For Stuart Phillips, Examine.com is a signal in a sea of scientific noise
Examine.com provides up-to-date, informative, factually correct and unbiased research reviews that I trust. Examine.com is a signal in a sea of scientific noise!
Make sure the supplements you buy actually improve your health
Know exactly what to take, when to take it, and how much to take
Achieve your health goals with the right combination of supplements
Save $100s by not buying useless supplements
Supplement companies are trying to make you buy supplements you don’t need
There are hundreds of supplements available for purchase, and Examine.com has analyzed over 400 of them.
With the overwhelming number of supplements you could buy, how do you figure out which ones you need?
It’s not like you can trust supplement companies; they have one goal: to convince you to buy their supplements.
Since 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) has been poorly enforced, allowing supplement companies to run wild. As long as they made no specific medical claims, it was essentially legal for supplement companies to spread misinformation and unfounded claims.
For example, glutamine, a nonessential amino acid, is heavily promoted as a muscle builder. A common marketing claim is that consuming glutamine increases muscle mass by 300%.
Take a second to flex your biceps. Now imagine them 300% bigger — you’d put Conan-era Arnold to shame!
The truth is, research did show glutamine tripled the size of muscle cells — if you injected it directly into cells in a petri dish! That doesn’t happen in your body. First, you’re not injecting glutamine, and second, your small intestines keep much of it for themselves!
So based on a technicality, supplement companies push glutamine as a muscle builder ... to the tune of over $125,000,000 a year in glutamine sales!
Supplement companies also hide behind “proprietary blends,” where they don’t tell you how much of each ingredient is inside. Imagine putting stuff into your body and not knowing what dose you’re getting!
Furthermore, these companies frequently underdose the most expensive ingredients (and overdose the useless ones).
Are you getting the supplements you actually need?
Instead of relying on marketing claims, you need to figure out which supplements are worth your time and which are a waste of money.
Here’s the truth: you should take specific supplements based on your health goals. A 60-year-old with aching joints has different needs than a 30-year-old who can’t fall asleep; recommending the same supplements to them is wasteful and senseless!
Making sense of the information — and misinformation — out there can be overwhelming. There's a ton of conflicting information online, and most of it is pushed by people trying to sell you specific supplement brands. Plus, reading scientific research is a complex skill that requires specific education and expertise.
This is where we can help.
We do not sell any supplements
Examine.com’s only goal is to break down and make sense of research. Not only do we not sell supplements, but we also don’t recommend any brands, nor do we do any consulting or accept advertisements, donations, or sponsorships.
We are 100% independent and extremely serious about being unbiased when it comes to nutrition and supplement information.
We only care about the science. It’s why millions of people visit us every month, why professionals from major sports leagues rely on us for nutrition and supplement analysis, and why we have tens of thousands of customers.
To that end, we created the Supplement Guides to help you level up your knowledge and take only the supplements that are proven to work — and skip the ones that waste your time and money.
What aspect of your health do you want to improve?
Here are the topics our 17 guides cover:
What to take for a
healthy body
What to take for a
healthy lifestyle
What to take for a
healthy mind
In the Cardiovascular Health Supplement Guide, we cover
12 Supplements that Work, 4 that may and 1 to avoid
Supplements to take:
- Cocoa
- CoQ10
- Garlic
Supplements to possibly take:
- Pine Bark
Supplements to skip:
- Stimulants
The Cardiovascular Health Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- + +For general cardiovascular health
There are 3 core supplements everyone can benefit from. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- + + +For preventative care
We outline the best supplements and dietary advice for preventative care. We even provide alternatives for vegans, for people with hypertension, and for those with raised triglycerides.
- + + + +For people who suffered a heart attack
See which supplements specifically show efficacy for this population.
- +For people with varicose veins
If the core supplements don't work within 1 month, we provide 4 more options.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for cardiovascular health?
OR
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Liver Health Supplement Guide, we cover
5 Supplements that Work, 3 Unproven
Supplements to take:
- Choline
- TUDCA
Supplements to possibly take:
- Spirulina
The Liver Health Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- +For general liver health
There are 2 core supplements everyone can benefit from. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them. One of these needs can be met with your diet instead.
