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UltraClear Plus Vanilla Flavor

Metagenics
4.9
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(23 ratings)
Alanine 235 mg
Lysine 505 mg
Sulfur 20 mg
Cysteine 85 mg
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Score69
Broad nutrition and useful amino acids cannot fully offset modest protein, high cost, and unclear combined vitamin A.
How scoring works
Quantity:1 Pound(s) • (21 servings)
Goals:
Hair Health

Score 69

Broad nutrition and useful amino acids cannot fully offset modest protein, high cost, and unclear combined vitamin A.
How scoring works
$112.95($5.37 per serving)
iHerb
$ 112.95
Pure Formulas
$ 112.95
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Analysis

The powder provides 10 grams of protein with glycine, lysine, alanine, methionine, cysteine, and other amino acids. Vitamin C, biotin, zinc, copper, methylfolate, and methylcobalamin add some relevance to hair and structural nutrition.

The serving lists beta-carotene and retinyl palmitate at matching vitamin A amounts, making the actual preformed vitamin A total important to clarify. Protein is modest for a meal-style powder, while many amino acids and micronutrients are present at supporting rather than primary amounts.

The premium serving cost is hard to justify if protein or hair nutrition is the main goal. It fits a narrow user who wants this exact broad powder and has verified the vitamin A label.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking a broad nutrient powder
  • Users wanting protein with amino acids and micronutrients
  • People able to verify vitamin A intake
Best for
  • Broad powdered nutrition
  • Amino-acid support
  • Micronutrients relevant to hair structure

Pros

  • Provides 10 grams of protein
  • Includes glycine, lysine, and cysteine
  • Uses methylfolate and methylcobalamin
  • Provides zinc and copper

Cons

  • Protein amount is modest
  • Serving value is poor
  • Vitamin A entries are potentially cumulative
  • Many supporting ingredients are lightly dosed

Warnings

  • Verify total preformed vitamin A from retinyl palmitate before use during pregnancy
  • Green tea extract is decaffeinated but may still contain trace caffeine
  • The 300 mg ascorbic acid amount may irritate sensitive stomachs

Nutrient quality

77 High impact

Several well-regarded forms support good ingredient quality. The core doses and intended use remain reasonably coherent.

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Ingredient transparency

82 Highest impact

Most active amounts are clearly disclosed. Missing directions and inactive ingredients keep disclosure incomplete.

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Customer satisfaction

61 Moderate impact

The supplied average is strong and rests on a small review count. No review text was provided to assess recurring complaints or firsthand experiences.

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Value for money

49 Lower impact

Serving efficiency is limited for the disclosed formula. Some weaker additions reduce value.

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Goals

Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB- Strength of SupportB CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Biotin · 135 mcgVitamin D · 0.8 mcgZinc · 10 mgIron · 0.5 mgLysine · 505 mgVitamin C · 300 mg

Complete protein, lysine, methionine, cysteine, glycine, vitamin C, zinc, and copper provide broad building blocks for hair. The protein and lysine amounts are meaningful, while several sulfur amino acids and biotin are more modest.

Micronutrients and antioxidant support complement the structural protein base. The variable powder serving makes exact daily dosing less straightforward.

