Science
Four specialists.
Three products. No compromises.
PureLabs asked four independent experts to analyze each product based on the ingredients, dosages and the available clinical literature. Their findings, unaltered and without editing.
Vitality
NAD+ Vitality is formulated around NAD metabolism, one of the most discussed mechanisms in current longevity science. The combination of Nicotinamide Riboside as a precursor and direct NAD is unique on the market. Four synergistic complexes support not only NAD production, but also mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and cellular lifespan.
NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone)
Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
Astaxanthin from microalgae
Combining Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) with direct NAD+ in a single formula is biochemically well considered. NR acts as a precursor: it is converted into NAD+ within the cell via the salvage pathway. Direct NAD+ takes a shorter route but has lower intestinal absorption. By combining the two, the formula addresses both the intracellular replenishment of NAD+ pools and the support of extracellular NAD+ signaling.
The total dose of 730mg for the NAD Activation Complex is substantial. Studies by Elhassan et al. (2019) and Trammell et al. (2016) show that 250-300mg NR per day already produces measurable increases in NAD+ levels. PureLabs exceeds this, which can be particularly relevant for people over 40, in whom endogenous NAD+ production demonstrably declines.
From a pharmacological perspective, the combination of CoQ10 with PQQ is particularly interesting. CoQ10 functions as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. PQQ stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α activation. These are complementary mechanisms: CoQ10 improves the efficiency of existing mitochondria, while PQQ stimulates the formation of new ones. Together they address mitochondrial decline at two levels at once.
Trans-resveratrol (98% purity) activates SIRT1, an NAD+-dependent enzyme that plays a central role in cellular repair and metabolism. The combination with direct NAD+ supplementation reinforces this effect: more available NAD+ means higher SIRT1 activity. Quercetin and Astaxanthin form the antioxidant finishing touch and neutralize the oxidative stress that arises from increased mitochondrial activity.
Recovery
MAG+ Recovery is built around a multi-form magnesium formula supplemented with amino acids and a selection of micronutrients. The choice of bisglycinate and taurate as magnesium forms, combined with Glycine, Taurine, Saffron extract and essential vitamins, positions it as one of the most complete recovery formulas on the market.
Magnesium taurate
Taurine (amino acid)
Magnesium oxide, the most commonly used form in cheap supplements, has a bioavailability of only 4%. Magnesium bisglycinate has a bioavailability of 40-80%, because it is bound to glycine and absorbed via peptide transporters. Magnesium taurate also penetrates the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other forms, which makes it particularly relevant for neurological relaxation and sleep quality.
The addition of Glycine (450mg) reinforces this mechanism. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that lowers core temperature, a key factor for sleep initiation. Taurine stimulates GABA receptors and has anxiolytic properties. Together, bisglycinate, taurate, glycine and taurine create a layered relaxation system that supports both muscular and neurological recovery.
Saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) at a 45mg daily dose falls within the clinically studied range. Multiple RCTs show antidepressant and anxiolytic effects at 28-30mg/day. PureLabs doses it somewhat higher, which is defensible from the principle of clinically relevant dosing. The mechanism operates via serotonin reuptake inhibition and MAO inhibition, complementary to the relaxing effect of Glycine and Taurine.
Notable is the choice of Vitamin B6 in the P-5-P form (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate), the active coenzyme form. Standard B6 (pyridoxine) requires liver conversion; P-5-P is directly biologically active. This is the pharmacologically superior choice, certainly relevant for people with MTHFR polymorphisms who have difficulty with B-vitamin metabolism. D3 as cholecalciferol and K2 as MK-7 are likewise the pharmacologically most bioactive forms.
Strength
TESTO+ Strength is formulated around Shilajit extract with a guaranteed content of at least 60% fulvic acid, complemented by DAA, Fenugreek, Maca, Saffron extract, DIM, I3C and a precision mineral complex. The formula addresses testosterone optimization on four levels: production, signaling, metabolism and protection.
D-aspartic acid (DAA)
Fenugreek extract (≥50% saponins)
Saffron extract (Crocus sativus)
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C)
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) · Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
Shilajit is one of the best-documented adaptogens for male hormone optimization, but quality varies enormously. The active fraction is fulvic acid, a polyphenol complex that supports mitochondrial ATP production, stimulates testosterone release and increases the bioavailability of other minerals. A content of 60% or higher is the clinically studied standard. Cheaper products contain 5-20%.
D-aspartic acid (DAA) stimulates the hypothalamic release of GnRH and LH, leading to higher testicular testosterone production. Fenugreek extract (≥50% saponins) partially inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase, keeping more free testosterone available. The combination of these three ingredients addresses testosterone optimization at three different levels: production, availability and metabolism.
The Hormone Balance Complex with DIM (diindolylmethane) and I3C (indole-3-carbinol) is a pharmacologically intelligent addition that rarely appears in testosterone formulas. DIM and I3C are phytonutrients from cruciferous vegetables that steer estrogen metabolism in the liver toward the 2-hydroxylation pathway, at the expense of the proliferative 16-hydroxylation pathway. In the context of testosterone optimization, this indirectly reduces the conversion of testosterone into estradiol (aromatization).
Boron (as boron citrate, the most bioavailable form) is an underrated trace element that significantly increases free testosterone by inhibiting SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin). Zinc as bisglycinate guarantees high absorption and supports the enzyme activity of 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase at a regulatory level. The combination of Boron and Zinc with DIM/I3C creates a double hormone-balancing layer: less binding + better metabolism.