List of Supplements Don Saladino Takes: The Complete 12-Supplement Stack

The celebrity trainer behind Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Hugh Jackman reveals his exact supplement protocol for peak performance and recovery.

Don Saladino has been training Hollywood's elite for over two decades, with: logging thousands of coaching sessions since beginning his coaching career in 1999 (and later opening Drive495 in 2005). His client roster reads like a movie credits reel—Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, John Krasinski, and Emily Blunt. But what supplements does the man responsible for these transformations actually take himself? Don has revealed his complete supplement stack, built on a foundation-first philosophy. His approach centers on NSF Certified for Sport® products—the gold standard for athletes who need third-party verification that their supplements contain exactly what's on the label, nothing more. About 58% of U.S. adults used a dietary supplement in the past 30 days according to CDC data, but Don's regimen goes beyond basic multivitamins to address the specific demands of elite performance training.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the foundation: Don's "Core 6" supplements form the essential baseline before adding performance enhancers—Whey Protein, Multivitamin, Omega-3, Creatine, Vitamin D, and Magnesium

• Timing matters: His protocol includes strategic supplement timing throughout the day to optimize absorption and effectiveness

• Quality over quantity: All supplements are NSF Certified for Sport®, ensuring purity standards beyond typical industry practices

• Supplements support, not replace: As Don states, "you can't out-train or out-supplement a poor lifestyle"

• Recovery is non-negotiable: Half his stack focuses on recovery and inflammation management, not just performance

• Accessible alternatives exist: Products like XV1 Green Superfood Powder offer similar benefits with organic greens and probiotics at competitive price points

Don Saladino's Core 6 Foundation Stack

1. Whey Protein

Don's first foundational supplement delivers approximately 21 grams of protein per serving in a highly bioavailable isolate form. Unlike whey concentrate, the isolate form provides faster absorption with minimal lactose—ideal for post-workout recovery or as a meal replacement when whole food options aren't available.

Why whey protein works:

• Rapid digestion makes it ideal for the post-workout window when muscle cells are primed for nutrient uptake

• Contains all nine essential amino acids, particularly high levels of leucine that trigger anabolic pathways

• Protein supplementation post-exercise increases muscle protein synthesis and reduces recovery time

The NSF Certified for Sport® designation means this protein has undergone rigorous testing for banned substances, making it safe for professional and competitive athletes. Don recommends it post-workout or as a meal supplement, particularly for clients focused on lean muscle development.

For those seeking additional protein support, XV1 Liquid Collagen offers hydrolyzed Type I and III peptides with added biotin and hyaluronic acid—a complementary option for joint and skin health alongside whey protein.

2. Multivitamin

The second pillar of Don's foundation is a comprehensive daily multivitamin requiring just two capsules per day—a streamlined alternative to traditional multis that often require 4-6 capsules. This efficiency matters for busy professionals who need to maintain consistency without complicated protocols.

Don describes it as essential for keeping your body healthy and thriving. The formulation addresses common nutritional gaps that even well-planned diets can miss, providing a baseline of essential vitamins and minerals. Taking it with breakfast ensures fat-soluble vitamins get absorbed properly.

Key nutrients covered:

• B-vitamins for energy metabolism

• Vitamin C for immune function

• Essential minerals like zinc and selenium

• Bioavailable forms for maximum absorption

The XV1 Green Superfood Powder offers an alternative approach to filling nutritional gaps—using organic greens, B-vitamins, Vitamin C, and turmeric rather than synthetic vitamin isolates. Both methods serve the same purpose: ensuring your body has what it needs to perform.

3. Omega-3 with CoQ10

Don includes an omega-3 + CoQ10 supplement in his routine; the CoQ10 addition is often used to support cellular energy alongside omega-3s. This dual-action formula supports heart, blood vessel, and brain health while the CoQ10 component enhances cellular energy production.

Research shows omega-3 fatty acids support cardiovascular health, brain function, and healthy inflammatory responses—crucial for athletes training at high intensity multiple times per week. The fatty acids EPA and DHA also support post-exercise recovery.

Benefits of omega-3 supplementation:

• Supports heart and blood vessel health

• Promotes brain function and cognitive performance

• Helps manage exercise-induced inflammation

• CoQ10 addition enhances cellular energy production

Don takes this with his first meal of the day, allowing the fats in food to enhance absorption. For those prioritizing cardiovascular health, this supplement addresses multiple systems simultaneously.

