Only with a reason.Only with evidence.

Bars, powders or ready-to-drink liquid meals that supply protein, carbohydrate and micronutrients in compact form. AIS lists them as a Group A sports food; the IOC statement describes their use to top up a high-energy diet in heavy training, competition or weight gain.

Also called: Mixed macronutrient supplement (bar, powder, liquid meal) · Liquid meal supplement.

Check: Contamination risk is product-specific. AIS names HASTA and Informed Sport as examples of reputable companies that carry out third-party batch testing.

Grade basis: AIS Group A.

Plant sterol and stanol esters used in foods. FDA regulation 21 CFR 101.83 states that including them in the diet helps lower blood total and LDL cholesterol, and authorises a claim that, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, they may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Also called: Phytosterols · Plant sterol esters · Plant stanol esters · Beta-sitosterol.

Check: Drugs.com notes plant sterols reduce the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and vitamin E; a literature review suggests beta-sitosterol may cause gastrointestinal adverse effects and impotence.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Soluble fibre from the husk of Plantago seeds; a health use, not sport-specific. FDA regulation 21 CFR 101.81 authorises a health claim that soluble fibre from foods such as psyllium, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Also called: Psyllium seed husk · Plantago ovata · Blond psyllium.

Check: The same regulation requires the label of foods containing psyllium husk to be consistent with 21 CFR 101.17(f).

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A highly concentrated source of carbohydrate in a chewy, jelly-bean-like form that is easily consumed and quickly digested. The AIS lists it as a Group A sports food, and the IOC consensus statement lists it for carbohydrate intake during exercise.

Also called: Sports confectionery · Carbohydrate chews · Jelly-type sports chews.

Grade basis: AIS Group A.

Herbal extract. The NIH ODS immune-function fact sheet reports that it significantly reduced the severity of cough, sore throat and overall symptoms in colds.

Also called: Andrographis paniculata.

Check: NIH ODS: clinical trials found minor adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, vertigo, skin rashes, diarrhoea and fatigue.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

ASU is an extract of the unsaponifiable fractions of avocado and soybean oils, used for joint pain in osteoarthritis. A 2019 meta-analysis suggested benefit in symptomatic knee but not hip osteoarthritis; NCCIH says ASU may produce slight improvements, so small that patients might not consider them meaningful.

Also called: Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables · Avocado soybean unsaponifiables.

Check: Not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed; the List also covers substances with a similar chemical structure or biological effect, so this is not a ruling.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A resin extract of Boswellia serrata, used for joint pain and inflammation. Several studies suggest oral boswellia may reduce osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, but NCCIH says larger, higher-quality studies are needed; the evidence is in non-athlete patients.

Also called: Boswellia serrata · Indian frankincense · Shallaki.

Check: NCCIH describes boswellia as likely to be safe when taken orally, and it is not named on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Swilling a carbohydrate solution in the mouth without swallowing. A Sports Medicine review reports that in most conditions the performance effects were similar to drinking the carbohydrate; brain regions activated by oral carbohydrate may explain this. Evidence is situational.

Also called: Mouth rinsing with carbohydrate · Carbohydrate rinse.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A milk-based recovery drink. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials found no effect on time to exhaustion, perceived exertion or heart rate against placebo or other sport drinks; the authors concluded results were similar or superior.

Also called: Milk-based recovery drink.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A natural source of caffeine. NIH ODS says caffeine supplementation is more likely to help with endurance-type activities such as running; the ISSN has published a position stand on coffee and sports performance.

Also called: Coffee as a caffeine source.

Check: Caffeine, the active ingredient, is on WADA’s 2026 Monitoring Program (in-competition only). It is monitored, not prohibited.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A root extract used for back and joint pain. NCCIH cites a 2014 Cochrane review of 2 trials (315 people) that found low-quality evidence it may be better than placebo for short-term low-back pain; no trial in athletes is cited here.

Also called: Harpagophytum · Harpagophytum procumbens · Devil’s claw root.

Check: NCCIH: people with gallstones or peptic ulcer disease should avoid it; it may affect heart rate and blood pressure and may be harmful in heart disease or circulatory disorders.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Indigestible plant compounds, including complex carbohydrates such as inulin. Reported effects are modest: a 2018 meta-analysis of 22 randomised controlled trials of isolated soluble fibre supplements found a 1.59 mm Hg fall in systolic blood pressure.

Also called: Fibre supplements · Inulin · Soluble fibre.

Check: Bloating, distension, flatulence and cramping are potential adverse effects of insoluble fibre, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

The clear film lining of eggshells, used as a dietary supplement. The AIS places it in Group B (emerging and/or mixed scientific support); no trial data are cited here.

Also called: Eggshell membrane · Chicken eggshell membrane.

Check: Not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed. No safety or allergen information is cited here.

Grade basis: AIS Group B.

Ready-to-drink liquids or concentrated shots containing caffeine and, mostly in ready-to-drink forms, carbohydrate; they may contain taurine and B vitamins. The IOC statement lists their use as a pre-exercise caffeine supplement and for carbohydrate and caffeine intake during exercise.

Also called: Energy drink · Energy shot · Pre-exercise caffeine shot.

Check: Caffeine content varies by product. Caffeine is on the WADA 2026 Monitoring Program (in-competition only) and is not prohibited.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Garlic is promoted as a supplement for high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. NCCIH says garlic supplements may reduce total and LDL cholesterol to a small extent; very little research addresses claimed immune benefits.

Also called: Allium sativum · Garlic extract.

Check: NCCIH says taking garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Carbohydrate mixes that use two intestinal transporters: glucose or maltodextrin plus fructose. A Sports Medicine review reports up to 75% higher exogenous carbohydrate oxidation than single-transporter carbohydrate, and an extra 8% performance improvement in one cited study.

Also called: Multiple transportable carbohydrates · Glucose:fructose drink · Maltodextrin:fructose.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Plant sources of caffeine: NIH ODS names guarana, kola nut and yerba mate among natural caffeine sources. Human studies are limited, and a meta-analysis found guarana no better than placebo for cancer-related fatigue.

Also called: Guarana extract · Paullinia cupana · Mate · Ilex paraguariensis · Chimarrão.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering describes guarana as a stimulant; taking it with other stimulants may not be safe. Caffeine is on the 2026 Monitoring Program and is not prohibited.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An essential trace element and a component of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. The IOC consensus lists iodine supplementation as potentially warranted for athletes living in low-iodine areas or not using iodised salt, as deficiency prevention rather than performance enhancement.

Also called: Iodine supplement · Iodised salt · Potassium iodide (supplement form).

Check: High intakes can cause goitre, raised TSH and hypothyroidism; the tolerable upper intake level for adults 19 and over is 1,100 mcg a day.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger) rhizome extract is studied for fitness, body fat and metabolic outcomes. Placebo-controlled trials report gains in some strength and fitness measures, and a 2025 network meta-analysis in soccer players found a small effect on muscular strength; trials are short and results mixed.

Also called: Kaempferia parviflora extract · KPE · KPFORCE · SIRTMAX.

Check: WADA 2026: not named in the Prohibited List text reviewed or in the monitoring programme, but the List also covers substances with a similar chemical structure or biological effect, so this is not a ruling.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Kava products are sold as dietary supplements in the United States and as drugs or herbal medicines in some other countries. NCCIH says kava supplements may be helpful for anxiety.

Check: NCCIH: various kava products have been linked to rare cases of liver injury, some serious or fatal. NCCIH also warns about using kava together with other substances that have sedative effects, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Carotenoids tested in the AREDS2 study of people at risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The formula with lutein and zeaxanthin and no beta-carotene lowered five-year risk of advanced AMD by about 18%; this is a narrow clinical finding, not evidence for longevity.

Also called: macular carotenoids · AREDS2 · AREDS 2 supplement · lutein/zeaxanthin · lutein · zeaxanthin.

Check: NEI notes several studies link high-dose beta-carotene to lung cancer in smokers; AREDS 2 formulas contain no beta-carotene, which is relevant to current or former smokers.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A food-derived tastant: a compound that interacts with receptors in the mouth or gut to activate the central nervous system. AIS lists it in Group B, meaning emerging or mixed support, deserving of consideration in specific populations or situations.

Also called: Menthol (tastant).

Check: Menthol is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: AIS Group B.

PHGG is a water-soluble dietary fibre used in food to regulate gut function. In small placebo-controlled trials, bloating score improved versus placebo in irritable bowel syndrome (more dropouts on placebo), and stool form improved in 44 healthy volunteers (manufacturer-funded).

Also called: Hydrolysed guar gum.

Check: In the irritable bowel syndrome trial, nine people on PHGG and nine on placebo reported mild side effects (abdominal pain, gas, diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea); the paper reports no significant side effects overall.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

TRP-channel agonists are ‘tastants’: food-derived compounds that interact with receptors in the mouth and gut to activate the central nervous system. The AIS lists them in Group B, emerging or mixed scientific support; no trial results are cited here.

Also called: Pickle juice · TRP channel agonists · Transient receptor potential channel agonists.

Grade basis: AIS Group B.

