Dr Mulgan talks about the Essentials ingredients - and all of the ingredients are explained below
Used in Lifeguard Essentials
Turmeric
Turmeric has been a pillar of Asian cuisine and culture and medicine for millennia. A huge amount of modern research has demonstrated it can be used to support healthy inflammatory balance, particularly a phytochemical called curcumin. Unfortunately, curcumin in its natural state is not well absorbed from the gut. LifeGuard Essentials counteracts this by delivering a daily dose of curcumin in an easily absorbed package, combined with an extract of black pepper.
As a plant extract, turmeric is also valued for its antimicrobial properties valued in healthy ageing routines for its naturally occurring plant compounds.
USED IN LIFEGUARD ESSENTIALS
Grapes and seed oil
Grapes are naturally rich in plant compounds, including polyphenols but more than half of them are in the pips, and most of the rest are in the skin and stems. Just eating grapes wastes most of their potential. LifeGuard Essentials delivers an extract of grape skin and seed which captures the grape’s most valuable constituents.
Grape seed and grape skin extracts provide naturally occurring polyphenols that help support antioxidant activity and healthy ageing routines.
USED IN LIFEGUARD ESSENTIALS
Boswelia and its anti inflammatory properties
Boswellia is the sap of a desert tree from North Africa, is traditionally used to support a healthy inflammatory response. It contains plant compounds traditionally used to support a healthy inflammatory response and general mobility.
Boswellia is also valued in healthy ageing formulas that support mobility, comfort and overall wellbeing.
USED IN LIFEGUARD ESSENTIALS
Olives and Olive Oil
Olives have numerous constituents that support healthy inflammatory balance and general wellbeing and their oil is one of the mainstays of healthy modern eating.
Recent research shows even higher levels of the key phytochemicals like oleuropein come from olive leaf extract, making olive leaf extract a useful addition to healthy ageing and antioxidant-support formulas.
USED IN LIFEGUARD ESSENTIALS
Skullcap root extract
Baikal skullcap is a Siberian shrub named after its distinctive helmet shaped flowers whose root has long been used in Chinese medicine.
The root contains a range of naturally occurring plant compounds, used in formulas that support calm, healthy ageing and antioxidant balance.
Lifeguard Immune Ingredients
Below are the ingredients we use in Lifeguard Immune
USED IN LIFEGUARD IMMUNE
Vitamin C
We use ascorbic acid, a water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential for immune cell function which supports normal immune function and helps protect cells from oxidative stress
Why we use it
Ascorbic acid accumulates in immune cells such as neutrophils, supporting their normal role in immune defence and cellular maintenance., engulf pathogens, and clear used cells to prevent tissue damage. Additionally, Vitamin C helps protect cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and regenerating other antioxidants in the body, such as vitamin E and glutathione. Adequate Vitamin C intake supports normal immune function and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
used in lifeguard immune
Vitamin D3
We use Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) which is a bioactive form of vitamin D. It supports normal immune response and contributes to bone and muscle health.
Why we use it
Vitamin D3 regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism, supporting bone mineralisation and muscle function. It also modulates immune cells, supporting normal immune system function. Adequate Vitamin D3 intake supports bone health, muscle function and normal immune system function.
used in lifeguard immune
Copper (as Copper Gluconate)
We use copper from a trace mineral provided as copper gluconate which supports immune function and normal energy metabolism
Why we use it
Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in enzymatic reactions involved in energy production, antioxidant defence, and immune cell function. Adequate copper intake supports the activity of enzymes like cytochrome c oxidase (for energy metabolism) and superoxide dismutase (for antioxidant protection), which help maintain normal immune responses and cellular energy balance.
used in lifeguard immune
Selenium
We use Highly absorbable organic selenium which contributes to normal immune function and protects cells from oxidative damage
Why we use it
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions as a key component of seleno proteins and antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. These enzymes protect cells from oxidative stress and support normal immune responses. Bioavailable forms such as selenomethionine help support antioxidant defence and normal immune function.
