Supplement Ingredient Library
What each ingredient does, where it's found naturally, and which forms are worth paying for. Open any ingredient for the full guide and the supplements that contain it.
Biotin (B7)
VitaminA B vitamin that helps turn fats, carbs, and protein into energy. Popular for hair and nails, but it mainly helps people who are low. High amounts can throw off many lab tests.
Studied for: Brittle nails (limited evidence) · Hair thinning linked to low biotin · Energy metabolism · General B-complex support
3 supplementsFolate
VitaminNeeded to make DNA and red blood cells and for methylation. Critical before and during early pregnancy. Works hand in hand with B12.
Studied for: Planning pregnancy and pregnancy · Folate-deficiency anemia · High homocysteine · Mood support
8 supplementsNiacin (B3)
VitaminNeeded to make NAD, a molecule every cell uses for energy and repair. It comes in two main forms that act very differently: niacin can cause flushing and affects cholesterol, while niacinamide does neither.
Studied for: Energy metabolism · Skin health (niacinamide) · Cholesterol, only under a prescriber's care (niacin) · General B-complex support
3 supplementsPantothenic acid (B5)
VitaminUsed to make coenzyme A, which cells need to make energy, fats, and some hormones. It's found in so many foods that deficiency is rare.
Studied for: Energy metabolism · Stress and adrenal formulas (evidence is limited) · Cholesterol and triglycerides (pantethine, some studies) · Acne (one small study)
4 supplementsRiboflavin (B2)
VitaminHelps cells make energy and recycle other B vitamins and antioxidants. Some studies support it for reducing how often migraines happen.
Studied for: Migraine prevention (some studies) · Energy metabolism · Supporting B6 and folate activation
5 supplementsThiamine (B1)
VitaminHelps turn food, especially carbohydrates, into energy and keeps nerves and the heart working normally. Deficiency is more likely with heavy alcohol use, weight-loss surgery, or long-term vomiting.
Studied for: Energy metabolism · Nerve health · Nerve symptoms related to high blood sugar (benfotiamine, some studies) · Deficiency risk after weight-loss surgery
5 supplementsVitamin A
VitaminA fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, skin, and the protective linings of the gut and airways. It comes as ready-made vitamin A (retinol) or as beta-carotene, which the body converts as needed.
Studied for: Low vitamin A on a blood test · Night vision and eye health · Skin health · Immune support · Poor fat absorption, such as with celiac disease or IBD
4 supplementsVitamin B12
VitaminKeeps nerves healthy and helps make red blood cells and energy. Absorption drops with age, low stomach acid, some medicines, and autoimmune gastritis.
Studied for: Low B12 on a blood test · Fatigue from B12-deficiency anemia · Plant-based diets · Long-term metformin or acid-reducing medicine
11 supplementsVitamin B6
VitaminSupports mood chemicals, hormone balance, and energy metabolism. Studied for PMS and nausea in pregnancy.
Studied for: PMS · Nausea in pregnancy · Mood support
9 supplementsVitamin C
VitaminA water-soluble antioxidant the body needs to make collagen, support immune cells, and absorb iron from plant foods. The body can't make it, so it must come from food.
Studied for: Immune support · Collagen, skin, and wound healing · Better iron absorption · Antioxidant support
13 supplementsVitamin D3
VitaminA hormone-like vitamin that supports immunity, mood, bone strength, and hormone signaling. Low levels are common, especially in winter.
Studied for: Low vitamin D on a blood test · Immune support · Bone health · Mood, especially in winter · Autoimmune conditions, where low levels are common
8 supplementsVitamin E
VitaminA fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from damage. It has a mild blood-thinning effect, which matters if you take other blood thinners.
Studied for: Antioxidant support · Skin health · Menstrual cramps (some studies) · Poor fat absorption, such as with celiac disease or IBD
4 supplementsVitamin K2
VitaminHelps direct calcium into bones and teeth rather than arteries. Often paired with vitamin D3.
Studied for: Bone health · Pairing with higher-dose vitamin D · Heart and artery health
2 supplementsBoron
MineralA trace mineral that appears to help the body use calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Small studies suggest it may affect hormone levels and joint comfort.
