← Performance & Longevity // ingredient-level analysis · five categories · no financial relationships

The supplement
comparison page —
every product I evaluated.

The supplement page tells you what I take and why. This page shows how I got there — ingredient-by-ingredient, dose-by-dose, against every serious alternative I considered. No proprietary blends, no marketing claims, no financial relationships with any brand named here. Just labels and logic.

// disclosure I have no financial relationship with any supplement brand named on this page — no affiliate links, no sponsorships, no free product. Wave is the pre-workout I currently use; I identified it because its formula matched what I had independently determined was the right stack. If any of that changes, it will be disclosed prominently here. All prices are estimates based on current retail or subscription pricing; verify before purchasing.
// 01 · pre-workouts

Pre-Workout Comparison —
Wave, TL BULK, TL LEAN, Promix, ON Gold Standard.

The pre-workout category has more marketing noise and more underdosed formulas than almost any supplement category. The standard playbook: lead with a big caffeine number, include everything else at sub-clinical doses, hide it behind a proprietary blend. Every product below is evaluated against the clinical evidence floor for each ingredient.

Key reference doses from published human trials and ISSN position stands: L-Citrulline Malate 8g (best-powered positive RCT), Beta-Alanine 4–6g/day (ISSN position stand), Creatine 5g/day (well-established), Caffeine 3–6mg/kg for peak performance (ISSN) though 150–200mg is common for daily tolerability, L-Theanine in combination with caffeine at approximately 2:1 ratio (multiple RCTs). Evidence quality and consistency varies by ingredient — see the evidence note below.

dose used in well-powered trials
below trial doses / mixed evidence
absent or trace dose
// evidence basis — what "clinical dose" actually means here

The dose ranges used in this comparison are drawn from published human RCTs and ISSN position stands, not from supplement marketing. The honest picture is more nuanced than a simple "floor": evidence for some ingredients is strong and consistent; for others, results are mixed even at the same dose. Key sources used, retrieved from PubMed:

L-Citrulline/Citrulline Malate: The foundational positive study (Pérez-Guisado & Jakeman, 2010) used 8g CM and found significant increases in repetitions and 40% reduction in muscle soreness — DOI:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cb28e0. However a 2017 RCT found 6g CM produced no significant effect on muscle recovery in untrained men — DOI:10.3390/nu9101132 — and an 8g CM trial failed to improve German Volume Training performance, though muscle soreness was reduced — DOI:10.1080/19390211.2018.1513433. The evidence is mixed. 8g is the dose with the best positive results, but it is not universally effective.

Beta-Alanine: The ISSN position stand (Trexler et al., 2015) recommends 4–6g daily for at least 2–4 weeks to significantly augment muscle carnosine concentrations. This is the strongest evidence base of any ingredient in this comparison — DOI:10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y. 2g is below the 4g lower bound used in the position stand.

Betaine: A 2010 RCT (Lee et al.) found 2.5g betaine increased bench throw power and isometric force — DOI:10.1186/1550-2783-7-27. A 2011 crossover (Trepanowski et al.) found moderate increases in total volume at 2.5g but no statistically significant between-group differences for most performance measures — DOI:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318217d48d. Mixed evidence. The 2.5g dose comes from these studies; whether it is a "floor" is not established.

Caffeine: The ISSN position stand on coffee and sports performance (Lowery et al., 2023) cites 3–6mg/kg as the effective dose range — DOI:10.1080/15502783.2023.2237952. For a 180lb (82kg) person, that is 246–492mg. The 150–200mg range used by these pre-workouts is below the performance-optimizing range per the literature. The lower dose is a tolerance and sleep-preservation choice, not a peak-performance choice.

L-Theanine + Caffeine: Multiple RCTs support cognitive benefits from the combination. Owen et al. (2008) found the combination improved attention switching and memory vs. caffeine alone — DOI:10.1179/147683008X301513. Haskell et al. (2007) confirmed improved cognitive performance and reduced mental fatigue — DOI:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2007.09.008. Giesbrecht et al. (2010) found improved attention and reduced tiredness — DOI:10.1179/147683010X12611460764840. The combination evidence is reasonably consistent. The 2:1 ratio (theanine:caffeine) reflects the ratio in several well-designed trials; it is not a validated "optimal" dose.