- +For people with fatty liver
Know what to take and how much.
- +For people with cholesterol-rich gallstones in the liver
Know what to take with your meals to alleviate this specific type of gallstones.
- + +For after a night of drinking
Know what to take the morning after and 4-6 hours later.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for liver health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime Updates
- Works On All Devices
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
In the Bone Health Supplement Guide, we cover
4 Supplements that Work, 3 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Vitamin D
Supplements to skip:
- Coral calcium
- Vitamin D + Calcium
The Bone Health Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- + +For general bone health
There are 2 core supplements everyone can benefit from. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- +For people low on 2 key minerals
There are 2 more minerals key to bone health, however you may get enough through your diet. See our dietary recommendations.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for bone health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Joint Health Supplement Guide, we cover
7 Supplements that Work, 4 that May, 1 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Boswellia Serrata
- Curcumin
Supplements to possibly take:
- MSM
Supplements to skip:
The Joint Health Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- + + +For osteoarthritis
These 4 key supplements that work together. Learn which 2 additional supplements to add after 1 month. Also learn how to increase absorption by adding another supplement to your stack.
- + + +For rheumatoid arthritis
Learn which 3 supplements you should be taking.
- + + +For complex regional pain syndrome
One important vitamin can reduce the risk of CRPS. Learn what to take and how much.
- + + +For general joint pain
You can take supplements from the "rheumatoid arthritis" or "osteoarthritis" stacks. We'll also give you some additional options.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for joint health?
- Lifetime Updates
- Works On All Devices
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Skin, Hair & Nails Supplement Guide, we cover
3 Supplements that Work, 4 that May, 3 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Vitamin A
Supplements to possibly take:
- Creatine
- Vitamin E
Supplements to skip:
- Creams with Vitamin E
The Skin, Hair & Nails Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- +For sun protection
There is one supplement you can take once a day. Learn how it works.
- +For thicker, smoother, tighter skin
There are two types of creams that work.
- +For acne
Take a specific type of mineral, alongside a healthy diet, excercise plan, and good hygiene.
- +For reducing skin redness
A cream containing these two vitamins, applied nightly, can help.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for skin, hair, and nails?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime Updates
- Works On All Devices
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
In the Allergies & Immunity Supplement Guide, we cover
6 Supplements that Work And 1 Unproven
Supplements to take:
- Garlic
Supplements to possibly take:
- Echinacea
The Allergies & Immunity Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- +For general health
There are 2 core supplements everyone can benefit from, especially in flu season. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- +For first signs of respiratory infection
There is something you can take along with the core supplements that should help.
- +For onset of illness
A common mineral can help.
- +For chronic stuffy nose
If the core supplements don't work, there are 2 more options for you.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for allergies and immunity?
OR
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Muscle Gain & Exercise Performance Supplement Guide, we cover
7 Supplements that Work, 5 that May, 4 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Creatine
- Nitrates
Supplements to possibly take:
- HMB
Supplements to skip:
- Glutamine
The Muscle Gain & Exercise Performance Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- + + +For general muscle gain and fitness
There are 4 core supplements everyone can benefit from. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- + + +For weightlifters
See which three options you can choose between, to take a half hour before strenuous exercise.
- + +For alertness and endurance during long sessions
You can take one supplement with a meal and another before exercise.
- + + +For intense training like HIIT
Learn which 2 supplements to take with a meal an hour before training. We'll also tell you the ratio of protein-to-carbs to take after exercise.
- + +For training while fasted
We'll tell you what to eat and how to supplement to maximize fasted training sessions.
- +For mental fatigue
There is a class of supplements that can help with mental fatigue during and after a workout without hindering the other supplements.
- +To consume enough nitrates, without too much hassle
If you find it impractical to eat lots of nitrate-rich vegetables, there is something more concentrated you can substitute.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for muscle gain & exercise performance?