Studied for: Bone health, alongside calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D · Joint comfort (limited evidence) · Bone formulas after menopause
1 supplementCalcium
MineralThe main mineral in bones and teeth. It also helps muscles contract, nerves signal, and blood clot. Most people do best getting much of it from food.
Studied for: Bone health · Low calcium intake from diet, such as dairy-free eating · Osteopenia or osteoporosis (with your practitioner) · Pregnancy and breastfeeding (as directed)
6 supplementsChromium
MineralA trace mineral that helps insulin do its job. Some studies show a modest benefit for blood sugar, while others show little effect.
Studied for: Blood sugar support · Insulin resistance · Sugar cravings (limited evidence) · PCOS with insulin resistance (limited evidence)
5 supplementsCopper
MineralA trace mineral needed for red blood cells, iron use, collagen, and nerve health. It works in balance with zinc, so taking one affects the other.
Studied for: Balancing long-term zinc use · Copper deficiency on lab testing · After bariatric surgery (as directed) · Anemia linked to low copper
2 supplementsIodine
MineralA trace mineral the thyroid uses to make its hormones. Both too little and too much can cause thyroid problems, so more is not better.
Studied for: Preventing iodine deficiency · Pregnancy and breastfeeding, when needs rise (as directed) · Diets low in iodized salt, dairy, and seafood
2 supplementsIron
MineralCarries oxygen in the blood. Deficiency is common with heavy periods, pregnancy, plant-based diets, celiac disease, and endurance training.
Studied for: Iron-deficiency anemia · Low ferritin · Fatigue and hair shedding from low iron · Pregnancy (as directed)
4 supplementsMagnesium
MineralA mineral involved in hundreds of reactions, including muscle relaxation, nerve signaling, sleep, and blood sugar control. Many adults don't get enough from food.
Studied for: Sleep and relaxation · Stress · Muscle cramps and tension · PMS and menstrual cramps · Headaches and migraine · Constipation
10 supplementsManganese
MineralA trace mineral that supports bone formation, metabolism, and one of the body's main antioxidant enzymes. Deficiency is rare, and most people get enough from food.
Studied for: Bone health, as part of bone formulas · Joint and connective tissue formulas · Rounding out a multivitamin
2 supplementsPotassium
MineralAn electrolyte that keeps heart rhythm, muscle contraction, nerve signals, and fluid balance working. Food is the main source, and supplements need more care than most minerals.
Studied for: Low potassium from diet, sweating, or certain diuretics (as directed) · Blood pressure support, mainly through diet · Electrolyte replacement with heavy sweating · Muscle cramps from low electrolytes
1 supplementSelenium
MineralA trace mineral the thyroid needs to activate its hormones and protect itself. Some studies show it lowers thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto's.
Studied for: Thyroid support · Hashimoto's (thyroid antibodies) · Mild thyroid eye disease (with your eye doctor)
3 supplementsZinc
MineralSupports immunity, skin, wound healing, thyroid function, and hormone production.
Studied for: Immune support · Acne and skin healing · Thyroid support · Taste and smell changes
7 supplementsAloe vera
TopicalA succulent whose clear leaf gel is applied to the skin to soothe minor burns and sunburn. Aloe latex, the yellow layer under the leaf skin, is a harsh laxative when swallowed and isn't recommended.
Studied for: Sunburn and minor burns (gel on the skin) · Dry or irritated skin · Minor scrapes · Heartburn or an irritated gut (purified inner leaf juice, limited evidence)
4 supplementsArnica
TopicalA mountain flower made into gels and creams that are rubbed on bruises and sore muscles. It's also sold as homeopathic pellets. The herb itself is toxic if swallowed and shouldn't go on broken skin.
Studied for: Bruises · Sore muscles after exercise · Sprains and strains · Swelling after minor injuries
4 supplementsAshwagandha
Herb & botanicalAn adaptogenic herb used to ease stress, support sleep, and steady energy. Studied extracts are standardized for active compounds called withanolides.
Studied for: Stress · Sleep · Anxious mood · Stress-related fatigue
7 supplementsAstragalus
RootA root from traditional Chinese medicine used to strengthen the immune system and support energy. It is usually taken to prevent illness rather than during an acute infection.
Studied for: Immune support, especially through cold season · Fatigue and low energy · Recovery after illness
1 supplementBerberine
Plant extractA bright yellow plant compound studied for blood sugar, insulin resistance, and cholesterol. It interacts with many medicines.