used in lifeguard Immune
Zinc
We use zinc citrate, an essential trace mineral in citrate form for good absorption which Supports normal immune function and helps maintain skin and mucosal barrier integrity
Why we use it
Zinc is a crucial trace mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those that regulate immune cell development and function. Adequate zinc intake supports both innate and adaptive immunity, helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucosal barriers, and protects against oxidative stress. Citrate forms of zinc are well-absorbed and effective in maintaining physiological zinc levels.
used in lifeguard Immune
Elderberry Fruit Extract
We use a standardised elderberry extract rich in anthocyanins traditionally used to support upper respiratory health and immune resilience
Why we use it
Elderberry extracts are rich in anthocyanins and other flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Elderberry is commonly used in seasonal immune-support formulas and helps support overall immune resilience. Its bioactive compounds are thought to support normal immune signalling and antioxidant activity, contributing to immune resilience
used in lifeguard immune
Green Chiretta
We use Andrographis paniculata (Green Chiretta) whole plant extract, which is a bitter herb extract used in traditional systems for immune support which is traditionally used in immune-support formulas and may help support resilience during seasonal challenges.
Why we use it
Andrographis paniculata contains bioactive diterpenoids, such as andrographolide, are traditionally used in immune-support formulas. Clinical studies indicate that supplementation may support the immune system, support immune resilience during seasonal challenges, and help the body respond to common seasonal illnesses.
used in Lifeguard Immune
Quercetin
Quercetin is flavonoid antioxidant naturally found in plants which supports healthy inflammatory balance and supports immune health and healthy ageing routines.
Why we use it
Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid which supports antioxidant activity and healthy inflammatory balance. Quercetin is used to support antioxidant activity, healthy inflammatory balance and normal immune function. Studies suggest quercetin supplementation may help maintain healthy inflammatory balance and support immune resilience and antioxidant balance.
Lifeguard Sleep Ingredients
Below are the ingredients we use in Lifeguard Sleep
NZ-made sleep-support capsules for real-world routines
Designed for adults 40+ who want support for calm, restful evening routines
Take two capsules 30–60 minutes before bed; simple, consistent routine
used in lifeguard sleep
Tart Cherry Extract
We use tart cherry extract because it provides natural phytonutrients which helps support restful evening routines and sleep quality.
Why we use it
Tart cherries are rich in phytonutrients, including anthocyanins and naturally occurring melatonin. Studies indicate that tart cherry consumption may support sleep quality as part of a healthy evening routine. Tart cherry is commonly used in sleep-support formulas as part of a healthy evening routine.
used in lifeguard sleep
Lemon Balm Leaf Extract
We use a concentrated lemon balm leaf extract which is a calming herb that helps ease tension and support relaxation before bed.
Why we use it
Lemon balm contains bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids and is traditionally used to support calm and relaxation. Lemon balm is traditionally used to support calm, relaxation and restful evening routines. Its calming properties help ease tension and support mental and physical relaxation, making it a useful ingredient in sleep-support formulas.
used in lifeguard sleep
Saffron
We use Crocus stativus stigma extract which is a standardised saffron extract used in formulas that support mood balance and sleep routines.
Why we use it
Saffron contains bioactive compounds such as crocin and safranal, which are naturally occurring plant compounds used in wellbeing formulas. Clinical studies indicate that saffron supplementation supports mood balance and sleep routines, and supports mood balance and restful evening routines.
used in lifeguard sleep
Magnesium
We use marine magnesium hydroxide which is a naturally sourced form of magnesium obtained from purified seawater.
Why we use it
Magnesium is widely recognised for its role in supporting normal nervous system function and muscle relaxation. Magnesium supports normal nervous system function, muscle relaxation and restful routines., particularly older adults with low magnesium intake or restless sleep. Magnesium also plays a role in normal nervous system function and relaxation, and is key player in the body’s sleep–wake cycle and relaxation response.
Marine-derived magnesium hydroxide is not a “sleep drug” on its own, but it provides a bioavailable source of elemental magnesium that can be used daily as part of a broader evening routine that supports calm, muscle relaxation and overnight recovery.