OR
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Testosterone Supplement Guide, we cover
4 Supplements that Work, 3 that May, 3 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- DHEA
Supplements to possibly take:
- Boron
Supplements to skip:
- Libido Enhancers
The Testosterone Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- + +For general testosterone boosting
There are 3 main T-boosting nutrients that are often low in men with low testosterone. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- +For boosting in young men
For testosterone boosting in younger men, there's one additional supplement that could be effective in men under 35.
- +For support in middle-aged men
There is one additional supplement that can be added to the core supplements, which may specifically help those in their middle ages.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for testosterone production?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Blood Sugar Supplement Guide, we cover
5 Supplements that Work, 3 that May, 1 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Zinc
Supplements to possibly take:
- Corosolic Acid
Supplements to skip:
- Corosolic Acid
The Blood Sugar Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- + +For diagnosed insulin resistance
There are 3 supplements to take with meals. An additional supplement is recommended for people who eat a lot of carbs.
- + +For undiagnosed insulin resistance
A combination of 3 supplements will work in tandem with dietary changes and exercise.
- + +For increasing glucose uptake during workouts
There is a key supplement to take once a day and another to take before workouts.
- + +For increasing glucose uptake during meals
There is one key supplement to take once a day. There are additional supplements to boost its effectiveness.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for blood sugar?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Vegetarians & Vegans Supplement Guide, we cover
8 Supplements that Work, 1 that May, 1 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Iron + Vitamin C
Supplements to possibly take:
Supplements to skip:
The Vegetarians & Vegans Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- +For general benefits
There are 4 core supplements all vegans/vegetarians can benefit from. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- + +For athletes
There is an additional supplement you can take. There is also one that might help improve focus when taken 30-45 min before exercise.
- +For more protein
See our recommendations for protein supplementation.
- +For people avoiding salt
When avoiding salty foods, you can miss out on one important element. There is a simple supplement you can take to compensate, unless you're getting it through certain foods.
- +For people who don't get enough sun
Take a certain vitamin with a meal containing fat.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for vegetarians amd vegans?
OR
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Fat Loss Supplement Guide, we cover
5 Supplements that Work, 7 that May, 6 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Protein
- EGCG
Supplements to possibly take:
- Theanine
Supplements to skip:
- Berberine
- Raspberry Ketone
The Fat Loss Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- For general fat loss
Protein is the main addition you should consider, either through food or supplemental forms. Learn the right doses and time of day to take it.
- + + +For burning fat with stimulants
You start by taking caffeine. Once tolerance sets in, there are two more supplements to add. Over the next 12 weeks, you can increase the effect with 2 more supplements. There is a supplement you can take with the caffeine that helps avoid overstimulation while retaining the benefits to attention and focus. There are also other stimulants you can take instead of caffeine.
- + + +For burning fat without stimulants
If you choose to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, there are 3 other supplement options. One is found in every grocery and supplement store, and we'll give you precise dosage guidelines for it.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for fat loss?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Seniors Supplement Guide, we cover
6 Supplements that Work, 3 that May, 2 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Vitamin B12
- Protein
Supplements to possibly take:
- Vitamin E
Supplements to skip:
- Folic Acid
The Seniors Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- + + +For general health
There are 3 core supplements all seniors can benefit from. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- +For increased energy and stamina
There are 2 supplements you can add to the core supplements. A third one is optional.
- +For improved cognition
There is a supplement you can take once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Another is taken once with a meal.
- +For improved immunity
There is a vitamin that may help.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for healthy aging?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Memory & Focus Supplement Guide, we cover
6 Supplements that Work, 4 that May, 3 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Vitamin B12
Supplements to possibly take:
- Vitamin E
- Fish Oil
Supplements to skip:
- Calcium
The Memory & Focus Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- For general memory and focus
There is 1 core supplement, that has no downsides and the largest body of supporting evidence. You'll be surprised by what it is!
- +For improved long-term memory formation
Other than the core supplement, consider adding in 2 more. Both show promise for long-term memory formation, and one has several forms we'll help you choose between.
