List of Supplements Lex Fridman Takes: The Complete Science-Backed Breakdown

A verified look at the 5 supplements powering the AI researcher's deep work sessions and fasted training regimen

Lex Fridman, the MIT-trained AI researcher and host of the Lex Fridman Podcast, maintains one of the most demanding schedules in tech. His daily routine includes two four-hour deep work sessions and 2-hour fasted training sessions—all while following a strict ketogenic diet. Unlike health influencers who take dozens of supplements, Fridman's approach is remarkably minimalist: just 5 targeted compounds that support his specific lifestyle demands. Based on his documented daily routine and official partnerships, here's exactly what he takes and why it matters for high-performers seeking similar results.

Key Takeaways

• Lex follows a minimalist supplement philosophy—5 supplements compared to Bryan Johnson's extensive protocol of over 100 daily pills demonstrates his "one-person scientific experiment" approach to wellness

• Keto adaptation drives his choices—Three of his five supplements (magnesium, sodium, potassium) directly address electrolyte losses from his ketogenic diet

• Fasted training requires strategic support—Salt pills before 6-mile runs prevent performance drops during his demanding exercise protocol

• All-in-one nutrition covers micronutrient bases—AG1's 83 ingredients fill gaps that a restrictive keto diet might create

• Joint health is non-negotiable—Fish oil protects his body from the wear of 2-hour daily training sessions

• Science-backed alternatives exist—Budget-conscious readers can achieve similar comprehensive nutrition with products like XV1 Green Superfood at lower price points

Performance and Cognitive Support

1. Athletic Greens (AG1) — His Nutritional Foundation

Athletic Greens serves as Fridman's primary all-in-one supplement, providing comprehensive micronutrient coverage in a single daily serving. As an official AG1 partner, Fridman relies on the greens powder to fill nutritional gaps that his ketogenic diet might create.

Key benefits of AG1:

• Contains 83 ingredients spanning vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens

• Includes probiotic strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum for gut health

• Features adaptogens like Rhodiola for stress management

• Addresses the fact that only 10% of U.S. adults meet daily vegetable recommendations

This matters because keto dieters often consume fewer plant foods due to carbohydrate restrictions. For Fridman's demanding cognitive work, the B-vitamins and adaptogenic compounds support sustained mental energy without caffeine crashes. The probiotic blend addresses gut health, which research increasingly links to cognitive function.

At around $79 per month (30 servings), AG1 represents a premium but convenient approach to foundational nutrition. Those seeking similar comprehensive nutrition at a lower price point can explore AG1 alternatives that offer targeted blends. XV1 Green Superfood provides a 4-blend system of organic greens, probiotics, and immune-supporting compounds at $59.99 per container—delivering comparable benefits at approximately 25% cost reduction.

Electrolyte Management for Keto and Training

2. Magnesium Glycinate — The Keto Adaptation Essential

Fridman specifically chose magnesium glycinate to address a common ketogenic diet challenge. As documented in his routine breakdown, "these tablets helped stop his keto diet headaches"—a direct reference to the notorious "keto flu" that affects many low-carb dieters.

Why the glycinate form matters:

• Offers superior absorption compared to cheaper forms

• Unlike magnesium oxide (which has poor bioavailability as low as 4%), glycinate is a more bioavailable form that is better absorbed by the body

• Causes less gastrointestinal distress than other forms

• The same form preferred by health influencers like Rhonda Patrick and Peter Attia

The underlying need is substantial: Many people fall short of magnesium intake, so supplementation is often used to help meet needs—especially with restrictive diets. Keto dieters face even greater risk because low-carb diets accelerate mineral excretion through increased urination.

Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems in the body, including:

• Protein synthesis

• Energy production (ATP creation)

• Muscle and nerve function

• Sleep quality and recovery

For those following ketogenic or low-carb diets, magnesium supplementation isn't optional—it's essential for preventing headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue during adaptation.

3. Sodium (Salt Pill) — Pre-Workout Electrolyte Support

Fridman's fastest training protocol creates unique electrolyte demands. He exercises for 2 hours each morning without eating—including a 6+ mile run and 15-minute HIIT bodyweight session. His solution: "I take a salt pill before running to get electrolytes."

Strategic timing serves multiple purposes:

• Ketogenic dieters need substantially more sodium than those on standard diets

• Low insulin levels trigger kidneys to excrete sodium more rapidly

• Research suggests keto-adapted individuals require 3-5 grams of sodium daily compared to the standard 2.3-gram recommendation

• Sodium maintains blood volume during fasted training

• Prevents cramping and weakness that can derail intense workouts

Without adequate sodium, fasted cardio becomes significantly harder—explaining why Fridman prioritizes this simple intervention before every morning run. The key insight: salt pill supplementation allows him to train intensely in a fasted state without the blood sugar spike that would come from sports drinks or food.

