The hottest Supplementation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics
Experimental Fat Loss β€’ 198 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 25
  1. Eating the same meal for a long time led to small weight changes, showing routines can affect weight loss positively.
  2. Trying a variety of foods after years of strict diets resulted in surprising satiety, even from sugary snacks.
  3. Lowering linoleic acid levels might improve overall health and satiety, suggesting dietary adjustments can have significant effects.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 958 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 24
  1. S-sulfocysteine could be a hidden cause of muscle tension and related symptoms, especially between meals.
  2. Supplementing with 600-1200 micrograms of molybdenum may significantly reduce muscle tension levels, but individual needs and metabolic complexities should be considered.
  3. Optimal muscle tone regulation is key, influenced by neurotransmitters like glutamate, glycine, GABA, and taurine, with molybdenum showing impressive results in reducing muscle tension.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 1697 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 24
  1. Thiamin is crucial for various functions like stable blood glucose, calmness, tissue health, detoxification, and athletic performance.
  2. Thiamin deficiency can lead to issues such as mitochondrial dysfunction, nerve problems, and eyesight deterioration.
  3. Excessive thiamin supplementation may cause adverse effects and stress on metabolic pathways, so it's important to be mindful of when to supplement thiamin and when to stop.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 1358 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 24
  1. CoQ10 deficiency is linked to sulfur toxicity, impacting various bodily functions and potentially causing issues like anxiety after eating meat or taurine consumption.
  2. Hydrogen sulfide, a necessary gasotransmitter, can turn toxic at high concentrations, affecting the body's ability to convert food energy to ATP.
  3. Taurine can help counteract the effects of sulfur toxicity by suppressing the trans-sulfuration pathway, which can prevent the overproduction of hydrogen sulfide and sulfite.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 1517 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
  1. CoQ10 supplementation offers various health benefits like improved fertility, blood glucose control, and decreased cardiovascular risks.
  2. The dosage of CoQ10 needs to be carefully personalized as different individuals have varying needs and responses to the supplement.
  3. There are contrasting results on the effects of CoQ10 at different doses, highlighting the importance of determining the right dose and the necessity of using CoQ10 for each person.
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Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 559 implied HN points β€’ 24 May 24
  1. The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for testing nutritional status is an 82-page eBook containing a comprehensive system using lab tests, dietary tracking, and signs and symptoms.
  2. The system offers approaches that are cost-saving and time-saving based on individual needs.
  3. The Cheat Sheet is exclusive for Masterpass members, providing access to download for those who subscribe to Masterpass membership.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 1757 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 23
  1. Glutamine is crucial for specific health conditions like illness, injury, surgery, and certain dietary needs.
  2. Nutritional databases lack accurate information on glutamine content because of flawed measurement methods, impacting the understanding of amino acid composition in foods.
  3. Animal proteins like leg meat of chicken and pork are high in glutamine, while dairy proteins are intermediate, and plant proteins have varying levels, highlighting the importance of diversifying protein sources for glutamine intake.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 998 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
  1. Excess manganese can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction by hindering CoQ10 synthesis.
  2. Manganese toxicity disrupts ATP production, causes oxidative stress, and hampers CoQ10 levels, impacting energy generation.
  3. CoQ10 supplementation, along with managing manganese levels and ensuring adequate iron, may help address issues related to CoQ10 synthesis and toxicity.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 1338 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 24
  1. Creatine supplementation may sometimes lead to insomnia, likely due to inhibiting glycine synthesis, an important neurotransmitter for sleep.
  2. Creatine decreases SAMe demand by 45%, affecting folate metabolism and potentially blocking glycine synthesis necessary for quality sleep.
  3. Mitigating creatine-induced insomnia may involve dietary adjustments like restricting methionine intake, maintaining high folate levels, and supplementing with glycine.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 1557 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 23
  1. Being easily startled could indicate an issue, while a normal startle response is crucial for protection and fight-or-flight preparation.
  2. The startle reflex involves visual, auditory, and tactile inputs, with enhanced reflex indicative of certain conditions like PTSD.
  3. Glycine plays a crucial role in inhibiting the motor response of the startle reflex, and low glycine levels can lead to heightened startle responses.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 1677 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 23
  1. Methylation is crucial for physical, mental, and emotional health. It involves the transfer of methyl groups and plays a role in synthesizing important molecules like creatine and phosphatidylcholine.
  2. Balancing methylation is vital; too much can have negative consequences. Proper nutrition, including methionine, vitamins B12 and folate, betaine, and glycine, is essential.
  3. To optimize MTHFR status, focus on foods and supplements that support methylation. Searchable databases and related articles provide valuable information on this topic.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 998 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jun 23
  1. B12 and folate can help detoxify oxalate by converting it to formate and joining it to tetrahydrofolate in a two-step process.
