Popular supplement ingredients

Most fashionable ingredients have far less human evidence than their marketing suggests, and none on this list has an authorised health claim in Great Britain.

By the Supplements UK editorial team. Last checked 9 October 2026. General information, not medical advice.

Short answer Most fashionable ingredients have far less human evidence than their marketing suggests, and none on this list has an authorised health claim in Great Britain.

At a glance

Popular ingredients
IngredientHuman evidenceMain caution
AshwagandhaSmall trialsThyroid; pregnancy; liver
TurmericSmall, mixedLiver; blood thinners
Lion's maneVery limitedAllergy
BerberineSome, for blood sugarDrug interactions
NMNEarlyRegulatory status
GlucosamineNot recommendedShellfish; warfarin
MelatoninA medicinePrescription only

In this section

AshwagandhaAshwagandha is a herb used in Ayurvedic tradition.Turmeric and curcuminCurcumin, from turmeric, has no authorised health claim.Lion's mane mushroomLion's mane is an edible mushroom sold for memory and focus.BerberineBerberine is a plant compound studied for blood sugar and cholesterol.NMN and NAD supplementsNMN is a compound the body uses to make NAD, which declines with age.Cod liver oilCod liver oil provides omega-3 plus vitamins A and D.Evening primrose oilEvening primrose oil contains the omega-6 fat GLA.GlucosamineUK guidance for osteoarthritis does not recommend glucosamine, because trials have not shown a clear benefit.MelatoninIn the UK melatonin is a prescription-only medicine, not a food supplement.

Keep exploring

Questions people ask

Do I need these supplements?

Most people do not; each page says who might.

Can I take this with medication?

Ask a pharmacist or GP first; some supplements interact with medicines.

Do supplements replace a balanced diet?

No. They are meant to add to a varied diet, not stand in for one.

Sources

Checked 9 October 2026.