5-HTP
5-HTP is naturally formed from tryptophan in your body while it is creating serotonin. The idea of supplementing with 5-HTP to help with serotonin and decrees desire for sugar has been around for a while. Bulletproof version contains 1.3mg B6 and 50mg 5-HTP.
Does Bulletproof 5-HTP work?
Maybe. I don’t believe I have issues with producing serotonin so this supplement may be lost on me. I also do not crave sugar so I did not notice a benefit from that angle either. $20 for 90
Zinc with Copper
Zinc and Copper are two important minerals that help your body do a lot of important functions. When combined they can form copper-zinc SOD, an antioxidant.
Does BulletProof Zinc with Copper work?
Yes. I take zinc already, so I stopped taking my usual zinc supplement for a few weeks before taking this combo. One thing I notice when I don't take zinc, is I feel slightly out of hormonal balance. How do I quantify this? Morning wood. That’s right. It is like a natural barometer on my testosterone. Make of that what you will. I have my hormones checked at least every 6 months for the last 10 years and have dialed in a pretty good regiment to keep levels in the healthy range. Zin has been part of that plan. I have never had my copper levels tested so I cannot say that it needed attention. After reading about zinc supplementation, it made sense to take copper with the zinc. $13 for 60
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps with the production of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. It is also supposed to help you handle stress more effectively. 500mg of L-Tyrosine per cap.
Does BulletProof L-Tyrosine work?
Probably. I did not notice much when I took it. It is possible that I did not take an effective dose. Research has shown doses of several grams (up to 13grams for a person my size) before stressful events have been effective. However, I am going with the recommended dose from BulletProof so I can keep the review ethical and consistent. $15 for 60
Calcium D-Glucarate
Calcium D-Glucarate is billed as a liver supporting detoxifier that helps increase glucaric acid. This helps regulate metabolism and hormone function.
Does BulletProof Calcium D-Glucarate work?
Not sure. I have taken other brands of this before and noticed no difference as well. Maybe I am not in need of liver detoxification as much as I though? I think that is a good thing! If you were looking for a detoxing supplement, I think you would be better off with the Activated Charcoal. $40 for 90
Methyl Folate
Methyl Folate or 5-MTHF is an upgraded version of folic acid. Up to 60% of the US population has difficulty converting folic acid to the active version - 5-MTHF. Pregnant women are often recommended to take folic acid and Methyl Folate may be the answer for those who do not process folic acid properly. BulletProof Methyl Folate from Quatefolic provides the equivalent of 800mcg Folate.
Does BulletProof Methyl Folate work?
Not sure. I am not pregnant, nor do I plan to be. Hope that made you laugh a little. Seriously though, I can see this being a real life saver for someone who has a problem processing folic acid effectively. $19 for 100
Methyl B-12
Methyl B-12 is a spearmint lozenge that provides 5mg of B12 (208,333% of the daily recommended dose) That was not a typo. Yes, over 200k %.
Does BulletProof Methyl B-12 work?
Not sure. It does taste good though! I have never been diagnosed with a B12 deficiency. $15 for 60 lozenges
Summery
After using the BulletProof supplements and food products I can honestly recommend the following products:
BulletProof Coffee - It does not have to be their brand of coffee beans, but this is something you should try.
Brain Octane - This is a daily staple for me. If you are just starting out, then XCT oil would probably be sufficient. I have been taking MCT based products for years and can definitely tell the difference from other MCT to Brain Octane.
Collagen Bars and Bites - These are super helpful and healthy. Plus, they taste amazing!
Activated Charcoal - This has helped me through many dinners at restaurants that have questionable food quality and/or for nights when I know I am going to have several drinks.
Collagen - I have been using collagen for the last few years to combat arthritis and have noticed it made my skin look younger. That was not the intent, but a very nice side effect!
Those would be my everyday supplements. Notice how all of them are actually macro nutrients? Meaning, they are food products. Start with your eating habits and then add supplements from there. That would be my advice. Not that you asked, but I am offering it from a fitness professional as well as a fellow biohacker perspective. If you want to delve into supplements, it would look something like this:
fish oil
multivitamin
PQQ (Unfair Advantage)
caffeine (if you tolerate it well)
zinc with copper
Hope you found that helpful! Go stick some butter in your coffee and kick some ass!
Sean Sewell FMS1, NSCA-CPT, TRX-Force Trainer