Biohacking Supplements: Essential Supplements for Biohackers

We’ve got more knowledge at our fingertips than ever before. For most of us, going to the library to research a topic we’re interested in isn't even necessary. We’ve got a wealth of information (and plenty of misinformation) in the palms of our hands. 

What we do with this information is important. For biohackers, there’s no better way to learn more about biohacking the body than by clicking through scientific reports, research papers, and yes, even fellow biohackers’ social media accounts. 

If you are biohack-curious and want to learn more, we’ve got you covered. We compiled a list of the top 12 biohacking supplements. We’ll explain each supplement, what it does, and how to use it. 

We’ll also cover a new biohacking supplement on the block and discuss how it can help you reach your health goals faster. 

12 Biohacking Supplements

Biohacking techniques like cold plunges, butter in your coffee, and intermittent fasting are used for health benefits like weight loss and optimal athletic performance. In addition to these methods, there are supplements popular with biohackers to help support the human body and improve overall health. 

Most biohackers believe in a few foundational supplements. These are supplements that every person can benefit from. They include supplements like:

• Protein powders or other protein supplements
• Creatine 
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium

In addition, the following supplements help support energy levels naturally, improve cognitive health, and support overall well-being for a longer, more healthful life and are uber popular with “elite” biohackers. 

1. Nootropics

Nootropics sound like a previously undiscovered vacation destination, but the term refers to a class of natural ingredients that may help improve focus and clarity, memory, cognitive function, and learning. 

Chances are, you’re probably using a nootropic right now. Caffeine is the most popular and abundantly used nootropic, but some users find that it comes at a price. 

Caffeine can cause jitters and a crash. A biohack hack? Try matcha. Matcha contains L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid that helps calm the nervous system. It also contains caffeine. The combination is an experience many call a state of “calm focus.”

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens help regulate the body’s natural stress response. 

When we’re stressed, the body releases the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone increases blood pressure, releases glucose into the bloodstream for immediate energy, and even increases heart rate. These effects help you avoid impending danger.

Sometimes, the body’s stress response can become unbalanced, and the body produces cortisol even once the threat of danger or the stressor is gone. This can lead to negative health impacts. Ashwagandha may help restore balance to the stress response and helps with mental clarity.

3. Carnitine

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid produced in the body. Many people take this supplement to support heart health. It is linked with improved blood flow and lower blood pressure. 

There is, however, a caveat. Some studies showed that taking L-carnitine had negative impacts on heart health, particularly on men with certain genetic variations. If L-carnitine isn’t right for you, grapeseed has similar benefits and does not have an associated risk. 

4. Bacopa Monnieri

Water hyssop, also known as bacopa monnieri and brahmi, is an Ayurvedic herb used to help enhance mental focus and clarity. It’s considered a nootropic because it helps support focus and concentration but does not contain caffeine. 

In animal trials, it has shown promise in helping combat the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive impairment issues

5. CoQ10

This fat-soluble molecule is found naturally in the mitochondria of our cells and is needed to help support ATP production, which is necessary for cellular energy production. Levels of CoQ10 decline with age, which is why so many biohackers consider this a go-to supplement for supporting waning energy levels. 

However, CoQ10 has a large molecular weight that isn’t readily absorbed by the body in supplement form, which means much of the supplement you take is eliminated during digestion.

6. Curcumin

The active compound inside your favorite Indian food spice, turmeric, is curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint aches and pains. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress in the body. 

Curcumin is also not easily absorbed by the body in supplement form. Taking it with piperine (found in black pepper) can help the body absorb it properly. 

7. Collagen

The anti-agingbiohack that helps your skin look more youthful also helps your body age more healthfully. Collagen makes up numerous bodily tissues and is an integral part of the structure of the skin and bones. 

If you take collagen, take it along with vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for proper absorption and proper collagen function. One study even showed that vitamin C helped accelerated bone healing and increased type 1 collagensynthesis after a fracture. 

8. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane mushroom is an adaptogenic mushroom packed with nutrients, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans. Not only does this adaptogen help balance the body’s stress response, it also helps support the immune system, works as an antioxidant, and supports brain health. 

The beta-glucans in lion’s mane mushrooms work like a prebiotic fiber. Prebiotics feed the living, healthy probiotics in the gut to aid in digestion and support a healthy immune system. 

9. Melatonin

Naturally produced by the body, melatonin helps prepare the body for rest. However, levels of melatonin decline with age, making it hard for you to get the rest you need. 

Taking melatonin can help you sleep better, improving your overall health and wellness. It’s one of the simplest biohacksupplements with one of the biggest rewards because a solid night of quality sleep is just about priceless in terms of health benefits. 

10. N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-acetyl cysteine, also known as NAC, is an amino acid found naturally in the body. By itself, it’s not incredibly noteworthy. However, the body needs it to make glutathione, an antioxidant that can be used by every cell in the body. 

NAC is also able to influence dopamine levels in the brain, which can help ensure proper mood balance.

11. Resveratrol

It’s the compound that made red wine famous. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that comes from grapes. Known as an anti-aging ingredient, it’s a powerful antioxidant with some heart health protective properties. 

