/r/Supplements

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit designed for discussion of supplements and nutraceuticals; for health, performance, or any intended (or not intended) purpose. Not a place for discussion of illicit and illegal compounds.

A subreddit designed for discussion of supplements and nutraceuticals; for health, performance, or any intended (or not intended) purpose.

IMPORTANT: For those with blogs/channels dealing with supplements or members of companies which sell nutritional supplements.

Slightly more IMPORTANT: In regards to illegal/dangerous drugs and how to approach their mention in this subreddit


General Rules and Guidelines or /r/supplements:

  • Posts made with brand name products as the topic of discussion (rather than the molecule(s) in question) may be removed. This is to help reduce spamming in the subreddit; if you wish to discuss your brand name supplement, simply list the ingredients and dosages, not the brand name.
  • This is a subreddit designed for supplements, so obviously most users will be biased for supplements. Discussion on the relative pros and cons for supplementation are accepted and encouraged. However, discussions or rants declaring a supplement or supplement regimen useless based on emotion and naturalistic fallacy rather than science or logical caution are subject to moderation. Repeated offenses or notably excessive offenses are subject to banning. (Basically, talk with us about something; don't be a pretentious anti-supplement douche)

  • Anything talking about supplement companies is a grey area which must be ventured cautiously. It is acceptable to talk about which companies and suppliers you like but unacceptable to spam for them. Although subjective, any posts in which there is suspicion of being affiliated with a supplement company may result in banning after various considerations (contribution to community, relevance to discussion, unforeseen context, etc.) are looked at.


General Etiquette:

  • This is a science intensive subreddit. If you make a claim about a supplement and get called out on it be prepared to either cite your source or logically defend your stance.

  • Broscience is accepted as it can lead to new theories and discoveries, but it must be clearly stated it is broscience or 'feel'.

  • Prior to posting, please review the compound on a science-based website like Examine.com rather than asking for vague 'educate me on...' posts. If making a post asking for the easy way out on learning about a compound, most likely you will just be linked to Examine.com as it is less work for us.

  • Be sure to read the /r/fitness/wiki/faq if your post is about diet/fat loss/gaining muscle.


Related Subreddits:

/r/Supplements

340,782 Subscribers

1

N-Acetyl-Tyrosine combination

Hello, could someone explain to me what substance is best to use with N-Acetyl-Tyrosine and why it's not worth taking this amino acid alone?

1 Comment
2024/04/25
18:33 UTC

1

Choline- cant seem to get enough of it

After long research for fatty liver help i recently realised that I have rs7946 TT homozygous mutation (i don’t produce endogenous choline) And I have been mostly vegan (I am omnivore but eat animal products maybe 3 times a month), so I came to the conclusion that I must have been severely choline depleted. I bought sunflower lecithin since I am mostly interested in fixing liver at this point and it contains phosphatidylcholine (best for liver). I can’t seem to get enough of it. I don’t have any reactions, good or bad even at super high doses. Could this be bc I am so depleted? Any other reasons? Thank you

1 Comment
2024/04/25
18:16 UTC

1

Is my routine an overkill?

Hey everyone,

35M, about half a year ago I was diagnosed with adhd and depression comorbid. Since then I'm on Wellbutrin 300mg XL (first 150 then to 300)

Knowing that here's my daily intake:

  • Daily multivitamin
  • 100mg coffeine pill
  • vit d3/k2 every 5 days
  • vit b12 (350μg(
  • omega 3 (1000mg)

*magnesium (500mg) *kollagen+hyaluron, *MSM (after workouts)

  • L-theanine pills (400mg) (1x in the morning 1x after workout)

I'm thinking about quitting kollagen+hyaluron and maybe MSM when the bottles are finished. Also I'm taking 2 weeks L-theanine and 1 week off.

Now I'm thinking about adding 500mg L-Tyrosin to the equation to help me with memory and lack of energy.

Do you think this is too much? Are there some supplemets I'm taking double? I'm very pale and have moles so I try to avoid sun as much as I can and my vit d3 levels have always been low. I'm taking b12 for energy but I'm not 100% sure if it makes any difference.

