A sourced look at the supplements the former monk and wellness influencer says he uses regularly or as needed, based on podcast episodes, official partnerships.
Jay Shetty reaches over 20 million monthly listeners with health advice through his "On Purpose" podcast. But what supplements does the former monk actually take himself? His supplement routine emerged after a startling discovery during routine bloodwork—his vitamin D levels were critically low despite maintaining what he believed was a healthy, active lifestyle.
Working alongside his personal physician, Dr. Darshan Shah, Shetty developed a supplement protocol based on actual blood test results rather than trends. His approach prioritizes nutrients that are difficult to obtain on a plant-based diet, with a clear philosophy: whole foods first, supplements second.
Key Takeaways
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Blood tests matter – Jay's supplement journey started when bloodwork revealed his vitamin D level was critically low at 10 ng/mL, despite feeling healthy and energetic
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Plant-based diets require specific support – His stack focuses on B12, D3, and Omega-3, nutrients that are hard to obtain on plant-based diets
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Doctor-guided approach – His personal physician, Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, recommended his core supplements based on widespread deficiencies
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Whole foods come first – Jay only uses greens powder "if I didn't get a couple of good salads in," demonstrating a food-first philosophy
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Cultural heritage influences choices – Supplements like slippery elm bark and ginger root come from his Indian roots and mother's guidance
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Simplicity is key – His routine centers on daily basics rather than complex stacks, making it sustainable long-term
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
1. Vitamin D3 with K2 – The Foundation of His Stack
Vitamin D3 combined with K2 represents the cornerstone of Jay Shetty's supplement routine. The discovery that sparked his entire supplement journey came from a shocking blood test result. Despite maintaining an active lifestyle—traveling constantly, giving keynotes, and feeling energetic—his vitamin D level was ten. As he explained on his podcast, "I was living my life... healthy, I was energetic... and she was just like, I don't even know how you function."
Why this combination matters:
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Vitamin D supports immune function, bone health, and mood regulation
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Most people don't get adequate sunlight exposure to produce sufficient vitamin D naturally
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K2 directs calcium to bones and teeth while preventing calcium deposits in blood vessels
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Plant-based D3 sourced from non-animal origins maintains compatibility with a vegan lifestyle
Dr. Darshan Shah, Jay's personal doctor, explains: "Vitamin D, we don't get enough sunlight to produce it... most people do need some vitamin D. It needs to be dialed in based on a blood test." Jay uses a liquid D3/K2 formulation from Vivo Life, targeting blood levels between 50-80 ng/mL through regular monitoring. For those seeking comprehensive vitamin and mineral support, testing remains the most reliable way to determine individual needs.
2. Omega-3 (Algae-Based) – Brain and Heart Support Without Fish
For Omega-3 fatty acids, Jay opts for algae-based oil rather than traditional fish oil. This choice aligns with his plant-based lifestyle while delivering both EPA and DHA—the two essential fatty acids critical for brain and heart function.
Key benefits of algae-based Omega-3:
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EPA supports mood regulation and mental focus
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DHA maintains cognitive function and brain health
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Sustainable alternative to fish oil without ecological impact
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Direct source (algae) that fish consume to obtain their omega-3s
His doctor specifically recommends "fish oil supplement as well, for the vegetarians and vegans out there, there's some great non-fish sources of fish oil as well." The importance becomes clear when considering that EPA and DHA don't occur naturally in vegan foods in sufficient quantities. Jay takes this supplement daily as part of his core routine, recognizing it as one of the key nutrients that plant-based eaters struggle to obtain.
3. Magnesium – The Widespread Deficiency Solution
Magnesium appears in Jay's routine based on a straightforward recommendation from Dr. Darshan Shah: "Magnesium is something that we're all very deficient in, so I would do magnesium as well." Research based on U.S. dietary intake surveys suggests a large portion of adults may not meet magnesium requirements..
How magnesium supports the body:
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Involved in over 300 enzymatic processes
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Supports energy production at the cellular level
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Aids muscle function and recovery
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Promotes quality sleep when taken in the evening
Jay takes magnesium in the evening, capitalizing on its sleep-supporting properties while ensuring proper bodily function. The timing matters for both absorption and effect—evening intake supports the body's natural wind-down processes, particularly valuable for those with demanding travel schedules. For anyone building a daily supplement routine, magnesium often serves as a foundational element alongside vitamin D.
4. Vitamin B12 (Liquid Complex) – Essential for Plant-Based Eaters
Vitamin B12 ranks among the non-negotiable supplements for anyone following a plant-based diet. Jay uses a liquid B12 complex, explaining that he takes it "daily as these are the key nutrients that can be hard to get when following a plant based diet." The liquid form offers enhanced absorption compared to standard tablets.
Why B12 matters:
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Supports nerve function and neurological health
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Essential for red blood cell formation
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Required for DNA synthesis
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Deficiency can cause serious neurological issues over time
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Water-soluble (excess amounts are excreted, not stored)
The B complex formulation Jay uses provides additional B vitamins beyond just B12, which experts recommend for managing stress—relevant for anyone with a demanding schedule. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple potential nutritional gaps in one daily dose. According to the NIH, vegans and vegetarians should take B12 supplements regularly to prevent deficiency.
