THE SCIENCE
We don't guess. We read the research.
Every CleaNMN formula is anchored to published evidence — authorised health claims where they exist, and honest "educational" labelling where they don't. We reference the science transparently so you can make informed decisions, not because a marketing team told us to. Every batch is third-party tested for identity, purity, and potency before it reaches you.
OUR APPROACH
How we categorise our claims
Not all supplement claims are equal. Here's how we distinguish between what's proven, what's promising, and what's still emerging — and why it matters for your trust.
Authorised health claim
These claims have been evaluated by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), passed rigorous scientific assessment, and are adopted into the GB Nutrition & Health Claims Register. They are legally permitted on product labels and marketing.
Products carrying authorised claims: Magnesium Complex, Vitamin D3, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Vitamin B-Complex, Zinc 15mg, Creatine Monohydrate.
Example: "Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function" — an authorised Article 13.1 health claim.
Emerging / sports science
Some nutrients have strong published research for benefits that fall outside the scope of their current authorised claims. For example, Creatine's effects on cognition and healthy ageing, or Omega-3's emerging role in skin barrier function.
We reference this research transparently — citing the studies — but we don't overstate the evidence or present it as an approved health claim. You'll see these clearly labelled as "emerging" throughout this page.
We believe you deserve access to the full picture, not just the claims regulators have had time to assess.
Educational only
These nutrients have no authorised GB health claim. We share the published science so you can make an informed choice, but we make no health claims on-pack or in our marketing materials for these products.
Products in this category: NMN 500mg, Resveratrol 150mg, L-Tyrosine 500mg.
NMN currently has novel food status in Great Britain, meaning pre-market authorisation is required before it can be sold as a food supplement. We provide educational content about the research landscape for transparency.
THE RANGE
Nutrient-by-nutrient deep dives
Each product in our range, examined through the lens of published research. Every claim is categorised so you know exactly what's proven, what's promising, and what we're sharing for education.
Magnesium Complex
Our tri-form complex combines magnesium glycinate, taurate, and citrate — chosen specifically for bioavailability. Magnesium oxide, the cheapest and most common form, has an absorption rate as low as 4%. Glycinate and citrate are significantly better absorbed, while taurate offers additional cardiovascular research interest.
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. The average UK diet provides around 270mg/day — below the 375mg reference nutrient intake. Subclinical deficiency is remarkably common, particularly in women over 40 and those under chronic stress.
Authorised health claims
- Contributes to normal muscle function
- Contributes to normal psychological function
- Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- Contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
- Contributes to electrolyte balance
- Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
Suggested daily dose: 400mg elemental magnesium (split across forms)
References: Schwalfenberg & Genuis, Nutrients, 2017 · DiNicolantonio et al., Open Heart, 2018 · EFSA Journal, Art. 13.1 health claims list
Vitamin D3 (1000 IU)
We use cholecalciferol (D3), the form naturally synthesised in human skin and significantly more effective at raising serum 25(OH)D levels than ergocalciferol (D2). In a country where PHE estimates 1 in 5 people have low vitamin D status, supplementation is not optional — it's practical.
The UK government recommends that all adults consider a 10μg (400 IU) supplement during autumn and winter, but many healthcare professionals suggest higher intakes for those with limited sun exposure, darker skin tones, or increased requirements during peri-menopause and menopause.
Authorised health claims
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
- Contributes to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
- Contributes to normal muscle function
- Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Suggested daily dose: 1000 IU (25μg) cholecalciferol
References: SACN Vitamin D and Health report, 2016 · Tripkovic et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2012 · EFSA Journal, Art. 13.1 health claims list
Omega-3 (EPA / DHA)
Sourced from high-purity fish oil from audited, sustainable fisheries. Our Omega-3 delivers concentrated EPA and DHA — the two long-chain fatty acids with the strongest evidence base. Molecular distillation removes heavy metals and environmental contaminants while preserving bioactivity.