Thanks

1 Comment
2024/04/25
18:14 UTC

1

Vitamin supplements causing acne

Has anyone experienced acne as a side effect to calcium / omega / vitamin d supplements?

I started taking these supplements because my Bloodwork showed some deficiencies and as far as I can remember that’s the only change I’ve really made in the last month.

I’ve noticed recurring acne on my cheeks and forehead. I am acne prone but it’s never been this bad.

Any advice will really help!

2 Comments
2024/04/25
18:09 UTC

1

Pain, tingles, weird sensations all over my body - caused by vitamin d intake?

I have been taking 4.000 IU of Vitamin D daily for 4 weeks now since I got diagnosed with severe Vitamin D deficiency. Until recently everything was fine, but for one week now I have different physical symptoms every day. Dry mouth in the morning (worse than ever), loud stomach noises, random pains, tingles, heat and cold sensations all over my body, sometimes insane heart beating for some minutes, and since yesterday severe aching in my left knees artery/vein or whatever it is (it's worst when I am driving, in the morning I don't feel it at all until I sit for some minutes in a chair).

The first thing that came to my mind is if it is somehow linked to me taking Vitamin D now as I haven't done anything else differently recently, and I have never had these symptoms before... and my doctor literally said she doesn't see any medical problem there and thinks it's some psychological problem.

1 Comment
2024/04/25
17:46 UTC

1

Why is it recommended to take Athletic Greens on an empty stomach?

I'm just wondering why AG1 is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, but multivitamins are recommended to be taken with food

4 Comments
2024/04/25
17:32 UTC

4

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potentials of Ashwagandha: Insights into its Multifaceted Actions on the Brain

##Introduction

Hello everyone! I recently was doing a research paper on three studies that are about Ashwaganda, and I found out some interesting things that show heavy implication of medicinal value of Ashwaganda. Here are some excerpts from it, I think would be a perfect read for those who are interested in the true mechanisms behind one of the most commonly used supplements.

#Abstract

Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a plant that has been used in Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine in the Indian subcontinent for over 3,000 years. It has various studied effects on the brain and body including:

Modulation of neurotransmitter activity, including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

Enhancement of inhibitory neurotransmitter activity, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Modulation of neurotransmitter release and reuptake.

Potential inhibition of acetyl-cholinesterase.

Reduction of NMDA receptor expression.

Inhibition of NF-κB activation.

Promotion of cancer cell apoptosis.

These effects are due to the fact It contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, steroidal lactones (withanolides and withaferins), and saponins. These compounds have diverse pharmacological effects. Let’s go over all of these compounds and then explain what effects they may have on the human brain and body:

##Bioactive Compounds

Alkaloids found in Ashwagandha, such as isopelletierine, anaferine, cuseohygrine, and anahygrine, contribute to its pharmacological effects, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, and sedative properties. They interact with neurotransmitter receptors, modulate ion channels, and affect cellular signaling pathways.

Withanolides and withaferins are steroidal lactones responsible for many of Ashwagandha's pharmacological effects. They have been studied extensively for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-stress, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. Withanolides, such as withaferin-A and withanolide-D, inhibit NF-κB activation, promote cancer cell apoptosis, enhance dopaminergic D2 receptor activity, and possess free radical properties. Withanolide-V shows potential against COVID-19, while withanolide-A may inhibit acetyl-cholinesterase and reduce NMDA receptor expression.

Saponins in Ashwagandha exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. They modulate the immune system's response, enhance immune cell activity, and scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Ashwagandha constituents like sitoindosides VII-X and acylsterylglucosides have anti-stress properties, acting as adaptogens to help the body adapt to stressors and maintain balance.

These bioactive compounds collectively contribute to Ashwagandha's therapeutic potential, making it valuable in traditional and modern medicine for various health conditions. But, what does all this mean for Ashwaganda? Here’s the implications of effects for Ashwaganda.

