We read the human trials
Peer-reviewed studies conducted in people at academic institutions. Animal and cell research informs which ingredients we investigate. It never supports a claim.
Open any formulation to read the research behind it — what the human trials measured, what we specified from them, what we rejected, and where the evidence runs out. You can also filter this catalog by how strong that evidence is.
Every product in this catalog was produced by the same four-step process, starting from research that already existed and that we did not commission.
Peer-reviewed studies conducted in people at academic institutions. Animal and cell research informs which ingredients we investigate. It never supports a claim.
Not the headline finding. The molecular form, the exact dose, the duration, the cofactors, and the specific material the investigators administered.
Same form. Same dose. Same branded material where the trial used one. Where we deviate, we state that we are matching a protocol rather than reproducing a product.
Numbered, linked to PubMed, with the institution, study design, participant count and duration shown. Including the trials that found nothing.
Supports normal calcium absorption, maintenance of bone density, immune function, and muscle function.
MK-7 over MK-4 for a substantially longer serum half-life. Dosed to the range used in serum repletion trials, not the RDA minimum.
Double-blind RCTs on serum 25(OH)D repletion, alongside multi-year trials measuring carboxylated osteocalcin and bone density.
Supports normal blood coagulation and the maintenance of normal bones.
All-trans isomer verified by HPLC and published on the certificate. The cis isomer common in commodity MK-7 is biologically inactive.
Multi-year human intervention trials measuring vitamin K carboxylation status and bone mineral density endpoints.
Supports normal immune function and collagen formation for normal skin and blood vessels. Increases non-heme iron absorption.
Split-dosed against the published absorption saturation point. Intestinal uptake saturates above roughly 200 mg per dose, which single-serve 1000 mg products ignore.
Human pharmacokinetic saturation studies, alongside RCTs on immune endpoints and collagen synthesis markers.
Supports normal red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Both active coenzyme forms, because they serve two different enzymes in two different cellular compartments. Cyanocobalamin requires conversion and was rejected.
Human trials measuring serum B12, holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid and homocysteine response by form.
Supports normal blood formation, homocysteine metabolism, and cell division. Supports maternal tissue growth in pregnancy.
The metabolically active form. Synthetic folic acid requires a conversion step that is rate-limited in humans and varies by genotype.
Comparative bioavailability trials of 5-MTHF against folic acid, with plasma folate response as the measured endpoint.
Supports normal protein metabolism, homocysteine metabolism, psychological function, and red blood cell formation.
The phosphorylated coenzyme, supplied directly. Dose capped well below the neuropathy threshold documented in the pyridoxine literature.
Human trials on plasma P-5-P status and homocysteine endpoints, plus the dose-response literature defining the safety ceiling.
Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, nervous system function, cardiac function, and psychological function.
Water-soluble thiamine saturates its active transporter. Lipid-soluble benfotiamine bypasses that ceiling and reaches higher tissue levels in comparative studies.
Comparative human bioavailability studies between thiamine salts and benfotiamine, with erythrocyte transketolase activity as the endpoint.
Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, iron metabolism, and the maintenance of normal red blood cells.
Phosphorylated form, dosed at a level that supports MTHFR function rather than treated as filler. Riboflavin status is directly linked to folate metabolism.
Human erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation studies, plus the riboflavin–MTHFR interaction literature.
Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, nervous system function, and maintenance of normal skin.
Nutritional dosing only. High-dose niacin has a documented hepatotoxicity literature and belongs under clinical supervision, so we do not sell it.
Human NAD+ metabolome studies and the niacin dose-response literature, including the hepatic safety data that set our ceiling.
Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal mental performance, and the reduction of tiredness.
Pantethine is the more direct coenzyme A precursor. Where the evidence justifies the higher cost, we use it rather than defaulting to the cheapest salt.
Human coenzyme A precursor studies and metabolic marker trials comparing pantothenate salts with pantethine.
Supports normal macronutrient metabolism, nervous system function, and maintenance of normal hair and skin.
Physiological dosing, not the 10,000 mcg used as a marketing device. We publish the limits of the hair and nail evidence, and the lab-test interference warning.
Human deficiency-repletion literature. The evidence for hair and nail benefit in people who are not deficient is weak, and we say so.
Supports maintenance of normal vision, skin and mucous membranes, immune function, and iron metabolism.
Both preformed retinol and provitamin carotenoid, because conversion efficiency varies widely between individuals. Carotene-only formulas are not reliable for everyone.
Human beta-carotene conversion efficiency studies, including the genotype variation data, and serum retinol response trials.
Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports maintenance of normal skin.
Natural d-alpha with the full gamma and delta fractions. Synthetic dl-alpha is a racemic mixture of eight isomers, and alpha-only dosing displaces gamma-tocopherol.
Human stereoisomer bioavailability trials comparing natural and synthetic tocopherol, plus the gamma-tocopherol displacement studies.
Supports normal muscle function, nervous system function, psychological function, and the reduction of tiredness.
