Health A–Z · Supplements & herbs
Supplements & herbs, A to Z
What works, in which form, at what dose.
Search by name, another name (vitamin B3, Indian ginseng, NAC) or a goal (sleep, energy, joints). Misspellings are fine.
Jump to:MagnesiumVitamin DCreatineCollagenAshwagandhaProbioticsOmega-3 fatty acidsTurmericVitamin B12Berberine
- 391supplements & herbs
- 16health goals
- 37best-of guides
The Vitamin Advisor asks 4–5 questions and ranks your top 5, with the form, the amount and the why.
What do you want help with?
Pick a goal to see the supplements and herbs used for it, the best-of guide, and your personalized top 5.
81Gut & digestionProbiotics, Digestive enzymes, Glutamine68ImmunityVitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc85Brain, focus & moodOmega-3 fatty acids, Lion's mane, Creatine30Sleep & stressMagnesium, Magnesium glycinate, Melatonin37EnergyVitamin B12, Iron, CoQ1073Heart & circulationOmega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, Magnesium29Blood sugarBerberine, Cinnamon, Chromium36Weight & metabolismPsyllium husk, Glucomannan, Protein powder46Joints & inflammationTurmeric, Omega-3 fatty acids, Boswellia61Muscle, bone & performanceCreatine, Protein powder, Whey protein59Skin, hair & nailsCollagen, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids31Women's hormonesFolic acid, Iron, Magnesium22Men's healthZinc, Vitamin D, Magnesium8ThyroidSelenium, Zinc, Ashwagandha24Longevity & cell healthNAD+, CoQ10, Omega-3 fatty acids27Detox & liverMilk thistle, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), Glutathione
Popular and new in supplements
The supplements pages readers open most on DrAxe.com, and the newest ones.
Most popular
Ranked by recorded monthly readers
1Compound25 min readTurkesteroneUsed for Muscle, bone & performance
Just published
The newest supplements pages
HerbCayenne pepperUsed for Gut & digestion · Heart & circulation28 min read
HerbHaritakiUsed for Gut & digestion · Immunity26 min read
SupplementActivated charcoalUsed for Detox & liver27 min read
CompoundAstaxanthinUsed for Skin, hair & nails · Brain, focus & mood26 min read
HerbClovesUsed for Immunity · Gut & digestion23 min read
HerbGarlicUsed for Heart & circulation · Immunity28 min read
HerbElderberryUsed for Immunity22 min read
Best supplements for…
Dr. Axe’s roundups for the goals readers ask about most. For a list built around you, use the Vitamin Advisor.
Sleep & stress20 best sleep supplementsBrain & moodBest nootropics & brain supplementsEnergyTop 28 supplements for energyGut & digestion22 gut health supplementsJointsTop 20 joint supplementsMuscle & bone17 best muscle-building supplementsLongevity40 best anti-aging supplementsImmunityTop antiviral herbsWomen's healthBest vitamins for womenMen's healthBest vitamins for menSkin & hairBest vitamins for skinSkin & hairBest vitamins for hair growth
Which form should you take?
The form changes how well it absorbs and what it’s best for. Start with the family, then pick the form.
7 forms
MagnesiumMagnesium chlorideMagnesium citrateMagnesium glycinateMagnesium malateMagnesium oilMagnesium oxideMagnesium sulfate
15 types of magnesium 7 forms
Protein powderBrown rice protein powderCasein proteinClear protein powderHemp protein powderPea proteinVegan protein powderWhey protein
Compare the forms Rated with the Dr. Axe Score
The newest guides rate each supplement from 1 to 10 on four weighted factors, such as the strength of the evidence, safety and how useful it is in practice, and show every factor.
Amino acidCreatine9.3/10Creatine is one of the rare supplements where the science is both deep and convincing.
Read the full guide
Protein & collagenCollagen8.5/10Strong human evidence for skin elasticity and joint comfort, excellent safety profile, and thousands of years of traditional use as bone broth and gelatin-rich foods.
Read the full guide
HerbSlippery elm7.5/10Slippery elm scores well for an herb that modern research has only begun to study.
Read the full guideEvery supplement and herb, A to Z
Pick a letter, filter by goal or type, or search the list. Other names are listed too.
428 entries
A
25 entries- Activated charcoalSafety noteAlso called activated carbon · charcoal capsulesBinds medicines and nutrients; take it at least 2 hours apart from them.
- AlanineAlso called L-alanine
- Algal oilAlso called algae oil · algal DHA · vegan omega-3
- AllicinAlso called garlic extract · garlic supplement · diallyl thiosulfinate
- AllspiceAlso called Pimenta dioica · Jamaica pepper · pimento
- Aloe veraSafety noteAlso called aloe · Aloe barbadensisAloe latex taken by mouth is a harsh laxative; the FDA removed it from over-the-counter laxatives in 2002.
