The best dietary supplements, according to hackers
10 dietary supplements recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.
- Most recommendedCreatine monohydrate104 people recommend it
- Least regretPsyllium husk13 recommend, 1 criticize
All dietary supplements
- Creatine monohydrateA heavily studied, widely considered safe supplement that people credit with strength gains and sharper thinking, especially when sleep deprived; some report hair loss, stomach trouble or disrupted sleep.104recommend
- MelatoninRecommended for helping people fall asleep, often at low or liquid doses. Common caveat: morning grogginess, and evidence is weak outside jet lag and sleep disorders.43recommend
- Magnesium glycinateRecommended for better sleep, relaxation, and relief from restless legs and muscle stiffness. Some users found no effect, and overdose is easy to happen.31recommend
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementPeople recommend NAC as a cheap, generally safe supplement that they say helps with hangovers, brain fog, and stress, and that is widely studied. Critics say long-term safety data is limited and that it can worsen liver damage if taken after drinking.17recommend
- Psyllium huskA simple, cheap fiber supplement people use for hard stools and digestion. The main caveat is that it tastes and feels unpleasant.13recommend
- Magnesium L-threonatePeople recommend it for sleep and muscle tightness; critics say the brain benefit claims rest on a mouse study and the patent holder's research.9recommend
- Lithium orotateRecommended as a supplement that reaches the brain and was effective in mouse models of Alzheimer's; human evidence is not cited in the quotes.7recommend
- L-Theanine supplementPeople recommend L-theanine as a cheap supplement that helps them feel calm and sleep better, without pharmaceuticals or stimulant pouches.6recommend
- Vitamin D supplementPeople recommend taking a daily vitamin D supplement because it is cheap and seems to improve mood, energy and illness recovery, with few known risks. Some report it made their symptoms worse or did nothing for them.5recommend
- MetamucilPeople recommend it as a daily dose of soluble psyllium fiber for digestion, with several saying the benefits show up with regular use. Critics point to added sugar or artificial sweeteners and the cost.5recommend