Science Corner 49 | Expert Interview with Tyler Panzner: Why Supplements Work for Some People and Not Others

A Science Corner Conversation with Dr. Tyler Panzner on absorption, genetics, and the hidden complexity of “simple” ingredients

One of the most common questions in supplements is a frustrating one, why does a supplement work great for one person but do nothing, or even cause side effects, for someone else? 

I sat down with Dr. Tyler Panzner, a pharmacologist who specializes in genetics and nutrient metabolism, to unpack why one-size-fits-all supplement advice often misses the mark.

The answer is not that supplements are unreliable. It is that human biology is far more variable than most product labels suggest.

Absorption is the first gate

Before a supplement can do anything useful, it has to be absorbed. Dr. Panzner explained that this process starts in the mouth, continues through the stomach, and mostly happens in the small intestine. The small intestine is lined with tiny folds that increase surface area, making it easier for nutrients to enter the bloodstream.

This process does not work the same for everyone. Digestive issues can reduce absorption, and certain medications can interfere as well. GLP-1 drugs, for example, slow how quickly food moves through the stomach, which can change how nutrients are absorbed. Even a well-designed supplement cannot work properly if absorption is impaired. Gut health sets the foundation.

Supplements usually do more than one thing

Many supplements are marketed as if they act on a single pathway, inflammation, energy, or mood. In reality, most ingredients affect multiple systems at once. Dr. Panzner used curcumin as an example.

Curcumin is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects. But it also affects brain chemicals related to mood, can bind to minerals like iron, and can slow how the body breaks down certain medications. For some people, these extra effects are helpful. For others, they can cause unwanted side effects like anxiety, low energy, or nutrient imbalances.

This is what Dr. Panzner referred to as the “iceberg effect.” The benefits people see are just the visible part. Much more is happening under the surface.

Genetics shape how you respond

Another key theme of the conversation was genetics. Small genetic differences can change how well someone absorbs a nutrient, converts it into an active form, or responds to it at the cellular level.

This helps explain why blood tests do not always tell the full story. Two people can have the same blood levels of a vitamin or mineral but feel very different. If the body cannot use that nutrient efficiently, cells may still behave as if they are deficient. How the body responds matters more than what shows up on paper.

Why side effects are common

When supplements cause problems, overstimulation is one of the most frequent issues. Dr. Panzner described this as a constant, uncomfortable “on” feeling. It often happens with supplements that increase brain chemicals involved in focus or motivation. What feels energizing for one person can feel overwhelming for another.

Risk increases when people take multiple supplements at once. 

Combining several mild ingredients can create a much stronger effect than expected. Modern formulations that boost absorption can intensify this even further. These products can be far more potent than what someone would get from food alone.

The most serious concerns come from interactions with prescription medications. Some supplements can change how drugs are broken down in the body. Because human research in this area is limited, caution is important.

A smarter way to experiment

Dr. Panzner’s advice for people experimenting with supplements was straightforward. Start simple. Single-ingredient supplements make it much easier to understand how your body responds. Blends can hide the source of both benefits and side effects.

He also emphasized patience. Some supplements act quickly, while others work slowly by changing how cells function over time. Not feeling something right away does not mean nothing is happening.

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Personal note from Jordan

What stood out to me most in this conversation was how much supplement experiences depend on individual biology. Supplements are often framed as universally good or bad, as if the same ingredient should work the same way for everyone. In reality, supplements are tools that interact with a complex system shaped by digestion, genetics, and daily habits.

This has pushed me to experiment more deliberately with how I take supplements, not just what I take. I pay closer attention to absorption factors, whether something works better with food or without it, before or after exercise, or at different times of day. Small changes in timing or context can completely change how a supplement feels, or whether I notice anything at all.

It has also helped me better understand why supplement responses vary so widely. When something works well for one person and causes issues for another, it is often a reflection of biology rather than product quality. Conversations like this reinforce the value of moving away from black-and-white thinking and toward a more thoughtful, individualized approach to supplementation.