Fully reacted and unbuffered. Most magnesium glycinate contains undisclosed oxide to inflate the elemental yield. We separate elemental magnesium from compound weight on the label.
Human fractional absorption studies comparing magnesium salt forms, alongside RCTs on sleep quality and subjective stress endpoints.
Supports normal cognitive function and normal nervous system function.
The exact branded material the human trials were conducted on, at the trial dose. Generic threonate has not been trialled, and citing branded studies for generic material is not acceptable.
Human cognitive-endpoint RCTs conducted specifically on the branded material we use. Generic threonate has no trial record of its own.
Supports normal immune function, cognitive function, fertility and reproduction, and maintenance of skin, hair and nails.
Chelate over oxide for absorption. Copper is included at a physiological ratio, because sustained zinc supplementation depletes copper.
Comparative human absorption trials by zinc form, plus the zinc–copper antagonism studies that determined our inclusion ratio.
Supports normal red blood cell and haemoglobin formation, oxygen transport, cognitive function, and reduction of tiredness.
Chelate for tolerability. Ferrous sulphate carries a gastrointestinal burden that drives non-adherence, which is the practical failure mode of iron supplementation.
Tolerability and absorption RCTs comparing bisglycinate chelate to ferrous sulphate, with ferritin response measured over time.
Supports maintenance of normal bones and teeth, normal muscle function, and normal neurotransmission.
Acid-independent absorption, unlike carbonate. We do not sell isolated calcium — without K2 and D3 it lacks the signalling that directs it into bone.
Human absorption comparisons by calcium salt form, and bone mineral density RCTs on the combined calcium, D3 and K2 protocol.
Supports normal thyroid function and thyroid hormone production, normal cognitive function, and nervous system function.
A defined chemical source assayed per lot. The therapeutic window is genuinely narrow, and kelp-based products have variable content that cannot be dosed accurately.
Human urinary iodine concentration studies and thyroid function endpoint trials, including the excess-intake data that set our ceiling.
Supports normal thyroid function, immune function, and maintenance of normal hair and nails. Protects cells from oxidative stress.
Organic form for better documented retention than inorganic selenite. Dosed with published margin below the upper limit, because selenium's safety window is narrow.
Human plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity trials, plus the selenosis literature that determined our safety margin.
Supports normal muscle function, nervous system function, and maintenance of normal blood pressure.
We state the constraint openly: supplemental potassium is capped for sound safety reasons and cannot replace dietary intake. This is an adjunct, and we sell it as one.
Human blood pressure RCTs on both dietary and supplemental potassium. The trials show why the dietary route matters more, and we say so.
Supports normal iron transport, connective tissue, nervous system function, and normal hair and skin pigmentation.
Formulated at the ratio that offsets zinc-induced depletion. We include copper because we sell zinc, and we publish the ratio rationale rather than burying it.
Human zinc–copper antagonism studies and ceruloplasmin response trials, which together define the ratio we formulate to.
Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, connective tissue formation, and bone maintenance.
Dosed to requirement with the accumulation ceiling published. Several bone and greens products carry manganese well above need.
Human requirement and status studies, reviewed alongside the chronic accumulation literature that set our upper limit.
Supports normal macronutrient metabolism and maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations.
We publish the null trials alongside the positive ones. The human evidence in non-diabetic populations is genuinely mixed, and we present it that way.
Human glucose and insulin sensitivity RCTs — including the trials that found no effect, listed in the same reference section as the positive ones.
Supports normal sulphur amino acid metabolism.
Included in the Foundation Multivitamin at requirement level for genuine completeness. We do not sell it standalone, because there is no defensible standalone case.
Human requirement literature. There is no body of standalone supplementation trials, which is precisely why we do not sell it as a standalone product.
Supports normal bone maintenance and normal mineral metabolism.
Trial-matched dose, with the mechanism described as incompletely characterised, because it is. Boron is heavily over-claimed elsewhere.
Small human intervention trials on mineral balance and hormone markers. Sample sizes are modest and are disclosed rather than obscured.
Supports normal lipid metabolism, maintenance of normal liver function, and homocysteine metabolism.
Citicoline has the human cognitive-endpoint trials behind it. Choline bitartrate is cheaper and comparatively unstudied for these outcomes, so we did not use it.
Human RCTs on citicoline cognitive endpoints, supported by population intake data showing most adults fall short of the adequate intake.
Supports normal ovarian function and normal glucose metabolism.
The 40:1 ratio used in the published human trials and found in plasma physiology. Single-isomer products depart from the trial protocol without justification.
Human RCTs on reproductive and metabolic endpoints conducted at the 40:1 ratio. Much of this literature sits in clinical populations, which our copy reflects.
Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, immune function, nervous system function, and the reduction of tiredness.
Every constituent in the active form specified across this range. Two capsules, because meaningful doses of this nutrient set do not fit in one.
Cited nutrient by nutrient, drawing on every trial referenced across the twenty-eight formulations that precede it. The longest reference section on this site.
Supports normal maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, normal red blood cell formation, and normal thyroid function.
