Acemannan
Acemannan is a long-chain polysaccharide (a complex sugar molecule) found in the inner gel of Aloe vera leaves. It is the component most often referenced in aloe research and on supplement labels.
Ingredient Education
Ingredient Guides
Ingredient names can sound more complicated than they need to. These guides explain what common supplement ingredients are, where they come from and what to look for on a label.
Inulin
Inulin is a type of soluble fiber and prebiotic found naturally in foods like chicory root, onions, garlic and bananas. On labels it usually appears as chicory root fiber or inulin.
Guarana
Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon basin whose seeds contain naturally occurring caffeine. It appears in many energy products as a caffeine source.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is a concentrated preparation of compounds from green tea leaves, which can include caffeine. Extracts differ from brewed tea in concentration.
Matured Hop Extract
Matured hop extract is a preparation made from hops (Humulus lupulus) that has gone through a maturation process. It is studied for its botanical compounds.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a freshwater green alga used in greens powders and as a standalone supplement.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green alga (cyanobacterium) commonly included in greens powders.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber from seeds of Plantago ovata, commonly used as a fiber supplement.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, lactase and cellulase are proteins that help break down food components. They are sometimes added to supplements.
Prebiotic Fibers
Prebiotic fibers such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are substrates used by gut microorganisms.