Vitalspell — Evidence-based supplement science

Microscopic bacteria illustration for a story on defined microbiome therapeutics

Engineered gut bacteria may replace fecal transplants

Engineered gut bacteria matched same-donor fecal transplant on safety and engraftment in an 18-patient C. difficile trial.

Dr. Kiran Patel· 8 min read

Nutrition

GLP-1 fiber: what a 2026 review actually says

Nutrition

GLP-1 fiber: what a 2026 review actually says

Gut Health

Probiotic constipation trial: LP299V combo improved habits

Supplements

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Laboratory microscope and analysis equipment for nutrition research

Grass-fed collagen: does the label matter in 2026?

Grass-fed collagen sounds cleaner, but human trials test peptides, dose and absorption, not pasture labels. Here is what matters.

Amber vitamin capsules spilling from a glass jar on a white surface

Why vitamin D2 may lower vitamin D3 levels

Laboratory vials and supplement science illustration

Does creatine cause hair loss? What the evidence actually shows

Abstract molecular model illustrating magnesium biology in sleep and stress research

Can magnesium supplements lower cortisol? What the evidence says

Vitamin D and calcium supplement capsules on a neutral surface

Vitamin D, calcium do not prevent fractures in most older adults

Fitness

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Protein-rich foods on a table for a story about preserving muscle strength with age

Low protein intake may predict muscle weakness in older adults

Low protein intake was tied to later handgrip weakness in 38,073 older adults, but the evidence points to screening, not protein hype.

Creatine supplement powder in a laboratory setting

Do you need a creatine loading phase? What the evidence says

Protein powder being added to a shaker before a workout drink is mixed

Does protein powder cause bloating? What the evidence says

Unlabelled white container and scoop beside creatine powder.

Creatine gummies vs powder: what the evidence says

Longevity

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What Life's Essential 8 predicts about living to 100

Scientific illustration of NAD+ molecular structure and cellular aging concepts

Can NMN, NAD+ and resveratrol actually slow aging? Here's what the human evidence says

Scientific glassware and blue liquid to illustrate fasting research

By day three, fasting changes the whole picture

A mouse study puts gut particles at the center of aging

Shirtless man standing in a freezing lake near Ludvika, Sweden, surrounded by snow and ice during winter cold water immersion

Cold Plunges and Your Brain: What the Science Actually Shows

Detailed close-up of aged black garlic cloves on a dark background

Aged garlic compound nudges the fat-brain-muscle axis longevity researchers chase

Gut Health

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Engineered gut bacteria may replace fecal transplants

Engineered gut bacteria matched same-donor fecal transplant on safety and engraftment in an 18-patient C. difficile trial.

Probiotic constipation trial: LP299V combo improved habits

A close-up of fibrous plant-based ingredients representing prebiotic inulin

Inulin for knee osteoarthritis: what the 2026 trial found

Psyllium husk powder in a bowl with spoon

Psyllium husk for constipation: what the evidence says

Microscope and lab equipment illustrating gut-microbiome research

Why prebiotics may work differently on different guts

Nutrition

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GLP-1 fiber: what a 2026 review actually says

GLP-1 fiber advice may help some people manage satiety and GI side effects, but the 2026 review does not prove a booster effect.

GLP-1 fiber: what a 2026 review actually says

A clinician measuring a patient's waist during a body-composition assessment

BMI obesity risk: why one in four adults may be missed

Fresh grapes on the vine for an evidence-based feature on cholesterol, gut and brain-health research

Grapes and cholesterol: what the evidence really says

Cognitive Health

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A clinician reviews brain scans during neurological research workup.

Creatine for Alzheimer's: what the 2026 pilot found

Lion's mane mushroom close-up used as the story hero image

Lion's mane and memory: what human trials actually show

Abstract neural network illustration for a story about vitamin B12 and brain aging

Why 'normal' vitamin B12 may miss brain aging risk

Comprehensive set of brain MRI scans highlighting cranial anatomy for medical use.

Why common dementia risks may hit women harder

Abstract illustration of creatine and sleep-loss cognition

Can creatine blunt sleep-loss brain fog? The 2026 study

Abstract brain and nutrient concept for choline anxiety analysis

Lower brain choline may mark anxiety, not a supplement fix

Science

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Engineered gut bacteria may replace fecal transplants

Engineered gut bacteria matched same-donor fecal transplant on safety and engraftment in an 18-patient C. difficile trial.

Knee X-ray used to assess osteoarthritis progression

GLP-1 knee replacement study: what it really found

BMI obesity risk: why one in four adults may be missed

Neuron cells with branching dendrites shown in fluorescent microscopy detail against a dark background

Nerve regrowth block reversed in human organoid study

Neuron image illustrating brain aging research

Could D-serine help slow brain aging? What the Menin mouse study found

Sleep

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Magnesium bisglycinate for sleep: 2025 trial results

Magnesium bisglycinate for sleep improved insomnia scores modestly in a 2025 RCT, but the evidence still falls short of a blanket recommendation.

Alarm clock beside a bed, illustrating sleep timing and circadian rhythms.

Can vitamin D help you sleep? What the evidence says

Smartwatch sleep-tracking display used as an illustration for consumer sleep data.

How accurate are sleep trackers? What the 2026 evidence says

Can saffron help you sleep? What the evidence says

Hormones

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Illustration related to perimenopause and heart health

Perimenopause heart risk may rise before menopause ends

Gut bacteria may flag bone loss in hyperparathyroidism, but the new Bone Research paper is still an early risk signal, not probiotic advice.

Can gut bacteria predict bone loss in hyperparathyroidism?

Laboratory plant sample illustrating research into ashwagandha and cortisol

Can ashwagandha lower cortisol? What the 2026 evidence says

Seaweed dish illustrating iodine-rich foods and thyroid nutrition

Seaweed for thyroid health: what the iodine evidence says

Laboratory microscope and test tubes illustrating thyroid research

Do thyroid support supplements actually help? What the evidence says

Laboratory scientist with test tubes illustrating women's health research

Can Allegra and Pepcid ease PMDD and menopause symptoms?

Reviews

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Assorted legumes, vegetables, nuts, and grains arranged on white plates

Plant-Based Diets Match Omnivore Diets for Athletic Performance, Review Finds

A 2025 state-of-the-art review in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine finds plant-based eating patterns are non-inferior to omnivore diets for athletic performance and muscle protein synthesis. The strongest supplement evidence supports creatine, caffeine, and protein.

Close-up of white supplement tablets on a clean surface

The Best Magnesium Supplements of 2026, According to Experts

Variety of capsules and powders arranged on a green backdrop

How To Choose the Right Magnesium Supplement for You

Closeup of a colorful molecular model illustrating abstract scientific concepts

Vitamin D plus K2 acts like a drug, not a supplement

Latest research

Gut Health

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