Performance and Energy Supplements
5. Creatine – The Research-Backed Morning Essential
Creatine might surprise some listeners familiar with Jay's mindfulness-focused content, but he takes it daily based on solid evidence. When Dr. Darshan Shah mentioned creatine, noting it's an "amino acid that has a lot of research behind it," Jay confirmed his usage, taking 3-5 grams daily, typically mixed into his morning coffee.
Research-backed benefits:
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Supports ATP production for cellular energy
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Enhances exercise performance and strength
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May support cognitive function and brain health
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Safe for healthy adults according to Mayo Clinic
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Works through improving phosphocreatine stores in muscles
His integration method reflects practical wisdom: "Just put a scoop in your coffee and mixes in with anything," he explained. This eliminates the friction of remembering another supplement, making long-term consistency achievable. For those who prefer not to deal with powder mixing, creatine gummies offer a convenient alternative—XV1 Creatine Gummies provide 1,000mg of creatine monohydrate per gummy in a vegan, gluten-free format with no measuring required.
6. Protein Powder (PERFORM & RITUAL) – Daily Fuel for Plant-Based Living
Jay Shetty has publicly declared that "Vivo Life makes my favourite health supplements on the market," with protein powder serving as a consistent staple. He uses two products: PERFORM for meeting daily protein needs and RITUAL superfood blend in his smoothies. His favorite flavors include Madagascan Vanilla and Salted Maca Caramel.
Why protein supplementation matters:
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Meeting protein requirements on plant-based diets requires intentional planning
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Complete amino acid profiles support muscle maintenance
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Supports satiety and metabolic function
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Convenient way to reach daily protein targets
"Protein powders are pretty much always a staple for me," Jay has shared on his podcast. The environmental factor also influences his choice—Vivo Life operates as a carbon-neutral company and plants a tree with every order. For those seeking similar nutritional coverage, green superfood powders can deliver comprehensive daily nutrition in a single serving.
Greens and Phytonutrients
7. AG1 (Athletic Greens) – The Situational Safety Net
Unlike his other supplements, Jay Shetty doesn't take AG1 daily. His usage reflects his whole-foods-first philosophy: "If I got a couple of good salads in fine, I don't need to do anything else. If I don't, I'll take a packet of AG one, which is like a phyto nutrient powder, which I really like."
His conditional approach demonstrates:
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Greens powder as insurance, not replacement for vegetables
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Supplements should complement, not replace, a varied diet
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Flexibility in supplementation based on daily food intake
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Practical adaptation to travel and schedule demands
This philosophy aligns with what nutrition experts consistently recommend. For those seeking a similar nutritional safety net, XV1 Green Superfood Powder offers comprehensive daily nutrition with organic greens, red antioxidants, and an advanced probiotic blend with prebiotic fiber and digestive enzymes. At $59.99, it provides vegan, GMO-free support for digestion, gut health, and nutrient absorption with a smooth mixed berry taste.
Traditional and Herbal Supplements
8. Slippery Elm Bark – A Cultural Connection to Gut Health
Jay Shetty has discussed using slippery elm bark for digestive health in wellness conversations, a choice inspired by his Indian heritage and mother's guidance. This traditional herb has been used for centuries to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
How slippery elm works:
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Coats the digestive tract with a gel-like substance
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Protects and soothes irritated tissues
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Supports overall gastrointestinal comfort
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Used traditionally in herbal medicine for digestive wellness
Nature's Way, a sponsor of his podcast, provides high-quality herbal supplements with rigorous testing. This supplement represents an often-overlooked aspect of wellness: the cultural and familial traditions that shape our health practices. Jay's inclusion of his mother's recommended herbs alongside modern, research-backed supplements demonstrates a balanced approach. Understanding gut health fundamentals can help anyone determine which digestive support options fit their individual needs.
9. Ginger Root – Anti-Inflammatory Support from Family Tradition
Ginger root pairs with slippery elm bark in Jay's digestive health routine, another supplement drawn from his Indian heritage and mother's influence. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been recognized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and modern research continues to validate these traditional uses.
Ginger's multiple mechanisms:
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Reduces inflammation throughout the body
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Supports healthy digestion
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May ease nausea and stomach discomfort
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Provides antioxidant protection
For someone with Jay's travel schedule, ginger's stomach-settling properties prove particularly valuable. The herb can be taken in supplement form or incorporated into teas and meals, offering flexibility. Together with slippery elm bark, ginger represents Jay's integration of Eastern wellness traditions with Western supplement science. Those interested in natural antioxidant support might also explore options like resveratrol, which provides powerful antioxidant defense through 98% pure trans-resveratrol.
