A supplement may contain the best ingredients in the world: clinically dosed, patented, premium grade.
And still? They might underperform.
The reason?
One that’s often overlooked by marketers, underappreciated by consumers, and underestimated by some formulators:
The cofactors aren’t there.
🧬 What Are Cofactors?
Cofactors are the quiet enablers of biochemistry. They are nutrients or molecules (often vitamins or minerals) that are essential for enzymes to function properly.
Without cofactors, active ingredient might not be metabolised, activated, or utilised efficiently.
In other words: without cofactors, your formula could be like sending fighter jets to fight… with no ammunition.
Consumers might not always read the biochemistry. But they do feel the difference.
And that difference starts with intelligent, complete pathways that enlist the use of cofactors.
🧪 Examples from the Trenches
Here’s where science meets smart formulation.
In several of my own product formulas, I have gone beyond active ingredients.
I always enlist additional ingredients that support the entire biological process to deliver actual results:
✅ Tyrosine ➝ Dopamine
L-Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine.
However, the conversion requires B-vitamins like vitamin B6, B12.
These B-vitamins act as enzymatic cofactors in the hydroxylation and decarboxylation steps.
Without them, you’re relying on a car with no spark plugs.
My fix? I included a full-spectrum B-complex to drive the conversion process, enhancing mental alertness and mood resilience.
Learnergy™ combines Tyrosine with B-Vitamins to support dopamine synthesis for enhanced focus and mental drive. Disclaimer: I am the developer of this product and affiliated with Bioteen Nutrition.
✅ 5-HTP ➝ Serotonin
Another popular nootropic path, 5-HTP to serotonin, also requires vitamin B6, along with vitamin C to support enzymatic activity and oxidative stability.
5-HTP is a direct precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for emotional balance, mood regulation, sleep quality, and even appetite control. By supporting serotonin synthesis efficiently (with necessary cofactors), we help promote calm focus, reduce stress reactivity, and support healthy circadian rhythm alignment.
In my approach to formulating a 5-HTP product, I never isolate 5-HTP.
It is always embedded in a cofactor-backed system, so users can feel the intended uplift, not just read about it on a label.
Bioteen’s 5-HTP+ is enhanced with B6 and Vitamin C to optimize 5-HTP conversion to serotonin, maximizing mood and relaxation benefits. Disclaimer: I am the developer of this product and affiliated with Bioteen Nutrition.
✅ Magnesium + Vitamin B6 + Vitamin D
Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals in human physiology.
While many people supplement with magnesium, they often overlook that magnesium itself needs support to be effectively absorbed and utilised.
Nutrients like vitamin B and vitamin D enhance magnesium’s transport, cellular uptake, and biological action. Without them, much of your magnesium may go to waste, poorly absorbed or quickly excreted.
That’s why in advanced formulations, magnesium is never used in isolation.
It’s part of a synergistic system, a network of nutrients that helps it reach its full calming, anti-fatigue, and neuromuscular potential.
It is not just about how much magnesium you take but it’s about how well your body can use it.
Big Question: Do Cofactors Need to Be in the Same Formula?
Not always. While including cofactors directly in the formulation can improve results—it is not mandatory for efficacy.
What matters is that the cofactors are available in the system at the right time. This can come from diet, other supplements, or a strategically designed stack.
However, taking them together in a single formula offers several advantages: it ensures enhanced absorption, maximised efficacy through synergistic effects, and convenience for the user, making it easier to stick to a consistent routine. Smart brands either build them in or educate the consumer on how to take them concurrently for optimal results. Without proper guidance, assuming cofactors will be available naturally can lead to suboptimal outcomes.
Final Thoughts
The future of supplementation isn’t just about branded actives and clinical doses—it’s about supporting the full biological story. The Cofactor Gap is a silent underperformer in many formulas. But in the hands of an evidence-based formulator, it becomes a clear opportunity for differentiation.
I’d be glad to offer my guidance. Let’s connect.
To view my Professional Profile on LinkedIn: please click here
To see my latest product creations: www.bioteenhealth.com
To view my Scientific Publications on PubMed: please click here
To get in touch, please write to: info@supplementscientist.com
Follow supplementscientist.com on Facebook: please click here
Disclaimers
Medical: The information presented on this website is intended for adults 18 or over. Its aim is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a medical or health professional before you begin any program related to exercise, nutrition, or supplementation especially if you have a medical condition. If you consume any product mentioned on our site, you do so on your own free will, and you knowingly and voluntarily accept the risks.
Other: The views expressed in this blog article are solely mine and do not represent the opinions or positions of any company or institution with which I am associated. Any information or opinions provided are based on my personal experiences, research, and understanding. I strive to ensure accuracy and reliability of the information provided.
© 2025. Supplementscientist.com
Leave a Reply