- Alpha GPCAlso called alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine · choline alfoscerate · L-alpha-GPC
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)Also called ALA · plant-based omega-3
- Alpha-lipoic acidAlso called ALA · lipoic acid · thioctic acid
- AmylaseAlso called alpha-amylase
- AmyloseAlso called resistant starch · high-amylose starch
- AndrographisAlso called king of bitters · kalmegh · green chiretta
- Anise seedAlso called aniseed · anise · Pimpinella anisum
- AnthocyaninsAlso called anthocyanin · anthocyanidins · anthocyanosidesStudy: anthocyanins vs. microplastics
- Apple cider vinegarAlso called ACV · ACV pills · ACV gummies
- Artemisia annuaAlso called sweet wormwood · sweet annie · qinghao · artemisinin
- AsafoetidaAlso called hing · asafetida · Ferula assa-foetida · devil's dung
- AshwagandhaSafety noteAlso called Withania somnifera · Indian ginseng · winter cherryRare liver injury; avoid in pregnancy; can change thyroid levels.Ashwagandha teaDosage
- Aspartic acidAlso called D-aspartic acid · DAA · L-aspartic acid · aspartate
- AstragalusAlso called huang qi · milkvetch root
- ACV → see Apple cider vinegar
- ALCAR → see L-carnitine
B
53 entries- BacopaAlso called brahmi · water hyssop
- BarberryAlso called Berberis vulgaris · European barberry
- BasilAlso called sweet basil · Ocimum basilicum
- BCAAsAlso called branched-chain amino acids · BCAA
- Bee propolisAlso called propolis · bee glue
- Beef gelatinAlso called bovine gelatin
- BeeswaxAlso called cera alba
- BeetrootAlso called beet juice · beet powder
- Bentonite claySafety noteAlso called montmorillonite clay · calcium bentonite clay · healing claySome clay products have tested high in lead.
- Beta-alanineAlso called β-alanine · 3-aminopropanoic acid
- Beta-caroteneAlso called β-carotene · provitamin A · beta carotene
- Beta-glucanAlso called beta-glucans · β-glucan · oat beta-glucan · yeast beta-glucan
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)Also called BHB · 3-hydroxybutyrate · BHB salts · ketone salts
- Beta-sitosterolAlso called β-sitosterol · plant sterols
- BetaineAlso called trimethylglycine · TMG · glycine betaine
- BilberryAlso called Vaccinium myrtillus · European blueberry · whortleberry
- Bile saltsAlso called ox bile · bile acids
- Black cohoshSafety noteAlso called Actaea racemosa · Cimicifuga racemosa · black snakeroot · bugbaneRare liver injury; stop if you notice dark urine or yellowing skin.
- Black pepperAlso called Piper nigrum · piperine
- Black seed oilAlso called Nigella sativa · black cumin seed oil · kalonji oil · black caraway
- BladderwrackAlso called Fucus vesiculosus · black tang · rockweed · sea wrack
- Blue spirulinaAlso called phycocyanin · blue-green algae extract
- Bone broth proteinAlso called bone broth · collagen broth
- Borage oilSafety noteAlso called Borago officinalis · starflower oil · borage seed oilUse only products certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA-free), which can damage the liver.
- BoronAlso called calcium fructoborate
- BoswelliaAlso called Indian frankincense · salai guggul
- Bovine collagenAlso called beef collagen · cow collagen
- Brewer's yeastAlso called Saccharomyces cerevisiae · brewers yeast
- BromelainAlso called pineapple enzyme
- Brown rice protein powderAlso called rice protein · brown rice protein
- BupleurumAlso called chai hu · thorowax root
- Burdock rootAlso called burdock · Arctium lappa · gobo
- Butcher's broomAlso called Ruscus aculeatus · box holly · knee holly
- ButterburSafety noteAlso called Petasites hybridus · bog rhubarb · pestilence wortUse only products labeled PA-free; raw butterbur can damage the liver.
- Butterfly pea flowerAlso called Clitoria ternatea · blue pea · blue tea · Asian pigeonwings
- Butyric acidAlso called butyrate · butanoic acid · sodium butyrate · tributyrin
- BCAA → see BCAAs
- BHB → see Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
- B7 → see Biotin
- B3 → see Niacin
- B1 → see Vitamin B1
- B12 → see Vitamin B12
- B2 → see Vitamin B2
- B6 → see Vitamin B6
C
46 entries- Caffeine pillsSafety noteAlso called caffeine tablets · caffeine anhydrousEasy to overdose. Count every caffeine source and stay within 400 mg a day.
