List of Supplements Jenna Ortega Takes

What the Wednesday star uses for anxiety management, performance support, and wellness—plus science-backed alternatives for similar benefits

Jenna Ortega has become one of Hollywood's most in-demand young actors, balancing demanding filming schedules, promotional tours, and the physical requirements of action-oriented roles. In a November 2023 interview with Harper's Bazaar UK, Ortega revealed one key supplement in her wellness routine: saffron extract for anxiety management. While she keeps most of her health practices private, this glimpse into her approach reflects a growing trend among young performers who prioritize mental wellness alongside physical health. Approximately 20% of U.S. adults experience anxiety disorders annually, making Ortega's candid discussion particularly relevant for those seeking evidence-based support. This guide breaks down the supplement Ortega publicly uses, the science supporting it, and related supplements that support similar wellness goals for performers, professionals, and anyone managing demanding schedules.

Key Takeaways

• Jenna Ortega takes saffron extract for anxiety – She specifically mentioned using ZuvaLabs saffron supplements given to her by her mother in her Harper's Bazaar UK beauty bag interview

• Saffron shows promise for mood support – Research suggests saffron extract may support mood, though mechanisms aren’t fully established and likely involve multiple neurotransmitter pathways

• Young performers face unique wellness challenges – Demanding schedules, public scrutiny, and irregular routines create stress that requires strategic nutritional support

• Mental wellness supplements are evidence-backed – Ingredients like ashwagandha, L-theanine, and magnesium have clinical research supporting their calming properties

• Quality and consistency matter most – Third-party tested supplements from reputable brands ensure purity and accurate dosing

• XV1 offers foundational wellness support – Products like Complete Wellness provide comprehensive nutrient coverage in physician-formulated blends

Mental Wellness and Anxiety Support

1. Saffron Extract: Jenna's Go-To for Anxiety

In her Harper's Bazaar UK interview, Jenna Ortega revealed that she takes saffron extract supplements from ZuvaLabs to help manage anxiety—a supplement her mother introduced to her.

The science behind saffron:

• Clinical research suggests saffron extract may support mood through modulation of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine pathways

• Studies indicate that saffron supplementation around 30mg daily of standardized extract shows promise for supporting healthy mood in adults

• Contains bioactive compounds including crocin and safranal that appear to have neuroprotective properties

Why performers choose saffron:

• Non-sedating support that doesn't interfere with demanding work schedules

• Research-backed approach to managing performance anxiety and general stress

• Natural alternative for those seeking mood support without prescription medications

Saffron's traditional use dates back thousands of years, but modern research has validated many of its applications. For actors facing high-pressure environments, camera work, and public appearances, managing anxiety becomes essential for consistent performance.

Quality matters significantly with saffron—the active compounds vary widely between sources. Standardized extracts ensure consistent levels of crocin and safranal, the compounds linked to mood benefits. Most research uses extracts standardized to around 2% safranal content.

For those seeking comprehensive mood and stress support beyond single ingredients, XV1 Complete Wellness delivers essential B-vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and adaptogenic support in a physician-formulated multivitamin designed for daily foundational health.

2. Ashwagandha: Adaptogenic Stress Response Support

While not confirmed as part of Ortega's routine, ashwagandha represents another evidence-backed option for stress management that many performers and professionals use.

Ashwagandha's stress-modulating effects:

• Research demonstrates that standardized ashwagandha extracts may help reduce cortisol levels and support healthy stress response

• Studies using around 300-500mg of standardized extract daily show potential benefits for perceived stress and anxiousness

• Works as an adaptogen, helping the body maintain balance during physical and mental stressors

Why it complements demanding schedules:

• Supports energy levels while promoting calm—useful for early call times and long filming days

• May help with sleep quality, which often suffers during intense work periods

• Non-habit forming with a strong safety profile in healthy adults

Ashwagandha works best with consistent use over several weeks. Unlike quick-acting interventions, adaptogens build resilience over time. For someone managing the irregular schedules of film production, this steady support helps maintain baseline wellness despite variable demands.

Quality ashwagandha supplements use extracts standardized to withanolide content—look for products specifying around 5% withanolides. The root extract has the most research support, though some formulations include leaf extracts as well.

3. L-Theanine: Calm Focus Without Drowsiness

L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves, offers another approach to managing performance anxiety and maintaining focus under pressure.

How L-theanine works:

• Promotes alpha brain wave activity associated with relaxed alertness

• Studies suggest that doses around 200-400mg can support calm focus without sedation

• Often paired with caffeine for balanced energy and concentration

Benefits for performers:

• Supports mental clarity during script memorization and emotional scenes

• Helps manage nerves before performances or public appearances

• Works within 30-60 minutes, allowing for strategic timing around stressful events

Unlike some calming supplements that cause drowsiness, L-theanine maintains alertness while reducing feelings of anxiousness. This makes it particularly useful for situations requiring both calm and concentration—exactly what actors need during filming.