4. Creatine

Leading Don's "Performance & Training" category, creatine monohydrate stands as the most researched ergogenic supplement available to athletes. Don uses it daily—even on rest days—for its effects on power output, lean mass, and cognitive function.

What many don't realize is creatine's impact extends beyond muscle. Don specifically mentions its cognitive performance benefits, making it valuable for anyone needing mental sharpness alongside physical performance. The compound supports energy production at the cellular level, benefiting both brain and muscle tissue.

How creatine works:

• Increases phosphocreatine stores in muscles for explosive power

• Studies show improvements of 5-15% in muscle strength with consistent dosing

• Supports ATP regeneration for faster energy recovery between sets

• Enhances cognitive performance under stress

For those who prefer gummies over powder, XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg of creatine monohydrate per gummy in a convenient, naturally-flavored format—no scoop, no shaker required. The vegan, gluten-free formula aids muscle recovery and endurance while eliminating the mixing hassle.

5. Vitamin D

Don includes 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 in his daily stack, recognizing that most people—especially athletes—fall short on this critical nutrient. Vitamin D supports hormone balance, immune function, and recovery—three areas that directly impact training quality and results.

The D3 form (cholecalciferol) offers superior bioavailability compared to D2, meaning your body can actually use what you're taking. Don takes it with his first meal alongside omega-3s, using dietary fat to enhance absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin.

Why vitamin D matters:

• Supports bone health and calcium absorption

• Plays a role in hormone production and balance

• Critical for immune system function

• Deficiency is common among athletes, especially those training indoors

Athletes training indoors or living in northern climates face particular risk of deficiency, making supplementation a practical insurance policy regardless of diet quality.

6. Magnesium

Completing the Core 6, magnesium bisglycinate serves multiple roles: muscle recovery, stress management, and sleep quality. Don takes 1-2 capsules before bed, using the mineral to promote restful sleep while supporting overnight recovery processes.

The bisglycinate form matters. Cheaper magnesium oxide has poor absorption and often causes digestive issues. Bisglycinate is well-tolerated and well-absorbed, making it effective at actually raising magnesium levels rather than just passing through the digestive tract.

Magnesium benefits:

• Supports over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body

• Critical for protein synthesis and energy production

• Promotes muscle relaxation and recovery

• Helps with stress management and sleep quality

Don's evening timing helps clients unwind after demanding days while maximizing recovery during sleep.

Performance Enhancers

7. Amino Complex

Don uses this clinically-validated amino acid formula during training—not before, not after, but while actually lifting. The timing ensures amino acids are available precisely when muscles are under stress and most primed to use them.

The formula combines essential amino acids (EAAs) with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), supporting muscle mass and energy production simultaneously. For those who train fasted or have lengthy sessions, intra-workout amino acids help maintain performance throughout.

Key benefits:

• Leucine content triggers muscle protein synthesis pathways

• Reduces exercise-induced muscle damage

• Provides readily available amino acids during training stress

• Supports maintained performance during extended sessions

Don categorizes this under "Performance" in his supplement guide, positioning it as a tool for those serious about maximizing training adaptations.

8. Beta Alanine

Don uses a sustained-release beta alanine formula, addressing one of beta alanine's main drawbacks: the tingling sensation (paresthesia) that comes with standard formulations. He takes this pre-workout to promote muscle endurance and fight fatigue during high-intensity efforts.

Beta alanine works by increasing muscle carnosine levels, which helps buffer acid buildup during intense exercise. The result is maintained muscle capacity during sets that would otherwise cause premature failure.

Performance benefits:

• Increases muscle carnosine levels by up to 80% with consistent use

• Helps buffer lactic acid during high-intensity training

• Extends time to fatigue during metabolic conditioning

• Sustained-release formula minimizes tingling sensation

Combined with creatine, beta alanine addresses both power (creatine) and endurance (beta alanine)—a comprehensive approach to strength and performance.

Recovery and Support Supplements

9. Curcumin Phytosome

Don describes this as the most clinically-studied curcumin on the market, and the phytosome delivery system explains why. Standard curcumin has notoriously poor absorption, but the phytosome form wraps curcumin in phospholipids that dramatically increase bioavailability

The primary benefit is relief from joint and muscle soreness—critical for anyone training intensely across multiple days per week. Don categorizes this under "Recovery" in his supplement timing guide, taking it post-workout when inflammatory processes are most active.