Nondigestible food components that selectively stimulate desirable microorganisms; the ISAPP definition requires a documented health benefit. AIS lists prebiotics in Group B, meaning emerging or mixed support.

Also called: Prebiotic fibres.

Check: Safety depends on the specific substance. AIS advocates individual athlete monitoring to inform perceived efficacy and any contraindications.

Grade basis: AIS Group B.

Listed by AIS in Group B as quinine hydrochloride dihydrate, one of the tastants: food-derived compounds that interact with receptors in the mouth and gut to activate the central nervous system. Group B marks emerging or mixed scientific support.

Also called: Quinine hydrochloride dihydrate · Quinine HCl dihydrate.

Check: Quinine is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: AIS Group B.

Rice fermented with a fungus, usually Monascus purpureus. NCCIH says products with considerable amounts of monacolin K may effectively lower blood cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure.

Also called: Monascus purpureus rice · Monacolin K (constituent).

Check: Products with considerable monacolin K can have statin-type side effects, including muscle, kidney and liver damage; some products also contain citrinin, a toxic contaminant that can damage the kidneys.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Probiotic yeast. A 2010 systematic review of 31 placebo-controlled arms in 27 trials (5,029 patients) found it significantly efficacious and safe in 84% of arms and protective against antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (pooled relative risk 0.47).

Also called: S. boulardii.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Saffron is a spice sold as a supplement. Examine.com cites studies reporting antidepressant properties comparable to reference drugs; the evidence cited concerns mood only.

Also called: Saffron extract · Crocus sativus.

Check: Examine.com states that saffron does not have a high margin of safety, so care is needed during supplementation.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

The sodium salt of citric acid, listed by the IOC consensus statement as an alternative to sodium bicarbonate among strategies to limit gastrointestinal upset. A 2021 ISSN bicarbonate position stand cites citrate studies in swimming and sprint running without discussing results; no effect size is cited here.

Also called: Citrate loading.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Promoted for cholesterol, blood pressure and menopause symptoms, among other uses. NCCIH says soy protein in place of other proteins may lower cholesterol to a small extent and soy isoflavones may reduce hot flushes, though the effect may be small.

Also called: Soybean.

Check: Soy isoflavones have weak oestrogenic, or hormone-like, activity. Some people are allergic to soy; side effects may include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Herbal extract most widely promoted for depression. NCCIH says it appears more effective than a placebo and as effective as standard antidepressant medications for mild or moderate depression.

Also called: Hypericum perforatum.

Check: NCCIH: St John’s wort can weaken the effects of many medicines, including crucially important medicines.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Commercial products containing both prebiotics and live probiotic microorganisms are often called synbiotics. A 2024 systematic review of 15 studies in older adults pooled probiotics and synbiotics, finding moderately improved muscle strength and physical performance, with high heterogeneity.

Also called: Synbiotic · Probiotic plus prebiotic products · Synbiotic supplements.

Check: Synbiotics, probiotics and prebiotics are not named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. NIH ODS says probiotics may cause harm in certain populations, including people who are severely ill or immunocompromised.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Bark extract used for back and joint pain. A 2014 Cochrane review of two trials (261 people), cited by NCCIH, found moderate-quality evidence that it is probably better than placebo for short-term low-back pain; no athlete or tendon trial is cited here.

Also called: Willow bark extract · Salix alba.

Check: NCCIH says children, people who are pregnant or nursing, and people with known sensitivity to aspirin should not use willow bark, and notes a risk of increased bleeding in vulnerable individuals.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A compound generated in the body during the production of serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan, marketed as a supplement for sleep, mood and appetite suppression. Evidence is limited: initial appetite findings, limited evidence for some types of depression, and a lack of insomnia studies.

Also called: L-5-hydroxytryptophan · Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering cites a theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome if 5-HTP is used with SSRIs, MAOIs or tricyclics without physician supervision; a 2021 review discusses toxic impurities in some preparations.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A seed extract sold as a fat burner. NIH ODS lists a possible modest reduction in body weight and waist circumference, but the trials were few, used small samples and different methods, and ran for short periods.

Also called: Irvingia gabonensis · Irvingia · Wild mango seed extract.

Check: NIH ODS reports that Irvingia gabonensis has been associated with renal failure in a patient with chronic kidney disease.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A vegetarian source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, providing DHA and in some products EPA. One small study found its DHA bioavailability equivalent to that from cooked salmon; no outcome evidence specific to algal oil is cited here, so evidence is limited.

Also called: Algae oil · Algae-derived DHA oil.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A compound the body makes, sold for recovery, insulin sensitivity and nerve health. Cited studies in diabetic patients cover insulin sensitivity and neuropathy symptoms, not athletic outcomes; the AIS lists it in Group C, where evidence does not support benefit in athletes or no research exists.

Also called: ALA · Lipoic acid · Thioctic acid · R-alpha lipoic acid · R-lipoic acid.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering lists hypoglycaemia, nausea, vomiting and dyspepsia as adverse reactions; the Linus Pauling Institute notes a theoretical hypoglycaemia risk in diabetic patients using insulin or oral anti-diabetic agents.

Grade basis: AIS Group C.

A plant used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of India, as a tonic and for various ailments. Memorial Sloan Kettering says limited clinical data suggest benefit in patients with uraemia by reducing oxidative stress; no athlete trial is cited.

Also called: Gooseberry · Amalaka · Amalaki · Emblica officinalis.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering warns that strong antioxidant effects may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Acidic solution produced by fermenting apple juice; MSK lists weight loss among its uses. Some findings suggest it may help glycaemic control in diabetes and weight management in overweight and diabetic adults, but MSK says the evidence is not conclusive; no athlete data are cited here.

Also called: ACV · Cider vinegar · Raw apple cider vinegar.

Check: MSK says unpasteurised apple cider vinegar can increase the risk of infections; unpasteurised apple products, including ‘raw’ vinegar, have been implicated in E. coli and Cryptosporidium outbreaks.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Root used in traditional Chinese medicine, often with other herbs, as a tonic for stamina and strength. A formula containing astragalus decreased fatigue in athletes in one cited report; astragalus alone is not shown to improve performance, and NCCIH finds the evidence insufficient for any health condition.

Also called: Astragalus membranaceus · Astragalus root.

Check: MSK says astragalus can increase bleeding risk with blood thinners, can make immunosuppressants less effective and by itself can lower blood pressure; NCCIH notes no thorough safety evaluation has been done.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A mixture of plant pollens and nectar that bees form into granules to store as food. On its propolis page, Memorial Sloan Kettering says that, aside from nutritional value, it had limited effects on athletic performance; no trial details are cited.

Also called: Bee pollen granules.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering warns that products containing bee pollen are a concern for people allergic to bee stings, honey, ragweed or chrysanthemum.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Polysaccharides from the cell walls of yeast, fungi, algae and oats, sold for immune support. The IOC statement records no support in humans for an immune benefit in athletes; NIH ODS reports no significant effect on weight loss.

Also called: β-glucans · Yeast beta-glucan · Oat beta-glucan · Barley beta-glucan.

Check: NIH ODS lists flatulence as the reported adverse effect of beta-glucan.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A B vitamin that is an essential nutrient, naturally present in some foods. NIH ODS says claims for hair, skin and nail benefits are supported, at best, by only a few case reports and small studies.

Check: ODS cites an FDA report that a patient with a high intake of supplemental biotin died following a troponin test.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A seed used for cooking and in traditional medicine in India, Arabia and Europe. Small clinical trials suggest benefit in rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions; topical and oral use relieved osteoarthritic knee pain, but oral seed powder did not have a similar benefit.

Also called: Black cumin · Black seed oil · Kalonji.

Check: Topical use of pure oil caused allergic reactions. Nigella sativa inhibits CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 and can affect the intracellular concentration of drugs metabolised by these enzymes.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A trace element present in many foods and sold as a dietary supplement. NIH ODS reports that the existing data are insufficient to set a recommended or adequate intake, and says boron, particularly as calcium fructoborate, might hold promise for osteoarthritis symptoms but needs confirmation in controlled trials.

Also called: Calcium fructoborate (supplement form).

Check: The upper intake level for adults aged 19 and over is 20 mg a day. Accidental consumption of boric acid or borax is associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions and vascular collapse.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Pineapple-derived and other protein-digesting enzymes, sold to reduce swelling and soreness. Evidence is limited: NCCIH cites a 2019 meta-analysis of six trials after third-molar surgery and says bromelain appears effective for decreasing facial swelling after that surgery, and Memorial Sloan Kettering describes one exhaustive-exercise study.

Also called: Pineapple enzyme · Proteolytic enzymes · Papain.

Check: NCCIH reports gastrointestinal problems, increased heart rate and menstrual problems with oral bromelain; Memorial Sloan Kettering says it may increase bleeding risk, though clinical relevance is not known.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Cannabis-derived compound sold in over-the-counter products for pain, sleep and recovery. A purified-CBD prescription medicine is FDA-approved for seizures in two epilepsy syndromes and NCCIH reports a small benefit of cannabinoids in non-cancer chronic pain; no exercise-recovery trial is cited here.

