Evidence-Based Supplements in NZ: What It Really Means

If you’ve ever searched for “evidence based supplements NZ”, you’ll know the term gets thrown around a lot. Almost every brand claims to be “science-backed” or “clinically proven” – but very few explain what that actually means in practice.

At Lifeguard Health, we focus on adults 45+ in New Zealand, and our promise is simple: doctor-formulated, NZ-made supplements built on real evidence – not wishful thinking. 

This hub walks you through:

  • What “evidence-based” really means for supplements
  • How Lifeguard selects ingredients and doses
  • How to read labels and make more informed decisions
  • Where you can see the specific evidence behind our key products
Doctor research evidence based supplements

What “evidence-based” actually means (beyond the marketing)

In medicine, evidence-based means using the best available research, combined with clinical experience and your individual needs, to make decisions. For supplements, that boils down to a few key questions:

Has this ingredient been studied in humans?
Animal or test-tube (lab) studies are useful early steps, but they’re not the same as properly designed human trials.

Was the study a real clinical trial – or just a small, uncontrolled experiment?
Stronger evidence usually comes from:

  • Randomised, placebo-controlled trials
  • Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that pool multiple studies together

Is the dose similar to what was studied?
If clinical trials used 200–300 mg of an extract, but your capsule contains 5 mg, that’s “fairy dusting” – not evidence-based formulation.

Is the benefit realistic?
Most credible research shows modest but meaningful improvements (better sleep quality, less joint discomfort, fewer sick days) – not miracles.

For example, human trials have found that tart cherry can modestly improve sleep time and efficiency in people with sleep issues, likely due to natural melatonin and polyphenols. Similarly, saffron extract has been shown in randomised trials to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia severity scores.

That’s the level we aim for: ingredients with human data, used at meaningful doses, for realistic outcomes.

The difference between clinical evidence and marketing hype. 

You will often see claims like:

  • :Clinically proven”
  • “Backed by science”
  • “Supported by research”

These phrases don’t tell you what the evidence is. To separate substance from spin, look for:

1. Clear, specific language
Good brands will say things like:

  • “Contains ingredients studied for sleep quality in adults with insomnia”
  • “Includes curcumin, which has been researched for joint pain and stiffness.

Vague lines like “ancient herb used for thousands of years” are fine background – but they’re not clinical evidence.

2. Human outcomes that match your goal
If you’re buying a sleep product, look for evidence around:

  • Sleep onset (time to fall asleep)
  • Night-time awakenings
  • Overall sleep quality

If you’re looking at an immune formula, look for research related to:

  • Frequency or duration of respiratory infections
  • Symptom severity and recovery time

Ingredients like elderberry and andrographis have been studied in the context of cold and flu symptom duration and severity, though the research is still evolving and not a substitute for medical care.

3. Honest, balanced communication
Evidence-based brands are comfortable saying:

  • “This may help support better sleep,” not “cure insomnia”.
  • “Can reduce how often you feel run down,” not “you’ll never get sick again”.

That balance – grounded but hopeful – is exactly what we aim for at Lifeguard.

How Lifeguard Health selects ingredients and doses

Lifeguard Health was founded by Dr Roderick Mulgan, a New Zealand GP with decades of clinical experience in ageing, nutrition and inflammation. 

Every formula starts with a clinical question:

What do adults 45+ in New Zealand most need help with – and what nutrients or compounds have good evidence in that area?

From there, we follow three big rules.

1. Start with the research question, not the trend

We don’t add an ingredient just because it’s trending on social media. Instead, we ask:

  • Is there a plausible biological mechanism?
  • Are there human trials in the relevant area (sleep, immune function, inflammation, mood, etc.)?
  • Are those studies reasonably sized and well-controlled?

That’s why you’ll see ingredients like:

  • Tart cherry, lemon balm, saffron and marine magnesium in Lifeguard Sleep – all selected for roles in sleep quality, relaxation and nervous system calming.
  • Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, zinc, selenium, elderberry, andrographis and quercetin in Lifeguard Immune – a combination of core micronutrients plus plant extracts with emerging evidence for immune support.
  • Turmeric (highly absorbable curcumin), boswellia, olive leaf, grape seed/skin and baical skullcap in Lifeguard Essentials – targeted towards inflammation balance, joint comfort and long-term healthy ageing.

2. Match real-world doses as closely as practical

Whenever possible, we align our ingredient levels with those used in clinical studies – or with widely accepted, evidence-informed ranges.

For example (simplified):

  • If trials suggest benefits from around 200–300 mg of an extract, we don’t put 5 mg in the capsule and call it “clinically proven”.
  • We consider interactions and total load – because many customers take a multivitamin or other medications alongside our products.

This is also why our formulas are capsule-based, not gummies. Gummies make it hard to reach meaningful doses without adding a lot of sugar or artificial ingredients.

3. Formulate and manufacture in New Zealand

All Lifeguard products are formulated and manufactured in New Zealand, under strict quality standards.

That matters because:

  • You know where the product is made and who stands behind it.
  • Manufacturing follows local regulations and quality checks.
  • It supports NZ jobs and accountability.

We will think about manufacturing products in other markets that follow the same ethical GNP manufacturing, but our preference will always be for New Zealand manufacture.

If you’d like to go deeper into Dr Mulgan’s background and philosophy, you can explore our About Us page, where we cover his medical training, research into inflammation and healthy ageing, and how Lifeguard Health began.

How to read a supplement label (and spot red flags)

When you pick up a bottle – ours or anyone else’s – here’s a simple framework:

Start with the “Supplement Facts” or “Active Ingredients”

Look for:

  • Specific ingredient names and forms e.g. “Magnesium (from marine magnesium)” rather than just “magnesium”.
  • Exact amounts per dose e.g. “Vitamin D3 500 IU” rather than “Vitamin D – proprietary blend”.

If ingredients are buried inside a “proprietary blend” without clear amounts, it’s harder to know whether you’re getting a meaningful dose.

Check if the dose makes sense, ask:

  • Does this look like the doses used in research, or is it a sprinkle?
  • Is the total daily intake safe for you, given any other supplements or medications?

Small discrepancies are normal – but huge gaps between research doses and label doses are a warning sign.

Look for context, not just claims. On a truly evidence based product page you should find. 

  • An explanation of why each hero ingredient is there
  • Plain-language summaries of the research (e.g. “In human studies, X has been linked with…” rather than dense jargon)
  • A clear reminder that supplements do not replace medical care and that you should talk to your GP about persistent symptoms

If you don’t see any explanation of the science – just big promises – be cautious.

How to use this Evidence-Based Supplements Hub

Think of this page as your starting point whenever you’re considering a supplement – ours or anyone else’s.

Clarify your goal

  • Better sleep?
  • Stronger immune resilience?
  • Less joint stiffness and smoother ageing?

Understand what “evidence-based” means
Use the checklist above: human trials, realistic outcomes, meaningful doses, transparent labels.

Explore our doctor-formulated options

Go deeper into the evidence on each product page
Each key product has a dedicated Ingredients & Evidence section so you can see exactly what’s inside and why.

Back to blog