Studied for: Blood sugar and insulin resistance · Cholesterol · PCOS (as part of a broader plan) · Gut balance protocols
4 supplementsBlack cohosh
Herb & botanicalA root traditionally used for menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes and night sweats. Results vary from person to person.
Studied for: Hot flashes and night sweats · Menopause-related sleep and mood changes
2 supplementsBoswellia
Herb & botanicalA tree resin used in Ayurvedic medicine to calm inflammation. Studies suggest it may modestly ease osteoarthritis pain. Evidence for inflammatory bowel disease is limited.
Studied for: Osteoarthritis pain and stiffness · Joint support · IBD (as part of a broader plan, limited evidence)
1 supplementBurdock root
Herb & botanicalA root traditionally used as a cleansing herb for the skin and liver, and eaten as a vegetable in Japan. Research in people is limited.
Studied for: Skin conditions such as acne and eczema (traditional use) · Liver support (traditional use) · Digestion (it contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber)
Calendula
TopicalA bright orange flower made into creams, salves, and oils that are applied to minor cuts, rashes, and dry or irritated skin. Some studies suggest it may help minor wounds heal, but the evidence is limited.
Studied for: Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns · Diaper rash · Dry, chapped, or irritated skin · Skin irritation from radiation treatment (some studies, with your care team)
Chaga
Medicinal mushroomA dark, woody growth found on birch trees in cold climates, used as an antioxidant tea and for immune support. It is very high in oxalates.
Studied for: Antioxidant support · Immune support · Traditional tea
Chamomile
Herb & botanicalA gentle, calming flower used for sleep, mild anxiety, and an unsettled stomach. One of the most widely used herbal teas.
Studied for: Relaxation and mild anxiety · Sleep · Gas, bloating, and indigestion · Soothing skin (topically)
3 supplementsComfrey
TopicalA plant made into creams and ointments that are rubbed on unbroken skin over sprains, bruises, and sore joints. It contains liver-toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so it should never be taken by mouth.
Studied for: Sprains and bruises · Back and muscle pain (some studies) · Osteoarthritis joint pain (some studies)
Cordyceps
Medicinal mushroomA medicinal mushroom traditionally used for energy, stamina, and lung health. Studies on exercise performance are mixed.
Studied for: Energy and fatigue · Exercise stamina · Lung and breathing support · Immune support
1 supplementCramp bark
Herb & botanicalA shrub bark traditionally used to relax muscle cramps, especially menstrual cramps. Its use is mostly traditional, with little modern research.
Studied for: Menstrual cramps · Muscle tension and spasms · Traditional uterine support
Dandelion
Herb & botanicalA common plant whose bitter root and leaves are used for digestion. The leaf acts as a mild diuretic, and the root is traditionally used to support the liver and bile flow. Research in people is limited.
Studied for: Digestion and appetite (as a bitter) · Mild fluid retention (leaf) · Liver and bile support (root, traditional use)
Dong quai
Herb & botanicalA root from traditional Chinese medicine used for menstrual cycle support and menopause symptoms. It is usually given in combination formulas, and research on it alone is limited.
Studied for: Painful periods · Irregular cycles · Menopause symptoms, often in combination formulas
Echinacea
Herb & botanicalA flowering plant used at the first sign of a cold. It's meant for short-term use and stimulates the immune system.
Studied for: Colds, taken at the first sign of symptoms · Short-term immune support
Elderberry
Herb & botanicalA dark purple berry rich in antioxidants, used to shorten colds and flu when taken early.
Studied for: Colds and flu, taken early · Short-term immune support
Eleuthero
RootAn adaptogenic root used for stamina, stress, and mild fatigue. Despite its common name, it is not true ginseng, and studies are mixed.
Studied for: Stress-related fatigue · Stamina and endurance · Immune support during stress
Fennel
Herb & botanicalA seed long used for gas, bloating, and cramping. It relaxes the muscles of the gut and has a mild licorice-like taste.
Studied for: Gas and bloating · Indigestion · Menstrual cramps (some studies)
1 supplementGarlic
Herb & botanicalA kitchen staple studied as a supplement for blood pressure, cholesterol, and immune support. Its effects are modest, and it thins the blood slightly.