Also called: CBD · CBD oil · Hemp-derived CBD.

Check: WADA 2026 S8 prohibits all cannabinoids except cannabidiol, but NCCIH says over-the-counter CBD products may contain more or less CBD than labelled, and contaminants such as THC, a prohibited cannabinoid.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A compound made up of the amino acids beta-alanine and L-histidine, present in the brain, heart, gut and skeletal muscle. Supplementation is often used to improve muscle strength and exercise performance; no controlled human trial of it is cited here, so the evidence is limited.

Also called: L-carnosine.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A vine native to South America, promoted for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and viral infections. NCCIH says no conclusive evidence from studies in people supports its use for any health purpose; Memorial Sloan Kettering cites small studies in active rheumatoid arthritis.

Also called: Una de gato · Uncaria tomentosa.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering: may increase bruising and bleeding risk; kidney failure was reported in a patient with lupus. NCCIH: might increase symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A fungus that commonly grows on birch trees in cold climates. Evidence of benefit is limited to mice, in which chaga polysaccharides increased exercise endurance; safety and efficacy have yet to be evaluated in clinical studies.

Also called: Chaga · Inonotus obliquus.

Check: Case reports describe oxalate nephropathy and end-stage renal disease needing haemodialysis after chaga consumption.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A herb promoted for the common cold, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia and infant colic. NCCIH cites only preliminary studies suggesting a chamomile supplement might help generalised anxiety disorder and associated depression.

Check: NCCIH reports interactions with warfarin (a blood thinner) and some drugs metabolised by the liver. Side effects are uncommon but may include nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A ‘fat binder’ proposed to bind dietary fat in the digestive tract. NIH ODS describes small trials, mostly of poor quality, and says results from high-quality trials show minimal effects on body weight, probably clinically insignificant.

Also called: Fat binder.

Check: Could cause allergic reactions. Reported adverse effects are mainly gastrointestinal: flatulence, bloating, constipation, indigestion, nausea and heartburn.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An essential nutrient and source of methyl groups for many metabolic steps, marketed to athletes for performance. NCCIH lists it among ingredients not shown to work for athletic performance; a 2015 review cited by ODS found supplements did not clearly improve cognition in healthy adults.

Check: NIH ODS lists a tolerable upper intake level of 3,500 mg a day for adults; high intakes are associated with fishy body odour, vomiting, excessive sweating and salivation, hypotension and liver toxicity.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A trace element sold for body composition and insulin action. IOC lists it among physique supplements with no effect; NIH ODS reports slight lowering of fasting glucose and HbA1c in people with diabetes and a very small effect on body weight, of uncertain clinical relevance.

Also called: Chromium picolinate · Trivalent chromium · Chromium(III).

Check: NIH ODS: chromium might increase insulin sensitivity, and taken with insulin it could raise the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A spice promoted as a supplement for diabetes and weight loss. NCCIH says it is unclear whether cinnamon supplementation helps with either.

Also called: Cassia cinnamon.

Check: NCCIH reports interactions between coumarin, a chemical found in cassia cinnamon, and the liver.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A traditional medicine for joint and bone health, popular as a joint aid for athletes. Preliminary evidence supports this, but only one preliminary study has been conducted in humans, so the evidence is limited.

Also called: Cissus.

Check: Preliminary rodent evidence suggests sedative and muscle-relaxing properties when given in high amounts.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Polyphenols in cocoa and dark chocolate, studied for vascular and exercise effects. Evidence is limited: a 2018 systematic review found possible vascular benefit but no effect on exercise performance, and in COSMOS (21,442 older US adults) cocoa extract did not significantly reduce total cardiovascular events.

Also called: Cocoa extract · Flavan-3-ols · Dark chocolate flavanols · Epicatechin.

Check: Cocoa, epicatechin and theobromine are not named on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Omega-3 supplement formulation, listed by NIH ODS alongside fish oil, krill oil and products containing algal oil. No controlled human trial of cod liver oil is cited here.

Check: NIH ODS: cod liver oil supplements provide vitamin A and vitamin D in addition to LC omega-3s.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An essential mineral naturally present in some foods and available as a dietary supplement. NIH ODS says copper deficiency is uncommon in humans, and that the evidence to date is insufficient to support conclusions about copper and cardiovascular disease risk.

Check: Excessive use of zinc supplements can lead to copper deficiency. ODS gives an upper limit (UL) of 10,000 mcg a day for adults aged 19 and over.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A fungus that grows on the caterpillar of a moth, with strength and stamina among its claimed uses. The human studies cited by Memorial Sloan Kettering concern kidney function in renal transplant patients, not athletic performance.

Also called: Cordyceps sinensis · Cordyceps militaris · Caterpillar fungus.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering: no major side effects reported, but it may lower blood sugar, relevant to people using insulin, and raise bleeding risk, relevant to people taking warfarin.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Creatine ethyl ester and creatine nitrate are alternative forms of creatine sold as improvements on creatine monohydrate. The ISSN position stand calls claims of greater muscle uptake currently unfounded; NIH ODS says other forms have not been proven superior, so evidence is limited.

Also called: Creatine ethyl ester · Creatine nitrate.

Check: NIH ODS says forms such as creatine ethyl ester have not been proven superior for safety; the FDA GRAS inventory returned a record for creatine monohydrate only.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A sugar involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). NIH ODS reports little to no effect on exercise capacity in trained or untrained adults.

Also called: Ribose.

Check: NIH ODS says safety as a dietary supplement is not well studied; no safety concerns were reported in short trials. Ribose is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Wild shrub found in Mexico, Central America and parts of South America; MSK lists sexual dysfunction among its uses. Small studies of formulations containing damiana suggest effects on weight, calorie intake and menopausal or sexual symptoms; confirmatory research is needed.

Also called: Turnera diffusa.

Check: No safety, side-effect or drug-interaction information is cited here. Not named on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A plant whose flower, leaf and root are used in traditional medicine for diuretic and other properties; Memorial Sloan Kettering says the diuretic activity may result from its high potassium content. NCCIH says there is no compelling scientific evidence supporting its use for any health condition.

Also called: Taraxacum officinale · Dandelion leaf · Dandelion root.

Check: The 2026 WADA Prohibited List class S5 prohibits all diuretics and masking agents at all times; dandelion is not named, and whether herbal diuretics are treated as covered was not verified.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Compounds found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, sold for oestrogen metabolism and detoxification. Memorial Sloan Kettering describes limited human data, in prostate cancer for DIM and cervical dysplasia for I3C; no athlete or performance trials are cited.

Also called: I3C.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering warns DIM may make CYP450 substrate drugs less effective and advises women who use birth control pills to consult a healthcare professional first.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An amino acid found naturally in plant and animal cells and listed as a purported athletic-performance enhancer. Memorial Sloan Kettering says there is no scientific evidence for this use and human data are quite limited; animal findings suggest improved oxygen utilisation and reduced lactic acid formation.

Also called: DMG · N,N-dimethylglycine.

Check: Not named on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A herbal extract promoted for colds and other respiratory infections. NCCIH says it may slightly reduce the chance of catching a cold, but it is unclear whether it shortens one; the IOC rates support for athletes as limited.

Also called: Echinacea purpurea · Echinacea extract.

Check: NCCIH: some people have allergic reactions to echinacea, which may be severe; digestive upset is the most common side effect.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

The dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree. NCCIH says only some preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu, colds or other upper respiratory infections.

Also called: Sambucus nigra · Black elder · European elder.

Check: Raw or unripe berries, leaves and stems contain cyanide-producing substances that can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhoea; cooking eliminates the toxin.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for fatigue, arthritic pain, nerve pain and sexual dysfunction. Memorial Sloan Kettering cites small controlled studies and a systematic review suggesting benefit in post-menopausal osteoporosis, but no athletic-performance or testosterone data are cited here.

Also called: Horny goat weed · Icariin extract.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering reports rapid irregular heartbeat and excitability in a patient with heart disease; its avoid-if list also names CYP3A4-metabolised drugs and aromatase inhibitors.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Fadogia agrestis stem extract has been studied in rats for aphrodisiac effects and appears in dietary supplements. No human trial is cited here, so evidence is limited; rat studies reported higher testosterone in one and adverse testicular, liver and kidney findings in others.

Also called: Fadogia · Vangueria agrestis · Fadogia agrestis stem extract.

Check: Safety data are from rats only: adverse effects on testicular function and changes in liver and kidney enzyme activities were reported; no human safety data are cited.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A seed and seed extract promoted for diabetes, menstrual cramps, milk production and testosterone. A 2025 review says fenugreek extract significantly increases testosterone in men, a hormone level rather than a sport outcome; NCCIH says many blood-sugar studies were not of high quality.

Also called: Fenugreek seed · Fenugreek seed extract · Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Check: NCCIH says large amounts may cause a harmful drop in blood sugar.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Promoted for heart, brain and immune health; flaxseed oil is a plant source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fat. NCCIH says flaxseed oil supplements don’t seem to help weight loss, and ODS reports very limited conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA.