Why curcumin phytosome works:

• Up to 29 times better absorption than standard curcumin

• Supports healthy inflammatory responses throughout the body

• Helps manage joint and muscle soreness from training

• Benefits extend to GI tract, liver, brain, and nervous system

Beyond joints and muscles, curcumin phytosome supports healthy inflammatory responses systemically. For athletes managing accumulated wear, this provides comprehensive support rather than isolated relief.

10. Daily Greens

This powder contains approximately 28 powerhouse ingredients and forms part of Don's morning nutrition strategy. He combines it with creatine, glutamine, and a probiotic in water—taken before his first meal for comprehensive morning nutrition.

The formula promotes physical endurance, cognitive performance, and cellular energy production while providing antioxidants for long-term vitality. It's designed to enhance foundational nutrition and support healthy aging—goals relevant regardless of athletic status.

What daily greens provide:

• Concentrated vegetable and fruit extracts

• Antioxidants for cellular protection

• Alkalizing greens to support pH balance

• Adaptogenic herbs for stress response

XV1 Green Superfood Powder offers a similar comprehensive approach with organic greens, red antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. The smooth mixed berry taste and one-scoop simplicity makes it easy to boost energy levels naturally without the complexity of multiple separate products.

11. Probiotic

Don's probiotic choice goes beyond basic gut health, supporting GI health, weight management, seasonal allergy response, and immune function—a multi-benefit formula that addresses several systems simultaneously.

He takes it as part of his morning routine, before his first meal. This timing allows the probiotic strains to reach the intestinal environment before food arrives, potentially improving survival rates through the digestive process.

Probiotic benefits for athletes:

• Supports nutrient absorption and gut barrier function

• Enhances immune resilience during training stress

• May influence mood through the gut-brain axis

• Helps maintain digestive health under physical demands

For athletes, gut health directly impacts nutrient absorption, immune resilience, and even mood. Understanding how probiotics impact various health markers helps explain why Don includes this in his foundational morning protocol rather than treating it as optional.

12. L-Glutamine

The final supplement in Don's stack serves dual purposes: supporting healthy intestinal lining and immune function while assisting muscle cell repair post-exercise. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue, making it particularly relevant during recovery.

Don includes it in his morning routine alongside greens, creatine, and probiotics. This combination addresses multiple systems before the day's demands begin. He also categorizes L-glutamine under "Recovery" in his supplement guide, indicating its importance for post-training support.

L-glutamine functions:

• Most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue

• Supports gut barrier integrity during training stress

• May help maintain immune function under physical demands

• Assists in muscle recovery and glycogen replenishment

For those managing intensive training loads, glutamine helps maintain the gut barrier that can become compromised during prolonged physical stress. This connection between gut health and athletic performance explains why Don prioritizes it in both his morning and recovery protocols.

Building Your Foundation with XV1 and Complete Wellness

Don's philosophy centers on one principle: "you can't out-train or out-supplement a poor lifestyle. But the right supplements can fill the gaps." This approach aligns perfectly with XV1's mission to provide science-backed supplements that support complete wellness without unnecessary complexity or inflated promises.

The XV1 Approach to Foundational Nutrition

XV1's product line reflects the same foundation-first philosophy Don implements with his elite clients. Rather than chasing trendy ingredients or making exaggerated claims, XV1 focuses on delivering what actually works—backed by research, formulated for effectiveness, and designed for consistent daily use.

The XV1 Green Superfood Powder exemplifies this approach. Like Don's daily greens supplement, it addresses the nutritional gaps that even well-planned diets miss. The organic greens blend provides concentrated phytonutrients from vegetables most people struggle to consume in adequate amounts. The addition of probiotics supports the gut health that Don prioritizes in his own stack. B-vitamins and vitamin C fill common deficiencies that impact energy production and immune function.

What sets XV1 apart is the commitment to clean formulation—vegan, GMO-free, no sugar, no fillers, just ingredients that serve a purpose. The smooth mixed berry taste makes daily consistency effortless, addressing one of the biggest challenges with supplement protocols: actually taking them every day.