The average UK adult consumes less than half the recommended amount of oily fish. Given that EPA and DHA cannot be efficiently synthesised from plant-based ALA (conversion rates are typically below 5–10%), direct supplementation is the most reliable route for most people.
Authorised health claims
- EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (at 250mg EPA+DHA/day)
- DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function (at 250mg DHA/day)
- DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision (at 250mg DHA/day)
Emerging research Emerging
- Skin barrier integrity and photoprotection (Pilkington et al., 2011)
- Anti-inflammatory pathways via specialised pro-resolving mediators (Serhan, 2014)
Suggested daily dose: 1000mg fish oil providing ≥250mg combined EPA+DHA
References: EFSA Journal, Art. 13.1 health claims list · Pilkington et al., Exp Dermatol, 2011 · SACN Advice on Fish Consumption, 2004
Vitamin B-Complex
The B vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble nutrients that function as essential co-enzymes in energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. Because they're water-soluble, the body cannot store significant reserves — daily intake matters.
Our formula uses methylated forms where applicable (methylcobalamin for B12, methylfolate for folate) to support those with common MTHFR polymorphisms that reduce conversion of synthetic folic acid. This isn't a trend — it's biochemical pragmatism.
Authorised health claims
- Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12)
- Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12)
- Contributes to normal psychological function (B1, B3, B6, B7, B9, B12)
- Contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system (B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B12)
- Contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism (B6, B9, B12)
Suggested daily dose: 1 capsule providing full-spectrum B vitamins at therapeutic levels
References: Kennedy, Nutrients, 2016 · EFSA Journal, Art. 13.1 health claims list · Scaglione & Panzavolta, Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther, 2014
Zinc 15mg
We use zinc picolinate — a chelated form bound to picolinic acid, which is naturally produced in the pancreas and facilitates mineral absorption in the small intestine. Studies suggest picolinate is better absorbed than zinc oxide or zinc sulphate, the forms most commonly found in budget supplements.
Zinc is involved in over 200 enzymatic processes and plays a critical role in immune defence, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Marginal zinc deficiency is common in UK adults, particularly in those following plant-heavy diets (due to phytate binding) or during periods of physiological stress.
Authorised health claims
- Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails
- Contributes to normal cognitive function
- Contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood
Suggested daily dose: 15mg zinc (as zinc picolinate)
References: Barrie et al., Agents Actions, 1987 · Prasad, Mol Med, 2008 · EFSA Journal, Art. 13.1 health claims list
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is the most extensively studied sports supplement in history, with over 500 peer-reviewed papers supporting its safety and efficacy. It works by replenishing phosphocreatine stores in muscle, enabling faster ATP regeneration during high-intensity effort.
But creatine isn't just for athletes. The brain is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body, and it relies on the same phosphocreatine system. This has led to growing research interest in creatine's potential cognitive benefits — particularly during sleep deprivation, acute stress, and ageing.
Authorised health claims
- Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise (at 3g/day)
Emerging research Emerging
- Cognitive performance under conditions of sleep deprivation and mental fatigue (Avgerinos et al., 2018)
- Potential neuroprotective effects and healthy brain ageing (Forbes et al., 2022)
- Emerging interest in musculoskeletal health during peri-menopause (Smith-Ryan et al., 2021)
Suggested daily dose: 3–5g creatine monohydrate
References: EFSA Journal, Art. 13.5 health claim · Avgerinos et al., Exp Gerontol, 2018 · Kreider et al., J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2017
L-Tyrosine 500mg
Educational — no authorised GB health claim. The following information is provided for transparency and informed decision-making only.
L-Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid and a direct precursor to the catecholamine neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Under normal conditions, the body synthesises sufficient tyrosine from phenylalanine. However, research suggests that under conditions of acute stress — cold exposure, sleep deprivation, multitasking — catecholamine production increases and tyrosine availability may become rate-limiting.
