At Paused, we choose ingredients with care. Each vitamin, mineral and botanical in our formulations is selected for its recognised nutritional role, quality of evidence and suitability for long-term, everyday use.
This glossary is designed to help you better understand the ingredients used across the Paused range — what they are, why they’re included, and how they support wellbeing as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Cellular Health & Longevity
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
NAD+ is a vital coenzyme found in every living cell and is essential for cellular energy production, metabolic processes and cellular repair pathways.
It plays a central role in converting nutrients into usable cellular energy and supports enzymes involved in DNA repair and normal cellular function. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which is why it is widely researched in the context of cellular health and healthy ageing.
Paused includes NAD+ in carefully measured amounts designed to support consistent, everyday supplementation as part of a long-term approach to wellbeing.
Glutathione
Glutathione is one of the body’s most important endogenous antioxidants and is produced naturally within cells. It plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting normal detoxification pathways.
As oxidative stress increases with age and environmental exposure, glutathione is commonly included in nutritional formulations designed to support cellular protection and resilience over time.
Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound involved in mitochondrial energy production. It plays a role in cellular energy generation and antioxidant protection.
CoQ10 levels may decline with age, which is why it is often included in formulations focused on energy, skin health and cellular longevity.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in certain plants and is widely studied in the context of cellular health and ageing pathways.
It is commonly included in longevity-focused formulations alongside other cellular support ingredients.
Energy, Metabolism & Minerals
Magnesium (Glycinate, Citrate & Malate)
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It contributes to normal muscle function, nervous system signalling, electrolyte balance and energy-yielding metabolism.
Different forms of magnesium are absorbed and utilised differently:
- Magnesium glycinate is often selected for its gentle absorption
- Magnesium citrate supports bioavailability
- Magnesium malate is involved in cellular energy pathways
Paused Magnesium 3-in-1 combines complementary forms to support daily magnesium intake without excessive dosing.
Vitamin B Complex (B2, B3, B6, B12 & Folate)
B vitamins are central to cellular energy production and nervous system function. They contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and the normal functioning of the nervous system.
These vitamins work synergistically, supporting metabolic processes that are especially important during periods of increased demand, stress or age-related metabolic change.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that contributes to normal immune function, DNA synthesis and the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails.
It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, making it relevant to long-term cellular health..
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and supports normal immune function.
It is involved in antioxidant enzyme systems that help maintain cellular integrity over time.
Chromium
Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.
It is often included in metabolic formulations designed to support energy balance and glucose regulation.
Zinc
Zinc contributes to normal immune function, DNA synthesis and the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails.
It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, making it relevant to long-term cellular health.
Selenium
Selenium supports antioxidant enzyme systems and contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and normal immune function.
Cognitive Support & Mental Performance
Lions Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane is a functional mushroom studied for its role in cognitive health. It contains bioactive compounds that are widely researched in relation to nerve growth and neural support.
It is commonly included in formulations designed to support focus, mental clarity and long-term cognitive function as part of everyday supplementation.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a botanical traditionally used to support circulation and cognitive performance. It is commonly included in formulations designed to support mental focus, memory and responsiveness.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa is a traditional botanical used in formulations designed to support memory and cognitive performance. It is often included in blends aimed at long-term mental clarity rather than short-term stimulation.
Calm, Mood & Sleep
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid naturally present in green tea. It is commonly studied for its role in promoting relaxation without sedation.
L-Theanine is often included in formulations designed to support calm focus and mental balance, particularly during periods of stress or cognitive demand.
Ashwaghanda
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic botanical traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice. In modern formulations, it is commonly included to support balance and stress resilience.
Adaptogens are studied for their role in helping the body adapt to physical and mental stressors over time.
Saffron
Saffron is a botanical traditionally valued for its role in mood-focused formulations. It is widely studied for its bioactive compounds and included in supplements designed to support emotional balance and wellbeing.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is a botanical traditionally associated with relaxation and sleep routines. It is commonly included in evening formulations designed to support restful routines.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a botanical traditionally associated with calm and digestive comfort. It is commonly included in formulations designed to support relaxation.
Chamomile
Chamomile is traditionally used to support relaxation and sleep routines. It is widely recognised for its calming properties.
Griffonia Seed (5-HTP source)
Griffonia seeds naturally contain 5-HTP, a compound involved in serotonin synthesis. It is commonly included in mood- and sleep-focused formulations.
Metabolic Health & Longevity
Berberine
Berberine is a plant-derived compound found in several botanical species. It has been widely researched for its role in metabolic processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism.
Increasingly, berberine is studied in the context of metabolic health and longevity, as metabolic efficiency and insulin sensitivity are closely linked to healthy ageing. Supporting metabolic balance is considered an important pillar of long-term wellbeing and cellular resilience.