Also called: Linseed · Flaxseed oil · Alpha-linolenic acid · Flaxseed lignan extract · Flaxseed mucilage.

Check: Raw or unripe flaxseeds may contain potentially toxic compounds. Higher amounts of supplements may cause bloating and diarrhoea, and NCCIH gives theoretical reasons to suspect interaction with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A plant extract sold for fat loss, with forskolin as the proposed active constituent. NIH ODS reports that a Coleus forskohlii extract had no effect on body weight, appetite or intake, and that research in humans is very limited and inconclusive.

Also called: Coleus forskohlii extract.

Check: NIH ODS says forskolin might increase the frequency of bowel movements and cause loose stools in humans. Forskolin is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A carotenoid pigment of brown seaweed and other algae, sold as a fat burner. NIH ODS says it has been studied in humans only in combination with pomegranate-seed oil, in one trial, with insufficient research to draw firm conclusions.

Also called: Brown seaweed extract.

Check: NIH ODS says safety has not been rigorously studied; one 16-week trial reported no safety concerns and no adverse effects are known. Fucoxanthin is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Oral gamma-aminobutyric acid supplements, used for stress and sleep. A 2020 systematic review of 14 placebo-controlled human trials found limited evidence for stress benefits and very limited evidence for sleep benefits, and says more studies are needed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A mixture of sterol and triterpene-alcohol ferulate esters, a component of rice bran oil. Evidence is limited: benefit for skin and dyslipidaemia has been suggested, but few well-controlled trials exist and the better studies suggest no influence on performance during resistance exercise training.

Also called: Gamma-oryzanol · Rice bran oil.

Check: Drugs.com reports a low incidence of minor allergic reactions with rice bran oil and no adverse effects with gamma oryzanol in studies, but says trial data are limited by poor methodology and quality.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A fruit extract sold as a fat burner and appetite suppressant, with hydroxycitric acid as the proposed active constituent. NIH ODS says the effect on body weight remains uncertain, with several short-term trials of varying quality showing little to no effect.

Also called: Garcinia · HCA · Hydroxycitric acid · Malabar tamarind.

Check: NIH ODS cites 10 cases of liver toxicity, with one death and two liver transplants, in people taking products containing Garcinia cambogia.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A root supplement promoted for nausea and vomiting, osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps. NCCIH says supplements might help knee osteoarthritis symptoms, but much of the research has been of poor quality, and that ginger may help nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. No exercise-soreness trial is cited.

Also called: Zingiber officinale · Ginger extract · Ginger root.

Check: NCCIH lists abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhoea, and mouth and throat irritation with oral use. Ginger is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A leaf extract promoted for memory in ageing. NCCIH reports a trial of more than 3,000 people aged 75 or older in which ginkgo and placebo groups developed dementia of any type or Alzheimer’s disease at the same rates; ginkgo has not been shown to prevent or slow dementia.

Also called: Ginkgo · Ginkgo leaf extract.

Check: NCCIH: ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin, and may interact with other drugs.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Root extracts from Panax (Asian, American) and Siberian ginseng, used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic for stamina and vitality. NIH ODS finds little support for ginseng improving exercise or athletic performance; NCCIH says most research shows no athletic benefit for Asian ginseng.

Also called: Panax ginseng · Korean ginseng · Eleuthero · Eleutherococcus senticosus · Panax quinquefolius · Korean red ginseng.

Check: NCCIH: insomnia is the most common side effect of Asian ginseng, which may worsen autoimmune disorders and interfere with blood clotting.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A water-soluble dietary fibre from the konjac plant, sold for appetite control and weight loss. NIH ODS reports little to no effect on body weight, and a 2014 meta-analysis of eight trials (301 participants) found no significant weight-loss effect against placebo.

Also called: Konjac fibre · Konjac glucomannan · Konjac.

Check: NIH ODS reports significant safety concerns for tablet forms, which might cause oesophageal obstruction; seven cases were linked to tablets.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A plant containing many biologically active compounds. Memorial Sloan Kettering says only a few studies have been conducted in humans; the collagen synthesis it describes for asiaticoside is a mechanism, not a trial result, and no tendon or athlete trial is cited.

Also called: Centella asiatica.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering lists skin rash and liver toxicity, and says gotu kola may increase the risk of side effects of CYP450 substrate drugs.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Grape seed extract is promoted as a supplement for several purposes, among them lowering blood cholesterol and blood pressure. NCCIH cites a 2022 review of 19 studies in which it reduced diastolic but not systolic blood pressure, a mixed result; evidence is limited.

Check: NCCIH notes that some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Coffee-bean extract sold for weight loss. NIH ODS cites a meta-analysis reporting about 2.5 kg more weight loss than placebo, but says the few human trials were all of poor methodological quality.

Also called: Green coffee extract · Green coffee bean · Chlorogenic acid extract · Coffea canephora extract.

Check: Contains caffeine. NIH ODS lists headaches and urinary tract infections among reported adverse effects and says safety has not been rigorously studied.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A natural amino acid derivative with a central role in creatine biosynthesis, investigated as an energy-boosting supplement in humans for more than 70 years. A 2022 safety review says more human studies are required before it is advanced for human use.

Also called: GAA · Glycocyamine · Betacyamine.

Check: A 2022 review notes a significant rise in serum homocysteine in healthy adults and neurotoxic, pro-oxidant effects of GAA accumulation in animals. Guanidinoacetic acid is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A resin extract used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Human studies are limited but suggest it may be effective for hypercholesterolaemia; other trials indicate uncertain benefit or raised cholesterol, and evidence is lacking to support its weight-loss claim.

Also called: Guggul extract · Commiphora mukul · Guggulipid.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering: may make drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates less effective; acute liver failure needing transplant was reported once after a multi-ingredient supplement containing guggul.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A flavonoid glycoside commonly found in citrus fruits. Evidence is limited: it appears to promote blood flow to a minor to moderate degree and may weakly influence blood pressure, but seems largely ineffective on cholesterol and triglycerides and has no known significant effect on blood glucose.

Also called: Citrus bioflavonoid hesperidin.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A dextrin ingested as a supplement in exercise studies. PubMed lists four exercise studies from 2014 to 2026, covering endurance exercise, cytokine response, resistance training and soccer players; no outcome results are cited here, so evidence is limited.

Also called: HBCD · Cluster dextrin · Highly-branched cyclic dextrin.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An aromatic herb used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). Small clinical studies suggest it may help lower stress and improve sleep quality; Memorial Sloan Kettering says further research is needed to substantiate these findings.

Also called: Ocimum sanctum · Ocimum tenuiflorum.

Check: Nausea, headache and agitation have been reported. Holy basil is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A plant extract sold as an appetite suppressant. NIH ODS says very little scientific research on hoodia has been conducted in humans, and that hoodia extract had no significant effect on energy intake or body weight compared with placebo.

Also called: Hoodia gordonii · Hoodia extract.

Check: NIH ODS says hoodia has been reported to cause significant increases in heart rate and blood pressure; headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting are also reported.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An adrenergic-like compound found in a variety of foods and investigated for fat-burning effects. Not enough evidence exists to support its use as a nutritional supplement.

Also called: N,N-dimethyltyramine.

Check: Listed on the FDA’s Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List as of April 2019; the list holds ingredients that do not appear to be lawful in dietary supplements.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Hydroxytyrosol is a phenolic compound present in table olives, virgin olive oil and wine; olive oil carries related polyphenols. A 2024 systematic review of 12 randomised trials of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol supplements found contrasting but encouraging results; stand-alone hydroxytyrosol trials remain scarce, so evidence is limited.

Also called: Olive oil polyphenols · Olive biophenols · Hydroxytyrosol and extra-virgin olive oil polyphenols.

Check: EFSA (2017) judged synthetic hydroxytyrosol safe as a novel food under its intended uses and use levels; the target group excludes children under 36 months, pregnant women and breastfeeding women.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A group of molecules involved in regulatory and metabolic processes; myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are the most supplemented forms. Evidence is limited and mixed: Examine.com reports promise for insulin resistance and common use in PCOS, but no improvement in depression in SSRI treatment failures or in premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Also called: Myo-inositol · D-chiro-inositol.

Check: Some gastrointestinal upset is associated with higher doses (Examine.com).

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Isomaltulose is a disaccharide produced commercially from sucrose and digested slowly. A 2017 clinical review gives a glycaemic index of 32 and reports better cycling time-trial performance in one endurance trial; evidence is limited to individual trials.

Also called: Palatinose · Slow-release carbohydrate (isomaltulose).

Check: WADA 2026 Prohibited List: isomaltulose not named in the text reviewed; gastrointestinal tolerance is reported as good and comparable to sucrose.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A climbing vine native to China, Japan and parts of Southeast Asia. Drugs.com says it may have a role in the management of type 2 diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, immune response and cancer, but only limited clinical studies have been conducted and clinical information is lacking.

Also called: Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

Check: Drugs.com: severe nausea and increased bowel movements are possible; no data are available for human toxicity.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An omega-3 supplement formulation in which the omega-3s are primarily phospholipids, promoted as an alternative to fish oil. Drugs.com says only limited clinical studies with small sample sizes have been conducted, and the distinction from fish oil has not been fully evaluated.

