Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: L-arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to nitric oxide, a molecule that promotes vasodilation. It also plays roles in protein synthesis, ammonia detoxification, and cell division. As a supplement, L-arginine is commonly used for cardiovascular health,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions as a component of several important enzymes, particularly those involved in antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function. As a supplement, selenium is available in various forms including selenomethionine, selenite, and selenate, with…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid component of cell membranes, particularly abundant in brain tissue. It plays important roles in cellular function, especially in signaling, membrane integrity, and neurotransmission. As a supplement, PS is primarily used for cognitive support, stress reduction, and athletic…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to L-arginine and is involved in the urea cycle and nitric oxide production. As a supplement, it’s commonly used to improve blood flow, exercise performance, and cardiovascular health due to its…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Kelp refers to several species of large brown seaweed (primarily Laminaria species) that are rich in iodine, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. As a supplement, kelp is primarily used as a natural source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid function and…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Beet root powder is derived from dried and ground Beta vulgaris root, commonly known as red beets. It contains various bioactive compounds including betalains (pigments with antioxidant properties), nitrates, vitamins, and minerals. Beet root is primarily promoted for cardiovascular health, exercise performance,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum, also known as lingzhi) is a medicinal fungus that has been used in traditional East Asian medicine for centuries. It contains various bioactive compounds including triterpenes, polysaccharides, proteins, and sterols with documented immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potentially hormone-modulating…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a fungus that grows primarily on birch trees in cold climates. It contains various bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, triterpenes, polyphenols, and melanin complexes. Chaga has been used in traditional folk medicine in Russia and Northern Europe, and…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Cordyceps refers to various species of parasitic fungi, primarily Cordyceps sinensis (now classified as Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and Cordyceps militaris. These fungi contain various bioactive compounds including cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides, and ergosterol derivatives. Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for energy,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a flowering plant whose leaves and flowers are used in traditional medicine for respiratory conditions, particularly dry coughs, bronchitis, and inflammation of the respiratory tract. It contains mucilage, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, saponins, and volatile oils that contribute to…