- + +For improved attention span
Add caffeine, along with 1 other supplement. We'll provide info on resetting your tolerance, if your caffeine intake is already high.
- +For for those cutting down on meat
There is 1 supplement that could be beneficial for you.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for memory and focus?
OR
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Anxiety Supplement Guide, we cover
5 Supplements that Work, 5 that May, 3 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Kava
Supplements to possibly take:
- Ashwagandha
Supplements to skip:
- Yohimbine
The Anxiety Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- For general anxiety relief
There is 1 core mineral that everyone can benefit from, which you can get enough of through a varied and healthy diet, or from select supplemental forms. Learn which foods contain this mineral. If you need a supplement, learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- + +For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
First, try the core supplement, to eliminate the possibility of deficiency as the cause. Then, after a week, you can add 1 or 2 helpful supplements extracted from medicinal plants.
- +For anxiety due to accumulated stress
You can choose one of several supplements. Some can be taken in the evenings and will not cause insomnia. Other should only be taken during the day.
- + +For state and trait anxiety
You should see results after a week when taking these two proven supplements.
- + +For panic attacks
There is 1 proven supplement you can add. There is another that may work, but has no human evidence supporting it yet.
- +For anxiety related to PMS
There is a supplement that can help, and you have several versions to choose from.
- + +For improved sleep
If poor sleep is contributing to your anxiety, try 1 or 2 specific supplements, to be taken before bed.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for anxiety?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Sleep Supplement Guide, we cover
3 Supplements that Work, 3 that May, 1 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Magnesium
Supplements to possibly take:
- Lemon Balm
Supplements to skip:
- Caffeine
The Sleep Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- +For general sleep quality
There are 2 core supplements everyone with sleep issues should consider. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- + +For anxiety and intrusive thoughts
There are two supplements you can add that can help stop your mind from racing. Each should be started at specific low doses, then worked up to a higher dose.
- + +For feeling rested in the morning
You can take one or both of these targeted supplements.
- +For falling asleep faster and jet lag
If the core supplement doesn't help you within 2 weeks, there is one popular supplement that might do the trick.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for sleep ?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
In the Libido & Sexual Enhancement Supplement Guide, we cover
3 Supplements that Work, 6 that May, 1 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- Maca
Supplements to possibly take:
- Fenugreek
Supplements to skip:
- Proprietary blends
The Libido & Sexual Enhancement Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- +For general libido enhancers
There are 2 core supplements everyone can benefit from. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them. Make sure you consume enough calories and fat to maintain your libido over time.
- +For men and women to increase libido
If the core supplement doesn't work within a month, there are 3 more you can try. You shouldn't combine them - instead rotate them every month.
- +For erectile rigidity
There is a supplement you can take 30 min before sexual activity that should help.
- +For erectile dysfunction due to poor blood flow
There is another supplement you can add to your stack. If that doesn't work, there are several more supplements to try.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for libido and sexual enhancement?
OR
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime Updates
- Works On All Devices
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
In the Mood & Depression Supplement Guide, we cover
5 Supplements that Work, 2 that May, 1 to Avoid
Supplements to take:
- St. John's Wort
- Zinc
Supplements to possibly take:
- NAC
Supplements to skip:
The Mood & Depression Supplement Guide gives you step-by-step directions on
how to take and combine these supplements
- +For general mood
There are 3 core supplements can help regulate your mood. Learn the right doses and time of day to take them.
- +For people with a major depressive disorder or those taking medication
You should consult with a doctor about adding this supplement to your core supplements.
- +For people feeling depressed and not on medication
There is a common herb that should help.
- +For improved mood and reduced stress
There is a type of supplement you can add. You can choose one of two types. One of these should not be taken in the evenings.
- +For improved mood and reduced agitation and irritability
Add this supplement to your stack. Unlike other mood boosters, this one works the opposite way. Read more in the guide about how it works.
Ready for a step-by-step guide on the optimal supplements for mood and depression?
OR
- Lifetime Updates
- Works On All Devices
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Ready to improve your health?