Studied for: Blood pressure support · Cholesterol support · Immune support · Short-term gut balance protocols
Ginger
Herb & botanicalA warming root long used for nausea and digestion. It's one of the best-studied herbal remedies for nausea, including in pregnancy.
Studied for: Nausea, including morning sickness and motion sickness · Indigestion and bloating · Menstrual cramps · Joint and muscle aches
4 supplementsHoly basil
Herb & botanicalAn adaptogenic herb from Ayurvedic tradition used to support resilience to stress, steady mood, and balanced blood sugar.
Studied for: Stress · Mood support · Blood sugar balance · Mental clarity
1 supplementHops
Herb & botanicalThe flower used in brewing beer, used in herbal medicine for sleep and calm, usually with valerian. Hops also contain a plant estrogen and are studied for menopause symptoms.
Studied for: Trouble sleeping, often combined with valerian · Restlessness and nervous tension · Hot flashes (early research)
3 supplementsLavender
Herb & botanicalA fragrant flower used for calm and sleep. A specific oral lavender oil capsule has been studied for anxiety, with good results in several trials.
Studied for: Anxiety and worry · Restlessness and trouble sleeping · Stress
Lemon balm
Herb & botanicalA lemon-scented member of the mint family used to calm the mind, ease restlessness, and settle digestion.
Studied for: Stress and mild anxiety · Restless sleep · Indigestion · Cold sores (topically)
4 supplementsLicorice root
Herb & botanicalA sweet root used to soothe the stomach lining. Its DGL form is gentle; whole licorice root has strong effects on blood pressure.
Studied for: Heartburn and reflux (DGL) · Soothing the stomach lining (DGL) · Sore throat (as tea)
6 supplementsLion's mane
Medicinal mushroomA shaggy white medicinal mushroom studied for focus, memory, and nerve health. Human studies are small but promising.
Studied for: Focus and memory · Mood support · Nerve health · Gut lining support
Maca
RootA root vegetable from the Andes used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. It does not contain hormones, and small studies show mixed results.
Studied for: Libido · Energy and stamina · Menopause symptoms · Mood
3 supplementsMarshmallow root
Herb & botanicalThe root of a flowering plant rich in mucilage, a gel-like fiber that coats and soothes the throat and digestive tract. It's not related to the candy you buy today.
Studied for: Dry cough and sore throat · Heartburn and an irritated stomach · Soothing the gut lining (in blends)
5 supplementsMilk thistle
Herb & botanicalA seed extract traditionally used to support the liver. Its active compounds, silymarin, act as antioxidants in liver cells.
Studied for: Liver support · Fatty liver (as part of a broader plan) · Supporting the liver during medication or alcohol recovery (with your provider)
Milky oat
Herb & botanicalThe unripe oat top (milky oat) or stem (oat straw), traditionally used as a gentle, nourishing herb for frayed nerves and stress. Research is limited.
Studied for: Stress and nervous exhaustion (traditional use) · Feeling wired and tired · General nourishment in herbal teas
2 supplementsMotherwort
Herb & botanicalA mint-family herb traditionally used for anxiety, a racing heart from nerves, and menstrual and menopause complaints. Research in people is limited.
Studied for: Anxiety and nervous tension (traditional use) · Heart fluttering linked to stress (after a medical check) · Menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms (traditional use)
Nettle
Herb & botanicalA mineral-rich leaf used as a nourishing tea and for seasonal allergies. Freeze-dried leaf is the form most used for allergies.
Studied for: Seasonal allergies · A nourishing, mineral-rich tea · Joint aches
Olive leaf
Herb & botanicalAn extract from olive tree leaves, rich in an antioxidant called oleuropein. Small studies suggest it may help blood pressure and blood sugar.
Studied for: Blood pressure support · Blood sugar support · Immune support · Antioxidant support
1 supplementOregano oil
Essential oilA strong essential oil from wild oregano with antimicrobial compounds such as carvacrol. It is meant for short-term use and can irritate the mouth, skin, and stomach.
Studied for: Short-term gut balance protocols · Short-term support during colds · Sinus and throat support
Passionflower
Herb & botanicalA climbing vine whose leaves and flowers are used to quiet a busy mind and support sleep.
