Liponsäure (R-ALA)
Mitochondrial antioxidant with dual water/fat solubility. R-form significantly more bioavailable than racemic mixture. Evidence strongest for diabetic neuropathy.
Chrom
Chromium is often marketed for blood glucose and appetite control. The evidence is mixed, and in healthy individuals, the added benefit is usually small.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
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.
Sulforaphan
Sulforaphan activates Nrf2-dependent defence mechanisms and is typically sourced from broccoli sprouts. Strong preclinical evidence; clinical data still building.
Resveratrol
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.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Low intake is common. The form significantly affects bioavailability and tolerability.
Trehalose
Trehalose is a natural disaccharide investigated for autophagy activation in animal models. Human evidence is limited, but early data suggest metabolic benefits.
Akkermansia muciniphila
Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut bacterium linked to better metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and healthy aging in observational studies.
Betain (Trimethylglycin)
Betaine is a natural methyl donor that lowers homocysteine and shows modest strength gains in some studies, but evidence is inconsistent and limited.
Melatonin
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.
Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)
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.
Myo-Inositol
Myo-inositol has solid RCT evidence for PCOS and insulin resistance. Promising but limited data for anxiety and panic disorder.