Check: Drugs.com: allergy to other crustaceans or shellfish should be considered a contraindication; adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, and omega-3 fatty acids may exert an antiplatelet action.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An amino acid taken to raise nitric oxide. NIH ODS reports little or no enhancement of athletic performance or recovery; NCCIH lists it among ingredients marketed for athletic performance that have not been shown to work; a 2025 elite-athlete review lists mixed outcomes.

Also called: Arginine.

Check: NIH ODS reports gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhoea, nausea) and slightly reduced blood pressure.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Tryptophan for sleep. The 2017 AASM insomnia guideline gives a weak recommendation that clinicians not use tryptophan as a treatment for sleep-onset or sleep-maintenance insomnia; a weak recommendation reflects a lower degree of certainty.

Also called: Tryptophan.

Check: A 2021 review reports that toxic impurities in synthetic tryptophan and 5-HTP have caused eosinophilia myalgia syndrome cases.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An iron-binding protein classically found in mammalian milk. A 2020 Hypothesis and Theory article describes antibacterial and antiviral properties and proposes it for COVID-19 prevention or therapy; it is not original clinical research, and no human trial of oral lactoferrin is cited here.

Also called: LF · Enteric-coated lactoferrin.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Lavender is promoted as an oral supplement for calming anxiety, stress and other conditions. NCCIH says studies have suggested an oral lavender oil product might be beneficial for anxiety, including with co-occurring depressive symptoms.

Also called: Oral lavender oil.

Check: NCCIH says oral lavender products might be safe in the short term at the amounts tested; adverse effects may include diarrhoea, headache, nausea or burping.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A herb used historically and contemporarily as a modulator of mood and cognitive function. Evidence is limited: two similar double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover studies in healthy young adults generally associated lemon balm with improved mood and/or cognitive performance.

Also called: Melissa officinalis.

Check: The studies also reported some behavioural ‘costs’ at other doses; no other safety data are cited here.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Root promoted as a dietary supplement for digestive, respiratory and energy support. MSK cites clinical data only for dyspepsia and hyperlipidaemia; NCCIH says there is not enough high-quality evidence to clearly support its use for any health condition, and no athletic-performance data are cited here.

Also called: Liquorice · Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Check: The component glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest; MSK links chronic moderate intake to hypertension and low blood potassium and says the root can reduce serum testosterone.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Luteolin is a plant flavone studied mainly in laboratory and animal work; human evidence is limited, with a small 2025 phase 1 study of luteolin in patients with prostate cancer and clinical studies of a palmitoylethanolamide-luteolin combination, which is not luteolin alone. Reviews say low bioavailability hinders clinical use.

Also called: Luteolin flavone · PEALut (palmitoylethanolamide-luteolin combination).

Check: Not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed, though the List also covers substances with a similar chemical structure or biological effect. Safety data for luteolin alone are limited.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A red carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon and guava their colour. Evidence of benefit from supplements is limited: a meta-analysis found no effect of supplemental lycopene on blood pressure or on total, LDL or HDL cholesterol.

Also called: Tomato lycopene.

Check: No safety data for lycopene supplements are cited here. In two randomised trials, supplements of a different carotenoid, beta-carotene, given in high amounts raised lung cancer risk in smokers and former asbestos workers.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An essential amino acid that can only be obtained through diet or supplementation. Lysine has been studied for preventing and treating herpes infections and cold sores, but clinical trial evidence for these conditions is limited.

Also called: L-lysine · Oral lysine.

Check: Gastrointestinal adverse reactions (diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain) have been reported; a case report describes Fanconi syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with lysine supplementation.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A flowering herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for anxiety, depression, stress, nervousness and sleep-related problems. Data in humans are limited: small studies suggest it may help relieve menopausal symptoms, manage weight and maintain oral health, but they used magnolia in combination with other compounds.

Also called: Magnolia officinalis · Houpu magnolia · Hou Po · Magnolol.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering says magnolia bark extract may increase the effects of sleep or anxiety medications and the risk of bleeding with blood thinners; clinical relevance is not known.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Manganese is a cofactor for many enzymes, including manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase and pyruvate carboxylase. ODS says no known groups are likely to have inadequate intakes, and no clinical trials have tested manganese supplementation alone on bone health.

Check: The upper intake level (UL) for adults aged 19 and over is 11 mg a day; toxicity has occurred in welders and miners from chronic inhalation of manganese dust.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

MCT oil is a dietary supplement often distilled from coconut oil and promoted for appetite control and athletic performance. Cleveland Clinic says researchers have been unable to provide concrete evidence; the performance finding cited is in mice, so evidence is limited.

Also called: MCT powder · MCTs · Medium-chain triglyceride oil.

Check: Cleveland Clinic names abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea as possible side effects; long-term use could lead to fat building up in the liver.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An isoflavone-type ingredient sold in bodybuilding and performance products. NCCIH lists it among ingredients marketed for athletic performance that have not been shown to work. No trial data are cited here.

Also called: Methoxy-isoflavone.

Check: Neither methoxyisoflavone nor ipriflavone is named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Methylliberine is a methylurate studied mostly alongside caffeine and theacrine; evidence is limited to the two human trials cited here. A 2023 Nutrients trial in healthy men and women reported improved subjective feelings of energy, concentration, motivation and mood, but not cognitive function.

Also called: Dynamine.

Check: WADA 2026 Prohibited List: not named, but S6 prohibits all stimulants, so its status as an unnamed stimulant is not settled.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An essential trace element present in many foods and also sold as a dietary supplement. NIH ODS says deficiency has not been reported except in people with a genetic mutation that prevents the synthesis of molybdopterin; no performance trial is cited here.

Check: The tolerable upper level for adults 19 and over is 2,000 mcg a day; in healthy people a high-molybdenum diet usually poses no health risk because it is rapidly excreted in urine.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A sulphur compound sold for joint pain. NCCIH says very little research has been done, so it is uncertain whether MSM helps osteoarthritis symptoms; no trial in athletes or for exercise soreness is cited here.

Also called: Dimethyl sulfone.

Check: NCCIH: MSM can cause allergic reactions, digestive upsets and skin rashes. MSM is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A velvet bean that is a good source of L-DOPA, with limited preliminary evidence of benefit, best substantiated for sperm motility and concentration. Preliminary research also suggests dose-matched Mucuna pruriens is roughly equivalent to pharmaceutical L-DOPA for general Parkinson’s symptoms.

Also called: Velvet bean · Mucuna.

Check: Acute toxic psychosis has been reported in association with the bean form in Mozambique; one human trial found increased nausea.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A blood-clot dissolving protein produced by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis during the fermentation of soybeans to make natto. A 2017 review notes that a US phase II trial for atherothrombotic prevention was under way; no human outcome result is cited here.

Also called: NK · Natto enzyme.

Check: No clinical safety data are cited here.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A perennial flowering plant native to Asia, Europe and North America. Human studies are limited but suggest benefit in osteoarthritis of the hip, knee and hand and in prostate symptoms; no exercise data are cited here.

Also called: Stinging nettle · Urtica dioica.

Check: Gynaecomastia in a man and galactorrhoea in a woman were reported with nettle tea; animal studies suggest additive effects with diuretics or blood-pressure drugs.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Mussel extract promoted for inflammatory conditions. Drugs.com reports limited clinical studies suggesting possible efficacy in arthritis and asthma, conflicting trial results, and little compelling evidence for arthritis, though some studies report analgesic effects.

Also called: New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract · Green-lipped mussel · Perna mussel extract.

Check: Drugs.com reports a low incidence of adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms; liver function abnormalities were noted in one patient, and occupational asthma in workers in green-lipped mussel processing plants.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A water-soluble B vitamin; nicotinic acid is used for cholesterol and promoted as an NAD+ booster. NIH ODS concludes nicotinic acid supplementation improves blood lipid profiles but has no significant effect on cardiovascular events; adding niacin to statin therapy did not cut major vascular events in two trials.

Also called: Nicotinic acid · Nicotinamide.

Check: ODS gives an upper limit (UL) of 35 mg a day for supplemental niacin in adults. Nicotinic acid typically causes flushing, and high intakes over months or years can be hepatotoxic.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A dietary flavone found in the peel of citrus fruits. Drugs.com says it has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour and antiangiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo, but no clinical trials of nobiletin alone for any purpose have been conducted.

Also called: Citrus flavone nobiletin.

Check: Drugs.com reports no known adverse reactions to nobiletin, and cites toxic effects in a mouse model from safety data sheets.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Non-sugar sweeteners (such as aspartame, sucralose and stevia) and sugar alcohols (such as erythritol). WHO makes a conditional recommendation against non-sugar sweeteners for weight control or reducing noncommunicable disease risk, as their use confers no long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.

Also called: Artificial sweeteners · Low-calorie sweeteners · NSS · Polyols · Sorbitol · Maltitol.