Studied for: Mild anxiety · Racing thoughts at bedtime · Sleep
1 supplementPeppermint oil
Herb & botanicalA cooling oil that relaxes the muscles of the gut. Enteric-coated capsules are among the best-studied natural options for IBS.
Studied for: IBS cramping, bloating, and pain · Gas · Tension headaches (applied to the temples)
1 supplementRed clover
PhytoestrogenA flowering plant rich in isoflavones, plant compounds with weak estrogen-like effects. It is used for menopause symptoms, though study results are mixed.
Studied for: Hot flashes and night sweats · Menopause support · Bone health after menopause (evidence is limited)
Red raspberry leaf
Herb & botanicalA leaf tea traditionally used to tone the uterus, most often in the last weeks of pregnancy to prepare for labor. Research on its benefits is small and mixed.
Studied for: Late pregnancy, with your midwife or provider's guidance · Menstrual cramps (traditional use) · General uterine tonic (traditional use)
Reishi
Medicinal mushroomA woody medicinal mushroom traditionally used to calm the mind, support sleep, and balance the immune system.
Studied for: Stress and sleep support · Immune balance · Recovery and resilience
1 supplementRhodiola
Herb & botanicalAn adaptogenic herb used for mental fatigue and stress-related exhaustion. It tends to be energizing, so it's usually taken in the morning.
Studied for: Mental fatigue · Stress-related exhaustion · Focus under stress
3 supplementsSaffron
Herb & botanicalThe spice from the crocus flower, studied as an extract for low mood, PMS, and stress. Results so far are promising but come from fairly small studies.
Studied for: Low mood (some studies) · PMS mood symptoms (some studies) · Stress and sleep quality (early research)
2 supplementsSaw palmetto
Herb & botanicalA palm berry that may lower the effect of androgens (male-type hormones). In women, it is sometimes used for androgen-related hair thinning or PCOS, but evidence is limited.
Studied for: Hair thinning linked to androgens (female pattern hair loss) · PCOS-related symptoms such as excess hair growth (limited evidence) · Acne linked to androgens (limited evidence)
2 supplementsSchisandra
BerryA small red berry used as an adaptogen for stress and mental stamina, and to support the liver. It can change how the body clears some medicines.
Studied for: Stress and mental fatigue · Focus and endurance · Liver support
1 supplementShatavari
Herb & botanicalA root from the asparagus family used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic for women's health. Traditional use is long, but human research is small and early.
Studied for: Menopause symptoms (early research) · Overall female reproductive support in Ayurveda · Breast milk supply (mixed evidence) · Digestive comfort
Skullcap
Herb & botanicalA mint-family herb traditionally used to calm nervous tension and support sleep. Research is limited, and product quality matters because some products have been contaminated.
Studied for: Nervous tension and anxiety (traditional use) · Trouble sleeping · Muscle tension linked to stress
Slippery elm
Herb & botanicalThe inner bark of a North American elm tree. Mixed with water, it forms a soothing gel that coats the throat and digestive tract.
Studied for: Sore throat and cough · Heartburn and an irritated stomach · IBS symptoms (in blends, limited evidence)
5 supplementsSt. John's wort
Herb & botanicalA flowering herb studied for mild to moderate low mood. It interacts with many prescription medicines, including birth control, so it should only be used with a practitioner's guidance.
Studied for: Mild to moderate low mood · Mood changes around menopause or PMS (some studies)
Tea tree oil
TopicalAn essential oil from the leaves of an Australian tree. It's applied to the skin, always diluted, for its antimicrobial effects. It is toxic if swallowed.
Studied for: Mild acne (some studies) · Athlete's foot and fungal skin infections · Nail fungus (limited evidence) · Dandruff (in shampoos)
Triphala
Herb & botanicalAn Ayurvedic blend of three dried fruits, traditionally used as a gentle bowel regulator. Small studies suggest it may help constipation.
Studied for: Constipation and regularity · General digestion · Gum health (as a mouth rinse, some studies)
1 supplementTurkey tail
Medicinal mushroomA striped, fan-shaped mushroom rich in beta-glucans that stimulate the immune system. Extracts from it are used alongside cancer care in Japan.
Studied for: Immune support · Gut balance (acts as a prebiotic) · Support alongside cancer care, with your oncologist's approval
Turmeric
Herb & botanicalA golden root whose active compounds, curcuminoids, support a healthy inflammatory response. Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, so the form matters.