Military and aviation research has shown that tyrosine supplementation can help maintain cognitive performance under demanding conditions. The most consistent findings come from acute, high-stress scenarios rather than everyday supplementation.
Research highlights
- Maintained working memory and cognitive flexibility during acute stress (Jongkees et al., 2015)
- Improved cognitive performance in cold-stress military studies (Mahoney et al., 2007)
- No authorised GB or EU health claim for cognitive or stress-related benefits
Suggested daily dose: 500mg L-Tyrosine
References: Jongkees et al., J Psychiatr Res, 2015 · Mahoney et al., Physiol Behav, 2007 · Hase et al., J Clin Biochem Nutr, 2015
NMN 500mg
Educational — no authorised GB health claim. NMN is classified as a novel food in Great Britain and requires pre-market authorisation from the FSA. The following is provided for educational purposes only.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring nucleotide and a direct biosynthetic precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) — a coenzyme essential for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and sirtuin activity. NAD+ levels decline measurably with age, and this decline has been linked in preclinical research to hallmarks of ageing including mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired DNA repair.
The human evidence base is still developing. Early clinical trials (typically 250–1200mg/day over 4–12 weeks) have reported increases in blood NAD+ levels and favourable safety profiles. Larger, longer-duration RCTs are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. In the US, the FDA's September 2025 position clarified that NMN may be marketed as a dietary supplement, following earlier regulatory uncertainty.
Research highlights
- Increased blood NAD+ metabolome in healthy adults (Yi et al., GeroScience, 2023)
- Improved muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women (Yoshino et al., Science, 2021)
- Favourable 12-week safety profile at 1200mg/day (Liao et al., 2023)
- GB novel food status — pre-market authorisation required (FSA)
Doses used in published studies: 250mg–1200mg/day
References: Yoshino et al., Science, 2021 · Yi et al., GeroScience, 2023 · Igarashi et al., NPJ Aging, 2022 · FSA Novel Foods Register
Resveratrol 150mg
Educational — no authorised GB health claim. The following information is provided for transparency and informed decision-making only.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found naturally in grape skins, red wine, and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). It gained scientific attention through its activation of SIRT1 — a sirtuin protein involved in cellular stress responses — and its potent antioxidant activity in vitro. Our resveratrol is sourced from Japanese knotweed root extract, providing a standardised and consistent dose.
Human clinical trials have explored resveratrol's effects on markers of oxidative stress, vascular function, and skin elasticity, with mixed but promising results. Bioavailability remains a challenge — resveratrol is rapidly metabolised — and research into improved delivery formats continues.
Research highlights
- Improved markers of oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome (Tomé-Carneiro et al., 2013)
- Improved skin elasticity and reduced photo-ageing markers (Farris et al., 2014)
- Sirtuin activation and caloric restriction mimetic pathways (Baur et al., 2006)
- No authorised GB or EU health claim
Suggested daily dose: 150mg trans-resveratrol
References: Tomé-Carneiro et al., Pharmacol Res, 2013 · Baur et al., Nature, 2006 · Berman et al., NPJ Precision Oncology, 2017
QUALITY
Third-party tested. Every batch.
We don't ask you to trust our word. We ask you to trust the data. Every batch of every product undergoes independent laboratory analysis before release.
Identity & purity
What goes in is what's on the label. Independent lab verification confirms active ingredient identity, screens for heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic), and tests for microbial contamination. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't ship.
Potency
Dose accuracy is confirmed through HPLC and ICP-MS analysis. When the label says 500mg NMN, the capsule contains 500mg NMN — not 380mg of active ingredient padded with filler. Declared doses are minimum guaranteed amounts.
Transparency
Certificates of analysis are available on request. No proprietary blends — every single ingredient and its exact dose is printed on the label. We believe hiding behind "proprietary blend" language is a red flag, not a competitive advantage.
We work with accredited UK laboratories. If you'd like to see a certificate for your batch, email info@cleanmn.co.uk with your batch number.
