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: Essential oils like Oregano are caustic. They can burn the skin if not diluted with a carrier oil. Diabetics should never soak feet in hot water or use strong acids without doctor approval. Effectiveness: Clinical studies…
In Brief Safety: Lysine is an amino acid and generally safe. However. High doses can affect cholesterol levels and kidney function over time. Prescription antivirals (Valacyclovir) are potent but can cause dehydration and renal stress. Effectiveness: Antivirals are the…
In Brief Safety: Vitamin A is effective but fat-soluble. High doses can become toxic to the liver. Do not take more than 10,000 IU daily without medical supervision. Effectiveness: Clinical studies show that oral Zinc can reduce inflammatory acne…
In Brief Safety: Vitamin C increases oxalate excretion. Adding rose hips (which also contain oxalates) can increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. Stick to under 1,000mg daily if you have a history of stones. Effectiveness: Rose…
In Brief Safety: High doses of Zinc (over 50mg) can deplete Copper levels, leading to anemia. Always ensure a proper Zinc-to-Copper ratio if supplementing long-term. Effectiveness: Multivitamins often fail because they use cheap “oxide” forms of minerals. Clinical data…
In Brief Safety: Men should generally avoid multivitamins with Iron. Unlike women, men have no monthly output for iron, and excess levels can damage the heart and liver. Effectiveness: A quality men’s multi must use “methylated” B-vitamins (e.g., Methylfolate)…
In Brief Safety: Even natural aids can interact with medications. For example, Valerian Root can amplify the effects of anesthesia. Stop taking it two weeks before surgery. Effectiveness: Non-habit forming options work by modulating neurotransmitters like GABA. They do…
In Brief Safety: Vitamin B6 is a “Goldilocks” nutrient. While deficiency causes neuropathy, an excess (often found in cheap multivitamins) is a leading cause of toxic neuropathy. Effectiveness: Clinical trials confirm that Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) significantly reduces neuropathic…
In Brief Safety: Stimulant-based boosters can spike blood pressure, which is risky post-menopause. Always monitor heart rate and check with a doctor if on thyroid meds. Effectiveness: Relying on pills alone is weak; clinical data shows that preserving lean…
In Brief Safety: Glucosamine and Chondroitin can interact with blood thinners like Warfarin. Always consult your doctor before starting high-dose joint protocols. Effectiveness: While “regrowing” lost cartilage is difficult, clinical data confirms we can slow degradation and thicken existing…