Studied for: Joint pain and stiffness · Inflammation · Digestive comfort · Muscle soreness after exercise
1 supplementValerian
Herb & botanicalA root used for centuries to help people fall asleep. Its earthy smell is strong, so most people take it as a capsule.
Studied for: Trouble falling asleep · Restlessness · Mild anxiety
3 supplementsVitex
Herb & botanicalA berry used for PMS and cycle support. It works gradually through the pituitary gland and usually takes about three cycles to judge.
Studied for: PMS, including breast tenderness and mood changes · Irregular cycles · Short second half of the cycle (luteal phase)
2 supplementsWitch hazel
TopicalA plant extract used as an astringent on the skin. It's applied to soothe minor skin irritation, insect bites, and hemorrhoids.
Studied for: Hemorrhoids (pads or wipes) · Minor skin irritation and insect bites · Oily skin (as a toner) · Minor swelling after childbirth (pads, with your provider)
Adrenal glandular
GlandularDried adrenal gland tissue, usually from cows or pigs, sold for fatigue and stress. Evidence is very limited, and testing has found that some products contain real steroid and thyroid hormones.
Studied for: Marketed for fatigue and low energy · Marketed for stress and 'adrenal fatigue', which most medical groups don't recognize as a diagnosis · Some naturopathic adrenal protocols (with a practitioner)
DHEA
HormoneA hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands that the body converts into testosterone and estrogen. Levels naturally fall with age.
Studied for: Low DHEA-S on a blood test · Adrenal insufficiency (alongside medical care) · Vaginal dryness after menopause (prescription vaginal form) · Some fertility protocols (with a specialist)
Estradiol
Prescription hormoneThe main estrogen the ovaries make before menopause. As a treatment it's a prescription medicine, used mainly for menopause symptoms and to protect bone.
Studied for: Hot flashes and night sweats · Vaginal dryness and painful sex (vaginal forms) · Preventing bone loss after menopause · Early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency
Melatonin
HormoneThe hormone your brain releases in the evening to signal that it's time to sleep. Supplements mainly help shift the timing of sleep rather than knock you out.
Studied for: Jet lag · Shift work and shifted sleep schedules · Trouble falling asleep · A body clock that runs late (delayed sleep phase)
Pregnenolone
Precursor hormoneA hormone the body makes from cholesterol and turns into other hormones, including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Research on supplements is limited and mixed.
Studied for: Low pregnenolone on a blood test · Mood and memory (early, mixed research) · Some adrenal and hormone protocols (with a practitioner)
Progesterone cream
Topical hormoneAn over-the-counter skin cream that contains real progesterone, a hormone made by the ovaries after ovulation. It is a hormone, not an herb, and strength varies widely between products.
Studied for: Perimenopause symptoms, such as sleep changes and heavy or irregular cycles (mixed research) · PMS (limited research) · Hot flashes (some studies, mixed results)
5 supplementsTestosterone
Prescription hormoneA hormone women make in the ovaries and adrenal glands, in much smaller amounts than men. As a treatment it's prescription-only and needs female-range dosing.
Studied for: Low sexual desire after menopause, the main use with good evidence in women · Low testosterone with symptoms, confirmed by blood tests · Some cases of early or surgical menopause
Thyroid glandular
GlandularDried thyroid tissue from cows or pigs, sold over the counter as 'thyroid support'. Testing has found that many contain real thyroid hormone, which can push the thyroid into an overactive state.
Studied for: Marketed for low energy, weight, and a sluggish thyroid · Marketed for people with normal thyroid labs who still feel hypothyroid
Alpha-lipoic acid
AntioxidantAn antioxidant your cells use to make energy. It's mainly used to support blood sugar balance and nerve health.
Studied for: Blood sugar balance · Nerve pain and tingling from diabetes (some studies) · Antioxidant support · Energy and mitochondrial support
2 supplementsCalcium-D-glucarate
Plant compoundSupports the gut and liver pathway that packages used estrogen and other compounds for removal, so they aren't reabsorbed.
Studied for: Estrogen-dominance patterns · Supporting estrogen clearance alongside fiber
3 supplementsCholine
Essential nutrientAn essential nutrient for the brain, liver, and cell membranes. It's especially important in pregnancy, and many prenatals contain little.