4. Potassium — Completing the Electrolyte Triad

Fridman's fourth supplement rounds out his electrolyte strategy. As he explained: "Potassium—just to make sure you get enough electrolytes."

Why potassium matters for keto athletes:

• Most Americans do not meet adequate potassium intake, with common intake targets around 2,600 mg/day for adult women and 3,400 mg/day for adult men

• Keto dieters face additional challenges because low-carb eating accelerates potassium loss

• Works synergistically with magnesium and sodium to regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling

• Together, this electrolyte triad prevents fatigue, cramping, and cognitive fog

For those pursuing similar energy and focus goals, maintaining proper electrolyte balance often produces more noticeable results than adding exotic supplements. Fridman's approach demonstrates that sometimes the fundamentals matter most.

Recovery and Joint Health

5. Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) — Joint and Brain Protection

The final supplement in Fridman's stack addresses the physical demands of his training. His stated purpose: "Fish oil—to keep joints healthy."

Dual benefits for body and mind:

• Running 6+ miles every morning creates repetitive stress on knees, ankles, and hips

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) provide anti-inflammatory support that helps manage accumulated wear

• The brain is approximately 60% fat by composition, with DHA being a primary structural component

• For someone spending hours daily in deep cognitive work, adequate omega-3 intake supports sustained mental performance

The consensus among health influencers on fish oil is notably strong. According to research on health podcasters, all prominent health influencers—including Huberman, Patrick, Attia, Rogan, and Sinclair—supplement omega-3s. This universal adoption reflects robust research supporting cardiovascular, cognitive, and joint benefits.

Plant vs. marine sources:

Plant-based omega-3 sources like flax and chia seeds provide ALA, but conversion to usable EPA and DHA is extremely inefficient—only an estimated 0.2-6% converts successfully. Direct fish oil supplementation bypasses this limitation entirely, making it the preferred choice for athletes and high-performers.

What Fridman's Stack Teaches About Smart Supplementation

Several patterns emerge from analyzing Fridman's choices:

Targeted problem-solving over broad coverage. Each supplement addresses a specific challenge:

• Keto adaptation (electrolytes)

• Nutritional gaps (AG1)

• Training recovery (fish oil)

• Nothing is included "just because"

Minimalism as a feature. By limiting his stack to 5 supplements, Fridman reduces:

• Complexity and decision fatigue

• Monthly costs compared to extensive protocols

• The cognitive load of managing numerous bottles and timing schedules

Lifestyle-first selection. His supplements directly support his ketogenic diet, fasted training, and deep work demands. Someone with different habits would logically choose different compounds.

Quality form matters. His choice of magnesium glycinate over cheaper oxide forms demonstrates attention to bioavailability—getting more benefit from each dose.

Science-Backed Alternatives to Consider

For readers inspired by Fridman's approach but seeking different price points or formulations, several options exist:

For comprehensive greens nutrition: XV1 Green Superfood offers organic greens, red superfruit antioxidants, immune support, and an advanced probiotic blend at $59.99—providing a targeted 4-blend system rather than AG1's 83-ingredient approach. The formula supports:

• Digestion and gut health

• Natural energy without stimulants

• Immune function

• Antioxidant protection

XV1's formulation is vegan, GMO-free, and contains no sugar or fillers.

For joint and mobility support: While Fridman relies on fish oil, collagen supplementation offers complementary benefits. XV1 Liquid Collagen provides:

• Hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides

• Hyaluronic acid for skin hydration

• Biotin and zinc for hair and nail health

• Fast-absorbing sugar-free liquid formula

The key is matching supplement choices to your specific lifestyle demands—exactly as Fridman does.

Building Your Complete Wellness Foundation with XV1

Lex Fridman's minimalist supplement philosophy offers a valuable lesson: more isn't always better. His focused approach demonstrates that strategic supplementation aligned with specific lifestyle demands produces better results than taking dozens of compounds without clear purpose.

For those seeking to build a similar foundation of science-backed nutrition without the premium pricing of celebrity-endorsed brands, XV1 provides comprehensive solutions designed around complete wellness principles.

The XV1 Approach to Foundational Nutrition

XV1 Green Superfood delivers what Fridman seeks from AG1—comprehensive micronutrient coverage in one daily serving—at a more accessible price point. The 4-blend system targets the exact nutritional gaps that restrictive diets create:

The Greens Blend provides organic spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, and barley grass for detoxification and alkalinity. The Reds Blend delivers antioxidant-rich superfruits including açai, goji, and pomegranate. The Immunity Blend combines vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea for year-round immune support. The Probiotic Blend features 5 billion CFU of beneficial bacteria for optimal gut health.