L-theanine has minimal side effects and doesn't build tolerance with regular use. Some people use it daily for baseline anxiety support, while others take it situationally before high-stress events. Both approaches have research support.

Performance and Energy Support

4. B-Vitamin Complex: Energy and Nervous System Health

B-vitamins play essential roles in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and stress response—all critical for maintaining performance during demanding schedules.

Key B-vitamins for performers:

• B6, B9 (folate), and B12 support neurotransmitter synthesis including serotonin and dopamine

• B-vitamins help convert food into cellular energy, supporting sustained mental and physical output

• Research indicates that B-vitamin supplementation may support mood and reduce fatigue in those with demanding lifestyles

Why adequate B-vitamins matter:

• Irregular eating schedules during filming can create nutritional gaps

• Stress increases B-vitamin requirements, potentially creating deficiencies over time

• Water-soluble vitamins need daily replenishment since the body doesn't store them

For those maintaining intense schedules with variable nutrition, B-complex supplementation provides insurance against deficiency. While food sources remain ideal, supplementation ensures consistent intake regardless of meal timing or quality.

Quality B-complex supplements provide active forms of nutrients like methylfolate and methylcobalamin, which don't require conversion for the body to use them. XV1 Complete Wellness includes optimal forms of all essential B-vitamins alongside other foundational nutrients in one daily capsule.

5. Magnesium: Sleep, Recovery, and Calm

Magnesium supports hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, with particular relevance for stress management, sleep quality, and muscle recovery.

Magnesium's multifaceted benefits:

• Supports GABA function, promoting relaxation and healthy sleep patterns

• Studies show that many adults consume less magnesium than recommended levels through diet alone

• Helps regulate cortisol and supports healthy stress response

For demanding performance schedules:

• Evening magnesium supplementation may support falling asleep despite irregular schedules

• Supports muscle relaxation after physical scenes or stunt work

• Helps maintain calm during high-pressure situations

Different forms of magnesium serve different purposes. Magnesium glycinate and citrate absorb well and support relaxation. Magnesium oxide is less bioavailable but can support digestive regularity. Quality matters—cheap magnesium often causes digestive discomfort.

Many people find magnesium most helpful when taken in the evening, around 200-400mg of elemental magnesium from glycinate or citrate forms. This timing supports the natural wind-down process and prepares the body for restorative sleep.

Foundational Wellness and Recovery

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Brain Health and Inflammation Management

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA from fish oil or algae sources, support brain function, mood regulation, and healthy inflammatory response.

Evidence for omega-3s:

• Research demonstrates that adequate omega-3 intake supports cognitive function and mood

• EPA specifically shows promise in studies examining mood support

• Standard recommendations suggest around 250-500mg combined EPA/DHA daily for general health

Benefits beyond mood:

• Supports cardiovascular health critical for physical performance requirements

• Anti-inflammatory properties help with recovery from physical roles

• Brain health support for memorization and emotional regulation demands

For actors managing both the mental demands of performance and potential physical requirements, omega-3s provide broad-spectrum support. The brain is approximately 60% fat by dry weight, with omega-3s playing structural roles in cell membranes.

Quality fish oil undergoes molecular distillation to remove contaminants. Third-party testing for mercury, PCBs, and other pollutants ensures safety. For those avoiding fish products, algae-derived omega-3s provide EPA and DHA in vegan-friendly forms.

7. Vitamin D: Immune Function and Mood Support

Vitamin D deficiency is remarkably common, particularly for those who spend long hours indoors on film sets or in studios.

Vitamin D's importance:

• Supports immune function critical for maintaining work schedules

• Research links adequate vitamin D status to mood regulation

• Many adults have insufficient levels, particularly those with limited sun exposure

For performers:

• Indoor filming schedules limit natural vitamin D synthesis

• Immune support helps avoid illness during production

• Mood support complements other mental wellness strategies

Testing vitamin D levels provides personalized guidance, but many healthcare providers recommend around 1,000-2,000 IU daily for those with limited sun exposure. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) absorbs better than D2 (ergocalciferol).

Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so taking it with meals containing fats improves absorption. It works synergistically with magnesium and vitamin K2 for optimal utilization.

8. Probiotics: Gut-Brain Axis Support

Emerging research on the gut-brain axis reveals how digestive health influences mood, anxiety, and cognitive function—particularly relevant for managing performance stress.

The gut-brain connection:

• Studies indicate that gut microbiome composition may influence mood and stress response

• Probiotics support digestive health, which can suffer during travel and irregular schedules

• Certain strains show promise for supporting healthy stress response

Benefits for busy performers:

• Supports digestive regularity despite travel and schedule changes

• May help with stress-related digestive discomfort

• Immune support concentrated in gut-associated lymphoid tissue

Quality probiotic supplements specify strain names and colony-forming units (CFUs). Different strains serve different purposes—Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species have the most research for general wellness. Shelf-stable formulations eliminate refrigeration needs during travel.

