Supplement & evidence glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms you will meet across the library, from bioavailability to methylation.
Adaptogen
A herb thought to help the body resist and adapt to physical and mental stress.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a nutrient or compound that actually reaches your bloodstream and can be used by the body.
Chelated Mineral
A mineral bound to an amino acid or other molecule to improve its absorption and tolerance.
Cofactor
A nutrient the body needs in order for another nutrient or enzyme to do its job.
Half-Life
The time it takes for the amount of a substance in your body to fall by half.
Methylation
A constant biochemical process that switches reactions on or off by adding a small methyl group to molecules.
Nootropic
A substance taken with the goal of supporting memory, focus, or other aspects of thinking.
Prebiotic
A type of fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
The average daily intake of a nutrient considered enough to meet the needs of most healthy people.
Standardized Extract
A herbal extract processed to contain a guaranteed, consistent amount of its key active compound.
Synergy
When two supplements produce a greater combined effect than either would alone.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
The highest daily intake of a nutrient that is unlikely to cause harm in most people.