Most people who want to maximize their height focus on calcium and vitamin D.

While both are important, there are several lesser-known supplements that may influence other factors related to growth: IGF-1 signaling, sleep quality, recovery, bone health, and nutrient absorption.

A quick disclaimer: if your growth plates have already closed, no supplement will magically make you 10 cm taller. However, some supplements may help support the biological processes involved in growth and help younger individuals maximize their genetic potential.

In this issue, we'll break down 6 supplements that rarely get discussed compared to calcium or vitamin D:

For each supplement we'll cover:

Lactoferrin is a protein naturally found in milk, especially in colostrum.

Over the last few years, researchers have become increasingly interested in lactoferrin because of its potential role in bone development and growth-related signaling pathways.

Because of these mechanisms, some researchers consider it one of the most underrated nutrients for growing adolescents.

Potentially most useful for:

May also be beneficial for:

Less likely to influence height:

Typical dosage:

Usually taken:

If your goal is to support healthy development during adolescence, lactoferrin is one of the most interesting supplements on this list.

Rating: 9/10

Colostrum is the first form of milk produced after birth.

It contains:

Most useful for:

Also beneficial for:

One of the more interesting supplements for supporting overall development and recovery.

Rating: 8.5/10

Glycine is an amino acid that most people completely overlook.

In reality, it plays an important role in:

Most growth-related processes occur during sleep.

Anything that improves deep sleep may help the body better utilize its natural growth hormone production.

Almost everyone.

Especially:

Considering how inexpensive it is, glycine may be one of the highest-value supplements on this list.

Rating: 8/10

Arginine is an amino acid often mentioned in discussions about growth hormone.

Some studies suggest that high doses of arginine can temporarily increase growth hormone secretion.

However, the real-world effects are often much smaller than people expect.

Potentially useful, but not a top priority.

Rating: 6.5/10

Royal Jelly is the nutrient-rich substance worker bees feed to future queen bees.

Because of its unique role in nature, it has attracted attention as a possible growth-supporting supplement.

Human evidence is extremely limited.

Most claims regarding height growth remain highly speculative.

Depending on the product:

Interesting, but the evidence is still weak.

Rating: 5/10

Astragalus is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine.

It's most commonly used for:

To be honest, the evidence connecting astragalus to height growth is very limited.

In theory, it may support recovery and overall health, but direct evidence for increasing height is lacking.

I wouldn't purchase it specifically for height.

Rating: 3/10

🥇 Lactoferrin

The most interesting supplement on this list. It has a logical mechanism and promising research related to bone health and development.

🥈 Colostrum

A strong option for teenagers and athletes, particularly for recovery and overall development.

🥉 Glycine

The cheapest and possibly the best value supplement here. Better sleep means better conditions for recovery and growth.

4️⃣ Arginine

Potentially useful, but often overhyped.

5️⃣ Royal Jelly

Interesting theory, weak evidence.

6️⃣ Astragalus

Not something I'd buy specifically for height.

My priorities would be:

Only after those would I consider the othersAnd remember: no supplement can replace adequate sleep, sufficient protein intake, regular physical activity, and proper nutrition.

Those remain the biggest factors in helping your body reach its growth potential.