Check: WHO cites potential undesirable effects of long-term non-sugar sweetener use, such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults. A 2023 paper associated erythritol with major adverse cardiovascular events.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A 28-carbon, straight-chain fatty alcohol sold with athletic-performance claims. Drugs.com says quality clinical trial data are lacking to support use for any indication and that, aside from studies in the 1950s and 1960s, trials are lacking to support enhanced athletic performance.

Check: Drugs.com: research on octacosanol toxicity is limited; a surveillance study of 2,252 elderly patients taking policosanol showed long-term tolerability.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Olive leaf and its extract have been used for infections, inflammation, diabetes and hypertension. Small studies suggest olive leaf extract may reduce blood pressure, gastrointestinal discomfort and metabolic risk factors; lipid-lowering results are mixed, and olive leaf extract has not been shown in humans to prevent or treat cancer.

Also called: Olive leaf · Olea europaea leaf extract.

Check: Olive tree pollen may cause severe respiratory allergy.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A water-soluble B vitamin whose main function is the synthesis of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein. NIH ODS describes 28 small trials of pantethine, a derivative, in which supplements were associated with triglyceride declines.

Also called: Pantethine (derivative).

Check: No tolerable upper level is set, because no toxicity has been reported in humans at high intakes; some people taking large amounts develop mild diarrhoea and gastrointestinal distress.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Paraxanthine is the main product of caffeine breakdown in the body, about 84% of total caffeine elimination; evidence is limited to the one human trial cited here, a 2026 randomised crossover study in athletes comparing it with caffeine on rowing performance and sleep quality.

Also called: 1,7-dimethylxanthine · Caffeine metabolite (paraxanthine).

Check: WADA 2026 Prohibited List: not named, but S6 prohibits all stimulants, so its status as an unnamed stimulant is not settled.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A herb promoted as a dietary supplement for anxiety (including before surgery), sleep problems, stress, ADHD and pain. Evidence is limited: a small amount of research suggests oral passionflower might reduce symptoms of anxiety, but conclusions are not definite.

Also called: Passiflora incarnata.

Check: NCCIH says passionflower should not be used during pregnancy, as it may induce uterine contractions and possibly lead to other problems.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Phosphate salts, including sodium phosphate, studied as ergogenic aids; phosphorus is also a component of bones, teeth, DNA and RNA. AIS rates phosphate Group C (benefit in athletes not supported, or unresearched), and a 2025 systematic review of elite-athlete trials lists sodium phosphate plus caffeine with improved sprint times.

Also called: Sodium phosphate · Phosphorus · Phosphate (Phosphorus).

Check: ODS gives an upper limit (UL) of 4,000 mg a day for adults aged 19–50. In chronic kidney failure the body cannot excrete phosphate efficiently and serum levels rise.

Grade basis: AIS Group C.

A phospholipid supplement studied alongside resistance training. One 8-week trial in 16 young resistance-trained men reported greater gains in squat strength and lean mass than placebo; no independent replication is cited here.

Also called: PA.

Check: In the single small trial of 16 men, the authors reported it was very well tolerated, with no adverse events.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A phospholipid supplement sold for memory in older adults and studied for stress hormones. In one small double-blind crossover study of 10 healthy men it blunted the cortisol response to exercise; no performance outcome is cited here, and evidence is limited.

Also called: PS · Soy-derived phosphatidylserine.

Check: Not named on the 2026 WADA Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An extract made from the bark of pine trees that grow in some Mediterranean countries. Preliminary clinical data suggest it may reduce menopausal, dysmenorrhoeic and osteoarthritic symptoms; no athlete data are cited here.

Also called: Oligopin · French maritime pine bark extract.

Check: May increase bleeding risk with blood thinners such as warfarin. Side effects have not been reported.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An alkaloid from black pepper, described as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects but more commonly taken to increase the absorption of curcumin. No outcome evidence for piperine itself is cited here, so evidence is limited.

Also called: Piperine.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A mixture of oils from Cuban cane sugar, touted as a cholesterol-lowering agent. Several studies claim potency rivalling statin therapy, but they all appear to originate from Cuba, and excluding them the success rate declines to approximately 14%.

Also called: Cuban sugar cane wax alcohols.

Check: Examine.com says no side effects have been reported in human interventions.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Propionyl-L-carnitine is an acyl derivative of L-carnitine, grouped by NIH ODS with other carnitine compounds. No sport-performance trial is cited here, and findings for its main studied use, the cramping leg pain of intermittent claudication, have been mixed; evidence is limited.

Also called: PLC · Propionyl carnitine.

Check: NIH ODS says carnitine supplements can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and a fishy body odour. Carnitine is not named in the 2026 WADA Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Mixture of pollen, beeswax and resin collected by honeybees from buds and exudates of certain trees and plants. MSK says data in humans are limited, with small trials suggesting benefit for warts, fungal foot infections or diabetic foot ulcers; no athlete data are cited here.

Also called: Bee propolis.

Check: MSK says propolis can increase the time required for blood coagulation, and that people allergic to bee stings, honey, ragweed or chrysanthemum should avoid bee-pollen products such as propolis.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A metabolite sold as a fat-loss aid, including as calcium pyruvate. NIH ODS lists few clinical trials, all of weak methodological quality, with a possible minimal effect on body weight and body fat; the IOC lists a small-to-trivial effect.

Also called: Calcium pyruvate · Pyruvic acid.

Check: NIH ODS reports diarrhoea, gas, bloating and possibly decreased HDL levels, and notes the compound is not well studied. Pyruvate is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A plant flavonol present in many fruits, vegetables, spices and beverages, sold for endurance and immune support. NIH ODS reports little to no effect on endurance performance or maximal oxygen consumption; NCCIH lists it among ingredients not shown to work for athletic performance.

Also called: Quercetin dihydrate · Quercetin aglycone · Flavonoid antioxidant.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering notes that, because of its antioxidant effects, quercetin may interfere with the actions of certain chemotherapy drugs.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A raspberry-derived compound sold as a fat burner and proposed to alter lipid metabolism. NIH ODS says it has been studied only in combination with other ingredients, with insufficient research to draw firm conclusions.

Also called: Raspberry ketone.

Check: No safety concerns were reported in one 8-week study, but it is not well studied; no adverse effects are known. Raspberry ketone is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A fungus used in many Asian countries to increase energy, boost the immune system and for general health. Memorial Sloan Kettering lists increasing strength and stamina among its purported uses, but no exercise or athlete trial data are cited here.

Also called: Reishi · Ganoderma lucidum · Lingzhi.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering says reishi can increase bleeding risk with blood thinners and may not be safe with immunosuppressants; side effects include nausea, insomnia and liver injury.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Starch fermented by bacteria in the colon; bananas and legumes are natural sources. In a Linus Pauling Institute table of six studies in healthy participants, two found stool hardening and four found no effect on consistency or bowel movement frequency; no other outcome is cited here.

Also called: Resistant dextrin.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A herb used in traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia and sold for stress, fatigue and endurance. Memorial Sloan Kettering describes only preliminary data suggesting better endurance and mental performance and less fatigue and stress; EMA lists a traditional-use indication for temporary relief of stress symptoms.

Also called: Rhodiola · Golden root · Roseroot · Arctic root.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering: concurrent use with prescription antidepressants was reported to cause tachyarrhythmia; rhodiola can affect how warfarin works and may increase side effects of phenytoin.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A water-soluble B vitamin. NIH ODS notes that vegans and people who consume little milk are at risk of inadequacy, and cites a randomised trial in 55 adults with migraine in which riboflavin reduced migraine attack frequency compared with placebo.

Check: The FNB did not establish an upper level for riboflavin because adverse effects from high intakes from food or supplements have not been reported.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) is a medicinal plant of India, traditionally used there for male impotency. A 2013 review found earlier pharmacological studies lacked substantial evidence, so evidence is limited; human data are one 60-volunteer placebo-controlled pilot and small uncontrolled studies of a velvet bean blend.

Also called: Safed musli root extract.

Check: A 2013 review judged toxicity, safety and quality studies inadequate and noted adulteration with look-alike species.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A sulphur-containing compound the body makes from methionine, studied mainly for depression, osteoarthritis and liver diseases. The depression evidence is not conclusive and osteoarthritis results are inconsistent; the AIS places it in Group C, where evidence does not support benefit in athletes or research is lacking.

Also called: S-adenosyl methionine · S-adenosyl-L-methionine · SAM-e · Ademetionine.

Check: May provoke mania in people with bipolar disorder (NCCIH). Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, but long-term safety is little known because most studies have been brief.

Grade basis: AIS Group C.

A root traditionally used for syphilis, leprosy and psoriasis. Drugs.com says the evidence rests largely on animal and in vitro studies, and that evidence is lacking for purported ergogenic or adaptogenic effects.

Also called: Smilax.

Check: Drugs.com reports gastrointestinal irritation, increased diuresis and occupational asthma from root dust; toxicity information is limited. It states that, owing to limited clinical study data, use cannot be recommended in any indication.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A fruit extract used in traditional Chinese medicine, with few human studies. Memorial Sloan Kettering lists use to increase strength and stamina and reports preliminary data in older adults doing regular low-intensity exercise: strength may improve, but muscle mass did not.

