Kay Russell is the lead product researcher and supplement strategist for VitaminProGuide.com. A graduate of Indiana University, Kay has spent over a decade deconstructing nutritional labels and investigating the physiological impacts of natural compounds on metabolic health.
Kay’s approach is rooted in evidence-based wellness, focusing on separating clinical research from marketing hype. Whether she is testing the absorption rates of liquid tinctures or analyzing the purity of plant-based superfoods, her mission is to provide readers with first-hand experience and laboratory-backed insights.
When she isn’t deep-diving into NIH clinical trials, Kay can be found hiking the trails of the Midwest or experimenting with nutrient-dense, plant-based recipes in her kitchen.
In Brief Safety: 40Hz flickering light can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. If you have a history of seizures or migraines, do not use this therapy without direct neurological supervision. Effectiveness: Clinical trials, including those from MIT,…
In Brief Safety: Sarsasapogenin, the active phytosterol in Volufiline, interacts with fat cells but does not bind to estrogen receptors. It is considered safe for topical use, though the base oil (often hydrogenated polyisobutene) can cause breakouts in acne-prone…
In Brief Safety: High-dose Zinc (over 40mg daily) induces copper deficiency by competing for absorption. Monitor for anemia or neurological symptoms if using this protocol long-term. Effectiveness: Research shows Quercetin acts as a natural ionophore, increasing intracellular Zinc concentrations…
In Brief Safety: High-dose folic acid can mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially leading to irreversible neurological damage. L-methylfolate does not carry this “masking” risk because it enters the metabolic cycle past the point of B12 interaction. Effectiveness: Metabolic…
In Brief Safety: Oral micronized progesterone is contraindicated in women with active liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Monitor for severe drowsiness if taking oral doses during the day. Effectiveness: Vaginal administration achieves significantly higher uterine tissue concentrations with…
In Brief Safety: Lutein is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), though high chronic doses can cause harmless yellowish skin discoloration. Current clinical evidence shows no adverse effects in children or adults at standardized doses. Effectiveness: Research indicates that daily…
In Brief Safety: Magnesium is cleared by the kidneys. If you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), high doses can lead to hypermagnesemia, which causes low blood pressure and cardiac arrest. Consult a nephrologist before supplementing. Effectiveness: Clinical data shows…
In Brief Safety: Benfotiamine is generally well-tolerated. It converts to Thiamine in the body, which has no established Upper Tolerable Limit because excess is excreted. However, rare cases of sulfur sensitivity can cause skin rashes. Effectiveness: Clinical data shows…
In Brief Safety: Benfotiamine is synthetic but converts to natural Thiamine in the body. It is generally safe, though high doses can cause a harmless “sulfur” odor in sweat. Rare allergic skin reactions have been documented. Effectiveness: Clinical pharmacokinetics…
In Brief Safety: Berberine inhibits CYP liver enzymes. This can potentiate (increase the strength of) medications like statins or beta-blockers. Phytosome forms are absorbed more efficiently, potentially increasing this interaction risk. Effectiveness: Clinical data indicates that Berberine Phytosome achieves…