A detailed breakdown of confirmed supplements and science-backed recommendations for athletes training like the YouTube star turned professional boxer
Olajide "KSI" Olatunji has transformed from a FIFA gaming YouTuber into a legitimate professional boxer with nearly 40 million subscribers combined across YouTube. His physical transformation required more than just training—it demanded a strategic approach to nutrition and supplementation. From co-founding a hydration brand that reportedly reached hundreds of millions in sales early on to working with personal chef Sarah Saunders on optimized meal plans, KSI treats his body like a high-performance machine. This guide breaks down both the supplements KSI has been confirmed using and the evidence-based recommendations professional boxers like him typically follow. We've been transparent about what's verified versus what's recommended for athletes with similar training demands. Whether you're building your own strength and performance stack or simply curious about what fuels one of the internet's most famous athletes, this comprehensive list covers everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
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Prime Hydration is the anchor – As co-founder, KSI has complete control over the formula, which includes 834mg electrolytes, 250mg BCAAs, and B vitamins for energy metabolism
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Visual confirmation exists for BCAAs – Men's Health UK documented KSI training with a "gallon hydration bottle filled with colourful BCAAs" during his fight preparation
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Partnership history reveals protein focus – KSI's official Myprotein ambassadorship and personal chef confirm high-protein nutrition is central to his approach
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Boxing-specific supplements matter – Combat athletes require specialized supplementation for brain health (Omega-3), bone density (Vitamin D3), and explosive power (Creatine)
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UK location affects vitamin needs – Living in the UK with limited sunlight exposure an increase the likelihood that Vitamin D supplementation is useful—especially for people who train indoors for indoor training athletes
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Gut health protects training consistency – Probiotics reduce upper respiratory infections during intensive training camps, preventing illness that could cancel fights
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Transparency is essential – Not all supplements listed are confirmed for KSI; some are evidence-based recommendations for professional boxers with similar training demands
Confirmed Supplements KSI Uses
1. Prime Hydration: KSI's Own Brand Formula
Prime Hydration stands as the only supplement with 100% confirmed daily usage by KSI—because he co-created it. Launched in 2022 alongside former rival Logan Paul, the brand generated approximately $250 million in its first year and secured partnerships with major organizations including Arsenal FC as their official hydration partner.
The formula contains 834mg of electrolytes (potassium and magnesium), 250mg of BCAAs (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine), and 10% coconut water for natural hydration. At only 20 calories per bottle with zero caffeine, it's designed for post-workout recovery rather than pre-workout energy. The drink includes added B vitamins; exact amounts vary by product/label, so check the nutrition panel for your region for energy metabolism support.
Key benefits:
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834mg electrolytes for hydration and muscle function
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250mg BCAAs for recovery support
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Zero caffeine, ideal for post-workout use
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B vitamins for energy metabolism
Men's Health UK's nutrition team concluded that Prime Hydration "could be a good addition to post-workout hydration as it contains numerous electrolytes as well as BCAAs which can aid with recovery." The KSI Nightmare flavor currently holds a 4.7/5 rating on Amazon based on verified purchaser reviews.
2. BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids): Confirmed Training Staple
Beyond what's included in Prime Hydration, KSI has been directly observed using additional BCAA supplementation. During a 2022 Men's Health UK interview, journalists documented KSI training with a "gallon hydration bottle filled with BCAAs"—visual confirmation that places BCAAs firmly in his confirmed supplement stack.
Common supplemental ranges are often cited around 4–20g per day, depending on diet and training volume, significantly higher than the 250mg found in Prime Hydration alone. This indicates he may use additional amino acids beyond what’s included in Prime, especially during heavy training blocks. BCAAs support muscle recovery after intense boxing sessions, reduce muscle soreness, and help prevent muscle wasting during the weight cuts required for boxing weigh-ins.
Why additional BCAAs matter:
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Support muscle protein synthesis during training
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Reduce exercise-induced muscle damage
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Help maintain muscle mass during weight cuts
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Provide amino acids without requiring full protein digestion
Sports nutritionist Scott Baptie notes that "BCAAs are abundantly found in food" and that most protein-rich foods contain 15-25% BCAAs naturally. However, for athletes training multiple times daily like KSI, supplementation ensures consistent intake regardless of meal timing around intense training sessions.