Also called: Schisandra chinensis · Schisandra extract.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering reports no serious side effects, although schisandra is not well studied in humans.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A marine invertebrate related to sea urchins and starfish, with longevity and joint pain among its purported uses. Memorial Sloan Kettering says preliminary findings suggest an extract may help chronic gingivitis, but clinical evidence for its use in any condition is lacking.

Also called: Sea cucumber extract.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering says the polysaccharides in sea cucumber may increase the effects of anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

An essential mineral naturally present in many foods and sold as an antioxidant. NIH ODS says clinical evidence does not support supplementation to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in selenium-replete people, and the SELECT trial did not find it reduced prostate cancer risk.

Also called: Selenomethionine · Sodium selenite.

Check: ODS gives a Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 400 mcg for adults; the most common signs of chronically high intake (selenosis) are hair loss and nail brittleness or loss.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A proteolytic enzyme from bacteria native to the digestive system of silkworms, marketed as a joint health supplement. Examine says the most recent data suggest it is not very effective for joint health and inflammation, and that other effects need additional research.

Also called: Serratiopeptidase.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Cartilage obtained from the spiny dogfish and hammerhead shark, purported to reduce inflammation in arthritis and osteoarthritis. Memorial Sloan Kettering says extracts showed antiangiogenic and antitumour activity in vitro and in animals, but clinical use remains controversial, partly because of unsatisfactory patient outcomes in clinical trials.

Also called: Shark cartilage extract.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering describes a man who developed jaundice and raised liver function tests after consuming a shark cartilage supplement; gastrointestinal effects have been reported but are rare.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Shatavari is the Ayurvedic name for Asparagus racemosus, used traditionally for women’s health. Placebo-controlled trials in 70–135 menopausal or perimenopausal women report symptom improvements, but all are small, short and of specific extracts; evidence is limited.

Also called: Asparagus racemosus · Shatavari root extract · Asparagus racemosus root extract.

Check: Shatavari contains phyto-oestrogens that bind oestradiol receptors; a 2025 trial reported raised oestradiol and FSH. Not named in the 2026 WADA Prohibited List text reviewed; the List also covers similar structures or effects.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Shilajit is sold as a testosterone booster. A 2024 systematic review of 27 proposed boosters rated one purified extract possibly effective in men with late-onset hypogonadism; nothing is cited for other forms or for athletes, so the evidence is limited.

Also called: Purified shilajit extract · PrimaVie (branded extract).

Check: Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List. No product purity or contamination data are cited here.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Orthosilicic acid is a form of silicon. Evidence is limited: one placebo-controlled trial in osteopenic women found that choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) added to calcium and vitamin D3 had a potential beneficial effect on bone collagen, but lumbar spine bone mineral density did not change significantly.

Also called: Choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid · ch-OSA · Ortho-silicic acid.

Check: WADA 2026 List text: silicon, silica and orthosilicic acid are not named.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Algae sold as a natural source of protein and vitamins. Memorial Sloan Kettering says blue-green algae may reduce fatigue but have not been shown to treat or prevent serious conditions; Examine.com says chlorella might reduce blood pressure without being remarkably potent.

Also called: Blue-green algae · Spirulina platensis · Arthrospira platensis · AFA-algae · Chlorella vulgaris.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering says blue-green algae products may be contaminated with toxic Microcystis strains, and lists anaphylaxis and a case of acute rhabdomyolysis.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Enzyme found in all cells of the human body. Memorial Sloan Kettering says the theory behind taking it as a supplement is extra protection against cellular and DNA damage, but this does not hold true because it cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally.

Also called: SOD · Bovine superoxide dismutase · Orgotein.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering lists herb-drug interactions as none reported.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A B vitamin with a critical role in energy metabolism and in the growth, development and function of cells. ODS makes no sport-performance claim; it notes that up to 80% of people with chronic alcoholism develop deficiency because ethanol reduces absorption.

Also called: Thiamine · Vitamin B1.

Check: The FNB did not establish an upper intake level for thiamin, and the body excretes excess amounts in urine.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Root extract of Eurycoma longifolia, sold as a testosterone booster. A 2024 systematic review found most proposed boosters fail to raise total testosterone but rated Eurycoma possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism and for healthy men; no athlete trial is cited here.

Also called: Longjack · Malaysian ginseng.

Check: USADA: if a dietary supplement ‘works’ and increases testosterone levels, it is prohibited. Eurycoma is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Herbal formulation from the Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda, made of equal portions of dried and powdered fruits of three medicinal plants including Emblica officinalis (amla). MSK says studies in humans are limited and lists control of inflammation among its uses; no athlete data are cited here.

Check: MSK says triphala inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 and may affect the intracellular concentration of drugs metabolised by these enzymes.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Turkesterone is a plant ecdysteroid, an analogue of an insect steroid hormone, marketed as an anabolic or ergogenic supplement. The only human turkesterone study cited, a preliminary 2024 study in 11 healthy men, found no significant effects on IGF-1 or metabolic measures; evidence is limited.

Also called: Ajuga turkestanica extract · Phytoecdysteroids · Plant ecdysteroids other than ecdysterone.

Check: The 2026 WADA monitoring programme lists ecdysterone only; turkesterone is not named there or in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed. Monitoring is not a prohibition. No long-term human safety data are cited.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Type II collagen is a peptide and a component of joint cartilage. Limited research points to a small benefit in osteoarthritis and a modest one in rheumatoid arthritis, although one rheumatoid arthritis study found no apparent effect.

Also called: Undenatured collagen · Type II collagen.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Uridine is a nucleotide base used for increasing synthesis of cellular membranes and for other neurological properties. Examine.com says it appears to have potentially cognitive-enhancing properties, but the evidence cited is limited to mostly cell-level findings and one human study.

Also called: Uridine · Triacetyluridine.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Ursolic acid is a natural triterpene abundant in apple peel; human evidence is limited. In small placebo-controlled trials with exercise, ursolic acid mostly showed no added effect on muscle mass, strength or cytokines, while one 2017 trial in 24 people reported transient remission of metabolic syndrome.

Also called: UA.

Check: Not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed, though the List also covers substances with a similar chemical structure or biological effect, so this is not a ruling.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A herbal root promoted for insomnia, anxiety, stress and depression. NCCIH calls the evidence on sleep inconsistent, and the 2017 AASM insomnia guideline suggests clinicians not use it for sleep-onset or sleep-maintenance insomnia (a weak recommendation).

Check: Side effects include headache, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness and vivid dreams; little is known about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A mineral that is not classed as essential but is sometimes ingested in the diet. It may influence glucose metabolism in an anti-diabetic manner, but most research is in people with poor glucose tolerance and the evidence is limited.

Also called: Vanadyl sulfate · Vanadium.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Made from a compound in the common periwinkle plant, developed in Europe as a drug and sold in the US as a supplement to improve brain function. It may increase blood flow to the brain, but more studies are needed before it can be recommended.

Also called: Cavinton · Apovincaminic acid.

Check: Memorial Sloan Kettering cites a National Toxicology Program report suggesting possible harm to pregnant women or the foetus, and says people on cardiovascular medications should consult a physician before use.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A fat-soluble vitamin involved in immune function, cellular communication, growth and development, and male and female reproduction. NIH ODS gives adult intake reference values and a tolerable upper level for preformed vitamin A, and makes no sport-performance claim.

Also called: Retinol · Retinyl esters · Beta-carotene (provitamin A).

Check: High intakes of preformed vitamin A can cause congenital birth defects; the tolerable upper level for adults 19 and over is 3,000 mcg a day.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin. Clinical trials have not shown that routine supplements prevent cardiovascular disease; the IOC finds no support for an immune benefit in athletes and warns that high intakes of single antioxidants may blunt training adaptations. AIS lists it in Group C.

Also called: Alpha-tocopherol · Tocopherols · Tocotrienols · d-alpha tocopherol · dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate.

Check: Large amounts with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs can raise bleeding risk. The tolerable upper intake level for supplemental alpha-tocopherol is 1,000 mg a day for adults 19 and over.

Grade basis: AIS Group C.

Bean extract marketed as a ‘carb blocker’ and proposed to act as a starch blocker by interfering with carbohydrate breakdown and absorption. NIH ODS lists several trials of varying methodological quality; the evidence is limited to a possible modest effect on body weight and body fat.

Also called: Phaseolus vulgaris extract · White bean extract · Carb blocker · Phaseolus vulgaris · Starch blocker.

Check: NIH ODS lists headache, soft stools, flatulence and constipation among reported adverse effects.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

Zinc carnosine is a health food product claimed to have gastrointestinal supportive activity. Evidence is limited: in a randomised crossover trial in 10 healthy volunteers, giving it with indomethacin prevented the usual rise in gut permeability, and the authors say further studies are warranted.

Also called: Zinc L-carnosine · ZnC.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A zinc, magnesium aspartate and vitamin B6 combination marketed to support training adaptations. A placebo-controlled 8-week trial of a commercial product in 42 resistance-trained men found no group differences in hormone status or body composition; NCCIH lists zinc/magnesium aspartate among ingredients not shown to work.

