Science

Science & Sources

Every recommendation in SuppLife is grounded in peer-reviewed research. Below are the primary scientific sources behind our supplement protocols, organised by health category.

For informational purposes only. These citations support the general educational content in SuppLife. They do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. See our Health Disclaimer.

Category
Foundation Supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

PubMed

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce systemic inflammation via inhibition of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and modulation of NF-κB signalling. EPA and DHA are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, improved triglyceride levels, and support for cognitive function.

  • Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochem Soc Trans. 2017;45(5):1105–1115. PMID 28900017
  • Mozaffarian D, Wu JH. Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;58(20):2047–2067. PMID 22051327

Vitamin D3 + K2

PubMed

Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption, immune regulation, and musculoskeletal health. K2 (MK-7) directs calcium to bones rather than arteries. Combined supplementation is widely recommended given high rates of global deficiency.

  • Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(3):266–281. PMID 17634462
  • Vermeer C. Vitamin K: the effect on health beyond coagulation — an overview. Food Nutr Res. 2012;56. PMID 22489224

Magnesium

PubMed

Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Magnesium glycinate and threonate forms are associated with improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and better cognitive function. Over 45% of adults are estimated to be deficient.

  • Abbasi B, et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(12):1161–1169. PMID 23853635
  • Boyle NB, et al. The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429. PMID 28445426

Zinc supports immune function, testosterone production, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and is commonly insufficient in plant-forward diets.

  • Prasad AS. Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells. Mol Med. 2008;14(5–6):353–357. PMID 18385818
Category
Cognitive Performance

Lion's Mane Mushroom

PubMed

Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis, supporting neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Clinical trials show improvements in mild cognitive impairment and mood.

  • Mori K, et al. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake on mild cognitive impairment. Phytother Res. 2009;23(3):367–372. PMID 18844328
  • Nagano M, et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231–237. PMID 20834180

Bacopa Monnieri

PubMed

Bacopa monnieri improves memory acquisition and retention via modulation of acetylcholine and serotonin pathways, and reduction of oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Effects are most pronounced after 8–12 weeks of consistent use.

  • Calabrese C, et al. Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly. J Altern Complement Med. 2008;14(6):707–713. PMID 18611150

Alpha-GPC

PubMed

Alpha-GPC is a highly bioavailable choline precursor that supports acetylcholine synthesis, critical for memory, focus, and neuroplasticity. It also stimulates growth hormone secretion when taken before exercise.

  • De Jesus Moreno MM. Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate. Clin Ther. 2003;25(1):178–193. PMID 12637119
Category
Longevity & Cellular Health

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

PubMed

NMN is a direct precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme essential for DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and sirtuin activation. NAD+ levels decline significantly with age. Human clinical trials show NMN safely raises blood NAD+ levels.

  • Yoshino M, et al. Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science. 2021;372(6547):1224–1229. PMID 34013861
  • Sinclair DA, Guarente L. Small molecule activators of sirtuins extend Saccharomyces cerevisiae lifespan. Nature. 2003;425:191–196. PMID 12939617

Resveratrol

PubMed

Resveratrol activates SIRT1 (a longevity-associated sirtuin) and AMPK pathways, mimicking aspects of caloric restriction. It also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Baur JA, et al. Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. Nature. 2006;444(7117):337–342. PMID 17086204

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)

PubMed

CoQ10 is essential for mitochondrial ATP production and acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant. Ubiquinol (the reduced form) is more bioavailable. Levels decline with age and are depleted by statin use.

  • Mortensen SA, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure. JACC Heart Fail. 2014;2(6):641–649. PMID 25282031

Quercetin

PubMed

Quercetin is a flavonoid with senolytic properties — it selectively clears senescent ("zombie") cells that accumulate with age and drive inflammation. It also inhibits mTOR and activates AMPK.

  • Zhu Y, et al. The Achilles' heel of senescent cells: from transcriptome to senolytic drugs. Aging Cell. 2015;14(4):644–658. PMID 25754370
Category
Metabolic Health

Berberine

PubMed

Berberine activates AMPK (the body's metabolic master switch), improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Multiple RCTs show efficacy comparable to metformin for blood glucose control, with additional lipid-lowering effects.

  • Yin J, et al. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008;57(5):712–717. PMID 18396247
  • Zhang H, et al. Berberine lowers blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients through increasing insulin receptor expression. Metabolism. 2010;59(2):285–292. PMID 19800084

Chromium Picolinate

PubMed

Chromium enhances insulin receptor signalling and improves glucose tolerance. Picolinate form offers superior bioavailability. Studies show reduced fasting glucose and HbA1c in insulin-resistant individuals.

  • Broadhurst CL, Domenico P. Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006;8(6):677–687. PMID 17109600
Category
Recovery & Sleep

Ashwagandha (KSM-66)

PubMed

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen that reduces cortisol levels, improves stress resilience, and enhances sleep quality. KSM-66 is the most clinically studied full-spectrum root extract.

  • Chandrasekhar K, et al. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255–262. PMID 23439798
  • Langade D, et al. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in insomnia and anxiety. Medicine. 2019;98(37):e17186. PMID 31517876

Melatonin

PubMed

Melatonin is the body's primary circadian rhythm regulator. Low-dose (0.1–0.5mg) supplementation is most effective for sleep onset. It also functions as a potent antioxidant and supports immune regulation.

  • Brzezinski A, et al. Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: a meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2005;9(1):41–50. PMID 15649737

L-Theanine

PubMed

L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, promotes relaxed alertness by increasing alpha brain waves and modulating GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. It reduces stress without sedation and synergises with caffeine for focused energy.

  • Nobre AC, et al. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167–168. PMID 18296328

Creatine Monohydrate

PubMed

Creatine is one of the most extensively researched supplements in existence, with robust evidence for improving high-intensity exercise performance, muscle recovery, and cognitive function — particularly under sleep deprivation.

  • Lanhers C, et al. Creatine supplementation and upper limb strength performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2017;47(1):163–173. PMID 27328852
  • Rawson ES, Venezia AC. Use of creatine in the elderly and evidence for effects on cognitive function in young and old. Amino Acids. 2011;40(5):1349–1362. PMID 21448584

Product data source

Supplement product information within SuppLife is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD), maintained by the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Label data reflects manufacturer submissions and is updated regularly.