This targeted formulation eliminates the guesswork of managing multiple supplements. One daily scoop mixed with water delivers foundational nutrition that supports energy, digestion, immunity, and recovery—exactly the comprehensive coverage Fridman prioritizes with AG1, but engineered for those who value both quality and value.

Beyond Greens: Complete Recovery Support

Fridman's inclusion of fish oil for joint health reflects an understanding that intense training requires dedicated recovery support. XV1 extends this principle with Liquid Collagen, offering a complementary approach to connective tissue health.

Unlike fish oil's anti-inflammatory pathway, collagen provides the structural building blocks your body uses to maintain joints, skin, tendons, and ligaments. The hydrolyzed peptides in XV1 Liquid Collagen are broken down for superior absorption—your body can utilize them immediately rather than requiring complex digestion.

Each tablespoon delivers 10,000mg of Types I and III collagen, the forms most abundant in skin, bones, and connective tissue. Enhanced with hyaluronic acid for hydration, biotin for hair and nail strength, and zinc for immune function, it's a comprehensive recovery formula in one convenient serving.

For athletes, professionals, and anyone maintaining demanding physical schedules, this combination addresses what training breaks down. The sugar-free, non-GMO formula fits seamlessly into ketogenic, paleo, and intermittent fasting protocols—making it compatible with Fridman's dietary approach.

The XV1 Commitment to Quality and Accessibility

What distinguishes XV1 isn't just formulation—it's the commitment to making premium nutrition accessible. Every product undergoes rigorous quality testing to ensure purity, potency, and safety. Formulas are free from unnecessary fillers, artificial ingredients, and common allergens.

The money-back guarantee removes the risk from trying something new. If XV1 products don't deliver noticeable improvements in energy, recovery, or overall wellness, you get a full refund—no questions asked. This confidence stems from formulations built on peer-reviewed research, not marketing hype.

Subscription options provide additional flexibility and savings. Edit, skip, or cancel anytime without penalties or hidden fees. This aligns with Fridman's practical philosophy: supplements should simplify your routine, not complicate it.

Making Strategic Choices for Your Wellness

Fridman's supplement stack works because it directly addresses his specific needs—ketogenic adaptation, fasted training, cognitive demands, and joint protection from high-volume running. Your optimal stack depends on your unique lifestyle, dietary patterns, and performance goals.

XV1 products provide the foundational elements that benefit nearly everyone: comprehensive micronutrients, gut health support, antioxidant protection, and recovery assistance. From there, you can layer in targeted support based on individual requirements—exactly the targeted approach Fridman demonstrates.

Whether you're pursuing intense physical training, demanding cognitive work, or simply seeking to optimize daily energy and longevity, the principle remains the same: choose supplements that solve specific problems rather than following trends. XV1's science-backed formulations, transparent ingredients, and accessible pricing make it possible to build a personalized wellness foundation without compromise.

Start with the fundamentals—greens for comprehensive nutrition, collagen for recovery and joint support—then evaluate results after consistent use. This evidence-based approach mirrors Fridman's "one-person scientific experiment" philosophy, adapted for your individual goals and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements does Lex Fridman take daily?

Lex Fridman takes five supplements: Athletic Greens (AG1), magnesium glycinate, sodium (salt pills), potassium, and fish oil. This minimal stack directly supports his ketogenic diet, fasted training protocol, and cognitive work demands.

Why does Lex Fridman take salt pills?

Fridman takes a salt pill before his morning runs to maintain electrolyte levels during fasted exercise. Ketogenic dieters lose sodium more rapidly, and training on an empty stomach without electrolyte support can impair performance.

Does Lex Fridman have a partnership with Athletic Greens?

Yes, Fridman is an official AG1 partner and includes their greens powder as his foundational nutritional supplement. The partnership indicates an endorsement relationship, though his daily routine documentation confirms actual usage.

What is a more affordable alternative to AG1?

XV1 Green Superfood provides similar comprehensive nutrition—including organic greens, probiotics, and antioxidants—at $59.99 compared to AG1's pricing. The formula uses a targeted 4-blend system rather than AG1's 83-ingredient approach.

Why does Lex Fridman take magnesium glycinate specifically?

Fridman chose the glycinate form because it stopped his keto diet headaches and offered superior absorption compared to cheaper forms like magnesium oxide. The chelated form also causes less gastrointestinal discomfort.