Research, evaluation, selection

1. Research

For each ingredient, Brian looks first for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, then for randomized controlled trials. Priority goes to studies in adults over 40. Brand websites, testimonials and social media trends are not used as evidence.

Every claim on a review page carries one of three grades:

• Robust evidence: Consistent results across several randomized trials or meta-analyses.
• Promising evidence: Supportive trials exist, but results vary or populations are narrow.
• Early evidence: Small, short or mixed studies. Worth watching, not worth relying on.

We only describe what a supplement may support in the body. We never say one treats, cures or prevents a disease, because no supplement is approved to do that.

2. Evaluation

Each product is then checked against that research:

• Dose. The amount per serving on the label, set against the amount that was actually studied.
• Form. Whether the product uses the form of the ingredient the research used.
• Independent testing. Third-party certification or published lab results where they exist, and a plain note where they do not.
• Cost. Price per effective serving, not price per bottle.
• Safety. Known side effects, medication interactions, and who should talk to a doctor first.

What we do not do yet. Reviews are desk research from published evidence and product labels. No product on this site has been assessed by a doctor or tested by patients for this program. If that changes, each review will name who took part.

3. Selection

Products that pass make the list. The list is short on purpose: one clear answer for each need is more useful than twenty options. Every pick is re-checked at least every six months, and removed if the evidence, the label or the price stops holding up.

How Brian earns money

Some links on these pages pay GetBrian a commission. Commission rates are not part of the method, and a brand cannot pay to be listed. Full details are on the disclosures page.