- CalciumAlso called Ca
- CalendulaAlso called pot marigold
- Caprylic acidAlso called octanoic acid · C8
- Caralluma fimbriataAlso called caralluma · Caralluma adscendens
- CarawayAlso called Carum carvi
- CardamomAlso called Elettaria cardamomum · green cardamom · elaichi
- CarnosineAlso called L-carnosine
- CarotenoidsAlso called carotenoid · carotenes · xanthophylls
- Cascara sagradaSafety noteAlso called Rhamnus purshiana · Frangula purshiana · sacred bark · cascaraA stimulant laxative the FDA removed from over-the-counter laxatives in 2002.
- Casein proteinAlso called casein · micellar casein
- Cat's clawAlso called Uncaria tomentosa · una de gato · uña de gato · Uncaria guianensis
- Cayenne pepperAlso called Capsicum annuum · capsaicin · red chili pepper
- CBDSafety noteAlso called cannabidiol · CBD oil · hemp extractInteracts with many medicines and can raise liver enzymes.CBD at the dentistWhat CBD is and how it worksCBD isolate vs. full spectrumDosageCBD vs. THCCannabis oil vs. CBD oil
- Ceylon cinnamonAlso called true cinnamon · Cinnamomum verum · Cinnamomum zeylanicum
- Chaga mushroomAlso called Inonotus obliquus · chaga
- ChamomileAlso called Matricaria chamomilla · German chamomile · Roman chamomile · camomile
- ChervilAlso called Anthriscus cerefolium · French parsley
- Chicken collagenAlso called type II collagen · chicken sternum collagen
- ChickweedAlso called Stellaria media
- ChlorellaAlso called green algae
- ChlorophyllAlso called chlorophyllin · liquid chlorophyll · sodium copper chlorophyllin
- CholineAlso called citicoline
- ChromiumAlso called trivalent chromium
- CitrullineAlso called L-citrulline
- Citrus bergamotAlso called bergamot · bergamot orange · Citrus bergamia
- Clear protein powderAlso called clear whey protein · clear whey isolate
- ClovesAlso called Syzygium aromaticum · clove
- Cod liver oilSafety noteAlso called CLO · fermented cod liver oilIts vitamin A adds up; watch your total, especially in pregnancy.
- ComfreySafety noteAlso called Symphytum officinale · knitboneDo not take by mouth: it can cause serious liver damage. Skin use only, on unbroken skin.
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)Also called CLA
- CoQ10Also called coenzyme Q10 · ubiquinol · ubiquinone · ubidecarenone
- CordycepsAlso called Ophiocordyceps sinensis · caterpillar fungus
- CorianderAlso called cilantro · Coriandrum sativum · dhania
- Corn silkAlso called Stigma maydis · maize silk
- Cramp barkAlso called Viburnum opulus · guelder rose · European cranberrybush
- Cricket flourAlso called cricket protein · cricket powder · insect protein
- CuminAlso called Cuminum cyminum · jeera
- Curry leavesAlso called Murraya koenigii · kari patta · sweet neem
- C8 → see Caprylic acid
- CLO → see Cod liver oil
- CLA → see Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
D
14 entries- D-mannoseAlso called mannose
- DamianaAlso called Turnera diffusa · Turnera aphrodisiaca
- DandelionAlso called Taraxacum officinale
- Deer antler velvetAlso called deer antler spray · velvet antler · lu rong
- Devil's clawAlso called Harpagophytum procumbens · grapple plant · wood spider
- DHAAlso called docosahexaenoic acid · DHA omega-3
- DHEASafety noteAlso called dehydroepiandrosterone · prasteroneA hormone: it can raise estrogen and testosterone. Avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions.
- Diatomaceous earthSafety noteAlso called food-grade diatomaceous earth · DE · diatomite · amorphous silicaUse food-grade only, and do not breathe in the dust.
- DillAlso called Anethum graveolens
- DIMAlso called diindolylmethane · 3,3'-diindolylmethane
- Dong quaiSafety noteAlso called Angelica sinensis · female ginseng · dang gui · tang kueiAdds to blood thinners; avoid in pregnancy.
- Dragon's bloodAlso called Croton lechleri · sangre de grado · Daemonorops draco · Dracaena cinnabari
- DAA → see Aspartic acid
- DE → see Diatomaceous earth
- DGL → see Licorice root
- DLPA → see Phenylalanine
- D3 → see Vitamin D3
E
14 entries- EcdysteroneAlso called beta-ecdysterone · 20-hydroxyecdysone · ecdysteroids
- EchinaceaAlso called purple coneflower
- EGCGSafety noteAlso called epigallocatechin gallate · green tea extract · green tea catechinsHigh-dose green tea extract has caused liver injury; take it with food.