Also called: Zinc magnesium aspartate · Zinc/magnesium aspartate.

Check: Zinc and magnesium are not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed. The trial product also held mucuna (L-dopa) and 20-hydroxyecdysone-standardised herbs.

Grade basis: EVOX reading of the cited sources; not AIS-listed.

A gut bacterium sold as a probiotic or ‘postbiotic’. A 2026 randomised trial in 90 adults with overweight or obesity found less weight regain with pasteurised MucT than with placebo after a low-energy diet; no ageing outcome is cited here.

Also called: Akkermansia · A. muciniphila MucT · Akkermansia muciniphila (pasteurised).

Check: In the trial, no serious adverse events were related to the treatment. Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A metabolite marketed to lower ‘biological age’. In a 2026 ITP mouse study it did not extend lifespan in either sex; one registered 9-month randomised human trial using epigenetic clocks is described, but no results are cited here.

Also called: Ca-AKG · AKG · 2-oxoglutarate.

Check: No completed-trial human safety data are cited here. Alpha-ketoglutarate is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

Anserine is an imidazole dipeptide, a natural derivative of carnosine present at high levels in chicken breast muscle. Evidence is limited to small trials testing it together with carnosine; one reported better verbal episodic memory in 31 healthy adults, but the effect of anserine alone cannot be separated.

Also called: Anserine/carnosine · Imidazole dipeptides · Imidazole dipeptide formula.

Check: WADA 2026 List text: anserine and carnosine are not named.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A plant flavone marketed for sleep and healthy ageing. A 2019 review lists effects in conditions including diabetes, depression, insomnia and cancer but says in-vitro studies are numerous, animal studies few and human trials extremely few; low water solubility and bioavailability limit use.

Also called: apigenin flavone.

Check: Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A carotenoid pigment marketed for healthy ageing. In the ITP, an earlier male-only lifespan gain was not replicated in a 2026 cohort tested at different amounts and later start ages. Human studies are small, and a 2024 review calls for more research.

Also called: AST.

Check: A 2014 review reports no significant side effects of astaxanthin in animals and humans so far. Astaxanthin is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

An Ayurvedic herb with a long history in traditional medicine, marketed for memory. A meta-analysis of nine randomised trials (518 people) found faster Trail B and choice-reaction times but no benefit on picture recognition, numeric working memory or word recognition; evidence is limited.

Also called: Brahmi · Bacopa.

Check: Gastrointestinal effects (increased stool frequency, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea) were commonly reported; most studies showed only minor side effects.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A plant compound marketed as a metformin-like longevity agent. A 2022 meta-analysis of 49 randomised trials found lower fasting glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides and LDL but rated the evidence low quality; no ageing or mortality outcome is cited here.

Also called: Berberine hydrochloride.

Check: Trials reported mild to moderate gastrointestinal adverse effects, including nausea, constipation and diarrhoea. Berberine is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A choline-containing compound studied for cognitive decline. A 2023 meta-analysis of seven studies in mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or post-stroke dementia found improved cognitive status, but study quality was poor, with significant risk of bias favouring the intervention.

Also called: cytidine diphosphate-choline.

Check: The meta-analysis authors describe a favourable safety profile but give no detail on specific adverse events. Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A dietary compound marketed for cognitive ageing. One 16-week randomised trial in 147 adults aged 55–79 with subjective memory complaints found improved subjective memory and sleep initiation, but a week-4 memory gain was not sustained; no ageing-outcome trial is cited here.

Also called: L-ergothioneine · EGT.

Check: The trial authors report it safe and well tolerated over 16 weeks; longer studies are needed. Ergothioneine is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

An antioxidant peptide sold as an oral supplement. A 2015 randomised trial in 54 non-smoking adults found glutathione stores in the body rose and natural-killer-cell cytotoxicity more than doubled versus placebo; the endpoints were biomarkers, and no clinical outcomes are cited.

Also called: Reduced glutathione · GSH.

Check: Glutathione is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A non-essential amino acid; in mice, a glycine-enriched diet raised lifespan by 4–6%. A 2012 minireview by the research group behind the sleep trials reports better subjective sleep quality in people with insomniac tendencies; no human trial of ageing outcomes is cited here.

Also called: Glycine supplement.

Check: No human safety data at longevity-study intakes are cited here. Glycine is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A glycosaminoglycan present in skin and other tissues, sold orally for skin moisture and ageing. One 12-week trial in 60 healthy women aged 35–65 improved wrinkles and smoothness versus placebo; several authors are affiliated with the manufacturer, and no joint or longevity outcome is cited here.

Also called: oral HA · HAm (Dermial) · Hyaluronan · Ingested hyaluronan.

Check: In the trial, no serious adverse events were associated with the tested products. Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A culinary mushroom promoted for cognitive ageing. The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation found 7 randomised trials, all small and short; in one 30-person trial in mild cognitive impairment, a cognitive test improved over 16 weeks but performance fell after treatment stopped.

Also called: Yamabushitake · Lion’s mane mushroom.

Check: ADDF: generally recognised as safe as food, but information on supplement safety is limited; some gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea or rash has been reported. Hericium is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A trace element proposed as a brain-ageing nutrient. A 2025 Nature paper found lower lithium in the prefrontal cortex of people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease; lithium orotate reduced plaques, tangles and memory loss in mice. No controlled human trial is cited here.

Also called: Lithium orotate · Microdose lithium.

Check: NIH Research Matters says the effective and safe intake range of lithium orotate in people has yet to be determined. Lithium is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A magnesium salt marketed for cognition and healthy ageing. One 30-day randomised trial in 109 healthy Chinese adults aged 18–65 reported better memory scores with a formula containing it and other ingredients; the trial was funded by the manufacturer.

Also called: Magtein · Magnesium threonate.

Check: The trial authors report the formula was well tolerated and safe over 30 days; no long-term data are cited here. Magnesium is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A mitochondria-targeted antioxidant. A 6-week randomised crossover trial in 20 healthy adults aged 60–79 found brachial flow-mediated dilation 42% higher than on placebo; the trial was small and its endpoints were surrogate vascular measures.

Check: MitoQ was well tolerated in the trial, with no treatment-related serious adverse events. Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

The amide form of vitamin B3 and an NAD+ precursor. A phase 3 randomised trial in 386 people at high risk of non-melanoma skin cancer found fewer new skin cancers over 12 months; this is a narrow clinical population, and no healthspan trial in healthy adults is cited here.

Also called: vitamin B3 amide.

Check: ODS states that nicotinamide does not cause skin flushing and has fewer adverse effects than nicotinic acid. Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A quinone compound marketed for energy and healthy ageing; EFSA assessed its safety only, for food supplements in healthy adults. One 12-week randomised trial in 62 completers, part-funded by industry, reported better muscle strength and walking tests; no ageing outcome is cited here.

Also called: PQQ disodium salt · BioPQQ · mnemoPQQ.

Check: The proposed use assessed by EFSA excludes pregnant and lactating women. Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A stilbene related to resveratrol, marketed for ageing. One randomised trial in 80 adults with raised cholesterol found LDL cholesterol rose on pterostilbene alone, while blood pressure fell in the higher-intake group; no ageing-outcome trial is cited.

Also called: trans-pterostilbene.

Check: LDL cholesterol rose in the trial, by less in people already taking cholesterol medicine. Pterostilbene is not named in the 2026 Prohibited List text reviewed.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A compound from broccoli sprouts, studied as sprout extract. In one 12-week trial in 74 adults with prediabetes it lowered fasting glucose by 0.2 mmol/L, below the target set in advance; human evidence is limited.

Also called: glucoraphanin · broccoli sprout extract · BSE.

Check: Gastrointestinal effects (loose stools, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, reflux) were more frequent with sprout extract. No severe adverse events were reported.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A natural-product telomerase activator marketed to lengthen telomeres. In a one-year placebo-controlled trial in 117 cytomegalovirus-positive adults aged 53–87, the lower of two amounts tested lengthened telomeres and the placebo group lost length; telomere length is a surrogate endpoint, and evidence is limited.

Also called: TA-65 · cycloastragenol · telomerase activator.

Check: Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

A sugar studied for vascular ageing; the human evidence cited is one 12-week randomised trial in 32 adults aged 50–77. Resistance-artery endothelial function rose by about 30% in those who kept body mass stable; large-artery stiffness and blood markers did not change.

Also called: oral trehalose.

Check: Not named on the 2026 Prohibited List.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.

Vitamin K is a coenzyme for vitamin K-dependent carboxylase, an enzyme required for the synthesis of proteins involved in haemostasis; K2 forms include MK-4 and MK-7. ODS reports mixed evidence on bone density and few trials on arterial calcification or heart disease, and does not address longevity claims.

Also called: phylloquinone · menaquinone · MK-4 · MK-7 · vitamin K2.

Check: ODS: people taking warfarin and similar anticoagulants need to keep a consistent intake of vitamin K from food and supplements.

Grade basis: EVOX longevity shelf; not AIS-listed.