3. Whey Protein: Partnership-Confirmed Nutrition Foundation
KSI's relationship with protein supplementation is documented through his official Myprotein ambassadorship from 2018-2019. His personal chef, Sarah Saunders, confirmed in interviews that KSI's macros require "high protein for muscle maintenance" and that she works directly with his personal trainer Dida and boxing coach Viddal to optimize nutrition.
The Greatest Physiques analysis of KSI's transformation states plainly: "Protein is the building block of muscles" and notes that for a professional boxer like KSI, a high-protein diet is essential. Saunders also mentioned using "protein flapjack" as a snack option during KSI's content creation sessions, demonstrating how protein fits into his schedule.
Protein's role for combat athletes:
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Supports muscle repair after boxing training
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Maintains muscle mass during caloric deficits
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Provides convenient nutrition between training sessions
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Ensures adequate amino acid availability for recovery
For athletes juggling multiple training sessions with YouTube filming and business obligations, protein powder provides convenience without compromising nutritional goals. The standard recommendation of 20-30g post-workout supports the muscle repair essential for boxing training. Saunders emphasized that "without the right calories and nutrients, athletes can't perform best".
Evidence-Based Supplements for Boxers Like KSI
4. Omega-3 Fish Oil: Essential for Combat Athletes
While not directly confirmed for KSI, Omega-3 supplementation appears on virtually every professional boxing nutrition protocol. Boxing Science UK recommends 3g per day (2000mg EPA, 1000mg DHA) specifically for boxers, citing its critical role in brain health protection.
The reasoning is particularly relevant for combat sports: research by Wu et al. (2013) demonstrated that Omega-3 DHA has shown potential neuroprotective effects in some research models symptoms in animal models. For athletes like KSI who engage in regular sparring and competitive fights, this neuroprotective benefit addresses a real occupational risk. Additionally, research by Smith et al. (2011) showed that Omega-3 increases muscle protein synthesis, adding anabolic benefits to the anti-inflammatory properties.
Omega-3 benefits for boxers:
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Neuroprotective effects for brain health
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Reduces inflammation from intense training
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Supports cardiovascular function
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Enhances muscle protein synthesis
Boxing Science states: "Due to brain injury and concussion being high risk in boxing especially during sparring and actual fights, we like to recommend 3g of high strength omega-3 to help maintain the health of our athletes." Athletes interested in heart health support may find Omega-3 supplementation beneficial for similar reasons.
5. Vitamin D3: Critical for UK-Based Athletes
KSI's location in the United Kingdom makes Vitamin D3 supplementation particularly important. With limited sunlight exposure from October through March, indoor-training athletes face significant deficiency risk. Boxing Science reports that many athletes test below 50 nmol/L—classified as insufficient for optimal performance.
The recommended dosage for athletes is 4000 IU per day, significantly higher than the 400-800 IU found in most multivitamins. Research by Owens et al. (2015) found that 4000 IU daily improved recovery and muscle hypertrophy in exercising athletes. Beyond muscle function, Vitamin D supports bone health and immune function—both critical during intensive training camps.
Why UK athletes need D3:
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Limited sunlight exposure October-March
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Indoor training reduces natural synthesis
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Supports bone density for impact sports
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Enhances immune function during training camps
Boxing Science advises: "Maintaining serum [25(OH)D] above 75 nmol/L with supplementation of 4000 IU per day can improve bone health and immunity whilst potentially improving your recovery when dieting." For athletes pursuing longevity and vitality, Vitamin D3 represents a foundational supplement.
6. Creatine Monohydrate: The Performance Standard
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most studied performance supplements, making it a likely inclusion in any serious athlete's stack. For boxers like KSI, creatine supports the explosive power needed for punch force and the ATP regeneration required for high-intensity round work.
Performance Lab explains that creatine "boosts ATP synthesis to sustain high-intensity exercise"—exactly what boxing demands during three-minute rounds of sustained output. Research by Casey & Greenhaff (2000) confirmed that creatine supplementation enhances muscle metabolism and performance. The standard dosage of 5g daily requires no loading phase and can be taken at any time.