For comprehensive foundational nutrition including prebiotic fiber, XV1 Green Superfood Powder delivers organic greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants in one daily scoop—vegan, non-GMO, with no added sugar.

Building Your Wellness Foundation with XV1

The supplements Jenna Ortega and other young performers choose reflect a strategic approach to wellness that addresses both immediate performance demands and long-term health. While individual supplements serve specific purposes, the foundation of any effective wellness routine starts with comprehensive nutritional coverage, consistent habits, and quality ingredients you can trust.

The Complete Wellness approach:

XV1 was founded on the principle that optimal health shouldn't require dozens of separate supplements or complicated routines. Complete Wellness delivers exactly what its name promises—a physician-formulated multivitamin providing over 20 essential nutrients including active B-vitamins, vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc, and more in optimal forms and therapeutic doses. Rather than addressing single concerns in isolation, this comprehensive formula supports energy production, immune function, stress response, and cellular health simultaneously.

Why quality matters more than quantity:

The supplement industry offers endless options, but not all products deliver meaningful results. XV1 prioritizes third-party testing, bioavailable nutrient forms, and clinically relevant dosing over marketing claims. Complete Wellness uses methylated B-vitamins that don't require genetic conversion, chelated minerals with superior absorption, and avoids unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, and allergens. For someone managing the demands Jenna Ortega faces—irregular schedules, high stress, performance pressure—foundational nutrition creates the baseline that allows targeted supplements to work effectively.

Strategic supplementation for modern wellness:

Beyond comprehensive multivitamin support, XV1 offers targeted solutions that complement a complete wellness foundation. Green Superfood Powder provides organic greens, antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes for those struggling to consume adequate vegetables during busy schedules. The formula includes adaptogenic mushrooms and prebiotic fiber that support the gut-brain axis research highlights as critical for mood and stress management.

For those interested in collagen support for skin, joints, and recovery, XV1 Liquid Collagen delivers hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc in a fast-absorbing liquid format—just one tablespoon daily supports multiple wellness goals without handfuls of pills.

The convenience factor:

Demanding schedules require simple routines that deliver results without complexity. XV1's subscription model allows you to receive products automatically at intervals that match your usage, with complete flexibility to edit, skip, or cancel anytime. All products come with a Money Back Guarantee, eliminating risk and allowing you to experience benefits firsthand. Whether you're managing performance anxiety like Jenna Ortega, supporting energy for demanding work, or simply filling nutritional gaps, XV1 makes evidence-based wellness accessible and sustainable.

Building habits that last:

Supplements work best within comprehensive wellness practices. The most sophisticated supplement stack cannot compensate for inadequate sleep, chronic stress, or poor nutrition. Jenna Ortega's approach—using saffron strategically while presumably maintaining other healthy habits—reflects this understanding. Start with foundational nutrition through Complete Wellness, prioritize consistent sleep schedules when possible, stay hydrated, and layer in targeted support as needed. This approach creates sustainable wellness rather than dependency on supplementation alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplement does Jenna Ortega take for anxiety?

Jenna Ortega takes saffron extract supplements from ZuvaLabs for anxiety management, which she revealed in her November 2023 Harper's Bazaar UK interview. She mentioned that her mother gave her the supplements. Research suggests saffron extract around 30mg daily may support a healthy mood through effects on serotonin pathways.

Are saffron supplements safe and effective for stress?

Clinical research indicates that standardized saffron extract shows promise for mood support when used at appropriate doses around 30mg daily. Saffron appears safe for most healthy adults with minimal side effects. However, individuals taking medications or with health conditions should consult healthcare providers before starting supplementation.

What supplements support performers and busy professionals?

Evidence-backed supplements for demanding schedules include B-complex vitamins for energy metabolism, magnesium for stress response and sleep, omega-3s for brain health, vitamin D for immune and mood support, and adaptogens like ashwagandha. XV1 Complete Wellness provides foundational coverage of essential nutrients in one formula.

Can I combine multiple anxiety-support supplements safely?

Many calming supplements can be combined safely, but starting with one at a time helps identify what works for your individual needs. Saffron, L-theanine, magnesium, and omega-3s have different mechanisms and can complement each other. Consult healthcare providers before combining supplements, especially if taking medications.

How long does it take to notice results from mood-support supplements?

Timelines vary by ingredient: L-theanine works within 30-60 minutes, magnesium may improve sleep within days, while saffron and ashwagandha typically require 2-4 weeks of consistent use for noticeable mood benefits. Omega-3s and B-vitamins support long-term brain health with benefits accumulating over months.