Resveratrol helps support healthy cholesterol levels, which can help ensure good cardiovascular health. It’s best to take resveratrol as a standalone supplement and not rely on red wine as your source. Some biohackers do not consider alcohol a part of a healthy diet. 

Keep in mind that resveratrol is also not easily absorbed by the body. Taking it with piperine may help.

12. Fatty Acids

If you’ve been concerned about cardiovascular health, you may have begun taking an omega-3 fatty acidsupplement. Normally, these supplements come in the form of fish oil pills or tablets. 

Omega-3 has enjoyed celebrity status as far as supplements go, but there are a few things you should consider before swallowing your next fish pill (or before beginning an omega-3 supplement).

• Only one omega-3 (ALA) is actually essential (meaning our bodies need it to thrive but can’t make it on their own, but most of the studies that show the benefits of omega-3 focus on EPA (another omega-3 that is nonessential).
  
  
• Most omega-3 supplements require large amounts of fatty acids to ensure proper absorption, but high amounts of omega-3 can lead to bruising, low blood pressure, excessive bleeding if you are injured, and thinning blood. 

• Omega-3 was shown to be toxic to certain cell types, including blood vessel and lung cells. It was also unable to repair certain damaged cells safely and didn’t have as many dose-responsive benefits when compared to another newly-discovered fatty acid.

Omega-3’s heart-protective benefits are shadowed by the negative impact that taking high doses of these supplements can have. Not to mention, the fishy aftertaste is pretty uncomfortable. 

Thankfully, there’s an option: a better fatty acid with a better track record and more proven benefits. 

That fatty acid is C15:0.

The New Biohacking Supplement on the Block

Discovered while studying bottlenose dolphins, C15:0 is an odd-chain, saturated fatty acid that is essential for maintaining our health and wellness. While you may have been told to avoid saturated fats, it turns out not all saturated fats are bad. 

C15:0, also known as pentadecanoic acid, repairs cells safely and helps reverse cellular aging (the place where our bodies first begin to decline) by keeping cells strong and supporting cellular energy. 

Here’s how.

• Stronger cell membranes. As we age, cell membranes weaken. C15:0 is a sturdy fatty acid that integrates into cell membranes to fortify them against age-related breakdown. In fact, studies reveal that C15:0 strengthens cells by 80%.

• Activating AMPK. C15:0 activates AMPK, which is essential for cellular homeostasis. Further, because AMPK inhibits mTOR, C15:0 provides additional benefits of cellular cleanup and removing damaged cells.

• Regulating inflammatory response. C15:0 helps calm the immune system and regulates and lowers proinflammatory cytokines, a key driver in aging. 

• Supporting mitochondrial function. C15:0 repairs mitochondrial function and increases the energy output of cells. C15:0 has serious ATP-generating power, too. In a study of hair follicle cells, C15:0 increased ATP levels by 350%.

• Activating PPARɑ and PPARẟ receptors. These receptors control functions like mood, appetite, sleep, and metabolic, immune, heart, and liver function. By activating these receptors, C15:0 helps modulate and balance these functions. 

Your body begins the aging process inside your cells. C15:0 helps reverse cellular aging and protects your cellular health. The problem is that you probably don’t have enough of it in your diet.

Where To Get C15:0

The dolphins get their C15:0 from the skin and heads of the fish they eat, whereas the primary source of C15:0 for humans is whole-fat dairy products. You’ll find C15:0 hiding out in products like whole milk, full-fat butter, and heavy cream. 

Adding these foods to your diet isn’t a good biohack. They come with added calories and unhealthy even-chain saturated fats that aren’t good for you. 

A solution? Fatty15.

Fatty15

Developed by a team of scientists passionate about biohacking and improving the healthspan and lifespan of both dolphins and humans, fatty15 is the first and only supplement that contains FA15™, the pure, vegan-friendly, sustainably-produced, award-winning version of C15:0. Just one capsule per day (100 mg) is enough to increase your levels of C15:0 and give your cells the support they need to thrive. 

It’s the biggest biohack on the block, and now you know the secret.

Biohack Your Way to Health

Biohacks can help you change how your body functions, support it with natural ingredients and improve your natural energy levels and cognitive function. Biohacking supplements help support your body, make up for dietary deficiencies, and give you a chance to reclaim your health. 

Fatty15 is a favorite supplement in the biohacker community, given its ability to reverse cellular aging. Recommended by four out of four future you’s, ttaking fatty15 is a great way to improve your health now and stay healthier longer.

Sources:

Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs - PMC

Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on CollagenSynthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review

l-carnitine, a friend or foe for cardiovascular disease? A Mendelian randomization study - PMC

Neurocognitive Effect of Nootropic Drug Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in Alzheimer's Disease - PMC

Coenzyme Q10: absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics

N-Acetyl Cysteine May Support Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson's Disease: Preliminary Clinical and Cell Line Data - PMC

Broader and safer clinically-relevant activities of pentadecanoic acid compared to omega-3: Evaluation of an emerging essential fatty acid across twelve primary human cell-based disease systems | PLOS ONE