THE VANGUARD BLOG
Physician-curated deep dives into the science of men's health optimization.
Supplement Guides
At a Glance Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is among the most clinically researched medicinal mushrooms, distinguished by two well-characterized immunomodulatory polysaccharides: polysaccharide-K (PSK, also known as Krestin) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP). PSK has been an approved cancer…
27 Apr 2026
Skincare
At a Glance Adapalene is a third-generation synthetic retinoid that became available over-the-counter in the US at 0.1% concentration (Differin) in 2016 — a significant regulatory change that made one of the most clinically validated acne and anti-aging actives accessible without a…
27 Apr 2026
Supplements
At a Glance Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring dithiol compound that functions as an essential cofactor in mitochondrial energy metabolism and one of the most versatile antioxidants in human biochemistry. Unlike most antioxidants, ALA is both water- and fat-soluble, enabling it…
27 Apr 2026
Skincare
At a Glance Retinaldehyde (retinal) is the intermediate form of vitamin A that sits between retinol and retinoic acid (tretinoin) in the retinoid conversion pathway — one enzymatic step away from the active form the skin actually uses. This position in the pathway gives it a clinical profile…
27 Apr 2026
Skincare
At a Glance Ceramides are the structural backbone of the skin's barrier — they make up approximately 50% of the lipids in the stratum corneum and are a central determinant of barrier integrity and transepidermal water loss, alongside cholesterol and free fatty acids. Age-related ceramide…
27 Apr 2026
Supplements
At a Glance Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid that forms a critical structural component of neuronal cell membranes and is one of the few supplements with an FDA-qualified health claim for cognitive function. It has a substantial human clinical trial database — particularly for…
27 Apr 2026
Supplements
At a Glance Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) and L-Carnitine are two forms of the same conditionally essential nutrient with distinct pharmacological profiles. L-Carnitine is the foundational form — essential for mitochondrial fatty acid transport and well-evidenced for cardiovascular health…
27 Apr 2026
Supplement Guides
At a Glance Zinc is an essential trace mineral and structural cofactor in over 300 enzymes, playing fundamental roles in
27 Apr 2026
Training Protocols
At a Glance Zone 2 training refers to sustained aerobic exercise performed at a low to moderate intensity — roughly 60–70% of maximum heart rate — where energy production relies predominantly on fat oxidation via mitochondrial aerobic pathways and blood lactate remains in the range of 1.5–2…
27 Apr 2026
Evidence-based multi-compound and behavioral strategy for sleep quality and duration
13 Apr 2026
Protocol Guide Series — Testosterone Optimization Protocol: A Complete Framework
13 Apr 2026
Protocol Guide Series — April 2026 | FOR VANGUARD MEMBERS ONLY
13 Apr 2026
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