Iodine and choline both included, and both are routinely omitted elsewhere. Folate as 5-MTHF at maternal trial levels. Iron in the tolerable chelated form.
Maternal and foetal outcome RCTs, with professional body intake guidance cited by name alongside the primary trials.
Increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise. Supports normal muscle function.
Monohydrate, because no premium variant has outperformed it in head-to-head human trials. We publish that comparison and explain why we did not build a costlier version.
One of the largest human RCT bodies of any supplement ingredient, spanning performance, lean mass, and a growing set of cognitive endpoints.
Supports normal heart function, normal brain function, and normal vision at specified daily intakes.
Published bioavailability work places rTG well above ethyl ester at equivalent intakes. Most concentrated fish oil is ethyl ester and rarely says so.
Comparative human bioavailability RCTs between re-esterified triglyceride and ethyl ester, plus omega-3 index response trials.
Supports normal skin structure and joint comfort in healthy adults.
Peptide molecular weight determines absorption, and generic collagen does not specify it. We use the branded peptide the trials ran on, paired with vitamin C.
Human RCTs on skin elasticity, hydration and joint discomfort conducted on the specific branded peptide we use.
Contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and to the maintenance of normal bones.
Full amino acid profile published per serving, including actual leucine content — the mechanistic driver almost no brand discloses.
Extensive human muscle protein synthesis and body composition RCT literature, including the leucine threshold studies that set our per-serving target.
Supports normal gut barrier function and metabolic health markers in healthy adults.
Strain-level genomic identification, not genus and species. CFU guaranteed at expiry rather than at manufacture.
Human pilot and controlled trials on metabolic and intestinal barrier markers. This literature is genuinely young, and we have graded it accordingly.
Contributes to normal bowel function and to maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations at specified daily intakes.
Dosed at the intakes used in the published trials, which are substantially higher than the token fibre amounts in greens powders.
Human RCTs on bowel function and lipid endpoints. Authorised health claim precedent exists at specified daily intakes, which our serving matches.
Supports normal cellular energy production and protects cells from oxidative stress.
CoQ10 is highly lipophilic and absorption differs markedly by delivery system. Crystalline powder in a dry capsule barely absorbs.
Human plasma CoQ10 response and bioavailability trials compared across delivery formats, which determines whether a dose reaches circulation.
Supports normal cognitive function and a state of relaxed alertness without sedation.
L-isomer verified by chiral analysis. Racemic D/L material is cheaper and biologically inferior, and labels rarely distinguish.
Human EEG alpha-wave studies and caffeine co-administration cognitive RCTs. We cite the co-administration trials specifically, since that is how it is used.
Supports the body's resilience to occasional stress and supports normal sleep quality.
Root only, with withanolide percentage stated. Leaf material is cheaper, has a different profile, and was not what the trials used.
Multiple human RCTs using validated stress and sleep scales, conducted on the named root extract at the dose we formulate to.
Supports mental performance during periods of occasional fatigue and supports the body's stress response.
Species authenticated by DNA barcoding and published. Rhodiola is among the most adulterated botanicals in the supply chain.
Human RCTs on fatigue and cognitive performance under load, conducted on authenticated Rhodiola rosea rather than substituted species.
Supports the body's normal antioxidant defences and normal liver function.
Oral glutathione bioavailability is genuinely debated. We present that debate rather than resolving it falsely, and supply the precursor pathway alongside.
Human trials on erythrocyte and plasma glutathione response by delivery route. The findings conflict, and we present both sides.
Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports normal skin condition.
Natural algal source, esterified as it occurs in the algae. Synthetic astaxanthin has a different stereoisomer profile and was not used in the human trials.
Human RCTs on skin elasticity, moisture and oxidative stress markers, conducted on natural algal-derived material.
Supports normal joint comfort and the body's normal inflammatory response.
Unformulated curcumin has one of the best-documented absorption problems in nutritional science. We use a branded complex with published human pharmacokinetics.
Human pharmacokinetic comparisons between curcumin formulations, plus joint function and inflammatory-marker RCTs on the branded complex.
Supports normal cognitive function.
Fruiting body only, with beta-glucan and alpha-glucan both published — that is how you detect grain filler. Mycelium-on-grain is largely starch.
A small number of human cognitive RCTs, with sample sizes and durations disclosed. The mechanistic literature substantially outruns the human evidence.
Supports normal hydration status, normal muscle function, and normal nervous system function.
Ratios set from human sweat-composition and rehydration studies rather than from palatability testing. No added sugar, no artificial colour.
Human sweat electrolyte composition studies and rehydration RCTs, which determined our sodium, potassium and magnesium ratios.
Every formulation above opens to the research it was specified from. All of it was published independently, before this company existed, and remains available to anyone who wants to read it. We would rather you check than trust us.
Our Research StandardThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
University Vitamins is an independent company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any university or academic institution. Institution names appear solely to identify the source of the research referenced.
Full numbered citations — with institution, study design, participant count and duration — appear on the product page. Every reference is verified against the primary source before publication.
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