- Lifetime updates
- Works on all devices
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The Supplement Guides
Go from “This supplement works... I think?” to “I know these supplements work.”
Achieve your health goals
There is no magic pill that works for everyone; instead, you need to take the supplements that help achieve your goal.
So we created 17 different guides, each focused on helping you optimize a specific health goal.
We analyzed all of the available scientific research so we can give you the best recommendations on how to optimize your health.
Actionable steps, with a focus on what actually works — and what doesn’t
We have four main goals when recommending a supplement. We tell you:
- Why you should take it.
- When you should take it.
- How much you should take.
- If the supplement combines well with any other supplement.
We use our decades of knowledge and research to give you easy-to-understand, step-by-step directions to help you optimize your supplementation.
Take the ideal combination of supplements - for you
Some supplements can impact the efficacy and potency of other supplements. Bolster your results by learning how best to combine supplements based on your situation and goals.
Not everyone is the same - we each have our own health issues, concerns, and goals. We understand that, so our guides give you the context and information behind supplements so you know exactly which ones are worth your time and money, and which you can safely skip.
Save time and money
The average American spends over $350 on supplements every year!
People take supplements they think are helping but are not useful; our guides help you identify which supplements you don’t need.
The guides will pay for themselves with the savings they’ll bring you in the long run.
Unbiased information you can trust
Our guides only tell you what to take, not which brand, because we are 100% fiercely independent. You won’t be hit with the unfounded claims and outright misrepresentation of research that are the tactics of shady supplement companies.
You can supplement confidently, knowing our recommendations are based on science and not because we’re trying to push profits.
A clear prioritization of supplements
The reality is that science is not exact. Sometimes there’s evidence that a supplement may work, but we cannot be 100% sure.
So we’ve broken down our recommendations into five descending sets of priorities:
- Core supplements have the best safety-efficacy profile.
- Primary options can be effective in the right context.
- Secondary options may be worth adding, but the evidence is limited.
- Promising supplements are backed only by preliminary evidence.
- Inadvisable supplements are likely to harm your health and/or wallet.
This way you can maximize your hard-earned money and spend it on what you wish rather than wasting it on supplements that will be useless to you
Included lifetime updates keep the guides reliable and up to date
With free lifetime updates, even as your needs change, our guides remain useful.
There are hundreds of nutrition studies published each month. It’s why we have an entire research team whose only job is to stay abreast of the latest research. If you take a look at our social media, you’ll see we’re always posting about research as it is published.
Here is an example of one section from one of our guides being expanded over the years:
Examine.com has been around for over nine years. Are your health goals the same today as they were nine years ago?
We keep up with research and update our Supplement Guides accordingly so you’ll be confident that you have the latest and greatest recommendations for your changing health goals.
Ready to get started?
Over the years, we’ve had thousands of peoples send us messages, emails, and videos thanking us for our research and how following our advice vastly improved their health and lives.
If you want to improve your health, save money (by buying only the supplements you need), and save time (by not having to figure out everything yourself), then our Supplement Guides are the perfect complement to your health goal regimen.
Plus, with our unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee, you can buy with complete confidence.
Because we don’t sell supplements ourselves, we’ll tell you which supplements are a complete waste of your money — promise.
Some of the interesting things you’ll learn inside our Supplement Guides:
- The vegetable that will give you a better pump than most commonly sold nitric oxide boosters.
- A few key minerals and vitamins where, if you are deficient in them, can result in having below-average testosterone levels.
- The vitamin that combines with vitamin D and calcium to help strengthen your bones!
- The supplement that not only amplifies the effect of caffeine but also reduces the anxiety or jitteriness you can get!
- History of skin cancer? This mineral may help reduce your risk.
- Looking to improve your hair? Don’t waste your money on this wildly popular supplement.
- Creatine not giving you an exercise boost? We can show you how to fix that.
- How your protein needs change based not only on your health goals, but your age.
- How timing your carbohydrate intake can increase exercise performance.
- Diabetes? You may become deficient in certain minerals...