Performance Support Made Simple

For those following Don's example of including creatine for both physical and cognitive performance, XV1 Creatine Gummies eliminate the common barriers to consistent use. No measuring scoops, no gritty texture, no mixing required—just grab a few gummies and get the 1,000mg of creatine monohydrate your muscles and brain need.

The vegan, gluten-free formula with natural fruit flavoring means you can take them anywhere—in the gym bag, at the office, while traveling. This convenience factor directly impacts compliance, and compliance determines results. Don's clients succeed partly because he makes protocols practical for demanding schedules. XV1 applies the same logic: if supplements aren't convenient, people won't take them consistently enough to see benefits.

Recovery and Longevity for the Long Game

Don's inclusion of collagen-supporting supplements and omega-3s reflects an understanding that elite performance today shouldn't come at the expense of joint health and vitality tomorrow. XV1 Liquid Collagen delivers hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides in a fast-absorbing liquid format, providing the building blocks for connective tissue repair that becomes increasingly important with training age.

The addition of hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc creates a comprehensive support system for joints, skin, hair, and nails—the tissues that reveal how well your body is actually recovering and aging. One tablespoon daily, sugar-free, non-GMO, and compatible with various dietary approaches from keto to paleo.

The Complete Wellness Framework

XV1's philosophy extends beyond individual supplements to a complete wellness framework that mirrors Don's holistic approach:

• Foundation First: Start with basics like greens and probiotics before adding specialized performance enhancers

• Quality Standards: Third-party testing, clean ingredients, transparent labeling—no proprietary blends hiding inferior forms

• Practical Consistency: Formulations designed for real life, not just perfect conditions

• Long-Term Thinking: Support today's performance while protecting tomorrow's health

• Accessible Science: Research-backed ingredients without the premium markup typical of celebrity endorsements

This approach recognizes what Don demonstrates through his two-decade career: sustainable results come from sustainable practices. The supplements that work are the ones you'll actually take consistently, that support multiple aspects of health simultaneously, and that complement rather than replace fundamental lifestyle factors.

Making Your Own Stack Work

Building a supplement stack similar to Don's doesn't require his budget or access to Hollywood trainers. It requires understanding your priorities, starting with foundational support, and adding strategically based on individual needs and training demands.

For most people, a comprehensive greens powder, quality protein source, and targeted performance support like creatine provide 80% of the benefits at a fraction of the complexity. XV1 makes this accessible through subscription flexibility—edit, skip, or cancel anytime—and a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee that removes the risk of trying new products.

The estimated $150-200 monthly cost of a foundational stack becomes more manageable when you're only buying what you'll actually use, in forms that work for your lifestyle, from a company that stands behind effectiveness with more than marketing claims.

Don Saladino's supplement stack works because it's built on principles that apply whether you're training for a Marvel movie or just trying to feel better and perform well in daily life. XV1 brings those same principles to everyone seeking science-backed support for complete wellness—no celebrity endorsement required, just effective formulations and honest guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements does Don Saladino prioritize in his routine?

Don's essential stack includes whey protein, a comprehensive multivitamin, omega-3 with CoQ10, creatine, vitamin D, and magnesium as his "Core 6" foundation. He then adds amino acids, beta alanine, curcumin, daily greens, probiotics, and L-glutamine for performance and recovery support.

Do I need to take all 12 supplements Don recommends?

No. Don explicitly structures his recommendations with the Core 6 as the starting point. He suggests building a foundation first, then adding performance and recovery supplements based on individual needs and training demands. Many people see significant benefits from just the foundational stack.

How much does a supplement stack like Don Saladino's cost monthly?

The foundational stack runs an estimated $150-200 monthly at typical supplement pricing. The full 12-supplement stack costs more, which is why Don recommends starting with the essentials and expanding based on results. XV1 offers subscription flexibility—edit, skip, or cancel anytime.

Can combining multiple supplements enhance fitness results?

Yes, when selected strategically. Don's morning routine combines greens, creatine, glutamine, and a probiotic because they work synergistically—the greens provide nutrients, creatine supports performance, glutamine aids recovery, and probiotics enhance absorption. Random supplement stacking without purpose provides less value.

What are the key benefits of incorporating green superfoods daily?

Green superfood powders like XV1 Green Superfood provide antioxidants, support digestive health, and fill nutritional gaps from whole food sources. They're particularly valuable for those who struggle to consume adequate vegetables daily or want convenient comprehensive nutrition.