Andrew Huberman's supplement philosophy is rooted in the idea that supplements are tools to augment a solid foundation of healthy behaviors. He consistently emphasizes that a supplement stack should never replace adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise. By adhering to this hierarchy, he strategically incorporates specific brands and products to achieve targeted health goals, such as optimizing sleep, enhancing focus, or supporting hormone function.
Key Supplement Brands Recommended by Huberman
Huberman's endorsements are not limited to a single brand. Instead, he highlights a few companies that meet his strict criteria for quality and transparency. These brands are frequently mentioned on the Huberman Lab podcast and are noted for their commitment to science-backed formulations and independent verification.
Momentous
Huberman has a notable partnership with Momentous, a premium supplement brand known for its high-quality, single-ingredient products. Momentous is an official sponsor of the Huberman Lab podcast, and many of the specific supplements discussed on the show can be found through their platform. Huberman often mentions his use of Momentous for specific protocols, highlighting their clean formulations and commitment to excellence. Momentous offers a range of supplements, from sleep aids like Magnesium L-Threonate to performance-enhancing compounds.
Thorne
Thorne is another brand Huberman frequently praises for its stringent quality control and precise labeling. He often mentions using Thorne products personally and highlights their reliability. The brand is known for working with major sports teams and institutions like the Mayo Clinic, which reinforces its reputation for quality and safety. For individuals seeking peace of mind regarding purity and ingredient accuracy, Thorne is a go-to recommendation. Some of the specific ingredients found in Huberman's protocol, like creatine and grape seed extract, can be sourced from Thorne.
Athletic Greens (AG1)
For foundational nutritional needs, Huberman is a vocal advocate and scientific advisor for Athletic Greens (AG1). He views AG1 as a comprehensive, all-in-one nutritional insurance policy that helps cover dietary gaps. Athletic Greens contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens, supporting gut health, immune function, and overall energy. He recommends it for its convenience, especially for those with busy lifestyles or inconsistent diets.
The Difference Between Foundational and Targeted Supplements
Huberman makes a clear distinction between these two types of supplements, and his choice of brands reflects this philosophy.
- Foundational Supplements: These are broad-spectrum products aimed at ensuring all basic nutritional needs are met. AG1 by Athletic Greens is a prime example of a product that bundles many essential nutrients into a single daily serving. It serves as a baseline for general wellness, covering vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and more.
- Targeted, Single-Ingredient Formulations: For specific outcomes, Huberman prefers to use single-ingredient supplements. This allows for more precise dosing and makes it easier to track the effects of a single compound. Brands like Momentous and Thorne excel in providing these high-purity, single-ingredient products, which he uses for things like improving sleep (Magnesium L-Threonate) or boosting focus (L-Tyrosine).
A Comparison of Huberman-Recommended Brands
| Feature | Momentous | Thorne | Athletic Greens (AG1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Targeted, single-ingredient formulas | High-quality, medical-grade products | All-in-one nutritional support |
| Best For | Specific protocols (sleep, cognitive support) | Individuals prioritizing purity and third-party testing | Foundational nutritional coverage |
| Huberman Role | Podcast sponsor and user | Personally used and recommended | Scientific advisor and user |
| Key Benefit | Precision and clean ingredients | Reliability and verified quality | Convenience and comprehensiveness |
| Certifications | NSF Certified for Sport (on some products) | NSF Certified for Sport (on many products) | NSF Certified for Sport |
Creating Your Own Protocol with Huberman's Principles
Huberman's approach is about personalization and rational supplementation. He encourages listeners to get blood work done to understand their baseline nutrient levels and health markers before starting a new protocol. His protocol for testosterone support, for instance, includes blood testing before and after to verify the supplement's effectiveness.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Prioritize Fundamentals: Ensure your sleep, exercise, and nutrition are optimized before adding supplements. No pill can fix a poor lifestyle.
- Cover Foundational Needs: Start with a broad-spectrum multivitamin or greens powder like Athletic Greens to fill in any potential dietary gaps.
- Address Specific Needs: If you have a specific goal (e.g., better sleep, improved focus), research single-ingredient supplements. Huberman recommends brands like Momentous and Thorne for these targeted needs.
- Experiment and Track: Introduce new supplements one at a time to monitor their effects. Use blood work and other objective measures where possible, especially for hormone-influencing supplements.
- Cycle Appropriately: Some supplements, particularly adaptogens or those affecting hormones, should be cycled on and off to maintain efficacy and prevent potential adverse effects. Huberman mentions cycling Fadogia Agrestis for this reason.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no single supplement brand Huberman uses exclusively. Instead, he adopts a multi-brand strategy, endorsing partners like Momentous and Athletic Greens (AG1) while also recommending trusted, third-party verified brands like Thorne. His selections are based on rigorous standards for quality, purity, and clinical backing. By combining foundational products with targeted, single-ingredient supplements, he creates a personalized and strategic approach to health optimization, always stressing that lifestyle comes first. This nuanced perspective empowers individuals to make informed decisions and build a supplement protocol that is biologically and financially effective for their unique needs.