  2. The rate of the first detoxification step exceeding the rate of the second step can lead to oxalate dumping symptoms.
  3. Nutritionally supporting the two detoxification steps requires biotin, manganese, tetrahydrofolate, B12, and various other nutrients.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 818 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 22
  1. A new study highlights the concern that nicotinamide riboside (NR) could potentially fuel cancer growth, especially in the case of triple-negative breast cancer.
  2. The study utilized mice models to show that NR supplementation could lead to increased tumor prevalence and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
  3. The research suggests that the strategies for preventing cancer differ from those required for treating cancer, emphasizing the importance of nourishing detoxification and immune surveillance.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 718 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 22
  1. Essential fatty acids are crucial for the body, but mainstream texts may have inflated their required amounts and overlooked sources like animal fats.
  2. Polyunsaturated fatty acids do not directly cause oxidative stress, but in certain conditions, they can pose an oxidative liability, potentially leading to oxidative damage.
  3. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fatty fish can provide reserve capacity without overdoing it, especially important in specific life stages and conditions.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 23
  1. Plant foods and their phytochemicals can help reduce arterial plaque.
  2. Balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is crucial for health; consider arachidonic acid intake and cumulative EPA over years.
  3. Branched-chain amino acid metabolism requires B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and more; extra support may be needed during weight loss.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 23
  1. Concerns about TMAO and cardiovascular disease may be overstated due to research emphasis and marketing, so decision to supplement with phosphatidylcholine should be based on personal evaluation of benefits.
  2. Vitamin K2 plays a role in optimizing insulin secretion, fuel use during exercise, and male testosterone through its effects on undercarboxylated osteocalcin.
  3. Twitching can be influenced by factors like glutamate/GABA balance, acetylcholine regulation, and nutritional issues, requiring individualized trial-and-error approach for resolution.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 718 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 22
  1. Lipoic acid can deplete methyl groups, potentially affecting methylation in the body.
  2. Methyl groups can be sapped by excess lipoic acid that isn't used as an enzymatic cofactor.
  3. When taking lipoic acid, consider using the R-form, spreading doses evenly, and monitoring for any signs of undermethylation.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 24 Oct 22
  1. Statins may reduce heart disease risk, but their benefits could be influenced by conflicts of interest; getting sulfur from protein sources may help lower cholesterol.
  2. Glutathione intolerance could stem from various amino acids or gut microbial metabolites; there are tests available for identifying the cause.
  3. Plasma zinc is a key marker of zinc status; factors like inflammation and stress can affect its levels, and symptoms should guide zinc supplementation decisions.
The Heart Attack Diet β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 03 Apr 24
  1. The author discusses weight gain after spending time at home, experiencing hunger, headaches, and making changes to thyroid medication.
  2. There is a focus on the author's thyroid medication adjustments and the impact on their energy levels and overall well-being.
  3. The author shares their experience with taking melatonin regularly and the effect on their sleep schedule and waking hours during their time at home.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 519 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 22
  1. Vitamin D activity may be better understood by measuring both 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D due to their different strengths in activating the VDR.
  2. Fatty liver reversal progress can be seen in weeks with effective approaches, but the timeline varies based on individual factors.
  3. Prefer CGM results over HbA1c to assess diabetic status due to confounding factors affecting HbA1c accuracy.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 12 Oct 22
  1. Cognitive decline may not be solely due to impaired glucose handling in the brain, but focusing on metabolic health and a balanced diet could be more beneficial than MCT oil.
  2. Concerns about whey protein harming the kidneys are generally unfounded; balancing protein intake with organic acids such as potassium is essential for health.
  3. Methyl donor intolerance may result from deficiencies in the glycine buffer system, emphasizing the importance of a variety of nutrients to support tolerance and health.
Tripsitter β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
  1. Preparation and knowledge are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience when taking MDMA.
  2. It's important to test MDMA for purity and avoid pressed pills due to varying dosage and potential contamination issues.
  3. Understanding the risks, dosage guidelines, and effects timeline of MDMA is crucial for harm reduction and safety.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jun 22
  1. Vitamin A is crucial for multiple bodily functions including maintaining moist eyes, smooth skin, strong immunity, healthy vision, and sleep.
  2. Vitamin A is important for vision as it helps the eyes sense light and transmit signals to the brain, impacting both night and day vision.
  3. Getting enough vitamin A from foods involves understanding the difference between plant and animal forms, the need for fats to aid absorption, potential deficiencies and toxicity risks, and how to adjust intake based on dietary preferences or requirements.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 22
  1. Creatine is not just for enhancing athletic performance; it plays critical roles in various bodily functions like fertility, digestion, mental health, and even skin health.
  2. Creatine supplementation can help with methylation problems and is recommended at a dose of 3-5 grams per day.
  3. Creatine is involved in buffering ATP supply, increasing muscle power, and many other roles in cells with high energy demands or polarized structures.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 24 Jun 24
  1. Creatine is essential for cells to perform various functions like vision, digestion, and brain power.
  2. Supplementation of creatine can optimize muscle and brain function, and it is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, digestion, hearing, and skin.
