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PaperclipPerfector  10hr ago (text post)   169 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for March 15, 2026

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What supplement brands (vitamins, minerals, creatine, pre-workout, etc) do you trust and use? How did you make that determination?

The one I trust most is Nootropics Depot. Scott talks about them in: https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/how-trustworthy-are-supplements

Originally, I was drawn to them because they had a good reputation when I was researching phenibut sources (which they no longer sell). Then I tried many of their products and they worked as described. The products have certificates of analysis. The owner (u/MisterYouAreSoDumb) posts on Reddit alot and I can tell:

  • He is very knowledgeable.
  • He is focused on quality and improving the industry. He calls out shady practices in the industry that are verifiable.
  • There are many people that respect and agree with him.
  • He has been in the space for a long time and is known for pursuing mission and long-term goals over short-term profits.

Another factor in my determination is that giving money to his company supports the development of novel nootropics that are easily accessible outside the medical model. I have a grudge against the medical system/FDA/government for how they handle psychedelics, MDMA, phenibut, tianeptine, racetams, and other substances that I believe people should have greater access to.

I buy most from Sam's Club, I generally trust that the products will be quality and won't kill me.

And you get bulk pricing.

If its grey-market stuff, I intentionally look for sellers that have a physical presence that is close enough to me that I could, if needed, show up and confront someone personally and/or burn down their building.

Or, more seriously, that makes it easy to attempt legal action on them, although if you dig into how these entities are structured, its clear they're really trying to make it hard to pin them down.

Beyond that, repeated positive interactions and referrals from trusted friends are the go-to.

I just buy whatever they sell at Costco. Otherwise the choice is overwhelming, especially since I have no idea who to trust.

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