Wave// current TL BULK// evaluated TL LEAN// evaluated Promix Pre// evaluated ON Gold Standard// previously used
L-Citrulline 8,000mg L-Citrulline — pure form, not malate. This is the dose with the best positive results in the citrulline literature (see evidence note above). Pure citrulline is more potent per gram than citrulline malate. 8,000mg Citrulline Malate 2:1 ✓ — ~5,300mg pure citrulline. Effective; malate inflates the label number. 6,000mg Citrulline Malate 2:1 — ~4,000mg pure citrulline equivalent. Below the 8g CM dose used in the best-powered positive trial. A 6g CM RCT found no effect on muscle recovery in untrained men. L-Citrulline 5,000mg — pure form ✓. Equivalent to ~9.4g citrulline malate (2:1). Highest effective citrulline dose in this comparison. Previous data was badly wrong. Micronized L-Citrulline 750mg — pure form (not malate), but a negligible dose. Far below the 6–8g CM doses studied in trials. Functionally negligible at this amount.
Beta-Alanine 4,000mg — within the ISSN position stand recommended range of 4–6g daily for carnosine saturation (Trexler et al., 2015). 4,000mg — within the ISSN recommended range of 4–6g. 2,000mg — below the 4g lower bound of the ISSN position stand. The 4–6g/day range was established across trials lasting at least 2–4 weeks. 2g may produce some carnosine increase over time but falls short of the well-studied range. Beta-Alanine 5,000mg ✓ — within the ISSN 4–6g recommended range, at the upper end. Higher than Wave (4g) and BULK (4g). Previous data understated at 3.2g. 1,500–1,600mg — less than half the 4g lower bound from the ISSN position stand. Unlikely to produce meaningful carnosine saturation.
Creatine 5,000mg ✓ — full clinical dose built in. No separate creatine needed on training days. None — TL omits creatine citing caffeine interaction concern. Requires separate supplement. None — same rationale as BULK. None ✗ 3,000mg — present but below the 5g clinical dose.
Caffeine Caffeine Anhydrous 150mg — synthetic form, faster onset than natural caffeine. Below the ISSN-cited performance-optimizing range of 3–6mg/kg (246–492mg for an 82kg person). The lower dose is a deliberate trade-off: reduced sleep disruption and sustainable daily use at the cost of peak ergogenic effect. Note: contains milk (facility allergen). PurCaf® Organic Caffeine 200mg ✓ — from Green Coffee Bean (Coffea arabica). Clean natural source. No artificial stimulants. PurCaf® Organic Caffeine 180mg ✓ — from Green Coffee Bean (Coffea arabica). Clean natural source. Caffeine 200mg (coffee bean extract) ✓ — natural source. Monk fruit sweetened. Free of dairy, soy, gluten. Natural colors from black carrots, strawberries, raspberries, lemons. 175mg — natural sources. Formula inconsistency noted across retailers.
L-Theanine 300mg ✓ — 2:1 theanine:caffeine ratio. The ratio used in cognitive performance trials. Smooths stimulant response, reduces jitters. 200mg ✓ — 1:1 ratio. Effective though below the trial-optimized 2:1. L-Theanine 180mg ✓ — 1:1 ratio with caffeine. Clean stimulant response. None ✗ — no theanine. Caffeine hit is unsmoothed. None ✗
Ashwagandha KSM-66 600mg ✓ — most clinically validated form. Cortisol/stress reduction, testosterone support, recovery. Unique to Wave in this comparison. None ✗ None ✗ None ✗ None ✗
Acetyl L-Carnitine 2,000mg ✓ — cognitive support, fat oxidation, mitochondrial efficiency. None ✗ Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl 1,000mg ✓ — fat oxidation, cognitive support, mitochondrial efficiency. No ALCAR — instead: L-Tyrosine 3,000mg ✓ (highest of any product here), Taurine 1,000mg ✓, Methylcobalamin B12 250% DV ✓, Vitamin C 100% DV ✓. Different approach — focus support via tyrosine rather than fat oxidation via ALCAR. Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl 375mg — dose confirmed. Below the 2g in Wave and 1g in TL LEAN. Present but modest.
Betaine Not included BetaPure™ 2,500mg — the dose used in both key betaine RCTs (Lee et al. 2010; Trepanowski et al. 2011). Results were mixed across studies: one found improved power output; the other found only modest increases in volume load with no significant between-group differences on most measures. BetaPure™ 1,500mg — 40% below the 2.5g dose studied in the betaine RCTs. Less likely to replicate even the modest effects seen in the literature. None ✗ None ✗
Alpha-GPC Not included AlphaSize® 300mg (50% standardized = 150mg actual Alpha-GPC) ✓ — neuromuscular function, mind-muscle connection, power output. Note: the 300mg is the branded ingredient weight, not pure Alpha-GPC. None ✗ None ✗ None ✗
Label Full disclosure ✓ — every ingredient + dose listed. No proprietary blends. US cGMP-certified, FDA-inspected facility. Naturally flavored + sweetened (stevia). Natural colors (grape skin extract, red beet powder). Contains Milk. Full disclosure ✓ — Informed Choice certified. No artificial sweeteners, colors, fillers, or preservatives. Stevia sweetened. 20.8g serving / 30 servings per container. Full disclosure ✓ — Informed Choice certified. No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. Stevia + Rebaudioside M. Beet Root Powder for color. 14.2g serving / 30 servings. Full disclosure ✓ — every ingredient with dose listed. Per-batch QR code testing. Monk fruit sweetened. Natural colors. Free of dairy, soy, gluten. 2 scoops (16.3g) / 30 servings per container. Artificially Flavored confirmed on label ✗ — this version contains Sucralose + Acesulfame Potassium + Blue 1 (artificial dye). Natural and artificial flavors listed. No ambiguity.