##Effects and Implications

Analgesic: Alkaloids like isopelletierine may exert analgesic effects by modulating neurotransmitter activity in pain signaling pathways. Specifically, they may influence the release and activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the brain and spinal cord. These neurotransmitters play key roles in regulating pain perception and processing.

Anti-inflammatory: Anaferine, cuseohygrine, and other alkaloids exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and prostaglandins. This action involves the modulation of neurotransmitter systems involved in inflammation, including the suppression of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and the enhancement of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA. By balancing neurotransmitter activity, these alkaloids help alleviate inflammation and associated symptoms.

Sedative: Alkaloids like cuseohygrine act as central nervous system depressants, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety or restlessness. They achieve this by enhancing the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its increased activity leads to a calming effect, inducing relaxation and sedation.

Mood Regulation and Cognitive Function: Alkaloids like anaferine interact with neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, influencing neurotransmission. They may enhance the activity of receptors for inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA, leading to sedative effects. Additionally, they may modulate the release and reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which are involved in mood regulation and cognitive function.

##Conclusion

In conclusion, Ashwagandha demonstrates a myriad of actions on the brain. These actions collectively contribute to its therapeutic potential and highlight its significance in both traditional and modern medicine for various health conditions.

Thank you for reading :)

2 Comments
2024/04/25
17:31 UTC

1

Omega-3 and silajit

Buddy at work was telling me abt silajit the other day. And as it turns out everyone’s saying it’s really good but you need to be careful what you get or else ur getting lead and mercury and stuff. Looking for whatever the best bang for buck resin as I’m tight with money. Also is there a difference between natural silajit and pure silajit. And for the omega-3 what would be the best bang for buck form of that. Is there some cheap liquid I can just buy and drink? And if anyone knows, I work in a liquid bulk plant and we store fish oil for a company that makes omega-3 pills. Can I just fill some bottles with it and drink it or does it gotta be processed?

1 Comment
2024/04/25
16:18 UTC

3

Could this stack cause serotonin syndrome or mania?

I have general anxiety, ADHD and minor OCD and am always looking for natural support.

Tuesday night I took some Nootropics Depot supplements: magnesium l threonate, black seed oil (10% thymoquinine), taurine, cordyceps 8:1, cistanche, apigenin, l theanine, and NAC. I take this stack pretty often but cordyceps is the new addition.

Wednesday morning I took ND Shilajit, bacopa Cognance, Lions Mane 8:1, rhodiola rosea, l theanine, fish oil, r alpha lipoic acid, sulforaphane, and magnesium threonate with two cups of coffee. I've taken most of these before, but the Lions Mane was a new addition, and i haven't taken cognance or rhodiola in a while.

My brain felt like it was supercharged all day yesterday, in a good way… I had a calm, non jittery focus all day. Felt upbeat and despite lots of work stressors I remained focused and positive. I’ve been lifting weights since I was a teen (I’m 35) and had one of my best workouts in years. Just felt like I was on top of the world.

But then I started to feel a little weird in the evening. Felt a little bit of manic-like energy and irritation, but I'd had a tough day at work so I thoguht it could just be stress. Before bed, I took the same stack again, and I just began to feel strange... a little nauseous almost, and my head felt like it was a little achey.

This morning I woke up and felt off... after doing some research, I am worried the combo of rhodiola + black seed oil (which are apparently both MAOI's) could have screwed something up with my serotonin levels and produced serotonin syndrome or hypomania? So I decided to skip those today, and maybe moving forward will take them on separate days.

Anyone know if this would be possible from the stack i took, or if it's possibly some other interaction going on here? I thought all these things were fairly benign / safe based on research I did beforehand, but maybe stacking them all together was just too much.

13 Comments
2024/04/25
15:55 UTC

1

Acne supplements?

