Graded on the evidence, not the hype.
Every popular supplement, graded on the evidence (A–D): does it work, the right dose, when to take it, who should avoid it and whether it's worth your money — no hype, real sources.
Sports
Beta-alanine
ABeta-alanine raises muscle carnosine to buffer acid in high-intensity 1–4 minute efforts — one of the few sports supplements with genuine Grade A evidence behind it.
Worth itCaffeine
AThe world's most reliable legal ergogenic — caffeine cuts perceived effort so you train harder and go further.
Worth itCreatine
AThe most-studied sports supplement on the planet — creatine monohydrate refills muscle phosphocreatine so you can lift harder, recover faster and build more muscle.
Worth itWhey Protein
AA fast-digesting, leucine-rich complete protein that makes hitting your daily target straightforward — backed by the strongest evidence in sports nutrition.
Worth itCasein protein
BThe slow-digesting dairy protein that trickles amino acids overnight — useful, but whey remains the default.
SituationalElectrolytes
BEssential for endurance athletes and heavy sweaters — most short gym sessions need only water.
SituationalEssential amino acids
BThe 9 EAAs drive muscle protein synthesis — useful when whole protein is low, but redundant if you hit your targets.
SituationalPlant protein (pea/soy/blend)
BBuilds muscle as effectively as whey — provided you dose 10–20% higher to match leucine.
Worth itPre-workout (blends)
BPre-workouts work — but only because of caffeine, citrulline and beta-alanine. Know what you're buying.
SituationalBetaine (TMG)
CA methyl donor with mixed power and body-comp data — useful as a stack add-on, not a cornerstone.
SituationalCitrulline malate
CModest pump and volume benefits for bodybuilders — the evidence is real but limited; a Grade C ergogenic.
SituationalHMB
CA leucine metabolite with limited evidence for trained lifters — useful only in specific deficit or elderly contexts.
SkipTaurine
CA conditionally useful amino acid for endurance and recovery — solid safety profile, modest evidence.
SituationalBCAAs
DBCAAs are largely unnecessary if you already eat enough protein — the evidence for extra benefit is weak.
SkipGlutamine
DGlutamine is safe but redundant for healthy lifters — the evidence for muscle or immune benefit simply isn't there.
SkipHealth
Iron
AGrade A for correcting deficiency — but only supplement if a blood test confirms you need it.
SituationalOmega-3 (EPA/DHA)
AThe marine fats most diets under-deliver — and the evidence for heart, inflammation and joints is hard to ignore.
Worth itPsyllium fibre
AGrade-A fibre that lowers LDL cholesterol, improves regularity, and blunts blood-sugar spikes — all for pennies a day.
Worth itVitamin B12
AEssential for vegans and at-risk groups — corrects deficiency with grade-A evidence; useless if you're already replete.
Worth itVitamin D
AThe hormone-like vitamin most UK adults run short on every winter — and the fix is cheap, safe, and evidence-backed.
Worth itCalcium
BEssential for bones, but supplement only the shortfall — food comes first and excess may carry risk.
SituationalMagnesium
BAn essential mineral involved in over 300 bodily reactions — and most UK diets fall short of the recommended amount.
Worth itProbiotics
BStrain-specific probiotics work for gut health — but only when you match the right strain to the right goal.
SituationalVitamin C
BWon't stop a cold — but shortens it, underpins collagen, and is essential if your diet falls short.
SituationalZinc
BCorrects deficiency reliably; cuts cold duration modestly — only worth it if your intake is low.
SituationalMultivitamin
CFills dietary gaps on restricted diets — but targeted supplements beat a blanket pill for most people.
SituationalVitamin K2
CPromising for bones and arteries alongside vitamin D, but the evidence is still limited — particularly for people on warfarin.
SituationalSleep & stress
Melatonin
AYour body's sleep-timing hormone — the most evidence-backed aid for jet lag, shift work and circadian disruption.
Worth itAshwagandha
BAn evidence-backed adaptogen that meaningfully lowers cortisol, eases stress, and improves sleep quality in 6–8 weeks.
Worth itL-theanine
BCalm focus without sedation — pairs brilliantly with caffeine for sharp, anxiety-free performance.
Worth itGlycine
C3 g before bed shows real sleep-quality gains in small RCTs — cheap, safe and worth a trial.
SituationalRhodiola rosea
CPromising adaptogen for stress-related fatigue and mental performance, but evidence remains limited and mixed.
SituationalTart cherry
CA natural source of melatonin and anthocyanins — useful for recovery and sleep around hard training blocks.
SituationalLongevity
Collagen Peptides
BHydrolysed collagen peptides: the evidence-backed supplement for skin elasticity, joint comfort, and structural support.
Worth itCoQ10 (ubiquinone)
BStrong evidence for heart failure support and migraine prevention; mixed for statin side-effects; no benefit for general energy.
SituationalCurcumin (turmeric)
BBioavailable curcumin reduces joint pain and inflammatory markers — but only in the right form.
Worth itGlucosamine & chondroitin
CA low-risk joint supplement worth a 2–3 month trial for osteoarthritis — evidence is mixed but real for some.
SituationalNMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
DNMN raises your NAD+ levels in the blood, but there is no human evidence it reverses ageing or extends lifespan.
SkipResveratrol
DA red-wine polyphenol with compelling animal data but inconsistent, unproven results in humans.
SkipHormonal
Boron
CMay nudge free testosterone and SHBG short-term; useful for bone markers — but outcome proof is thin.
SituationalTongkat ali (Eurycoma)
CMay raise testosterone and libido in deficient or older men — quality matters enormously.
SituationalZMA (zinc, magnesium & B6)
CZMA won't boost testosterone in replete men — but fixing zinc or magnesium deficiency helps sleep and recovery.
SkipMetabolic
Berberine
BA plant alkaloid with real, metformin-like effects on blood glucose and lipids — but serious drug interactions mean it is not for casual use.
SituationalAlpha-lipoic acid
CA metabolic antioxidant with decent neuropathy evidence but limited sports benefits — situational, not essential.
SituationalGreen tea extract (EGCG)
CModest fat-oxidation support at safe doses — brewed green tea often a smarter choice.
SituationalL-carnitine
CL-carnitine aids recovery and fertility markers — but it will not burn your fat for you. Grade C, situational at best.
SkipSupplements are ~5% of the result
Training, food, sleep and consistency are the other 95%. We grade every supplement honestly so you stop wasting money — then a real coach builds the part that actually moves the needle. Your coach will show you exactly where to spend your effort.
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