- Egg collagenAlso called eggshell membrane · eggshell membrane collagen
- ElderberryAlso called black elderberry · Sambucus nigra · sambucus
- ElectrolytesAlso called electrolyte powder
- EleutheroAlso called Siberian ginseng · Eleutherococcus senticosus · Acanthopanax senticosus
- English ivyAlso called Hedera helix · ivy leaf extract · common ivy
- Essential amino acidsAlso called EAAs · EAA
- EucalyptusAlso called blue gum
- Evening primrose oilAlso called EPO · Oenothera biennis
- Exogenous ketonesAlso called ketone supplements · ketone salts · ketone esters
- EAA → see Essential amino acids
- EPO → see Evening primrose oil
- EPA → see Fish oilOmega-3 fatty acids
- E322 → see Soy lecithin
F
10 entries- FenugreekAlso called Trigonella foenum-graecum · methi
- FeverfewAlso called Tanacetum parthenium
- Fish collagenAlso called marine collagen
- Fish oilAlso called omega-3 fish oil · marine omega-3sStudy: fish oil and agingFish oil during pregnancy
- Flavan-3-olsAlso called flavanols · cocoa flavanols · catechins · epicatechin
- Fo-tiSafety noteAlso called He shou wu · Polygonum multiflorum · Reynoutria multiflora · Chinese knotweedLinked to cases of liver injury.
- Folic acidAlso called folate · vitamin B9
- ForskolinAlso called Coleus forskohlii · Plectranthus barbatus · coleus
- FOS → see OligosaccharidesPrebiotics
G
25 entries- GABAAlso called gamma-aminobutyric acid
- GalangalAlso called Alpinia galanga · Thai ginger · blue ginger · galanga
- Garcinia cambogiaSafety noteAlso called Garcinia gummi-gutta · Malabar tamarind · hydroxycitric acidLinked to cases of liver injury.
- GarlicAlso called aged garlic extract · Allium sativum
- GelatinAlso called gelatine
- GentianAlso called Gentiana lutea · yellow gentian · bitterwort
- GiloyAlso called Tinospora cordifolia · guduchi · amrita · heart-leaved moonseed
- Ginkgo bilobaSafety noteAlso called ginkgo · maidenhair treeRaises bleeding risk with blood thinners; stop before surgery.
- GinsengAlso called Panax ginseng · Korean ginseng · Asian ginseng · American ginseng · red ginseng
- GlucomannanAlso called konjac glucomannan · konjac fiber
- GlutamateAlso called glutamic acid · L-glutamic acid
- GlutamineAlso called L-glutamine
- GlutathioneAlso called GSH · L-glutathione · reduced glutathione · liposomal glutathione
- GoldensealSafety noteAlso called Hydrastis canadensis · orange root · yellow rootInteracts with many medicines; avoid in pregnancy and never give to infants.
- Gotu kolaAlso called Centella asiatica · centella · Asiatic pennywort · cica
- Grapefruit seed extractAlso called GSE · citrus seed extract
- Green coffee bean extractAlso called green coffee extract · chlorogenic acid · GCBE
- Gum arabicAlso called acacia fiber · acacia gum · gum acacia · Acacia senegal
- Gymnema sylvestreAlso called gymnema · gurmar · sugar destroyer · meshashringi
- GynostemmaAlso called jiaogulan · southern ginseng · immortality herb
- GLA → see Evening primrose oil
- GSH → see Glutathione
- GSE → see Grapefruit seed extract
- GCBE → see Green coffee bean extract
- GML → see Monolaurin
- GOS → see OligosaccharidesPrebiotics
H
19 entries- 5-HTPSafety noteAlso called 5-hydroxytryptophan · oxitriptanDo not combine with antidepressants or other drugs that raise serotonin.
- HaritakiAlso called Terminalia chebula · chebulic myrobalan · black myrobalan · harad
- HawthornAlso called Crataegus · Crataegus monogyna · Crataegus laevigata
- Hemp oilAlso called hemp seed oil · hempseed oil
- Hemp protein powderAlso called hemp protein · hemp seed protein
- HesperidinAlso called citrus bioflavonoid
- HibiscusAlso called roselle
- HistidineAlso called L-histidine
- Holy basilAlso called tulsi · Ocimum sanctum · Ocimum tenuiflorum · tulasi
- HoneysuckleAlso called Lonicera · Lonicera japonica · Japanese honeysuckle · jin yin hua
- HorehoundAlso called Marrubium vulgare · white horehound · hoarhound
- Horny goat weedAlso called Epimedium · icariin · yin yang huo · barrenwort
- Horse chestnutSafety noteAlso called Aesculus hippocastanum · HCSE · aescinUse standardized seed extract only; the raw seeds, bark and leaves are poisonous.