Paused includes berberine as part of a broader, balanced formulation designed to support metabolic health over time rather than short-term intervention.
Artichoke Leaf Extract
Artichoke leaf is traditionally used to support digestive and liver function. It is often included in metabolic formulations alongside berberine.
Ginger Root Extract
Ginger is widely used for digestive comfort and metabolic support. It is commonly included as a complementary ingredient in metabolic blends.
Beauty, Skin Structure & Cellular Protection
What we mean by “beauty support”
Skin, hair and nails are influenced by structural proteins, cellular turnover and protection from oxidative stress. Rather than relying on collagen itself, Paused Beauty Complex focuses on nutrients that support the body’s natural collagen formation, keratin structure and cellular protection.
This approach is designed to support beauty from within, as part of long-term, everyday wellbeing.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin that contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and skin. It also supports normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Biotin plays a role in keratin infrastructure, which is why it is one of the most widely searched ingredients in hair and beauty supplementation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Because collagen production is a continuous process, vitamin C is considered a foundational nutrient in beauty-focused formulations.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. It is often included alongside vitamin C to support antioxidant protection within skin cells.
Antioxidant nutrients are key to beauty because they help protect skin structure from environmental stressors..
Zinc
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails. It also contributes to normal protein synthesis and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
These roles make zinc relevant to both structural integrity and long-term skin health.
Selenium
Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the maintenance of normal hair and nails.
Oxidative stress is one of the factors that can influence visible skin ageing over time, which is why selenium is commonly included in beauty formulations.
Copper
Copper contributes to normal skin and hair pigmentation and to the maintenance of normal connective tissues.
Connective tissue forms part of the structural framework of skin, making copper a supportive nutrient in beauty-focused formulations.
Silica
Silica is a trace mineral commonly included in beauty supplements. It is associated with connective tissue and structural integrity and is often used to support hair, skin and nail health.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the skin. It is known for its role in skin hydration and structural support.
In supplement form, it is commonly included in beauty formulations focused on skin appearance and moisture balance.
L-Lysine
L-Lysine is an essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis. It is commonly included in formulations designed to support structural proteins such as collagen.
As collagen is built from amino acids, lysine plays a supportive role in internal beauty nutrition.
Women’s Health & Hormonal Support
Hormonal Balance & Endocrine Support
What we mean by “hormonal support”
Hormones act as chemical messengers in the body, influencing energy, mood, metabolism, sleep and reproductive health. Nutritional and botanical ingredients used for hormonal support are typically selected to support the body’s normal hormonal activity and adaptation over time, rather than to alter hormone levels directly.
Paused formulations focus on supporting balance and resilience during natural life stages such as perimenopause, menopause and periods of increased physiological demand.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and to normal psychological function. It also supports energy-yielding metabolism and the nervous system.
Because hormonal changes can influence mood, energy and fatigue, vitamin B6 is commonly included in formulations designed to support balance during different life stages.
Magnesium
Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function and the normal functioning of the nervous system. It also plays a role in muscle function and energy metabolism.
Magnesium is often included in hormone-supportive formulations due to its broad role in nervous system signalling and stress regulation, which are closely linked to hormonal balance.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic botanical traditionally used to support balance during periods of physical and emotional stress.
Adaptogens are studied for their ability to support the body’s response to stress, which is relevant to hormonal health, as stress hormones interact closely with reproductive and metabolic hormones over time.
Shatavari
Shatavari is a botanical traditionally used in women’s health formulations. It is commonly included in blends designed to support hormonal balance across different life stages, including perimenopause and menopause.
In modern supplementation, shatavari is valued for its role in supporting overall endocrine balance rather than targeting individual hormones.
Red Clover Extract
Red clover contains naturally occurring isoflavones and is commonly included in formulations designed for women experiencing menopausal transition.
Isoflavones are plant compounds that are often studied in relation to hormonal balance during menopause.
Sage Leaf
Sage leaf has a long history of traditional use and is frequently included in menopause-focused formulations.
It is commonly selected as part of broader blends designed to support comfort and balance during hormonal change.
Saffron
Saffron is increasingly studied for its role in mood and emotional wellbeing. Because hormonal changes can influence emotional balance, saffron is often included in formulations designed to support mood during hormonal transition.
Zinc
Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction and to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood. It also supports immune function and cellular protection.
Zinc’s broad role in endocrine and cellular health makes it a common inclusion in hormone-supportive nutritional formulations.
Selenium
Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function, which plays an important role in hormonal regulation and metabolic balance.
Supporting normal thyroid activity is considered an important component of overall hormonal health.
Still curious?
If there’s something you’d like more clarity on, we’re here to help. Our team is always happy to provide thoughtful, straightforward guidance.
You can reach us at support@paused.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.


