--- canonical: https://healthyagingatlas.com/research/evidence-density-map-2026/ page_type: research author: Healthy Aging Atlas Research Team reviewer: Medical Review Team date_updated: 2026-06-15 --- # Supplement Evidence Density Map 2026 > 22.2% of 2,187 cleaned supplement-goal pairings in HAA's evidence matrix had zero published RCTs. Download the CSV and methods. Healthy Aging Atlas analyzed 2,187 cleaned supplement-goal pairings from its internal evidence matrix to ask a simple question: how much of the marketed supplement landscape is backed by published human randomized controlled trials?The short answer: 22.2% of the cleaned pairings had zero published RCTs mapped in the matrix, while only 3.7% reached the high-density bucket of 10 or more RCTs. This is not a claim that those supplements never work. It is a map of where human trial evidence is dense, thin, or missing. ## Key Findings - **22.2% zero mapped RCTs** — 485 of 2,187 cleaned pairings - **37.9% 3+ mapped RCTs** — 828 pairings with a deeper evidence base - **3.7% 10+ mapped RCTs** — 80 pairings in the highest-density bucket - **52.1% at least one meta-analysis** — 1,140 pairings with mapped review literature ## Key findings - 22.2% of cleaned supplement-goal pairings had zero mapped published RCTs (485 of 2,187). - 37.9% had at least 3 mapped RCTs, the threshold HAA treats as a more meaningful evidence base. - Only 3.7% reached the 10+ RCT bucket. - 52.1% had at least one mapped meta-analysis or systematic-review signal. - 129 zero-RCT pairings still had at least 1,000 estimated monthly searches, suggesting demand can outrun trial density. - The map measures evidence density, not product quality, dose adequacy, individual suitability, or medical benefit. ## RCT density distribution The matrix is not evenly distributed. A large zero-RCT tail sits beside a smaller set of heavily studied pairings. The 80 pairings with 10 or more RCTs are the exception, not the norm. ![Bar chart showing RCT count buckets across the cleaned evidence matrix](/images/research/evidence-density-map-2026-distribution.svg) _Source: Healthy Aging Atlas Supplement Evidence Density Map 2026._ ## Evidence density by claim cluster Some categories have large bodies of human research; others are mostly market demand plus thin clinical support. Cluster-level views prevent one strong ingredient from making the whole supplement landscape look stronger than it is. ![Horizontal bar chart showing evidence density by claim cluster](/images/research/evidence-density-map-2026-clusters.svg) _Source: Healthy Aging Atlas Supplement Evidence Density Map 2026._ ## Demand and evidence do not always move together High search demand is not the same as strong human evidence. This is why HAA separates demand, evidence, commercial availability, and YMYL risk before deciding which pages deserve full editorial treatment. ![Scatter plot comparing monthly search demand and RCT count](/images/research/evidence-density-map-2026-demand-scatter.svg) _Source: Healthy Aging Atlas Supplement Evidence Density Map 2026._ ## Top 10 most-studied supplement-goal pairings These pairings had the highest mapped RCT counts in the cleaned matrix. Counts are evidence-density signals, not automatic recommendations. | Supplement | Goal | Cluster | RCTs | Meta-analyses | Monthly demand | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Phytosterols | Cholesterol | Cardiovascular | 87 | 8 | 210 | | MCT Oil | Triglyceride | Cardiovascular | 73 | 12 | 580 | | Lavender | Anxiety | Stress & Mood | 38 | 19 | 880 | | Policosanol | Cholesterol | Cardiovascular | 35 | 2 | 90 | | Glutathione | Stress | Stress & Mood | 34 | 2 | 10 | | Collagen Peptides | Skin | Beauty & Hair | 30 | 3 | 9900 | | Cranberry | Infection | Immune Support | 28 | 24 | 20 | | Iron | Anemia | General Wellness | 28 | 0 | 8100 | | Fish Oil | Lipid | Cardiovascular | 26 | 0 | 13200 | | Senna | Constipation | Gut Health | 25 | 19 | 2400 | ## High-demand pairings with zero mapped RCTs These pairings had zero mapped published RCTs in the cleaned matrix and comparatively high search demand. This table is a prioritization signal for evidence literacy, not a claim that any product is ineffective. | Supplement | Goal | Cluster | Monthly demand | CPC | Amazon SKUs | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Vitamin D | Body Fat | General Wellness | 32920 | 2.05 | | | Vitamin D | Fatigue | Energy & Fatigue | 32920 | 2.05 | | | Vitamin D | Weight Loss | Metabolic Health | 32920 | 2.05 | | | Fish Oil | Memory | Cognitive Health | 13200 | 1.89 | | | Coenzyme Q10 | Fertility | Fertility | 8880 | 2.69 | | | Coenzyme Q10 | Blood Pressure | Cardiovascular | 8880 | 2.69 | | | Coenzyme Q10 | Physical Performance | General Wellness | 8880 | 2.69 | | | Coenzyme Q10 | Anxiety | Stress & Mood | 8880 | 2.69 | | | Thiamin | Anxiety | Stress & Mood | 8880 | 1.39 | | | Thiamin | Obesity | Metabolic Health | 8880 | 1.39 | | | Thiamin | Creatinine | General Wellness | 8880 | 1.39 | | | Thiamin | Microbiome | Gut Health | 8880 | 1.39 | | | Thiamin | Weight Loss | Metabolic Health | 8880 | 1.39 | | | CoQ10 | Fertility | Fertility | 8100 | 4.63 | | | Lion's Mane Mushroom | Nerve | General Wellness | 7260 | 3.26 | | ## Cite this report Suggested citation: Healthy Aging Atlas Research Team. Supplement Evidence Density Map 2026. Healthy Aging Atlas. Published 2026-06-15. https://healthyagingatlas.com/research/evidence-density-map-2026/Download the CSV or review the methods page before reusing the headline number. The denominator is the cleaned matrix after removing editorial rejects and a confirmed category-as-goal artifact. | Resource | URL | | --- | --- | | Report URL | https://healthyagingatlas.com/research/evidence-density-map-2026/ | | Methods page | https://healthyagingatlas.com/research/evidence-density-map-2026/methods/ | | Download CSV | https://healthyagingatlas.com/downloads/evidence-density-map-2026.csv | ## Important limitations - This is an evidence-density map, not a clinical recommendation engine. - RCT count does not measure trial quality, sample size, duration, risk of bias, or whether the dose matches products on the market. - The matrix uses search and evidence proxies to identify marketed supplement-goal pairings; it is not a legal audit of every brand label or advertisement. - The PubMed snapshot reflects the HAA matrix available at generation time. New studies can change the evidence density over time. - Zero mapped RCTs means no RCT was mapped in this dataset after cleanup. It does not prove no trial exists anywhere. ## Safety Notes This original-data report is educational research, not medical advice or a supplement recommendation. It does not evaluate personal risk, diagnosis, drug interactions, pregnancy safety, dose suitability, or whether any supplement is appropriate for an individual. Discuss supplement decisions with a qualified healthcare professional. ## Standard Safety Disclaimers - **Pregnancy and breastfeeding:** Consult your healthcare provider before taking this supplement during pregnancy or while nursing. The safety of supplemental doses beyond dietary intake has not been established in pregnant or lactating women. - **Blood thinners:** If you take blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, or high-dose aspirin), consult your healthcare provider BEFORE starting this supplement, as it may have additive antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects. - **Kidney disease:** If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or any significant kidney impairment, consult your healthcare provider before taking this supplement. Some supplements can accumulate to dangerous levels when kidney function is reduced. - **Gout:** Individuals with gout should consult their healthcare provider before starting this supplement. Certain supplements (e.g., collagen, fish oil, niacin) may affect uric acid levels or trigger flares in susceptible individuals. ## FAQ ### Does zero mapped RCT evidence mean a supplement does not work? No. It means this matrix did not map a published human randomized controlled trial for that supplement-goal pairing after cleanup. It is a research-density signal, not a proof of ineffectiveness. ### Why count RCTs instead of only meta-analyses? RCT counts show the underlying trial density. Meta-analyses can be useful, but they may pool small or heterogeneous trials. HAA reports both signals separately. ### Can this report be used for medical decisions? No. It is an educational research map. Supplement choices should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional, especially for pregnancy, chronic disease, or medication use. ### Why is this not a recommendation list? The report counts mapped human evidence density by supplement-goal pairing. It does not rank products by benefit, safety, dose, trial quality, or suitability for any individual. ### How often can these numbers change? They can change whenever HAA refreshes the evidence matrix or when new human trials and reviews are mapped. The published report should be cited as a June 15, 2026 snapshot. ## Citations 1. Supplement Evidence Density Map 2026 CSV — https://healthyagingatlas.com/downloads/evidence-density-map-2026.csv 2. Evidence Density Map methods — https://healthyagingatlas.com/research/evidence-density-map-2026/methods/ --- _Source: https://healthyagingatlas.com/research/evidence-density-map-2026/_ _Medically reviewed by Medical Review Team._ _Last updated: 2026-06-15._