Knowledge base
Methodology, ingredient intelligence, and editorial lists that sit behind the product decision engine. Use the home page to search SKUs or run a head-to-head compare first.
Full methodology · All ingredient hubs · Product catalog
How we decide
A fixed framework, not a shopping blog
Every hub and list is scored with the same editorial model so you can compare on one axis before you spend.
Evidence
Human outcomes weigh more than mechanistic stories or storefront claims.
Dosage
We flag when label doses drift from what trials actually used.
Formula quality
Transparency penalties for blends that hide real amounts.
Safety
Interactions, vulnerable groups, and tolerability stay visible.
Value
Hype gap shows when marketing outruns the published record.
Fresh
Recently updated verdicts
Hubs we revised as trials, safety notes, or editorial read changed.
- 66
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin E (tocopherols / tocotrienols)
- 74
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- 74
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)
- 74
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- 74
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin B9 (folate / methylfolate)
- 56
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
- 74
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- 56
Updated Mar 28, 2026
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Ingredient intelligence
Strongest overall scores
The ingredient layer you already trust: one compound, one hub, the same scores on every page.
Creatine
90One of the most studied ergogenic aids; strongly supports high-intensity performance and lean mass when training is consistent.
Vitamin B12
88Essential for nerve function and red blood cells; supplementation is clearly indicated for deficiency and certain diets.
Whey protein
84A complete protein source convenient for hitting protein targets; evidence is mostly about adequate protein intake, not magic anabolism.
Beta-alanine
83Buffers hydrogen ions during high-intensity efforts; best evidence for short repeated sprints and 1-4 minute efforts.
Browse
All top picks (full grid)
Same high-score ingredients in a wider grid for power users and SEO depth.
Vitamin D
82A hormone-like nutrient critical for bone health; supplementation is evidence-based when deficiency is present or risk is high.
Folate
82B vitamin central to DNA synthesis; supplementation is evidence-backed around pregnancy and documented low intake.
Caffeine
81A well-studied stimulant that improves alertness and exercise performance; sensitivity and sleep impacts vary widely.
Vitamin C
80Essential antioxidant; clearly important for deficiency; mega-dosing for colds is mostly unsupported.
Categories
Shop by editorial category
Groupings are editorial, not pharmacy taxonomies. One ingredient can appear in more than one.
Evidence depth
Thickest human data
Ranked by evidence score in our rubric - where published trials cluster.
Creatine
90One of the most studied ergogenic aids; strongly supports high-intensity performance and lean mass when training is consistent.
Vitamin B12
88Essential for nerve function and red blood cells; supplementation is clearly indicated for deficiency and certain diets.
Iron
72Critical for iron-deficiency anemia treatment; harmful if taken unnecessarily due to oxidative stress and overload risk.
Caffeine
81A well-studied stimulant that improves alertness and exercise performance; sensitivity and sleep impacts vary widely.
Whey protein
84A complete protein source convenient for hitting protein targets; evidence is mostly about adequate protein intake, not magic anabolism.
Beta-alanine
83Buffers hydrogen ions during high-intensity efforts; best evidence for short repeated sprints and 1-4 minute efforts.
Contested
Most debated
Mixed or weak verdict labels - thin, noisy, or conflicting human data.
Dong quai
50Traditional women's herb; estrogen-like concerns; human trial quality varies.
Pregnenolone
50Hormone precursor marketed for cognition and energy; human trials are small and context-specific; clinician oversight advised.
Aloe vera (inner leaf)
50Inner leaf gel is different from whole-leaf latex; latex anthraquinones were laxative and carry safety baggage.
Borage oil
50High-GLA oil; liver concern at higher doses; evidence for most claims is thin.
5-HTP
52Serotonin precursor marketed for mood and sleep; serotonin syndrome risk appears when combined with serotonergic drugs.
Black cohosh
52North American herb marketed for menopause symptoms; trials are mixed and liver injury case reports exist with some products.
Caveat emptor
Often overhyped
High hype-gap: loud claims vs what trials actually measured.
Raspberry ketones
28Marketed for fat loss with almost no meaningful human clinical program behind the claims.
Turkesterone
34A trendy ecdysteroid marketed like an anabolic shortcut; human muscle-building evidence is thin and product authenticity is a major issue.
Deer antler velvet
30Marketed for strength and IGF-1 signaling; human performance evidence is weak and contamination/claims issues are common.
Tribulus terrestris
38Ayurvedic herb sold for testosterone and libido; human trials usually fail to show reliable T increases in young trained men.
Garcinia cambogia
38Popularized for appetite and fat loss; large trials and reviews generally show small, inconsistent effects.
Synephrine (bitter orange)
40Protoalkaloid in bitter orange extracts added to fat burners; cardiovascular and stimulant stack risks matter more than fat loss proof.
High intent
Common questions
Short answers that link back to the full ingredient hub.