- HorsetailAlso called Equisetum arvense · field horsetail · shavegrass
- Hyaluronic acidAlso called hyaluronan · sodium hyaluronate · HA
- HCA → see Garcinia cambogia
- HCSE → see Horse chestnut
- HA → see Hyaluronic acid
I
5 entries- InositolAlso called myo-inositol · vitamin B8
- InulinAlso called chicory root fiber · chicory inulin
- IodineAlso called potassium iodide · kelp iodine
- IronSafety noteAlso called ferrous sulfate · ferrous bisglycinate · ferrous gluconate · heme ironTake only if you are low. Keep it away from children: iron overdose can be fatal.
- IsoleucineAlso called L-isoleucine
J
1 entries- Juniper berriesAlso called Juniperus communis · juniper
K
5 entries- KavaSafety noteAlso called Piper methysticumLinked to severe liver injury; avoid with alcohol, liver disease or sedatives.
- Konjac rootAlso called Amorphophallus konjac · konjak · konjac glucomannan · elephant yam
- KudzuAlso called Pueraria lobata · Pueraria montana · ge gen
- K2 → see Vitamin K2
L
24 entries- L-arginineAlso called arginine
- L-carnitineAlso called carnitine · levocarnitine
- L-cysteineAlso called cysteine
- L-serineAlso called serine
- L-theanineAlso called theanine · N-ethyl-L-glutamine
- LactaseAlso called beta-galactosidase
- LactoferrinAlso called lactotransferrin · bovine lactoferrin
- Lady's mantleAlso called Alchemilla vulgaris · lion's foot
- Lauric acidAlso called dodecanoic acid
- Lemon balmAlso called Melissa officinalis · melissa · balm mint
- LeucineAlso called L-leucine
- Licorice rootSafety noteAlso called Glycyrrhiza glabra · liquorice · deglycyrrhizinated licoriceLong-term use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium (DGL avoids this).
- LinaloolAlso called linalol · beta-linalool · linalyl alcohol
- Linoleic acidAlso called LA
- Lion's maneAlso called Hericium erinaceus · yamabushitake · bearded tooth mushroom · hedgehog mushroom
- Liposomal vitamin CAlso called liposomal ascorbic acid
- Lotus rootAlso called lotus · Nelumbo nucifera · renkon
- LovageAlso called Levisticum officinale · love parsley
- LysineAlso called L-lysine
- LA → see Linoleic acid
M
35 entries- MacaAlso called Lepidium meyenii · Peruvian ginseng
- Magnesium chlorideAlso called MgCl2
- Magnesium glycinateAlso called magnesium bisglycinate · glycinate
- Magnesium oilAlso called topical magnesium · transdermal magnesium · magnesium chloride oil · magnesium spray
- Magnesium oxideAlso called MgO · magnesia
- Magnesium sulfateAlso called Epsom salt · magnesium sulphate · MgSO4
- Magnolia barkAlso called Magnolia officinalis · hou po · honokiol · magnolol
- Maitake mushroomAlso called Grifola frondosa · hen of the woods · dancing mushroom
- Malic acidAlso called malate
- ManganeseAlso called Mn
- MarigoldAlso called Tagetes · Tagetes erecta · African marigold · French marigold
- Marine phytoplanktonAlso called phytoplankton · Nannochloropsis gaditana
- Marshmallow rootAlso called Althaea officinalis · marshmallow · althaea root
- MeadowsweetAlso called Filipendula ulmaria · queen of the meadow · Spiraea ulmaria
- MelatoninAlso called N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine · sleep hormone
- MethionineAlso called L-methionine
- Methylated vitaminsAlso called methylated B vitamins
- Microbial proteinAlso called single-cell protein · fungal protein
- Milk thistleAlso called Silybum marianum · silymarin · silybin
- MintAlso called Mentha · peppermint
- MonolaurinAlso called glycerol monolaurate · GML · monolaurate
- MoringaAlso called drumstick tree · miracle tree
- MSMAlso called methylsulfonylmethane · dimethyl sulfone
- Mucuna pruriensSafety noteAlso called velvet bean · cowhage · kapikachhuContains L-dopa; do not combine with Parkinson's or psychiatric medicines.
