Supplement Ingredients A–Z

Arginine is an amino acid used to make proteins and nitric oxide, a molecule involved in blood-vessel relaxation.

Ashwagandha is a botanical used in Ayurvedic traditions. Some preparations have evidence for stress and sleep support.

The B-vitamin family contains eight vitamins with different roles. B-complex supplements combine several or all of them in one formula.

Beta-alanine helps the body make carnosine, which helps buffer acidity in working muscles during intense exercise.

Betaine, also called trimethylglycine, participates in methyl-group transfer and cellular fluid balance.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase alertness and support performance in some types of exercise.

Carnitine helps transport long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, where they can be used for energy.

Cayenne is a hot pepper. Its capsaicinoids are studied for effects on appetite and energy expenditure.

Citrulline malate combines citrulline with malate. Citrulline can increase arginine availability and is commonly used in pre-workout formulas.

Citrus aurantium, or bitter orange, is a botanical source of synephrine found in some weight-management blends.

Coleus forskohlii is a plant whose root extracts can contain forskolin, a compound studied in weight-management research.

Creatine helps muscles replenish energy during short, intense efforts. Creatine monohydrate is the most widely studied supplemental form.

Curcumin is one of the compounds in turmeric. Supplement research commonly examines concentrated curcuminoid preparations.

Dendrobium is a genus of orchids. Different species and extracts should not be treated as the same supplement ingredient.

Epimedium is a botanical genus associated with compounds such as icariin. It is often marketed under the name horny goat weed.

Eurycoma longifolia, also called tongkat ali or longjack, is a botanical used in some men’s wellness products.

Fenugreek is a plant whose seeds are used as food and in supplements. Extracts are marketed for several wellness purposes.

Garcinia cambogia is a fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid, often abbreviated HCA.

Glucosamine is a compound associated with cartilage and is commonly included in joint supplements.

Glutamine is an amino acid used in proteins and by a variety of body tissues. It is also sold as a standalone sports supplement.

Glycerol is a compound studied with fluid intake for its ability to increase fluid retention during hyperhydration.

Green coffee bean refers to unroasted coffee beans. Extracts are commonly marketed for their chlorogenic-acid content.

Green tea contains catechins, including EGCG, and can contain caffeine. Concentrated extracts differ from brewed tea.

Guarana is a botanical source of caffeine used in some energy and weight-management products.

Gymnema sylvestre is a botanical studied for its effects on sweet taste and food choices.

KSM-66 is a branded ashwagandha root extract. It belongs within the ashwagandha family rather than representing a different plant.

Leucine is an essential amino acid and one of the three branched-chain amino acids, alongside isoleucine and valine.

Valine is an essential amino acid and a member of the branched-chain amino acid group.

Lutein is a carotenoid associated with the eye’s macular pigment and is often combined with zeaxanthin in eye-health products.

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism and bone health.

MSM is short for methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfur-containing compound used in joint-health supplements.

Mucuna pruriens is a leguminous plant whose seeds contain levodopa, also called L-dopa.

NAC is a modified form of cysteine used by the body in producing glutathione, an antioxidant.

Naringin is a citrus flavonoid studied for metabolic effects. It is distinct from the related compound naringenin.

Raspberry ketones are aroma compounds marketed in some weight-management supplements.

Shilajit is a naturally occurring mineral-organic material used in Ayurvedic traditions. Research typically uses purified preparations.

Synephrine is a compound associated with bitter orange and some stimulant-style weight-management formulas.

Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid present in the body and found in some sports and energy products.

Theacrine is a compound used in some energy and focus supplements. TeaCrine is a branded source.

Tribulus terrestris is a botanical commonly marketed in men’s wellness and sports supplements.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid used to make proteins and involved in producing serotonin, melatonin and niacin.

Thiamine helps the body use energy from food and supports normal cell function.

Vitamin B12 supports normal red-blood-cell formation, DNA synthesis and nervous-system function.