Study evidence
Biotin Supportive 4 studies
Copper Adverse 4 studies
Lysine Supportive 1 study
Vitamin C Mixed 5 studies
Vitamin D Disputed 34 studies
Zinc Supportive 22 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Calories
140 Calorie(s)
Total Fat
3 Gram(s)
Total Carbohydrates
17 Gram(s)
Protein
10 Gram(s)
Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene, Retinyl Palmitate)
1500 mcg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
300 mg
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
0.8 mcg
Vitamin E (D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate)
28.1 mg
Thiamine (Thiamine Hydrochloride)
2 mg
Riboflavin
2 mg
Niacin (Niacinamide)
9.5 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
3.4 mg
Metafolin (Folate)
135 mcg DFE
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
3.6 mcg
Biotin
135 mcg
Pantothenic Acid (Calcium D-Pantothenate)
36 mg
Calcium (Calcium Citrate, Dicalcium Phosphate)
200 mg
Iron
0.5 mg
Phosphorus (Dicalcium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate)
250 mg
Iodine (Potassium Iodide)
53 mcg
Magnesium (Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Sulfate)
200 mg
Zinc (Zinc Gluconate)
10 mg
Copper (Copper Gluconate)
1 mg
Manganese
1 mg
Chromium (Chromium Picolinate)
50 mcg
Sodium
70 mg
Potassium (Dipotassium Phosphate)
420 mg
Glycine
1.6 Gram(s)
L-Lysine (L-Lysine Hydrochloride)
505 mg
L-Threonine
285 mg
L-Alanine
235 mg
DL-Methionine
170 mg
L-Glutamine
100 mg
L-Cysteine (L-Cysteine Hydrochloride)
85 mg
Green Tea Leaf Extract, Decaffeinated (Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract, Decaffeinated)
25 mg
Sulfate (Magnesium Sulfate)
20 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Women
Report overview
Alanine · 235 mg OverallScore79
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The 235 mg L-Alanine amount provides an above-median supportive dose. L-Alanine is clearly identified and listed separately, although free-form status is not stated. Neutral value is appropriate because alanine is secondary to the broader formula.

B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The hydrochloride form and clinically aligned lysine amount provide a sound active base. A variable powder serving is less convenient than a small scoop, while purity claims and non-active ingredient details are missing. Vitamin C and zinc add relevant support, but the very high cost per unit of lysine makes the formula poor targeted value.

B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

A specific magnesium sulfate source is delivered in a powder that should disperse easily. The sulfate amount remains in the lower maintenance range. A luxury-level serving cost makes it inefficient for sulfur support.

