A–Z Dictionary of Dietary Supplement Ingredients: Complete Guide

The A–Z Ingredients Dictionary is a quick guide to the most common substances found in dietary supplements. Its aim is to help visitors recognise what each ingredient is, which category it belongs to and its main role.

A

Acetyl-L-Carnitine: a form of carnitine used in supplements for energy and cognitive function.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: a compound with metabolic and redox roles.
ALA – Alpha-Linolenic Acid: a plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid.
Alpha-GPC: a source of choline used in supplements for concentration and cognitive function.
Arginine: an amino acid involved in nitric oxide production pathways.
Ashwagandha: a herbal extract used in adaptogen formulas.

B

BCAA: branched-chain amino acids.
Bacopa Monnieri: a herbal extract used in cognitive-function formulas.
Beta-Alanine: an amino acid used in sports performance supplements.
Betaine: a compound used in sports performance formulas.
Biotin: Vitamin B7.
Boron: a trace element found in bone-support formulas.
Boswellia: a herbal extract used in joint-support formulas.
Bromelain: enzymes from pineapple.

C

Caffeine: a stimulant used for alertness and sports performance.
Calcium: a key mineral for bones and muscle function.
Carnitine: a compound involved in fatty acid transport.
Casein: a slowly digested milk protein.
Choline: an essential nutrient and a precursor to acetylcholine.
Chondroitin: an ingredient used in joint-support formulas.
Chromium: a trace element.
Citrulline: an amino acid associated with nitric oxide metabolism.
CLA: conjugated linoleic acid.
CoQ10: a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production.
Collagen: a structural protein.
Creatine: an ergogenic supplement with a high level of scientific evidence.
Curcumin: the main bioactive compound in turmeric.

D–E

Dextrose: a glucose-based carbohydrate.
DHA: an omega-3 fatty acid.
Digestive Enzymes: enzymes that help break down nutrients.
EAA: essential amino acids.
Electrolytes: electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and others.
EPA: an omega-3 fatty acid.

F–G

Fenugreek: a herbal extract used in metabolism and sports performance formulas.
Fibre: dietary fibre.
Fish Oil: a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
Folate: Vitamin B9.
Garlic Extract: a garlic extract used in general and cardiovascular support formulas.
Ginkgo Biloba: a herbal extract used in cognitive-function formulas.
Ginseng: a family of herbal extracts that includes various Panax species.
Glucosamine: an ingredient used in joint-support formulas.
Glutamine: an amino acid.
Glycine: an amino acid involved, among other things, in collagen synthesis.
Green Tea Extract: a green tea extract rich in catechins.
Guarana: a natural source of caffeine.

H–I

HMB: a metabolite of the amino acid leucine.
Hyaluronic Acid: hyaluronic acid, a component naturally present in connective tissues.
Hydrolyzed Whey: hydrolysed whey protein.
Inositol: a compound involved in cellular functions and used in various supplement formulas.
Inulin: a soluble fibre with prebiotic properties.
Iodine: iodine, an essential trace element.
Iron: iron, an essential mineral.

K–L

Keratin: a structural protein that is a key component of hair and nails.
Krill Oil: krill oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
L-Carnitine: a form of carnitine involved in fatty acid transport.
L-Citrulline: an amino acid associated with arginine and nitric oxide metabolism.
L-Glutamine: a form of the amino acid glutamine.
L-Leucine: an essential branched-chain amino acid.
L-Theanine: an amino acid naturally found mainly in tea.
L-Tyrosine: an amino acid that is a precursor to certain neurotransmitters.
Lactase: an enzyme that breaks down lactose.
Lion’s Mane: a mushroom used in cognitive-support formulas.

M–N

Maca: a herbal extract used in supplements for wellbeing and vitality.
Magnesium: magnesium, an essential mineral for many normal bodily functions.
Maltodextrin: a carbohydrate used as an energy source.
Manganese: manganese, an essential trace element.
Melatonin: a hormone naturally produced by the body and associated with the sleep–wake cycle.
Milk Thistle: milk thistle, a herbal extract used in various supplement formulas.
MSM: an organic sulfur compound often used in joint-support formulas.
Multivitamins: multivitamin preparations combining many vitamins and often minerals.
NAC: N-acetylcysteine, a derivative of the amino acid cysteine.
Nitrates: nitrate salts associated with nitric oxide production in the body.

O–P

Omega-3: essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that include EPA and DHA, among others.
Omega 3-6-9: a combination of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
Papain: a proteolytic enzyme derived from papaya.
Phosphorus: phosphorus, an essential mineral involved in many bodily functions.
Potassium: potassium, an essential electrolyte for normal muscle and nervous system function.
Prebiotics: ingredients used as a substrate by beneficial intestinal microorganisms.
Probiotics: live microorganisms used in supplements to support intestinal microflora.
Psyllium: a soluble fibre derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata.

R–S

Rhodiola Rosea: a herbal extract classified as an adaptogen and used in formulas for energy and fatigue management.
Saw Palmetto: a herbal extract often used in men's support formulas.
Selenium: selenium, an essential trace element with a role in antioxidant protection.
Silica: silicon, an ingredient used in formulas for hair, skin and nails.
Sodium: sodium, a key electrolyte involved in fluid balance and normal muscle and nerve function.
Spirulina: a microalga rich in protein and various micronutrients.
Synbiotics: a combination of probiotics and prebiotics.

T–Z

Taurine: an aminosulfonic acid involved in many normal bodily functions.
Theanine: an amino acid naturally found mainly in tea.
Tribulus Terrestris: a herbal extract used in sports and men's support formulas.
Turmeric: turmeric, a plant naturally containing curcuminoids such as curcumin.
Valerian: valerian, a herbal extract used in relaxation and sleep formulas.
Vegan Protein: plant protein derived from sources such as pea, rice, soy or hemp.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin with a role in vision and normal immune function, among others.
Vitamin B Complex: a B vitamin complex that includes many vitamins from the B group.
Vitamin C: a water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant activity and a role in normal immune function.
Vitamin D: a fat-soluble vitamin with an important role in maintaining bones and normal immune function.
Vitamin E: a fat-soluble vitamin that contributes to protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin K: a fat-soluble vitamin that contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones.
Waxy Maize: maize starch used as a carbohydrate source in sports supplements.
Whey Protein: whey protein with high biological value.
Zinc: zinc, an essential trace element involved in many normal bodily functions.
ZMA: a combination of zinc, magnesium and Vitamin B6.

How to use the dictionary

The dictionary serves as a quick reference point. For a full analysis of an ingredient, we need to examine form, dose, goal, potential interactions and the level of evidence.

An ingredient's name is not enough to judge a product. Its actual dose and form are equally important.

Additional Specialist Guides

For a more detailed look, you will find additional specialist guides below covering ingredient forms and specific product categories.