REGULATION
Understanding claims in the UK
The supplement industry is full of bold language. Here's what the regulations actually say — and why knowing the difference makes you a smarter buyer.
What is an authorised health claim?
An authorised health claim is a statement about a nutrient's relationship to health that has been scientifically assessed by EFSA, approved by the European Commission, and adopted into the GB Nutrition & Health Claims Register (post-Brexit, maintained by the UK). Only claims on this register can legally appear on food supplement labels and marketing in Great Britain.
These claims are deliberately conservative. They describe a nutrient's contribution to "normal" function — not enhanced, boosted, or supercharged function. The bar for approval is high: the evidence must demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship, not merely an association.
What does "contributes to normal…" actually mean?
The phrase "contributes to normal" is the standard regulatory wording for authorised health claims. It means that the nutrient has been shown, through robust evidence, to play a role in maintaining a specific body function at its normal, healthy level. It does not mean the nutrient will improve a function beyond its baseline, fix a deficiency, or treat a condition.
For example, "Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system" means vitamin D is scientifically necessary for your immune system to work properly — not that it will "boost" your immunity or protect you from specific illnesses.
Why can't you say a supplement "boosts" or "strengthens"?
Words like "boost," "strengthen," "supercharge," and "turbo" imply that a supplement can enhance function beyond normal — which crosses the line from a health claim into a medicinal claim. Medicinal claims are reserved for licensed medicines (regulated by the MHRA in the UK) and require clinical trial evidence of treatment or prevention of disease.
If you see a supplement brand using this language, it's either non-compliant with GB regulations or operating in a jurisdiction with weaker enforcement. At CleaNMN, we use the language the evidence supports — nothing more.
What is a novel food and why does it matter for NMN?
A novel food is any food or ingredient that was not significantly consumed in the UK or EU before May 1997. Under the UK's retained Novel Food Regulation, these ingredients must undergo a safety assessment and receive pre-market authorisation from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) before they can be legally sold.
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is classified as a novel food in Great Britain. This means that, technically, it requires FSA authorisation before being marketed as a food supplement in the UK. The regulatory landscape is evolving — several applications are in progress — but as of now, no authorisation has been granted. We share the science transparently so you can stay informed.
What's the difference between a health claim and a medical claim?
Health claim: A statement that describes or refers to the role of a nutrient in growth, development, and normal body functions (e.g. "Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system"). These are regulated by the GB Nutrition & Health Claims Register.
Medical/medicinal claim: A statement that a product can prevent, treat, or cure a disease (e.g. "This supplement prevents colds" or "Treats anxiety"). These are regulated by the MHRA and are only permitted for licensed medicines.
Supplements are not medicines. Any brand that implies its supplement treats, prevents, or cures a disease is making an illegal medicinal claim — regardless of the research it cites.
Why do some brands make claims CleaNMN doesn't?
Enforcement of health claims regulation in the UK is complaint-driven, not proactive. This means many brands push the boundaries — using vague language, hiding behind "educational" disclaimers while clearly implying health benefits, or simply ignoring the rules. Some operate from outside the UK where GB regulations don't apply.
At CleaNMN, we've made a deliberate choice to stay within the letter and spirit of the regulations. Not because we lack confidence in our products, but because we believe trust is built through restraint and transparency. When we can't make a claim, we say so — and then we show you the research so you can decide for yourself.
FORMULATION
Sourcing & formulation principles
How we choose what goes in — and what stays out.
Bioavailable forms first
We choose ingredient forms based on absorption data, not cost. Magnesium glycinate over magnesium oxide. Zinc picolinate over zinc sulphate. Cholecalciferol (D3) over ergocalciferol (D2). Methylcobalamin over cyanocobalamin. The cheapest form is rarely the most effective — and if your body can't absorb it efficiently, the dose on the label is meaningless.
