Mitchell Hooper's Non-Negotiable Supplement Stack
In several interviews and videos, strongman competitor Mitchell Hooper has highlighted three supplements he considers essential for anyone engaged in resistance training. These core products form the foundation of his nutritional strategy, supporting muscle growth, energy production, and overall gut health.
Whey Isolate
Whey protein is a cornerstone of Hooper's diet due to its high protein content and purity. Unlike whey concentrate, isolate undergoes further processing to remove fat and lactose, making it easier for athletes like Hooper to digest and absorb, especially when consuming a high volume of calories. He frequently includes multiple scoops of whey protein powder in his daily shakes and meals to meet his immense protein requirements for muscle repair and growth.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is one of the most extensively researched and proven supplements for strength and performance, and Hooper considers it non-negotiable. Creatine helps fuel the body's energy system for short, explosive movements, which is critical for strongman competitions involving heavy lifting. Hooper typically takes a dose of 10 grams of creatine daily, often mixed into his morning shake.
Probiotics
With the sheer volume of food and calories a strongman needs to consume, gut health is paramount. Hooper emphasizes the importance of probiotics for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics ensure his body can properly process the large quantities of food necessary to fuel his training and recovery. He often gets his probiotics from a combination of supplements and fermented dairy, such as the Greek yogurt he mixes with orange juice.
Performance Enhancers and Strategic Supplements
Beyond his daily essentials, Hooper uses several other supplements strategically to boost performance and support recovery, often depending on his training phase or specific needs.
Pre-Workout and Electrolytes
For an extra boost before training, Hooper will sometimes use a pre-workout supplement containing a blend of key ingredients like beta-alanine, caffeine, creatine, and vitamins. These ingredients are chosen to enhance focus, energy, and exercise performance. He also emphasizes the importance of replenishing electrolytes, including sodium, especially during intense, sweaty training sessions to prevent cramping and maintain fluid balance.
Mass Gainer
When traveling or facing a particularly busy schedule, Hooper may opt for a mass gainer to conveniently and quickly increase his calorie intake. This allows him to meet his daily caloric goals without relying solely on large solid food meals, which can be difficult when on the go.
Vitamins and Minerals
Hooper acknowledges that in certain situations, supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals can be beneficial. He has mentioned taking magnesium and vitamin D3 to support hormonal health and muscle function. These are particularly important for athletes training indoors or those with limited sun exposure. He also considers iron and Vitamin B12 for specific deficiencies, though he notes they are less common with a well-rounded diet.
Comparing Supplement Categories: Hooper’s Approach
Hooper categorizes his supplement use based on necessity and impact, distinguishing between non-negotiable staples and situational aids. This table compares the function and purpose of each category within his overall regimen.
| Category | Primary Function | Example Supplements | Use Case | Frequency of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Negotiable | Fundamental support for strength, growth, and digestion | Whey Isolate, Creatine Monohydrate, Probiotics | Daily, year-round | Constant |
| Performance Enhancers | Boost workout intensity and output | Pre-Workout, Electrolytes, Citrulline Malate | Pre-workout or during intense training | As needed |
| Deficiency Mitigation | Address specific nutritional gaps | Iron, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12 | As needed, based on health status | Occasional |
| High-Calorie Support | Conveniently increase caloric intake | Mass Gainer | When on the road or low on time | Situational |
Peptide Protocol and Advanced Compounds
In addition to his dietary and standard sports supplements, Hooper has discussed his use of a peptide protocol for advanced recovery and performance. This highlights his commitment to exploring cutting-edge methods for optimizing his physiology.
- Sermorelin: Used to stimulate the body's natural production of growth hormone, aiding in muscle repair and reducing fatigue.
- Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP): Hooper has mentioned using VIP to improve digestion, which is crucial for managing the massive food volume required for strongman training.
- NAD+: Taken to assist in cellular energy creation and support longevity.
- Glutathione: This peptide helps with muscle repair and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Conclusion: A Multi-Layered Strategy
Mitchell Hooper's supplement use is far from random; it is a highly calculated and multi-layered strategy designed to support his demanding training, aid recovery, and optimize overall health. His approach prioritizes a few evidence-backed, non-negotiable staples like whey protein, creatine, and probiotics to cover the fundamentals. On top of this foundation, he intelligently incorporates performance enhancers and specific vitamins based on situational needs and training goals. For a deeper dive into his overall strongman philosophy and training methods, including how he integrates nutrition and recovery, check out the resources on BarBend. By systematically addressing his needs, Hooper demonstrates that elite performance is the result of meticulous attention to every detail of his physical regimen.