Creatine benefits for boxing:
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Enhances explosive power for punch force
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Improves ATP regeneration between rounds
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Supports high-intensity interval training
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Offers cognitive function benefits
Beyond physical performance, creatine also supports cognitive function, which adds value for athletes managing both training and business demands. For those seeking convenient supplementation without powder mixing, XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg per gummy with a vegan, gluten-free formula—supporting strength, power, and muscle recovery without the hassle of traditional creatine powder. Understanding creatine's benefits can help athletes determine if it fits their training goals.
7. Beta-Alanine: Boxing-Specific Endurance Support
Beta-alanine addresses a specific challenge in boxing: the lactic acid buildup that causes "the burn" in later rounds. By buffering lactic acid in muscles, beta-alanine delays the fatigue that can cost fighters rounds—or entire fights.
Performance Lab notes: "Once muscles become too acidic, they become fatigued and muscle fibers can no longer contract. Not ideal mid-match!" Research by Derave et al. (2007) demonstrated that beta-alanine augments muscle carnosine and attenuates fatigue—the mechanism behind its performance benefits.
How beta-alanine works:
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Buffers lactic acid accumulation during intense exercise
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Delays muscular fatigue in later rounds
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Increases muscle carnosine levels over time
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Dosage: 2-5g per day for optimal results
The standard dosage ranges from 2-5g per day, taken consistently rather than just before workouts. Unlike pre-workout stimulants, beta-alanine works through accumulation over time, increasing muscle carnosine levels that then buffer acid during exercise. For athletes focused on strength and performance, beta-alanine offers measurable endurance benefits.
8. Probiotics: Protecting Training Consistency
The final supplement on this list addresses a less obvious but equally important concern: staying healthy enough to train. Boxing Science specifically recommends Yakult probiotic drinks (1-2 daily) or supplements providing 20-50 billion CFU of Bifidobacterium during intensive training periods.
Research by Gleeson, Bishop & Struzczak (2016) found that Yakult reduced upper respiratory infections in endurance athletes. Additional research by Pugh et al. (2019) showed probiotic supplementation reduced GI distress during marathon performance. Both findings apply directly to combat athletes facing intensive training camps.
Probiotic benefits for athletes:
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Reduces upper respiratory tract infections
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Supports immune function during training camps
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Minimizes GI distress during competition
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Maintains gut health under training stress
Boxing Science explains: "During a training camp, a boxer will undergo periods of intensified training when dieting which increases susceptibility to illness." For athletes interested in gut health support, this category offers protection against training disruptions. XV1 Green Superfood Powder includes an advanced probiotic blend with prebiotic fiber and digestive enzymes, supporting digestion, gut health, and nutrient absorption in one daily scoop.
Complete Wellness: Building Your Performance Foundation with XV1
KSI's supplement approach reveals a fundamental truth about athletic performance: sustainable results require a complete wellness foundation, not isolated quick fixes. His confirmed supplements—Prime Hydration, BCAAs, and protein—address immediate recovery needs. The evidence-based additions for boxers—Omega-3, Vitamin D3, creatine, beta-alanine, and probiotics—target long-term performance optimization and health protection. This layered strategy reflects what science consistently demonstrates: complete wellness requires addressing multiple physiological systems simultaneously.
At XV1, we've built our entire product philosophy around this complete wellness approach. Rather than chasing trendy ingredients or making exaggerated claims, we focus on science-backed formulas that support the interconnected systems your body relies on for performance, recovery, and longevity. Our product collections address the same foundational needs that elite athletes like KSI prioritize—just formatted for people who demand research-validated ingredients without compromising on convenience or quality.
The XV1 Complete Wellness Advantage
Complete wellness means more than taking random supplements—it requires strategic nutrition that addresses your body's fundamental needs. XV1 Green Superfood Powder exemplifies this approach by delivering 20+ organic greens, an advanced probiotic blend with prebiotic fiber, digestive enzymes, and essential vitamins in one daily scoop. While KSI might get his micronutrients from multiple sources throughout the day, busy professionals need efficient solutions that don't sacrifice efficiency for convenience.
