The Ingredient Research Team prepares the profiles in the ingredient encyclopedia.
Methodology
Each profile rates the evidence separately for every use the ingredient is studied for, because a compound can be well supported for one purpose and unstudied for another. Ratings — strong, moderate, limited, mixed or insufficient — reflect human trials only, weighted toward systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, and are explained on the how we research page. Laboratory and animal findings are described as such and never counted as evidence of benefit in people.
Profiles state the doses and forms trials actually used, so that readers can compare them with product labels, and list side effects, interactions and the groups who should avoid the ingredient.
Sources used
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheets, NCCIH summaries, Cochrane reviews, and trials and meta-analyses indexed in PubMed, each cited at the foot of the profile. Manufacturer literature and affiliate websites are not used as sources for evidence claims.
What this role does not claim
No one writing under this role is a licensed physician, pharmacist, dietitian or nurse, and no article carries a "medically reviewed" label unless a named, verifiable clinician has personally reviewed it — see the medical review policy. Bylines identify the editorial role responsible, not an individual, so that readers are not given a false impression of clinical authority.
Corrections
Errors are corrected and recorded under the corrections policy. Report one via the contact page.