- How you may be using sunscreen incorrectly (and how to use it properly).
Benefit from decades of important research without spending decades poring over studies.
Take only the supplements that will help you achieve your health goals
Our Supplement Guides are the culmination of years of research and experience — we’ve distilled thousands of studies into practical steps you can take right now.
Stop wasting your time and money on supplements that don’t work.
Stop getting information from biased sources trying to sell you supplements.
Start taking supplements that will help you achieve your health goals.
Get all 17 Supplement Guides for only $149
That's 40% off (NORMALLY $249.99)
- Instant download
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Are you currently a student? Click here to claim a 50% discount from the regular price.
Are you a senior citizen? Contact us for our senior discount.
Take a peek inside one of our Supplement Guides
What is Examine.com and why should you trust us?
- Examine.com is an independent encyclopedia on supplementation and nutrition. We’re unique because we don’t sell supplements and aren’t affiliated in any way with any supplement company. When we recommend a supplement (or say another is ineffective), it has no impact on our bottom line. Consider us the Switzerland of the world of nutrition and supplementation.
- Since our inception in early 2011, we’ve had but one goal: to be the best source of unbiased information on supplements and nutrition. MDs, biophysicists, pharmacists, dietitians, sports nutritionists, kinesiologists … the members of our team are all accredited experts, but with very different backgrounds, so that when we do research, we get the full picture. That’s why we have over 50,000 references on our website — we’re happy to show our work.
- This single-minded dedication to providing well-researched, unbiased information has made us the #1 site for supplement information. Over 2.5 million people visit us every month. We have over 65,000 happy customers. And when major media organizations — the BBC, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Men’s Health, and many more — need experts, they turn to us.
The professionals rely on Examine.com’s evidence-based analyses.
Stuart Phillips, Director, Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) | Director, McMaster Centre for Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Research | Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, Skeletal Muscle Health
For John Berardi and his team, Examine.com is a trusted resource
Whenever I want unbiased, meticulously researched, and scientifically credible supplement information, I turn to my friends at Examine.com. They review thousands of studies and give bottom-line supplement recommendations better than anyone else in the industry. For me, my team, and my colleagues, they’ve become a trusted resource.
John Berardi, PhD, CSCS | Co-founder Precision Nutrition | Advisor to Apple, Nike, and Equinox
Jennifer Sygo uses Examine.com to get “the lay of the land” quickly
Examine.com’s updates help me to stay on top of current research on supplements and diet trends. I appreciate the detail on topics like supplement-nutrient interactions, and their in-depth summaries are a great way to get “the lay of the land” quickly and efficiently.
Jennifer Sygo, RD Cleveland Clinic Canada | Performance Toronto Raptors
Bryan Marshall recommends Examine.com to any fitness professional
Examine.com has been a long-time favourite resource of mine. Everything that the team at Examine.com puts out is relevant, trustworthy, and most importantly, actionable. I would highly recommend these resources to any fitness/performance professional or anyone interested in learning how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Bryan Marshall, Player Development & Applied Sport Science | Vancouver Canucks
Ramsey Nijem relies on Examine.com for credible and relevant information on nutrition and supplementation
As the Head Performance and Strength Coach for an NBA team, I am responsible for delivering credible and relevant information on all things sport performance. Examine.com is my go-to source when it comes to nutrition and supplementation.
Ramsey Nijem, Head Performance & Strength Coach, Sacramento Kings
John Meadows trusts Examine.com to tell him the truth on supplements
I’ll keep this simple: Examine.com is where I go when I want to look up what the science says on supplements and nutrition.
If you want the truth on supplements and what works and what doesn’t, no one does it better. You can tell they spend the time and effort to get the full picture. And as a pro bodybuilder, that’s exactly what I need.
John Meadows, IFFB Pro Bodybuilder
Michael Easter turns to Examine.com when he needs to understand complex nutrition topics
I turn to Examine.com any time I need to understand complex nutrition topics. The team consistently delivers science-backed, practical, and digestible information that I can trust.