Cost / serving $3.00/serving — $59.99 / 20 servings (21.9g/scoop). Highest cost in this comparison. Only 20 servings vs. 30 in TL/Promix. ~$1.65 — 30 servings / ~$50 ~$1.65 — 30 servings / ~$50 ~$1.25–1.40 — 30 servings / ~$38–42. 16.3g serving (2 scoops). ~$1.20–1.30 — widely available. 10g serving / 30 servings.
Cost / month ~$60/month — 20 servings × $3.00. Most expensive by far when comparing monthly cost. ~$50/month — 30 servings × $1.65 ~$50/month — 30 servings × $1.65 ~$39–42/month — 30 servings × ~$1.30. Least expensive per month. ~$37–39/month — 30 servings × ~$1.25. Comparable to Promix.
Verdict Most complete formula in this group. Creatine built in eliminates a separate supplement. KSM-66 and ALCAR at clinical doses are unique here. Cost is the real trade-off — $3/serving vs. ~$1.65 for TL BULK. Justified if you value single-scoop convenience and the ashwagandha inclusion. Most complete formula after Wave, with meaningful extras not previously captured. Citrulline Malate 8g ✓, Beta-Alanine 4g ✓, BetaPure™ 2,500mg ✓, Taurine 1,300mg ✓ (not previously noted), L-Tyrosine 1,000mg ✓ (focus/stress — not previously noted), AlphaSize® Alpha-GPC 300mg (150mg actual) ✓, PurCaf® Organic Caffeine 200mg ✓, L-Theanine 200mg ✓ (1:1 ratio), Theobromine 50mg (smooth energy from cacao), Senactiv® 50mg (VO2 max/recovery), BioPerine® 5mg (absorption enhancer), Boron Citrate 3mg (testosterone/bone support), active B6 (P-5-P 5mg) ✓, Methylcobalamin B12 100mcg ✓, Zinc Chelate 10mg ✓. Himalayan salt + potassium for electrolytes. Gaps: no creatine (requires separate), no ashwagandha, no ALCAR. Best cost-to-formula ratio at ~$1.65/serving for 30 servings. Fat-loss and cognitive performance oriented. Confirmed: Citrulline Malate 6g (below the 8g CM dose in the best-powered positive RCT), Beta-Alanine 2g (below the 4g ISSN lower bound), BetaPure™ 1,500mg (below BULK's 2,500mg), ALCAR 1,000mg ✓, PurCaf® 180mg ✓, L-Theanine 180mg ✓. Nootropic stack unique to LEAN: Choline Bitartrate 500mg ✓ (highest choline of any pre-workout here) + Huperzine A 100mcg ✓ — these work synergistically; choline provides the substrate, huperzine prevents its breakdown. Metabolic support: Chromax® Chromium Picolinate 200mcg/571% DV ✓ (insulin sensitivity), Zinc Citrate 15mg ✓ (well-absorbed), L-Selenomethionine 55mcg ✓, Iodine Chelate 225mcg/150% DV ✓ (thyroid), Copper Chelate ✓. Theobromine 50mg + BioPerine® 5mg. No L-Tyrosine (that's BULK). Right product for a cutting phase with cognitive demands; wrong if endurance and pump are the priority. Significantly better than previously assessed — previous data on citrulline and beta-alanine was wrong. Confirmed: L-Citrulline 5g pure ✓ (highest effective citrulline dose in this comparison), Beta-Alanine 5g ✓ (within ISSN 4–6g range, highest here), L-Tyrosine 3g ✓ (highest of any product here), Taurine 1g ✓, Caffeine 200mg coffee bean extract ✓, Methylcobalamin B12 ✓ (active form), Vitamin C 100% DV ✓. Monk fruit sweetened, natural colors, no artificial anything. Per-batch QR tested. The trade-off vs. Wave: no creatine (requires separate), no ashwagandha (KSM-66), no ALCAR, no theanine to smooth the caffeine. But on raw citrulline and beta-alanine dosing, Promix leads the comparison. A serious formula priced accessibly. Confirmed on label: Creatine 3g (present but below 5g maintenance dose), Beta-Alanine 1.5g (below 4g ISSN lower bound), Micronized L-Citrulline 750mg (negligible dose), ALCAR 375mg, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 250mg, Caffeine 175mg from natural sources ✓, AstraGin® 25mg. B vitamins included but low doses and synthetic forms (cyanocobalamin B12, folic acid). Vitamin D3 500 IU. Confirmed artificially sweetened (Sucralose + Ace-K) and artificially colored (Blue 1) ✗. Smallest serving size reviewed at 10g/scoop. Fine entry-level product; not a clinically-dosed formula by the standards of any key ingredient.
// why I use Wave despite the cost After the full label audit, the honest picture: Promix actually leads on pure citrulline equivalent (5g pure = ~9.4g malate) and beta-alanine (5g vs. Wave's 4g), at roughly $39/month vs. Wave's $60/month. So why Wave? Three things that are not in Promix: creatine built in (eliminates a separate supplement), KSM-66 ashwagandha 600mg (the only pre-workout here with it), and L-Theanine 300mg at 2:1 ratio (smooths the caffeine in a way that matters for surgical focus). For someone who takes creatine separately and does not prioritize ashwagandha, Promix or TL BULK are both serious alternatives at a significant cost savings. No financial relationship with Wave.
// frequently asked questions · pre-workouts
Is Wave pre-workout worth it? +

