How we evaluate a product

We start with the ingredient rather than the brand. If the underlying compound has no good evidence behind it, the formulation and the packaging do not matter.

We prefer systematic reviews and meta-analyses over individual trials, and we note when the available research is small, short, industry-funded, or conducted in animals rather than people. All four are common in this field.

Dose matters as much as the ingredient. A product frequently contains something real at a fraction of the amount used in the studies it cites.

When the evidence is genuinely unclear we say so rather than manufacturing a verdict. “We do not know” is a legitimate answer and most of this industry avoids it.

Nothing here is medical advice. Talk to a clinician before starting a supplement, particularly if you take prescription medication — interactions are real and under-reported.

Disclosure: we may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. That never affects what we recommend.