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: Black Pepper Extract (Piperine) inhibits the liver’s CYP3A4 enzymes. This boosts curcumin absorption but also prevents the breakdown of many prescription drugs, potentially leading to overdose. Micellar forms do not have this drug-interaction risk. Effectiveness: Clinical…
In Brief Safety: High doses of antioxidants like Vitamin E (above 400 IU) can increase bleeding risk. If you are on blood thinners or have a surgery scheduled, consult your doctor before starting a hearing protection protocol. Effectiveness: The…
In Brief Safety: Topical collagen is generally safe but can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) if the formulation includes heavy occlusives like mineral oil or dimethicone to fake a “plumping” effect. Acne-prone skin should proceed with caution. Effectiveness: The “500 Dalton…
In Brief Safety: DHT blockers like Saw Palmetto are generally safe but are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential effects on fetal development. Consult an endocrinologist if you have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers. Effectiveness: Clinical…
In Brief Safety: “Redness relief” drops (vasoconstrictors) cause rebound redness and long-term dependency. Natural tear stimulators like Maqui Berry are safer for daily use but check for interactions if you are on blood thinners. Effectiveness: Clinical trials show that…
In Brief Safety: Waking up more than twice a night (Nocturia) can signal undiagnosed Sleep Apnea or Heart Failure. If you snore loudly or have swollen ankles, consult a doctor before restricting fluids. Effectiveness: Clinical trials demonstrate that addressing…
In Brief Safety: Natural sleep aids like Magnesium and Glycine are generally safe. However, if you have low blood pressure or kidney disease, you must consult a doctor before adding high-dose electrolytes to your routine. Effectiveness: Clinical data shows…
In Brief Safety: Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can accumulate to toxic levels if taken blindly. Always test your 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels before exceeding 5,000 IU daily to prevent hypercalcemia. Effectiveness: Clinical data indicates that correcting a Vitamin…
In Brief Safety: Berberine is potent. It inhibits CYP liver enzymes, meaning it can alter the metabolism of other drugs (like statins or antibiotics). GI distress (cramping, diarrhea) affects up to 34% of users. Effectiveness: Clinical trials confirm that…
In Brief Safety: L-Theanine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), but high doses of caffeine can worsen ADHD impulsivity or anxiety. Those with genetic slow caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2) should limit intake to before noon. Effectiveness: Clinical trials demonstrate that…