- MugwortAlso called Artemisia vulgaris · common mugwort
- MulleinAlso called Verbascum thapsus · common mullein
- MultivitaminAlso called multivitamin/mineral · daily multivitamin · multiBest multivitamin for womenMultivitamins & cognition study
- Mushroom powderAlso called mushroom extract powder
- MSG → see Glutamate
- 5-MTHF → see Methylated vitamins
- MK-7 → see Vitamin K2
- MK-4 → see Vitamin K2
N
8 entries- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)Also called NAC · N-acetylcysteine · N-acetyl-L-cysteine · acetylcysteine
- NAD+Also called NAD · nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
- NasturtiumAlso called Tropaeolum majus · Indian cress · garden nasturtium
- NiacinSafety noteAlso called vitamin B3 · nicotinic acid · niacinamide · nicotinamide · B3High doses cause flushing and can harm the liver, especially slow-release forms.Can too much niacin harm your heart?Niacin flush
- Nicotinamide ribosideAlso called NR
- NMNAlso called nicotinamide mononucleotide · beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide
- NutmegAlso called Myristica fragrans
- NAC → see N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
- NAD → see NAD+
- NR → see Nicotinamide riboside
- NALT → see Tyrosine
O
10 entries- Oleic acidAlso called omega-9 · monounsaturated fat
- OligosaccharidesAlso called FOS · fructooligosaccharides · GOS · galactooligosaccharides
- Olive leafAlso called Olea europaea · oleuropein
- Omega-6 fatty acidsAlso called omega-6 · n-6 fatty acids · gamma-linolenic acid
- Omega-9 fatty acidsAlso called omega-9 · monounsaturated fatty acids
- OreganoAlso called oil of oregano · Origanum vulgare
- Oregano oilAlso called oil of oregano · Origanum vulgare · carvacrol
- Organ & liver supplementsAlso called desiccated liver · beef liver capsules · beef organ supplements · glandulars
P
33 entries- Palmitic acidAlso called hexadecanoic acid
- Palo santoAlso called Bursera graveolens · holy wood
- Pancreatic enzymesAlso called pancreatin · pancrelipase · pancreatic enzyme replacement
- PapainAlso called papaya enzyme · papaya proteinase
- PassionflowerAlso called Passiflora incarnata · passion flower · maypop
- Pau d'arcoSafety noteAlso called Tabebuia impetiginosa · Handroanthus impetiginosus · lapacho · taheebo · pink trumpet treeHigh doses can cause bleeding and nausea; avoid in pregnancy.
- Pea proteinAlso called yellow pea protein
- PectinAlso called fruit pectin · apple pectin · modified citrus pectin
- Peppermint oilAlso called enteric-coated peppermint oil · Mentha piperita
- PhenylalanineAlso called L-phenylalanine
- Phenylethylamine (PEA)Also called PEA · phenethylamine · beta-phenylethylamine
- PhosphatidylcholineAlso called PC · PtdCho
- PhosphatidylserineAlso called PS
- PhytoceramidesAlso called plant ceramides · wheat ceramides
- Pine bark extractAlso called French maritime pine bark · Pinus pinaster
- PolicosanolAlso called octacosanol · sugarcane wax extract
- PolyphenolsAlso called polyphenol · phenolic compounds
- PostbioticsAlso called postbiotic · heat-killed probiotics · paraprobiotics
- PotassiumSafety noteAlso called KSupplements can be dangerous with kidney disease or some blood pressure medicines.
- PQQAlso called pyrroloquinoline quinone · methoxatin
- PrebioticsAlso called prebiotic fiber · fructooligosaccharides
- PregnenoloneSafety noteA hormone precursor; check with your doctor, especially with hormone-sensitive conditions.
- ProbioticsAlso called probiotic supplements · good bacteriaProbiotics for vaginal healthStudy: probiotics and moodHow to choose a probiotic supplementProbiotics & blood pressure studySide effectsProbiotics for depression
- Progesterone creamSafety noteAlso called natural progesterone cream · bioidentical progesterone creamA hormone product; use it with your doctor's guidance.
- ProlineAlso called L-proline
- Protein powderAlso called protein supplement · protein shake powder
- Proteolytic enzymesAlso called proteases · protease enzymes · systemic enzymes
- Psyllium huskAlso called psyllium · Plantago ovata · ispaghula · isabgol
- PygeumAlso called Prunus africana · African plum · African cherry
- PEA → see Phenylethylamine (PEA)
- PC → see Phosphatidylcholine
- PS → see Phosphatidylserine
- PSK → see Turkey tail
- P5P → see Vitamin B6
Q
1 entriesR
16 entries- Raspberry ketonesAlso called raspberry ketone · rheosmin · frambinone
- Red algaeAlso called red marine algae · Rhodophyta
- Red cloverAlso called Trifolium pratense
- Red raspberry leafAlso called raspberry leaf tea · Rubus idaeus
- Red sageAlso called Salvia miltiorrhiza · danshen · Chinese sage
- Red yeast riceSafety noteAlso called Monascus purpureus · RYRContains the same compound as the statin lovastatin, with the same risks and interactions.
