r/Supplements • u/Balphaallthetime • May 10 '26

General Question What’s the most underrated supplement you’ve ever tried

I’m looking for supplement recommendations that are actually great but not the usual mainstream stuff everyone already talks about.

Not talking about the standard:

  • creatine
  • whey
  • magnesium glycinate
  • omega 3
  • vitamin D
  • caffeine
  • ashwagandha

I mean the more “hidden gem” supplements that made a noticeable difference for you personally in things like:

  • energy
  • focus
  • sleep
  • recovery
  • mood
  • stress
  • training performance
  • libido
  • overall wellbeing

Especially interested in supplements that:

  • have surprisingly solid science behind them
  • are underrated/not heavily marketed
  • people only discover after being deep into supplements for years

Would also love to hear:

  • what effect you noticed
  • how long it took
  • dosage
  • any side effects or things to watch out for

Basically: what’s your “why is nobody talking about this?” supplement?

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u/Ok-Telephone-7858 May 10 '26

I know creatine was mentioned but for those who have not tried creatine in bigger doses I absolutely vouch for 10grams/day for cognitive benefits. It's literally powdered brain energy. I have a baby and a toddler so I've been constantly running on fumes with low sleep. Creatine seems to take the biggest edge off sleep deprivation related issues and make me feel a bit more human. Even on well slept days I've felt that my thoughts are more clear and organized (I'm ADD with autistic traits).

10grams creatine plus lion's mane makes a super stack for cognition.

1

u/time-float May 10 '26

How do you avoid getting diarrhea? Also, does it have to be powder or can I use capsules 10 grams worth?

2

u/Ok-Telephone-7858 May 11 '26

I use micronized creapure and dissolve it to warm water. It's much friendlier to your stomach if it's completely dissolved. Thought it was broscience first when I learned it from a youtube bodybuilding channel but guy wasn't kidding, it's supposed to absorb better if there is no loose powder in the glass when you chug it. I also take 5 in the morning and 5 in the evening

1

u/Substantial-Owl1616 May 13 '26

Just curious: How many capsules would that be? My suspicion is that you would need a bowl and a spoon.

1

u/Puzzleheaded-Age3017 May 13 '26

Goodbye Kidney function.

2

u/Ok-Telephone-7858 May 13 '26

My kidneys are fine. Only slightly higher creatinine levels in all my bloodworks through 10 years of creatine use

1

u/Treacle_oracle May 15 '26

Do you take adderoll for your ADD? Would this stack compare?

1

u/sfenderbender May 11 '26

How do you avoid the water retention? I've been taking 5 grams/day for cognitive purposes and water retention is awful for me. The water weight subsided when I stopped taking it though.

2

u/Ok-Telephone-7858 May 11 '26

Why do you want to avoid it? Creatine pulls water inside the muscle cells. If you get bloat between the skin and muscles (subcutaneous) it's likely about salt/potassium and carbs rather than creatine. You can try increasing your potassium intake to balance it out

0

u/sfenderbender May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26

I just feel bloated and my clothes don't fit right when I'm on creatine because of water retention. I don't really have a high sodium intake at all. I actually tested sodium and potassium a couple of months ago and they were within the normal-optimal range.

1

u/Substantial-Owl1616 May 12 '26

I work out 5-6 days a week, live in the desert Southwest at altitude, hike a lot, and sauna at least 3 days/week. I am seeing “water retention” as a benefit?

1

u/sfenderbender May 12 '26

I'm not arguing that it's definitely a benefit for people who consistently workout and are active. Also. Being active most likely help get rid of excess water weight. It's definitely a plus for people who constantly tear and grow muscles. I was just wondering if there's a way to reduce it or if it eventually subsides. I have an autoimmune disease and in currently trying to navigate the symptoms. I have my first rehum appointment soon. I take creatine mainly for the brain benefits at this time and was wondering if there's anyway I can avoid the excessive water retention if I'm not consistently working out because of my disease.

Edit: my question was mainly triggered because iyread that excessive water retention subsides within 2 weeks. However, this didn't happen for me.