Lifeguard ingredients: what is in our formulations, and why
Lifeguard ingredients: what is in our formulations, and why
Formulated by Dr Roderick Mulgan, New Zealand GP and founder of Lifeguard Health
Every Lifeguard formulation is made in New Zealand and built around a simple principle: name the ingredient, state the dose, and be straight about what the evidence does and does not show. This page explains what goes into our products and how to read a supplement label properly, whether or not the label is ours.
How our formulations are put together
Three rules govern what goes into a Lifeguard product.
Named doses, not proprietary blends. A "proprietary blend" tells you which ingredients are present but not how much of each. That is a marketing convenience, not a specification. Our labels state quantities so you can compare them against the research and against other products.
Standardised botanical extracts. Plant material varies enormously between harvests. A standardised extract is measured against a marker compound so each capsule delivers a consistent amount. Where an extract is standardised, the label says so.
Doses that reflect the research. A fashionable ingredient at a token amount is decoration. If an ingredient is in the formula, it is there at a quantity that reflects how it has actually been studied.
The botanicals in Lifeguard Essentials
Lifeguard Essentials is our daily botanical formula. It is not a multivitamin and contains no added vitamins or minerals. It is built from five plant extracts.
Turmeric
Curcuma longa. A rhizome in the ginger family, used in South Asian cooking and traditional medicine for centuries. Its best-studied compounds are the curcuminoids. Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, which is why extract quality and formulation matter more here than with most botanicals.
Boswellia
Boswellia serrata. The resin of a tree native to India, also known as Indian frankincense. It contains boswellic acids and has a long documented history of traditional use. See the science of boswellia.
Olive leaf
Extracted from the leaf of Olea europaea rather than the fruit. Its characteristic compound is oleuropein, a polyphenol also found in olive oil. Extracts are usually standardised to oleuropein content.
Grape seed
An extract of Vitis vinifera seeds, rich in a group of polyphenols called proanthocyanidins — the same broad family of plant compounds found in dark berries and tea.
Baical skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis. The dried root of an Asian plant in the mint family, used in traditional Chinese medicine as huang qin. Each capsule delivers 30 mg of extract, equivalent to 1.5 grams of dried root. It is a different plant from American skullcap, which shares the common name and little else. See the science of skullcap.
Our other formulations
Full ingredient lists and quantities for every product are stated on the pack and on each product page:
- Lifeguard Essentials — the daily botanical formula described above
- Lifeguard Immune — formulated to support normal immune function
- Lifeguard Sleep — formulated to support normal sleep
Melatonin is a prescription medicine in New Zealand and is not present in any Lifeguard product.
How to read any supplement label
This applies to every brand on the shelf, not only ours.
- The botanical name. The two-word Latin one. Common names are shared between unrelated plants.
- The plant part. Root, leaf, seed, resin and fruit are not interchangeable.
- A standardisation figure. A named marker compound and a percentage. Without it, a milligram figure tells you the weight of the powder and nothing about its composition.
- The extract ratio, read alongside the standardisation — a high ratio with no marker specification is a number without a unit.
- Where it was made, and whether the manufacturer will tell you about their testing.
- The full ingredient list, including capsule shell, fillers and excipients.
If the first three are missing, you are being asked to take the amount on trust.
What we will not claim
Dietary supplements in New Zealand are regulated as foods, not medicines. No supplement may lawfully be claimed to treat, prevent or cure any illness, and we do not make those claims for ours. Where the evidence for an ingredient is preliminary or limited to laboratory work, we say so on the relevant ingredient page rather than implying more than is known.
A brand that tells you what the evidence does not show is more useful than one that claims certainty.
Before you start something new
Botanical extracts are not inert, and natural does not mean free of interactions. If you take prescription medicine, have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are due to have surgery, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting any new supplement.
For the wider picture of what to take and why after 45, see our healthy ageing supplements guide.
Written and reviewed by Dr Roderick Mulgan, NZ GP and founder of Lifeguard Health. This page is general information, not medical advice. Dietary supplements are not medicines and cannot treat, prevent or cure any condition. For advice about your own health, see your GP.
