METHODOLOGY
Mechanism. Human evidence. Form. Dose. In that order.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
Human RCT minimum
We require at least one human randomized controlled trial showing the claimed effect. Animal data alone is not sufficient — we note compounds that are animal-only clearly.
Dose-level evidence
The dose matters as much as the compound. Many "evidence-based" supplements cite studies at doses 2–5x what's in the product. Every compound in Helios is dosed at or above the studied effective dose.
Form specificity
Zinc bisglycinate absorbs better than zinc oxide. Ubiquinol has 3–8x better bioavailability than ubiquinone CoQ10. We selected forms based on absorption studies, not cost. This is why the pills are more expensive than drugstore brands.
Effect size minimum
Statistical significance without clinical relevance is noise. We require a meaningful effect size — not a p<0.05 with 5% improvement. Our benchmark: would a practicing sports medicine physician use this?
Transparency on emerging evidence
Some compounds (fadogia, shilajit in the Ayurvedic literature) have promising mechanisms and emerging human data but limited safety data. We include them in specific profiles with explicit notes, cycle guidelines, and cautions — never silently.
INGREDIENT REFERENCE
COMPOUNDS WE CONSIDERED AND EXCLUDED
Tribulus terrestris — excluded
Multiple systematic reviews found no effect on testosterone in healthy men. Popular in bodybuilding due to old Bulgarian research that didn't replicate. Not in Helios.
D-Aspartic Acid (DAA) — excluded
Initial promising studies showed T increase in untrained men. Follow-up in trained men with higher baseline T showed either no effect or a decrease. Excluded.
DHEA — excluded
Precursor to both testosterone and estrogen — conversion ratio is unpredictable and individual. Can increase estrogen as readily as testosterone. Requires clinical guidance, not OTC use.
Zinc at ultra-high doses (>45mg/day) — excluded
Zinc above 40mg/day blocks copper absorption. Our 30mg AM + 15mg PM split is at the high end of therapeutic and we note copper supplementation if zinc is the only mineral taken long-term.
Our ingredient selections update as the literature evolves. Protocol version 1.0 — May 2026.
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