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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation.
    Rushton DH; Norris MJ; Dover R; Busuttil N · International journal of cosmetic science · 2010
    Narrative reviewHair Health forLysine
  2. The Role of Sesbania grandiflora-Derived Biotin and Bambusa arundinacea-Derived Silica Extracts in Promoting Hair, Skin, and Nail Health: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.
    Patel MN; Maheshvari J; Patel N · Cureus · 2025
    Randomized trial105 participantsHair Health forBiotin
  3. Low serum biotinidase activity in children with valproic acid monotherapy.
    Schulpis KH; Karikas GA; Tjamouranis J; Regoutas S; Tsakiris S · Epilepsia · 2001
    Clinical trial125 participantsHair Health forBiotin
  4. Vitamins A, B, C, and D: A Short Review for the Dermatologist.
    Coerdt KM; Goggins CA; Khachemoune A · Alternative therapies in health and medicine · 2021
    Narrative reviewHair Health forBiotin
  5. The Infatuation With Biotin Supplementation: Is There Truth Behind Its Rising Popularity? A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy versus Social Popularity.
    Soleymani T; Lo Sicco K; Shapiro J · Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2018
    Narrative reviewHair Health forBiotin
  6. Menkes disease and response to copper histidine: An Indian case series.
    Yoganathan S; Sudhakar SV; Arunachal G; Thomas M; Subramanian A; George R; Danda S · Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology · 2022
    Case series4 participantsHair Health forCopper
  7. Trace element levels in alopecia areata.
    Bhat YJ; Manzoor S; Khan AR; Qayoom S · Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology · 2009
    Case-control study100 participantsHair Health forCopper
  8. UV damage to hair and the effect of antioxidants and metal chelators.
    Millington KR; Marsh JM · International journal of cosmetic science · 2021
    In vitro / ex vivo studyHair Health forCopper
  9. Preserving fibre health: reducing oxidative stress throughout the life of the hair fibre.
    Marsh JM; Davis MG; Lucas RL; Reilman R; Styczynski PB; Li C; Mamak M; McComb DW; Williams RE; Godfrey S; Navqi KR; Chechik V · International journal of cosmetic science · 2016
    In vitro / ex vivo studyHair Health forCopper
  10. Management of hair loss associated with endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer: an overview.
    Karatas F; Sahin S; Sever AR; Altundag K · SpringerPlus · 2016
    Narrative reviewHair Health forVitamin C
  11. Elucidating causal relationships of diet-derived circulating antioxidants and the risk of non-scarring alopecia: A Mendelian randomization study.
    Ba Y; Shen L; Peng X; Zhang Y; Wang J · Medicine · 2024
    Methods validation study201,019 participantsHair Health forVitamin C
  12. Alterations of plasma antioxidants and mitochondrial DNA mutation in hair follicles of smokers.
    Liu CS; Chen HW; Lii CK; Tsai CS; Kuo CL; Wei YH · Environmental and molecular mutagenesis · 2002
    Observational studyHair Health forVitamin C
  13. Removal of synthetic hair dye using formamidine sulfinic acid and other sulfinate precursors.
    Hawkes JA; Lewis DM; Mama J; Murray J · International journal of cosmetic science · 2026
    Methods validation studyHair Health forVitamin C
  14. A Zinc Sulphate-Resistant Acrodermatitis Enteropathica Patient with a Novel Mutation in SLC39A4 Gene.
    Kilic M; Taskesen M; Coskun T; Gürakan F; Tokatli A; Sivri HS; Dursun A; Schmitt S; Küry S · JIMD reports · 2013
    Case reportHair Health forVitamin C
  15. Increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Lee S; Kim BJ; Lee CH; Lee WS · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2018
    Meta-analysis2,039 participants14 studies pooledHair Health forVitamin D
  16. Intralesional vitamin D3 in treatment of alopecia areata: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
    Rashad AF; Elgamal E; Fouda I · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2022
    Randomized trial60 participantsHair Health forVitamin D
  17. Vitamin D and its Analogs in Treatment of Mild to Moderate Alopecia Areata: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Alsaati AA; Kaliyadan F; Alsaadoun D; Alzakry LM; Alzabadin RA; Hakami TH; Rubaian NFB · Indian dermatology online journal · 2025
    Meta-analysisHair Health forVitamin D
  18. Topical calcipotriol vs narrowband ultraviolet B in treatment of alopecia areata: a randomized-controlled trial.
    El Taieb MA; Hegazy EM; Ibrahim HM; Osman AB; Abualhamd M · Archives of dermatological research · 2020
    Randomized trial60 participantsHair Health forVitamin D
  19. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D in non-scarring alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Chen Y; Dong X; Wang Y; Li Y; Xiong L; Li L · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024
    Meta-analysis10,670 participants23 studies pooledHair Health forVitamin D
  20. The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial.
    Berger RS; Fu JL; Smiles KA; Turner CB; Schnell BM; Werchowski KM; Lammers KM · The British journal of dermatology · 2003
    Randomized trial200 participantsHair Health forZinc
  21. Incubatory environment of the scalp impacts pre-emergent hair to affect post-emergent hair cuticle integrity.
    Schwartz JR; Henry JP; Kerr KM; Flagler MJ; Page SH; Redman-Furey N · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2018
    Randomized trialHair Health forZinc
  22. A comparison of hair quality and cosmetic acceptance following the use of two anti-dandruff shampoos.
    Draelos ZD; Kenneally DC; Hodges LT; Billhimer W; Copas M; Margraf C · The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings · 2006
    Randomized trial40 participantsHair Health forZinc
  23. BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia.
    Ozturk P; Kurutas E; Ataseven A; Dokur N; Gumusalan Y; Gorur A; Tamer L; Inaloz S · Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) · 2015
    Case-control study216 participantsHair Health forZinc
  24. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.
    Kil MS; Kim CW; Kim SS · Annals of dermatology · 2013
    Case-control study342 participantsHair Health forZinc