- RehmanniaAlso called Chinese foxglove · shu di huang · di huang
- Reishi mushroomAlso called Ganoderma lucidum · lingzhi · mushroom of immortality
- ResveratrolAlso called trans-resveratrol
- RhodiolaAlso called golden root · arctic root · roseroot
- RiboseAlso called D-ribose
- Rose hipsAlso called rosehip · Rosa canina · dog rose · rose haw
- RosemaryAlso called Rosmarinus officinalis · Salvia rosmarinus
- Royal jellyAlso called bee milk
- RubiscoAlso called RuBisCO · ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase
- RutinAlso called rutoside · quercetin-3-rutinoside · sophorin
- RYR → see Red yeast rice
S
31 entries- SaffronAlso called Crocus sativus
- SageAlso called Salvia officinalis · common sage · garden sage
- SAM-eSafety noteAlso called S-adenosylmethionine · SAMe · ademetionineDo not combine with antidepressants; avoid with bipolar disorder.
- SarsaparillaAlso called Smilax · Smilax ornata · Jamaican sarsaparilla
- Saw palmettoAlso called Serenoa repens · Sabal serrulata
- SchisandraAlso called schizandra · five-flavor berry · wu wei zi · magnolia vine
- Sea buckthorn oilAlso called sea buckthorn · Hippophae rhamnoides · seaberry · omega-7
- Sea mossAlso called Irish moss · Chondrus crispus
- SeleniumAlso called Se · selenomethionine · sodium selenite
- SerrapeptaseAlso called serratiopeptidase · serrapeptidase
- ShatavariAlso called Asparagus racemosus · wild asparagus
- Shiitake mushroomAlso called Lentinula edodes · lentinan
- ShilajitAlso called mumijo · mumie · mineral pitch · Asphaltum punjabianum
- SkullcapSafety noteAlso called Scutellaria lateriflora · American skullcap · Scutellaria baicalensis · Chinese skullcap · scullcapLinked to rare liver injury, sometimes from contaminated products.
- Slippery elmAlso called Ulmus rubra · Ulmus fulva · red elm · Indian elm
- Soy lecithinAlso called soya lecithin · E322
- SpearmintAlso called Mentha spicata · garden mint
- SpirulinaAlso called Arthrospira platensis · blue-green algae
- St. John's wortSafety noteAlso called Hypericum perforatum · hypericum · Saint John's wortInteracts with many medicines, including birth control, antidepressants and blood thinners.
- Star aniseAlso called Illicium verum · Chinese star anise · badian
- Stinging nettleAlso called Urtica dioica · nettle · nettle leaf · nettle root
- SulforaphaneAlso called broccoli sprout extract
- SumacAlso called Rhus coriaria · sumach
- Summer savoryAlso called Satureja hortensis · summer savoury · savory
- Sunflower lecithinAlso called sunflower seed lecithin
- Superoxide dismutaseAlso called SOD
- SOD → see Superoxide dismutase
T
23 entries- TarragonAlso called Artemisia dracunculus · estragon
- Tart cherryAlso called Montmorency cherry
- ThreonineAlso called L-threonine
- ThymeAlso called Thymus vulgaris
- TocopherolAlso called alpha-tocopherol · mixed tocopherols · d-alpha tocopherol
- TribulusAlso called puncture vine · goathead · caltrop
- TryptophanAlso called L-tryptophan
- TurkesteroneAlso called Ajuga turkestanica · ecdysteroid
- Turkey tailAlso called Trametes versicolor · Coriolus versicolor · yun zhi
- TurmericSafety noteAlso called Curcuma longa · curcumin · haldiRare liver injury with high-dose extracts; adds to blood thinners.Turmeric & black pepper for weight lossDosage for inflammationTurmeric pillsSide effects
- TyrosineAlso called L-tyrosine
- TMG → see Betaine
U
2 entriesV
18 entries- Valerian rootAlso called valerian · Valeriana officinalis
- ValineAlso called L-valine
- Vegan protein powderAlso called plant protein powder · plant-based protein
- VervainAlso called Verbena officinalis · verbena · common vervain
- Vitamin ASafety noteAlso called retinol · retinyl palmitate · retinoids · preformed vitamin AToo much preformed vitamin A is toxic and can cause birth defects; stay under 10,000 IU a day.