I'm currently on the waiting list to see a dermatologist, but I live in England and the NHS is a shambles, so God knows when I'll finally get to see a dermatologist. I have mild/Moderate acne, all scabby whiteheads with the occasional under the skin bump, mostly popping up a week or so before my period. I currently take 1000mg of evening primrose oil for it, and wash my face every day with African black soap, and that has helped a lot. I did try solgar brand zinc, but I think that just made it worse. I also take iron supplements, vitamin d and vitamin b complex, alongside my prescription medications (levothyroxine, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticholinergics). Is there anything I could use or take to improve my acne? Tia!

4 Comments
2024/04/25
15:04 UTC

1

Tongkat Ali in UK

Hello,

Want to give this a try, where in the UK can I get it from? Can see any in its pure form on Amazon….

Thx

3 Comments
2024/04/25
14:44 UTC

1

Low Melatonin but issues with supplementing it?

I did a Dutch test about 8 months ago that showed a very low level of melatonin. Since I’ve notoriously struggled with staying asleep and getting quality sleep at night, it didn’t surprise me. Rarely any problems falling asleep though.

I started taking 2-3 mg of a methylated melatonin dropper before bed, and it’s making my sleep quality worse. I’ve noticed that my deep sleep quantity has reduced and I’m dreaming vividly all night and waking up often. I’ve tried supplementing with more melatonin, taking it different times during the day, and nothing seems to help. I usually give up on taking it after about 5-7 day stints because I’m so tired.

Is there a reason for this? Or could this be an adjustment period since my levels are so low to begin with? I should mention that I’m 36f and go to sleep between 930-10pm and get up at 630am. There’s a night light on in my bathroom across from our bed and I have a digital clock on my nightstand that displays the time in an orange color.

3 Comments
2024/04/25
14:19 UTC

0

Bucked up Pre Workout scoop dose incorrect?

So I have been taking Bucked up Woke AF for about a year. The dose says 1 scoop (12.6g). I am just now weighing a full scoop on a food scale out of curiosity and it is around 9 to 10 grams. Any one else notice this before?

3 Comments
2024/04/25
14:12 UTC

1

Keto friendly probiotic and fiber supplement

Maybe this is the wrong sub for this question.

But I'm looking for a keto friendly probiotic supplement, and a safe and keto friendly fiber supplement.

Something without sugars, calories, won't impact blood sugar or break a fast.

Does such a supplement exist?

Don't mind a pill, doesn't need to be a drink mix or gummy.

Much appreciated.

1 Comment
2024/04/25
14:08 UTC

1

Low folate, Normal B12

So I got my blood work and my B12 is good it's 682. However folate is low at a 5. I was wondering what I should supplement to bring that up? I do get some tingling sensations and wondering if that is related to my folate. Thanks

1 Comment
2024/04/25
13:59 UTC

6

Best form of magnesium for sleep that isn’t glycinate?

Glycine is stimulating for me

So I need a form that is not mag glycinate

10 Comments
2024/04/25
13:41 UTC

4

Oral hyaluronic acid - high vs low molecular weight

I'd previously considered taking a a hyaluronic acid oral supplement after reading about some of the benefits but decided against it when I heard it can also have the unfortunate effect of turbo-charging cancer/tumour growth.

Just recently though, I've been reading that there are different kinds available based on the molecular weight - it seems the average ones I was hearing this warning about and that you tend to find in cosmetics etc are the low molecular weight version...but if I'm understanding what I'm reading correctly (and this is the big "if" here) it sounds like high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid may actually still have the benefits, but also have ANTI cancer effects...?

Can anyone speak to this or translate the research for me to make it a little clearer? I'm not quite sure I'm coming to the right conclusion here and I don't want to accidentally take something that worsens my cancer risk profile in the long run

1 Comment
2024/04/25
13:17 UTC

2

Dry skin help

As I’ve hit my 40s (M) I seem to be getting dry skin on my scalp and have developed patches of eczema only on one small area but also the skin all over my back seems very dry. I do hydrate well and have a good diet. What supplements would help with skin dryness?

1 Comment
2024/04/25
12:41 UTC

1

Concerns for turmeric

I notice that it has a blood thinning effect to it and that has me concerned. I don’t know anything about the safety as for blood clotting and blood thinning supplements. I just see a lot of recommendations on turmeric.