Our Green Superfood formula supports the gut health that Boxing Science identified as critical for training consistency, provides the B vitamins Prime Hydration uses for energy metabolism, and delivers antioxidant support that helps manage inflammation from intense workouts. It's vegan, GMO-free, contains no sugar or artificial ingredients, and works seamlessly with keto, paleo, or intermittent fasting lifestyles. Most importantly, it's backed by our Money Back Guarantee—because we believe you should experience results, not just take our word for it.
For athletes seeking the performance benefits KSI prioritizes with creatine supplementation, XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg of creatine monohydrate per gummy in a format that eliminates powder mixing, shaker bottles, and texture concerns. Each vegan, gluten-free gummy is naturally flavored with real fruit and provides the same muscle-building, strength-enhancing, cognitive-supporting benefits that make creatine the most researched supplement in sports science—just in a form that fits modern lifestyles.
Science-Backed Formulas, Real-World Results
What separates XV1 from supplement companies making inflated promises? We let research guide our formulations instead of marketing trends. Every ingredient in our products appears at clinically effective dosages based on peer-reviewed studies, not "fairy dusted" at minimal amounts just to list on the label. Our Liquid Collagen delivers hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc in a fast-absorbing sugar-free liquid—supporting the joint health that glucosamine provides for aging athletes, plus benefits for skin, hair, and nails.
The evidence-based approach extends to our entire strength and performance collection, heart health support products, and longevity and vitality formulas. We understand that complete wellness requires addressing cardiovascular function, metabolic health, cellular energy, immune support, and cognitive performance—not just muscle building. That's why our product lines work synergistically to support multiple physiological systems, giving your body the comprehensive nutritional foundation it needs to perform, recover, and thrive.
Your Complete Wellness Journey Starts Here
KSI's transformation from YouTuber to professional boxer didn't happen through supplements alone—it required dedicated training, strategic nutrition, adequate recovery, and consistent execution over years. Supplements optimized his results by filling nutritional gaps, supporting recovery, and protecting long-term health. The same principle applies whether you're training for a boxing match, managing a demanding career, or simply pursuing optimal health into your later years.
Building your own science-backed supplement stack with XV1 means choosing transparency over hype, research over marketing, and long-term health over short-term gimmicks. Our subscription model offers flexibility to edit, skip, or cancel anytime because we know complete wellness is a journey, not a destination. Explore our complete product range to find the foundational supplements that match your specific goals, lifestyle, and wellness priorities—all backed by our commitment to vegan and GMO-free ingredients, no sugar, no fillers, and results you can actually measure.
Complete wellness isn't about taking every supplement on the market. It's about strategic nutrition that supports your body's fundamental systems, delivered in formats that fit your life, backed by research you can trust. That's the XV1 difference—and the same philosophy that guides elite athletes like KSI in building sustainable performance that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplements has KSI been confirmed using?
KSI has been directly confirmed using three supplements: Prime Hydration (which he co-founded and contains electrolytes, BCAAs, and B vitamins), standalone BCAAs (observed during a Men's Health UK interview in his training facility), and protein supplementation (through his Myprotein ambassadorship and personal chef's confirmed high-protein nutrition approach).
Why do boxers like KSI need Omega-3 supplementation?
Omega-3 fatty acids provide neuroprotective benefits particularly relevant for combat athletes. Research shows Omega-3 DHA has shown potential neuroprotective effects in some research models symptoms, making it valuable for athletes who engage in regular sparring. Boxing Science recommends 3g daily for professional boxers.
Is creatine safe for everyday use?
Creatine monohydrate is the most researched supplement in sports science with an extensive safety profile. The standard dosage of 5g daily requires no loading phase and can be taken consistently. Research supports its benefits for strength and cognitive function.
Why is Vitamin D3 especially important for UK-based athletes?
The United Kingdom's limited sunlight exposure, particularly from October through March, creates significant deficiency risk for indoor-training athletes. Boxing Science reports many athletes test below 50 nmol/L—insufficient for optimal performance—and recommends 4000 IU daily to maintain adequate levels for bone health, immunity, and recovery.
How much does Prime Hydration cost?
Prime Hydration retails at approximately $20 for a 12-pack, which works out to around $1.67 per bottle. The product generated approximately $250 million in sales during its first year on the market.