Michael Easter, Lecturer - Journalism, UNLV | Journalist, contributor to Men's Health, Outside, and more
Mike Hart visits Examine.com daily
Examine.com is the most trusted resource on the internet for making intelligent decisions regarding your health. I visit it daily and frequently suggest to my patients to visit Examine.com before purchasing any supplements or making any dietary changes.
Mike Hart, MD
For Dr. Bryan Chung, Examine.com is the repository resource for nutritional supplement information
Examine.com has become THE repository resource for nutritional supplement information. Most other similar databases fail at what they’re good at, which is being accessible and being comprehensive. Their frequent updates stay on top of the literature as it evolves. Examine.com gives me an excellent overview of the body of work, which helps me filter and refine my search strategy when I’m looking up supplements that I get asked about that I’ve never heard of. The Human Effect Matrix provides interpretation that is lacking in every other supplement database in the world. Most people don’t have the time or interest to develop high-level expertise, but need somewhere to turn to to make informed decisions about their supplements. That information is at Examine.com.
Dr. Bryan Chung, MSc in Rehabilitation Science, MD, PhD
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff sees in Examine.com a massive and helpful undertaking
It’s insufficient to simply rely on belief, conjecture or internet advice to determine if supplements are right for you. Instead you need to rely on research. With Examine.com’s reference guide, not only will you find their summary of the research, but also links to the original papers should you want to do your own due diligence. Truly a massive and helpful undertaking.
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, MD CCFP Dip ABBM
All of our guides are written by researchers with no conflicts of interest
We look at scientific research and summarize the findings for you in plain English
Kamal Patel
Director
Kamal is a nutrition researcher with an MPH and MBA from Johns Hopkins University, and is on hiatus from a PhD in nutrition in which he researched the link between diet and chronic pain. He has published peer-reviewed articles on vitamin D and calcium as well as a variety of clinical research topics. Kamal has also been involved in research on fructose and liver health, mindfulness meditation, and nutrition in low income areas.
Gregory Lopez
MA in Molecular Biophysics, PharmD
Gregory enjoys bringing his quantitative and analytical skills to bear on issues relevant to people's health and well-being.
Bill Willis
PhD in Biomedical Science
An avid member of the fitness industry for the past 15 years, Bill is currently a postdoctoral fellow, where he is examining the role of metabolic stress in the control of protein synthesis and inflammation in health and disease.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most supplement research comes with an inherent bias. Studies are often backed by supplement companies with a vested interest to arrive at a conclusion substantiating their claims. All of this is done with one purpose in mind - to make you spend your money on pills and powders which may not work.
Other companies that don't do research themselves just cherry pick studies that make their products look good. Often time these are studies performed on rats and in petri-dishes - not in actual humans!
As Examine.com is an independent company that does not sell any supplements, we do not cherrypick. We are not trying to sell you supplements. We are 100% neutral and conduct all of our research independently, allowing us to come to our own conclusions regarding the validity of which supplements work.
Absolutely. The Supplement Guides are actually written with our own mothers in mind. They are easy-to-read and give you simple step-by-step directions on which supplements to take (and which to not waste money on).
Supplement Guides are easy-to-follow with step-by-step instructions. They can be easily used by your mother or father! Examine Plus gives you access to all the collated research. It's great for those who want to do it themselves (DIY), but can be intimidating.
Unless you are a researcher, you should choose a Supplement Guide.
Our goal is to update the Supplement Guides with new scientific evidence at least once a year.
We will notify you of each major update via email. With that said, you can simply download a new copy from the Member’s Area and it will be the latest version of the Supplement Guides.
We offer an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee on all our products. Should you be unhappy with the Supplement Guides for any reason, simply email us at support@examine.com and we will refund your purchase.
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Examine.com is an unbiased resource on nutrition and supplementation. We are not influenced by commercial interests, product manufacturers, or any other organization, and we will not advertise products or brands. Examine.com does not accept donations, third-party funding, or sponsorship of any kind. One hundred percent of our revenue is generated through our information products.
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