Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays essential roles in metabolism, particularly in fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and gluconeogenesis. It naturally occurs in various foods including eggs, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables. Many prenatal…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced in small amounts in the mitochondria of cells and found in certain foods. As a supplement, ALA is commonly used for its antioxidant properties, potential benefits for neuropathy, and as an adjunct…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root or arctic root, is an herb traditionally used to combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, and improve stress resilience. It contains various bioactive compounds including rosavins, salidroside, and tyrosol that affect neurotransmitter levels and stress response…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Avoid Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid and metabolic precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, and other important physiological functions. As a supplement, 5-HTP is commonly used for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions related to serotonin…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds found in cartilage. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that plays a role in the formation and repair of cartilage, while chondroitin is a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water. They are often taken as supplements…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Elderberry (primarily Sambucus nigra) is a plant whose dark purple berries are used in syrups, lozenges, and supplements marketed for immune support, particularly during cold and flu season. Elderberry contains anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds with documented antioxidant and potential antiviral…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Quercetin is a flavonoid compound found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, including apples, onions, berries, and tea. As a supplement, it’s marketed for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine properties. Quercetin supplements typically provide amounts significantly higher than what would be consumed…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells and various foods, particularly meat and fish. It plays a critical role in energy metabolism by helping to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during high-intensity exercise. Creatine is also synthesized endogenously in the…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible fungus used in traditional medicine and gaining popularity for its potential cognitive and nerve-regenerative properties. It contains compounds including hericenones and erinacines that may stimulate nerve growth factor production, as well as various polysaccharides…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Probiotics are live microorganisms (primarily bacteria and some yeasts) that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Common probiotic strains include various species of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii, and others. These microorganisms naturally exist in fermented foods and can also be…