Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Grey AI is a comprehensive database that aggregates and organizes scientific research on dietary supplements and their effects on health conditions. We present evidence from peer-reviewed studies in an accessible format, helping you make informed decisions about supplements.

Use the search bar on the homepage or navigation to type the name of any supplement. You can also browse all supplements alphabetically from the Supplements page, or explore by clicking on individual supplement names throughout the site.

Navigate to the Conditions page and search for your health condition, or use the main search bar. Each condition page lists all supplements that have been studied for that condition, sorted by the strength of evidence.

Protocols are evidence-based supplement combinations (stacks) curated for specific health conditions. Each protocol includes primary supplements with the strongest evidence, supporting supplements, suggested dosages based on research, and explanations of how they work together.

Grade A indicates strong evidence from multiple high-quality studies (randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses) with consistent results. This is the highest level of confidence. Supplement-condition pairs with Grade A evidence have robust research support, though individual results may still vary.

Grade A represents the strongest evidence with multiple high-quality studies showing consistent results. Grade B indicates moderate evidence with good supporting research, but more studies are needed to confirm the effects. Grade B findings are promising but not yet as firmly established as Grade A.

The grade reflects both the quantity and quality of research. Grade A typically requires multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or well-conducted meta-analyses showing consistent results. The exact number varies by outcome, but the key factor is having robust, replicated findings from high-quality studies.

Effect magnitude indicates how large the observed effect is: Large means substantial, clinically meaningful effects; Moderate means notable effects that may be meaningful; Small means statistically significant but modest effects. A small but consistent effect can still be valuable, depending on your goals.

Direction indicates whether a supplement raises or lowers a measured outcome. Increase (arrow up) means the supplement is associated with higher levels of the outcome. Decrease (arrow down) means lower levels. Whether an increase or decrease is beneficial depends on the specific outcome being measured.

Our research database compiles evidence from peer-reviewed studies indexed in PubMed, the NIH database of biomedical literature. All citations link to original research so you can verify the evidence yourself.

We periodically update our database to reflect the latest research aggregated by our data sources. While we strive to keep information current, there may be a delay between new research publication and its appearance in our database.

Research funding, commercial interest, and historical use all affect how much a supplement is studied. Popular supplements like Vitamin D or fish oil have hundreds of studies, while newer or less common supplements may have limited research. More studies generally mean more reliable conclusions.

An RCT is considered the gold standard for clinical research. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the treatment being studied or a placebo/control. This randomization helps eliminate bias and allows researchers to determine if effects are truly due to the supplement rather than other factors.

A meta-analysis is a statistical technique that combines results from multiple studies to provide a more precise estimate of an effect. By pooling data from many studies, meta-analyses can detect effects that individual studies might miss and provide more reliable conclusions.

Dr. Grey AI provides educational information to help you understand research, not medical advice. Before starting any supplement, consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can consider your individual health circumstances, medications, and specific needs.

Never stop or replace prescribed medications with supplements without consulting your doctor. Supplements are not substitutes for medications. Some supplements can interact with medications or affect medical conditions. Always discuss supplement use with your healthcare provider.

Yes, supplements can interact with medications, other supplements, and certain health conditions. For example, some supplements can affect blood clotting, blood pressure, or medication effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Consider factors like: the strength of evidence for your specific goal, your current health conditions, medications you take, potential side effects, and quality of available products. A healthcare provider can help you weigh these factors for your individual situation.