Riboflavin helps convert food into usable energy and supports cell growth and function.

Niacin helps the body use energy from food and supports normal cellular processes.

Pantothenic acid is needed to make coenzyme A, which participates in energy metabolism and the production and breakdown of fats.

Vitamin B6 participates in amino-acid metabolism, immune function and the production of neurotransmitters and haemoglobin.

Biotin helps enzymes process fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It is often included in hair, skin and nail supplements.

Folate is needed for DNA production and cell division. Folic acid is a form used in fortified foods and many supplements.

Vitamin C supports collagen formation, antioxidant functions and immune function, and helps absorb non-haem iron.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone health, muscle function and immune function.

Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, DNA production and normal growth.

Whey is a milk-derived protein used to help meet daily protein needs.

Casein is a milk protein commonly used in powders and protein blends.

Pea protein is a plant-derived protein used in powders and mixed protein formulas.

Collagen peptides are fragments of collagen protein, usually derived from animal sources.

EPA and DHA are omega-3 fats found in fish and certain algae. ALA is a different omega-3 found in plant foods.

Isoleucine is an essential amino acid and one of the three BCAAs.

HMB is a compound the body makes from leucine.

Sodium is an electrolyte involved in fluid balance and normal nerve and muscle function.

Potassium supports normal nerve signalling, muscle contraction and fluid balance.

Calcium supports bones and teeth, muscle contraction and nerve function.

Iron is needed for haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and for normal cellular function.

Vitamin K participates in normal blood clotting and the function of certain bone proteins.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient with antioxidant and immune functions.

CoQ10 is a compound present in the body and involved in cellular energy production.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea and used in relaxation and focus supplements.

Melatonin is a hormone involved in signalling the timing of the sleep-wake cycle.

Rhodiola rosea is a botanical with a history of use for fatigue and endurance.

Berberine is a compound found in several plants and used in metabolic-health supplements.

Probiotics are live microorganisms used with the aim of providing a health benefit. This is a family of ingredients, not one interchangeable substance.

Psyllium is a fibre that absorbs water and forms a gel, helping increase stool bulk.

5-HTP is a compound the body uses to make serotonin, a chemical involved in mood and sleep.

Agmatine is made from arginine and appears in some pre-workout formulas.

Alpha GPC is a choline-containing compound studied for cognitive and exercise-related effects.

Apple cider vinegar is a fermented apple product containing acetic acid.

Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fat involved in cell membranes and signalling.

Beet root supplies dietary nitrate, which the body can convert into nitric oxide.

Boron is a trace element found naturally in plant foods.

CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid, refers to a group of fats also found in meat and dairy.

Cordyceps refers to fungi used in traditional medicine and modern performance supplements.

Chromium picolinate is a supplemental form of the trace mineral chromium.

DIM is a compound formed from indole-3-carbinol, which comes from cruciferous vegetables.

DMSO is a chemical solvent with specific medical uses. It is included here for reference, not as a routine oral supplement.

GABA is a signalling chemical made by the body and also sold as an oral supplement.

Huperzine-A is a compound associated with Chinese club moss that affects acetylcholine signalling.

Lion’s mane is an edible mushroom studied for possible cognitive and mood effects.

Milk thistle is a botanical whose extracts contain a mixture of compounds called silymarin.

Nattokinase is an enzyme associated with natto, a fermented soybean food.

Piperine is a compound in black pepper often added to supplement blends.

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in foods such as onions, apples and berries.

Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol found in grapes and other botanicals.

Saw palmetto is a botanical whose berries are used in supplements.

Serrapeptase, also called serratiopeptidase, is a protein-breaking enzyme.

Turmeric is a botanical spice containing curcuminoids, including curcumin. Whole turmeric and concentrated curcumin are different preparations.

TUDCA is a taurine-conjugated bile acid investigated in specific medical conditions.

Valerian is a botanical whose roots and rhizomes are used in supplements.