  3. The body's natural creatine synthesis is limited by the supply of arginine and methyl groups, with meat and fish being the most efficient sources, and supplementation is necessary for individuals with specific dietary requirements.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 19 Apr 20
  1. Generalizing effects of vitamin D on colds and flu to COVID-19 may not be accurate due to differences in viral mechanisms and effects on ACE2 receptor.
  2. Increasing ACE2 with vitamin D in COVID-19 could potentially enhance viral growth due to exponential replication, leading to more harm than benefit.
  3. Maintaining a conservative approach towards vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19, ensuring not to induce deficiency, finding lowest effective dose, and monitoring levels between 30-40 ng/mL.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 19
  1. Pantothenic acid deficiency is rare due to it not naturally occurring, but it plays crucial roles in metabolism, especially in burning fat and regulating metabolic pathways.
  2. Mothers transfer pantothenic acid to fetus and milk at their expense, highlighting its importance during adolescence and pregnancy.
  3. Food is preferred over supplements for vitamin B5 due to better absorption, and metabolic disorders may affect coenzyme A pool.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 28 Apr 13
  1. High doses of vitamin K could potentially contribute to vitamin E deficiency by activating common receptors that break down both vitamins in a similar pathway.
  2. High doses of vitamin K have the potential to deplete glutathione, the master antioxidant, impairing detoxification and antioxidant activity.
  3. Pharmacological doses of vitamin K, although considered safe and effective, could inhibit bone resorption and potentially impact blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, metabolic rate, and testosterone production.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 16
  1. Different forms of Vitamin K2 are as different from each other as they are from Vitamin K1.
  2. The content of Vitamin K in some foods might be underestimated due to the ignorance of tetrahydro-MKs.
  3. Factors like genetics, epigenetics, nutrients, and medications can affect the conversion of other K vitamins to MK-4.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 18
  1. Thiamin is crucial for energy metabolism and antioxidant defense; its deficiency can lead to neurological issues.
  2. Diets high in carbohydrates increase the need for thiamin, while certain foods like raw fish may contain thiamin antagonists.
  3. Thiamin deficiency can be caused by environmental exposure, so it's important to address potential sources and consider supplementation.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 18
  1. Glycine has numerous health benefits like promoting sleep, stabilizing blood sugar, improving joint health, and skin health.
  2. Our bodies have a limited ability to synthesize glycine, leading to a potential deficit that can be mitigated through diet and supplements like collagen.
  3. Lab tests can help assess glycine status, and hydrolyzed collagen or pure glycine supplements are recommended for optimal glycine intake.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 17
  1. Selenium is crucial for combating oxidative stress and thyroid function but can vary in food, making it important to manage our selenium levels.
  2. Key markers like plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity help assess selenium status, with specific recommendations for supplementation.
  3. Incorporating selenium-rich foods like organ meats and seafood can be a reliable way to improve selenium levels, with insight on supplements and dosages.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 17
  1. Zinc is crucial for skin health, immune function, and glucose tolerance, and is essential for antioxidant defense.
  2. Signs of zinc deficiency include dry skin, poor wound healing, increased infections, and poor glucose tolerance. Zinc-rich foods are best from animal sources like oysters, red meat, and cheese.
  3. Excess zinc can lead to copper deficiency, impacting immune function. It's important to take zinc supplements in balanced doses with copper, on an empty stomach, and in divided doses if needed.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 17
  1. Copper is an essential nutrient with a variety of important roles in the body, and managing your copper status is crucial for overall health.
  2. Copper deficiency can lead to serious health issues like anemia, osteoporosis, and mental imbalances, so it's important to ensure you are getting adequate copper through diet or supplementation.
  3. Good food sources of copper include liver, oysters, mushrooms, seaweed, and whole grains, while supplementing with copper should only be done in cases of verified deficiency and caution should be taken with the amount.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Apr 13
  1. The names 'vitamin K1' and 'vitamin K2' are historical artifacts based on their initial sources.
  2. The length and saturation of the tail structure of vitamin K determine how it is distributed to different tissues in the body.
  3. Different forms of vitamin K, like MK-4 and MK-7, have unique roles in the body, such as MK-7 being better at supporting blood clotting and reaching bone, while MK-4 plays a role in gene expression and inhibiting the growth of certain cancers.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 29 Apr 20
  1. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of mortality for COVID-19 patients. Those with deficient vitamin D levels were almost all more likely to die.
  2. The study highlights the importance of maintaining vitamin D levels for COVID-19 patients to potentially reduce severe outcomes like respiratory failure.
  3. The findings have not changed much in terms of recommended vitamin D levels, but reinforce the necessity to monitor and potentially supplement vitamin D in COVID-19 patients.