- Vitamin B complexAlso called B vitamins · B-complex · vitamin B
- Vitamin B1Also called thiamine · thiamin · benfotiamine · B1
- Vitamin B12Also called cobalamin · methylcobalamin · cyanocobalamin · B12B12 shots: benefits & risksSide effectsDaily dosageChoosing a B12 supplementOverdose symptomsB12 injections
- Vitamin B2Also called riboflavin · B2
- Vitamin B5Also called pantothenic acid · pantothenate · calcium pantothenate · pantethine
- Vitamin B6Also called pyridoxine · pyridoxal 5'-phosphate · B6
- Vitamin CAlso called ascorbic acid · L-ascorbic acid · ascorbate · sodium ascorbateHow much is too muchSide effectsVitamin C supplements
- Vitamin D2Also called ergocalciferol
- Vitamin D3Also called cholecalciferol · D3
- Vitamin EAlso called alpha-tocopherol · d-alpha tocopherol · tocotrienols
- VitexAlso called chasteberry · chaste tree · monk's pepper
- vitamin B7 → see Biotin
- vitamin H → see Biotin
- vitamin B9 → see Folic acid
- vitamin B8 → see Inositol
- vitamin B3 → see Niacin
- vitamin B → see Vitamin B complex
W
5 entries- Whey proteinAlso called whey isolate · whey concentrate · hydrolyzed whey
- White willow barkSafety noteAlso called Salix alba · willow bark · salicinRelated to aspirin: avoid with an aspirin allergy, blood thinners and in children.
- Wild yamAlso called Dioscorea villosa · colic root · Mexican wild yam
- Wood ear mushroomAlso called Auricularia auricula-judae · black fungus · cloud ear fungus · jelly ear
- WormwoodSafety noteAlso called Artemisia absinthium · grand wormwood · absinthe wormwoodContains thujone, which can cause seizures at high doses.
Y
3 entries- Yacon syrupAlso called Smallanthus sonchifolius · yacon root
- YarrowAlso called Achillea millefolium · milfoil
Z
2 entries- ZincAlso called Zn
- Zinc sulfateAlso called zinc sulphate · ZnSO4
Before you buy another bottle
Four free tools to take the guesswork out of what you take.
Vitamin Advisor
Answer 4–5 questions and get your top 5 supplements, ranked, with the form, the amount and the why.
Get my top 5 Supplement ReviewList what you already take and see the overlaps, the daily totals and the best timing.
Review my stack Know your levels firstUpload your bloodwork and see vitamin D, B12, iron, magnesium and more against Dr. Axe’s functional ranges.
Upload my labs Ask Dr. Axe AIAsk about a supplement, a form or a combination and get an answer grounded in Dr. Axe’s library, with sources.
Ask a question
Get Dr. Axe’s Top 10 Supplements guide, free
Plus the 25 Bloodwork Markers That Matter Most and The Healing Diet Shopping List. All three land in your inbox today, then the weekly health brief.
- The Healing Diet Shopping ListWhat to buy and what to skip, aisle by aisle
- Dr. Axe’s Top 10 SupplementsWhere to start, what each one does and how to take it
- The 25 Bloodwork Markers That Matter MostYour key markers and their functional ranges
Free, no spam, unsubscribe in one click.
About the supplements library
How to find what you need and use it well. Medically reviewed articles carry a review badge and date. How we review.
Dr. Uma Naidoo
Dr. Daniel Amen
Dr. Alejandro Junger
Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy
Dr. Taz BhatiaHow do I find a specific supplement?
Type it into the search at the top of this page. Search matches the name, other names (vitamin B3 for niacin, Indian ginseng for ashwagandha, NAC for N-acetyl cysteine), goals like sleep or energy, and small misspellings. You can also pick a goal or open the A to Z list.
Which supplements should I take?
It depends on your goals, your diet and your labs. The Vitamin Advisor asks 4–5 questions and ranks your top 5, with the form, the amount and the why. If you already take several, run them through the Supplement Review to catch overlaps.
Does this library recommend supplement brands?
No. The supplements library covers ingredients, not brands, and doesn’t name or rank supplement brands. Each guide covers the ingredient itself: the evidence, the best form, the dose, the timing and the safety.
What is the Dr. Axe Score?
A 1-to-10 rating on the newest guides. Each supplement is scored on four weighted factors, such as the strength of the scientific evidence, safety and clinical usefulness, and the guide shows each factor behind the overall number.
Should I test before I supplement?
For nutrients a blood test measures well, yes. Vitamin D, B12 and iron (ferritin) are easy to check, and knowing your level tells you whether you need it and how much. Magnesium and zinc are harder to read from a standard blood test, so your diet and symptoms matter too. Upload your bloodwork to see your results against functional ranges: tighter, optimal-health targets inside the standard reference range on your lab report, so a result can be normal on the report and still worth a closer look.
Are supplements safe with medications?
Many are, but some interact. Entries with a Safety note in the A to Z flag the common ones, such as St. John’s wort, red yeast rice and high-dose fish oil. Check with your doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or taking a prescription, and never stop a prescribed medication on your own.