No unnecessary fillers
Every capsule contains minimal excipients — the inactive ingredients needed for manufacturing. We use vegetable-based capsule shells (HPMC), and where an anti-caking agent is required for powder flow, we use magnesium stearate or silicon dioxide at the lowest effective level. No artificial colours, no added sugars, no unnecessary bulking agents. Every ingredient on the label earns its place.
Sustainable sourcing
Our fish oils come from audited, sustainable fisheries with Friend of the Sea certification. We monitor our supply chain for environmental responsibility and allergen traceability. All products are clearly labelled with allergen information in accordance with UK food labelling regulations.
UK-made under GMP
Our supplements are manufactured in the United Kingdom under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions. This means controlled environments, documented processes, and consistent quality from batch to batch. GMP isn't marketing — it's the standard that separates professional manufacturing from backroom blending.
RESOURCES
References & further reading
We believe in open access to evidence. These are the databases, regulators, and independent resources we use — and recommend you do too.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions — science edition
How do I know your doses are evidence-based?
Every dose in our range is set with reference to published research and, where applicable, the conditions of authorised health claims. For example, our Creatine provides the 3g/day specified in the EFSA-authorised claim. Our Omega-3 delivers ≥250mg combined EPA+DHA — the threshold for the authorised heart-function claim. We don't use "fairy-dusting" (including a nutrient at a fraction of the researched dose just to list it on the label).
Why don't you make claims about NMN on your labels?
Because there are no authorised GB health claims for NMN, and NMN is classified as a novel food in Great Britain requiring FSA pre-market authorisation. Making health claims for NMN on product labels or in marketing would be non-compliant with UK food law. Instead, we share the published research transparently — clearly labelled as educational — so you can assess the evidence yourself.
What's the difference between your magnesium and a supermarket brand?
Most supermarket magnesium supplements use magnesium oxide — it's extremely cheap to produce but has an absorption rate as low as 4%. Our Magnesium Complex uses three highly bioavailable forms: glycinate, taurate, and citrate. You're paying for what your body can actually use, not just what's on the label. We also provide 400mg of elemental magnesium — above the 375mg NRV — at therapeutic levels supported by the research.
Are your supplements safe to take with prescription medication?
While our supplements are made from well-researched ingredients at safe, evidence-based doses, nutrient-drug interactions do exist. Magnesium can affect the absorption of certain antibiotics and bisphosphonates. Omega-3 at high doses may interact with anticoagulants. Vitamin K can affect warfarin therapy. If you take prescription medication, we strongly recommend consulting your GP, pharmacist, or prescribing clinician before starting any new supplement.
How do I read a Certificate of Analysis?
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a document from an independent laboratory confirming the identity, purity, and potency of a specific batch. Key things to look for: the batch number (should match your product), the test date, the active ingredient assay (actual amount vs. label claim), and heavy metal and microbial results (these should fall within safe limits set by regulatory guidelines). If you'd like us to walk you through your CoA, email us — we're happy to explain every line.
Do you fund or conduct your own research?
No — and we think that's a good thing. Brand-funded research has an inherent conflict of interest. Instead, we reference independent, peer-reviewed studies published in reputable journals. Our founder, a registered Nurse Prescriber, reviews the evidence landscape for each product and ensures our claims and educational content accurately reflect the current state of the science. We cite our sources so you can verify everything we say.
Where can I read the studies you reference?
All studies cited on this page are available through PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) — the world's largest free database of biomedical literature. Most can be accessed as full-text articles. We also recommend Examine.com for accessible, ad-free summaries of supplement research. See our References & Resources section above for direct links.
Why do you include Creatine — isn't that just for bodybuilders?
That's the perception, but the science tells a different story. Creatine monohydrate has an authorised health claim for physical performance, but emerging research is exploring its role in cognitive function (particularly under stress and sleep deprivation), healthy brain ageing, and musculoskeletal support during menopause. It's the most-studied sports supplement in history with an excellent safety profile. We include it because the evidence base is compelling — and growing — well beyond the gym.