THE VANGUARD BLOG
Physician-curated deep dives into the science of men's health optimization.
Supplements
Two prescription omega-3s are commonly confused. Lovaza (EPA+DHA) treats severe hypertriglyceridemia; Vascepa (pure EPA) is the only one with cardiovascular outcomes evidence. Plus: where OTC fish oil and krill oil fit, and the dose-dependent atrial fibrillation signal.
11 May 2026
Medications
Overview Naltrexone at standard doses (50 mg/day) is an FDA-approved opioid receptor antagonist for addiction. Low-dose naltrexone (LDN, 1–5 mg/day) exploits an entirely different mechanism — transient receptor blockade produces rebound upregulation of endogenous opioid signaling and reduces…
08 May 2026
Supplements
Overview Lactoferrin is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein found in high concentrations in colostrum and breast milk, and at lower levels in most exocrine secretions. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) shares ~70% structural homology with human lactoferrin and demonstrates comparable biological…
08 May 2026
Supplements
Overview L-Carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) is the form used in the majority of exercise science research. The tartrate salt enhances absorption speed, making it well-suited for pre/post-exercise applications. LCLT is distinct from ALCAR (cognitive/neurological) and PLC (cardiovascular) — its…
08 May 2026
Supplements
Overview Alpha-lipoic acid exists as two stereoisomers: R-ALA (the biologically native, endogenously produced form) and S-ALA (not found in nature). Most commercial ALA is racemic (R,S). The R-form demonstrates substantially superior bioavailability, tissue uptake, and biological activity …
08 May 2026
Supplements
Overview Vitamin B6's active form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), serves as a cofactor in over 100 enzymatic reactions — more than any other B vitamin. Critical roles span homocysteine clearance, neurotransmitter synthesis (dopamine, serotonin, GABA), steroid hormone receptor modulation, and…
08 May 2026
Supplements
Overview Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is the biosynthetic precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which participates in over 70 metabolic reactions including fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, the Krebs cycle, steroid hormone production, and acetylcholine synthesis. The derivative pantethine has the…
08 May 2026
Supplements
Overview Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the precursor to FMN and FAD, flavocoenzymes involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions, critically within the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Its strongest clinical application is migraine prophylaxis at 400 mg/day — among the best-supported…
08 May 2026
Supplements
Overview Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a water-soluble B vitamin that serves as an essential cofactor in glucose and energy metabolism. Its fat-soluble derivatives — benfotiamine and TTFD — achieve tissue concentrations dramatically higher than standard thiamine and exert biological effects…
08 May 2026
Supplement Guides
At a Glance Alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is one of the most bioavailable and best-studied oral choline precursors for supporting acetylcholine synthesis in the brain. It is used clinically in Europe for cognitive decline and post-stroke rehabilitation, and is widely used in the…
27 Apr 2026
Supplement Guides
At a Glance Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi with a documented history in Tibetan and Chinese medicine as a fatigue and performance compound. Two species dominate supplementation: Cordyceps sinensis (the wild, expensive, traditionally prized form) and Cordyceps militaris (the…
27 Apr 2026
Supplement Guides
At a Glance Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a culinary and medicinal mushroom with one of the most
27 Apr 2026
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