I am just trying to make the most optimal supplement stack to help me perform to my optimal standard

My supplement stack is

  • isolated protein powder
  • Multi for him
  • Iron gummies with vitamin c
  • fish oil
2 Comments
2024/04/25
12:25 UTC

3

Wake up in blah mood for no reason

Not sure if it has to do with my MTHFR gene or not but lately I catch myself waking up in a blah mood. Like I am not happy nor sad just not excited for the days ahead.

Any supplement to help fix this issue because I cant put my finger on why I have no excitement for life

4 Comments
2024/04/25
11:28 UTC

1

Getting Omega 3s from natural food sources like Chia Seeds

So I’m going to begin to add Chia Seeds to my diet for other reasons, however I’ve heard they have tons of Omega 3s in them. I was always meaning to try Omega 3s but in supplement form (I can’t stand fish), however numerous reports I’ve read on Reddit on having to be careful of the ratio/dosing balance or risk getting depression scared me off.

I’d like to know, are mood side-effects only a concern for Omega 3 supplements but not when consumed naturally? Are you still at risk for mood related side-effects if you don’t watch the DHA to EPA ratio in Omega 3 rich foods like Chia Seeds or does that apply to the supplement form only?

6 Comments
2024/04/25
10:49 UTC

1

Advice

70 yr old male. I am on beta blocker for years for BP. Need advice on a good natural supplement/s for ED. As anyone on beta blocker and having ED using good natural supplement for ED. Thanks for responses

3 Comments
2024/04/25
10:49 UTC

1

What to take with Vitamin D3? Magnesium or K2.

So, Vitamin D3 requires Magnesium for absorption. But, some people are also saying that it needs K2.

So which pair should I take: D3 with Magnesium or D3 with K2. Or do I need to take all 3?

5 Comments
2024/04/25
10:18 UTC

1

CZ or PL store that ships in the EU?

Do you know of a supplement store with affordable prices and ships in the EU?

2 Comments
2024/04/25
10:16 UTC

3

Tongkat Ali side effects?

What's you experience with tongkat Ali, guys?

I took it (half a dose 250mg), male, 40, healthy and relatively fit.

I felt a bit fatigued actually. And with less focus and motivation.

And stimulated to have more sex. Which actually was a bad thing cause I was already doing it once per day and tbh didn't want to do it more often. Maybe this was the cause of the fatigue and less focus lol. But for real.

So I stopped.

2 Comments
2024/04/25
09:33 UTC

1

Did anyone notice any effect from taking a green powder supplement like AG1 Athletic Greens?

I don't get 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.

I'm thinking about getting a green powder supplement but they are quite expensive.

Did anyone who has tried one of those products for a month, notice any benefits?

Ideally, I'd like more energy and less feeling drained.

I already take a multivitamin, D3+K2, magnesium, and glycine.

I was thinking specifically about the Huel Daily Greens product: https://huel.com/pages/daily-greens-powder-explained https://huel.com/products/huel-daily-greens

It's $45.00 for 30 servings / $1.50 per serving.

I already have one Huel Complete Protein and Huel Black a day, so I'm getting some nutrients from that.

The rest of my diet is a mixed bag. Some days, I eat a big portion of vegetables for dinner (with protein), but other days, I don't.

1 Comment
2024/04/25
09:27 UTC

0

Is TruDiagnostic the best place to test myself before starting the blueprint supplements stack?

I'm about to receive the blueprint supplements stack in 10 days. I was wondering if it will be good idea to test myself BEFORE that and if TruDiagnostic is the best place to get tested.

Also how often I should re-take the test?

1 Comment
2024/04/25
08:44 UTC

1

How strongly cholinergic is rhodiola rosea? Do you notice anything?

If you look at this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/NootropicsDepot/s/4XNnsINxFG

The user reports that rhodiola has negligible cholinergic effects.

Can you agree?

3 Comments
2024/04/25
08:30 UTC

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