Building Your Complete Wellness Stack with XV1
Jay Shetty's approach offers several principles applicable to anyone building a supplement routine. First, start with bloodwork. His discovery of critically low vitamin D despite feeling healthy underscores why testing matters more than assumptions. Second, address actual deficiencies before adding trendy supplements. His plant-based focus drives specific choices—B12, D3, and Omega-3—that may not apply to omnivores, but the underlying principle remains universal: identify gaps in your diet and fill them strategically.
XV1 was founded on this same evidence-based philosophy. Rather than following supplement trends, XV1 formulates products that address the most common nutritional gaps Americans face. The cellular health optimization that supplements can provide depends entirely on choosing the right ones for your individual situation.
XV1's Complete Wellness Approach
The foundation of effective supplementation starts with comprehensive nutrition. XV1 Green Superfood Powder delivers what whole foods should provide but modern diets often lack: organic greens (spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass), red antioxidants (beet root, pomegranate, acai), digestive enzymes, and an advanced probiotic blend with 5 billion CFUs. This addresses the same food-first philosophy Jay emphasizes—using supplementation to fill verified gaps, not replace balanced meals.
For those following plant-based or restricted diets like Jay, protein and creatine become essential. XV1 Creatine Gummies transform the traditionally messy powder experience into a convenient, great-tasting daily habit. Each gummy contains 1,000mg of pure creatine monohydrate—the same form backed by decades of research that Jay relies on. The vegan, gluten-free formulation with natural fruit flavoring makes consistency effortless, whether you're at home or traveling.
Beyond Basic Nutrition: Targeted Support
Jay's inclusion of joint and digestive support through traditional herbs highlights an often-overlooked aspect of complete wellness. XV1 Liquid Collagen addresses this need through hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides, enhanced with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc. The sugar-free liquid format delivers 10,000mg per tablespoon, supporting joints, skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail health without the hassle of large pills or mixing powders.
The anti-inflammatory support Jay obtains through ginger can be complemented with modern research-backed ingredients. XV1 Resveratrol provides 98% pure trans-resveratrol at 1,000mg per serving, delivering powerful antioxidant defense that supports cardiovascular health, cellular protection, and healthy aging. This third-party tested, vegan formulation represents the intersection of traditional wellness wisdom and cutting-edge nutritional science.
Making Supplementation Sustainable
Jay's whole-foods-first philosophy prevents over-reliance on supplements—using greens powder only when vegetable intake falls short rather than as a daily replacement maintains the priority of real food. This measured approach proves more sustainable than aggressive supplementation that ignores dietary foundations. XV1 supports this philosophy through transparent labeling, third-party testing, and formulations designed to complement—not replace—healthy eating habits.
Every XV1 product comes with The Money-Back Guarantee, reflecting confidence in both quality and effectiveness. Subscription options provide flexibility—edit, skip, or cancel anytime—making it easy to adjust your routine as your needs change. Whether you're addressing specific deficiencies like Jay did with vitamin D, supporting an active lifestyle with creatine and protein, or building comprehensive nutritional insurance with greens and antioxidants, XV1 provides science-backed solutions without the complexity.
The path to optimal wellness isn't about taking the most supplements—it's about taking the right ones, consistently, based on your individual needs. Jay Shetty's journey from shocking blood test results to a sustainable, doctor-guided supplement protocol demonstrates this perfectly. Start with testing, address verified gaps, choose quality products, and maintain the discipline of daily consistency. That's how supplements transform from another health trend into genuine tools for long-term vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplements does Jay Shetty take daily?
Jay Shetty takes supplements regularly: Vitamin D3 with K2, Omega-3 (algae-based), Magnesium, Vitamin B12 (liquid complex), Creatine, Protein Powder, Slippery Elm Bark, and Ginger Root. He uses AG1 greens powder situationally rather than daily. His routine was developed with his personal physician, Dr. Darshan Shah, based on blood test results and the specific nutritional requirements of a plant-based diet.
Why did Jay Shetty start taking supplements?
Jay started his supplement journey after discovering his vitamin D level was critically low at 10 ng/mL, despite maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. This unexpected result led him to work with Dr. Darshan Shah to develop a comprehensive supplement protocol addressing common deficiencies and the specific gaps in plant-based diets.
Does Jay Shetty have supplement brand partnerships?
Yes, Jay Shetty has a partnership with Vivo Life, a plant-based supplement company, and has promoted Nature's Way products through podcast sponsorships. He has publicly stated that Vivo Life makes his favorite health supplements on the market. Consumers should consider these commercial relationships when evaluating his recommendations.
How much creatine does Jay Shetty take?
Jay takes 3-5 grams of creatine daily, mixed into his morning coffee. His doctor, Dr. Darshan Shah, recommended creatine as an amino acid with substantial research supporting its benefits for energy, cognitive function, and muscle maintenance. This dosage aligns with standard recommendations for creatine monohydrate supplementation.
What is Jay Shetty's philosophy on supplements vs. whole foods?
Jay follows a whole-foods-first approach. He uses greens powder only when his vegetable intake falls short, explaining "If I got a couple of good salads in fine, I don't need to do anything else." His supplements address specific nutritional gaps—particularly those created by plant-based eating—rather than replacing a varied diet.
