A comprehensive glossary with ingredients you may come across in food + beverage, supplements, beauty, household, and bath + body products. This list was compiled through years of research and should be used as a resource to better understand ingredient labels. There may be ingredients missing from this list, so please submit an ingredient request on the form below.
All of these ingredients are approved by the FDA and recognized as safe, but the research I have done has guided my personal decisions on what is I believe is clean and what should be avoided. It is your decision and this is meant to guide you as you become an informed consumer.
I do not claim any medical expertise or have science and chemical knowledge; but like all of you, I am a consumer and want to better understand these ingredients and know what I am putting in my body. This list is based on my extensive research. I always suggest doing your own additional research if you want to learn more about a specific ingredient or have additional questions!
5-HTP
A naturally occurring compound found in the body that is made from the amino acid tryptophan and helps with stimulating serotonin, the chemical that helps with regulating mood, sleep, and memory. In supplement form, it is derived from plant seeds.
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Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
An artificial sweetener that is inflammatory and can disrupt your gut microbiome negatively.
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Ammonium Chloride
An ingredient made from ammonia and hydrogen chloride that can be found in electrolyte or pH balancing products, but is not recommended for use unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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Ascorbic Acid
A synthetic version of vitamin C that is commonly added to supplements to maintain freshness of products. It is typically made with GMO corn syrup, corn starch, or corn syrup. If can cause headaches, stomach upset, and kidney stones. Look for non-GMO or organic.
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Ascorbyl Palmitate
Used in supplements to extend the shelf life. Can be derived from GMO corn so look for non-GMO or organic.
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Aspartame
A lab-made artificial sweetener that is inflammatory and can trigger tumors, increase your risk of stroke and heart attack, and disrupt your gut microbiome.
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Berberine Hydrochloride
A chemical compound found in plants that can help with inflammation, bacterial infections, and diabetes. If taking in a supplement, best to consult a doctor or health professional.
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Betaine Hydrochloride
A supplement used to help low stomach acid. Betaine is derived from natural sources such as beets and is mixed with an acid and is often mixed with digestive enzymes to help support protein digestion. Consult your doctor prior to taking.
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Calcium Laurate
An ingredient made from calcium and lauric acid (derived from a fatty acid, such as coconut). It is used as a flow agent in supplements. Calcium can upset stomach so I recommend avoiding if possible.
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Calcium Stearate
An anti-caking agent used in supplements that is derived from calcium salt.
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Carrageenan
A gum that is extracted from seaweed and used as a thickener and gelling agent. It is highly inflammatory and can cause digestive issues.
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Cellulose
A vegetarian ingredient in supplements often used for the capsules made from wood pulp or other plant fibers. An alternative to gelatin capsules.
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Chlorophyll
A green pigment found in plants that can help support the detoxification process and is rich in antioxidants.
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Chromium Picolinate
A supplement that bounds chromium to picolinic acid that can help with blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.
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Citric Acid
The synthetic version is made from black mold (Aspergillus niger) fermented with sugar, which can be GMO. It should be avoided entirely by anyone with a weakened immune system or mold sensitivity.
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Collodial Silver
An ingredient made from mixing silver particles with a liquid (usually water) that may have immune boosting ingredients. Since it’s a metal, I would recommend only taking in moderation and not for long term use and checking with healthcare professionals regarding any other meditations you’re taking or health issues you’re experiencing.
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Corn Starch
Used to provide bulk to supplements or to help the supplement through the stomach. Can be made from GMO corn so look for the non-GMO and organic label.
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Dicalcium Phosphate
A cheap form of calcium that is not easily absorbed by our body.
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Diindolylmethane (DIM)
A compound found commonly in cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower that can aid in adjusting the hormone estrogen within the body. Some research shows that supplementing with DIM is more beneficial than relying on food sources, but look for DIM extracted through real food sources. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
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E-polylysine
A preservative that is made from bacterial fermentation.
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FD&C (Ex: Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake)
Synthetic dyes and colorants that are used to make a supplement color look more appealing. May be carcinogenic, can cause allergic reactions, and can affect hyperactivity in children.
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Fermented Leucine
Leucine is an amino acid that is easily absorbed by the body. Fermented means that has been bacterial fermention to the amino acid. It’s important the company shares where they are sourcing it from and you should consult a doctor if you’re supplementing with only leucine as there are side effects.
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Fructooligosaccharides
A type of prebiotic fiber that is often used as a sweetener in supplements. It can be extracted from agave or food sources like jerusalem artichoke. It’s important to know the source it’s derived from.
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Gelatin
Typically the type of capsule used that is derived from animals. It is often low quality and can be GMO so look for non-GMO or organic gelatin.
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Glycerin
A sugar alcohol that that helps keep in moisture out or is used as a sweetener that can be derived synthetically or from natural sources like flax, palm, and sunflower oil. Best to know the source and opt for non-GMO.
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