Studied for: Pregnancy and breastfeeding (baby's brain and spinal cord) · Liver health · Memory and focus · Low intake from a plant-based or egg-free diet
3 supplementsCollagen peptides
ProteinA protein broken into small pieces so it digests easily. It supplies the building blocks for skin, joints, and connective tissue.
Studied for: Skin hydration and elasticity (some studies) · Joint comfort · Hair and nails · Adding protein to your day
1 supplementCoQ10
AntioxidantA compound your cells use to make energy, especially in the heart and muscles. Levels drop with age and with statin medicines.
Studied for: Heart health · Muscle aches while taking a statin (results are mixed) · Migraine prevention · Low energy · Egg quality and fertility (early research)
2 supplementsDigestive enzymes
EnzymeProteins that help break down the protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your meals. They may ease bloating and heaviness after eating.
Studied for: Bloating or heaviness after meals · Trouble digesting dairy (lactase) · Gas from beans and vegetables (alpha-galactosidase) · Digestive support with age
10 supplementsDIM
Plant compoundA compound formed when you digest cruciferous vegetables. It's used to support how the liver processes estrogen.
Studied for: Estrogen-dominance patterns (with fiber and cruciferous vegetables) · Heavy, painful, or tender-breast cycles · Hormonal acne
4 supplementsEvening primrose oil
Fatty acidA seed oil rich in GLA, an omega-6 fat the body uses to make anti-inflammatory compounds. Evidence for most uses is mixed.
Studied for: Cyclical breast pain (mixed evidence) · PMS (limited evidence) · Dry skin · Joint stiffness (GLA, some studies)
Glycine
Amino acidA small amino acid with a calming effect. It's also a main building block of collagen and glutathione.
Studied for: Sleep quality · Calm and relaxation · Collagen and connective tissue support · Glutathione support (often paired with NAC)
L-glutamine
Amino acidAn amino acid that fuels the cells lining your gut. It's often used to support the gut lining and recovery.
Studied for: Gut lining support · Digestive symptoms and IBS (some studies) · Recovery from illness or intense exercise · Sugar cravings (limited evidence)
3 supplementsL-theanine
Amino acidA calming amino acid from tea leaves. It may ease stress and support relaxed focus without making you drowsy.
Studied for: Stress and a busy mind · Calm focus · Sleep quality · Smoothing out coffee jitters
8 supplementsMyo-inositol
Vitamin-like nutrientA vitamin-like nutrient that helps cells respond to insulin. It's one of the better-studied supplements for PCOS.
Studied for: PCOS: cycle regularity, ovulation, and insulin sensitivity · Egg quality during fertility treatment (some studies) · Blood sugar in pregnancy (some studies) · Mood and anxiety (limited evidence)
3 supplementsNAC
Amino acidA form of the amino acid cysteine that your body uses to make glutathione, a key antioxidant. It also helps thin mucus.
Studied for: Glutathione and antioxidant support · Liver support · Thinning mucus in the airways · PCOS (some studies) · Compulsive habits like hair pulling or skin picking (mixed evidence)
2 supplementsOmega-3 (EPA & DHA)
Fatty acidEssential fats that support the heart, brain, mood, skin, and a healthy inflammatory response. Important in pregnancy.
Studied for: Heart health and triglycerides · Mood · Joint pain and inflammation · Dry eyes · Pregnancy and breastfeeding (DHA)
Probiotics
ProbioticLive beneficial microbes that support digestion, regularity, and immune balance. Effects depend on the specific strain.
Studied for: Recovery after antibiotics · Diarrhea and irregular bowels · IBS symptoms (specific strains) · Vaginal and urinary health (specific strains)
14 supplementsPsyllium
FiberA soluble fiber from the husk of plantago seeds. It forms a gel in water that helps keep bowels regular and supports cholesterol and blood sugar.
Studied for: Constipation · Loose stools (it adds bulk) · Lowering LDL cholesterol · Blood sugar after meals · IBS (soluble fiber helps some people)
1 supplementQuercetin
FlavonoidA plant pigment found in onions, apples, and berries. It may help calm histamine release and support a healthy inflammatory response.
Studied for: Seasonal allergies (early research) · Histamine-related symptoms · Antioxidant support · Immune support
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Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.