At $3.00/serving Wave is the most expensive pre-workout in this comparison — nearly double TL BULK and triple Promix on a per-serving basis, and $60/month vs. $39–50 for alternatives. Whether it is worth it depends on your priorities. If you value a single-scoop formula that includes creatine, KSM-66 ashwagandha, ALCAR, and L-Theanine at a 2:1 ratio — all at confirmed doses — and you are not willing to take a separate creatine supplement, Wave is the most complete option here. If you take creatine separately and do not specifically need ashwagandha, Promix Pre-Workout or TL BULK deliver comparable or better citrulline and beta-alanine at significantly lower cost.

Does TL BULK have creatine? +

No. Transparent Labs intentionally omits creatine from BULK, citing concerns about interaction with caffeine. The clinical evidence on caffeine-creatine interaction is mixed — some studies suggest caffeine may blunt creatine's effect on phosphocreatine resynthesis, though the practical significance is debated. If you use TL BULK, plan to take 5g of creatine monohydrate separately, either pre- or post-workout.

What is the difference between L-citrulline and citrulline malate? +

L-citrulline is the pure amino acid. Citrulline malate (CM) is L-citrulline bound to malic acid — typically in a 2:1 ratio by weight, meaning 8g of citrulline malate contains approximately 5.3g of actual citrulline. When comparing products, the effective citrulline dose matters more than the label number. Wave's 8g pure L-citrulline delivers more citrulline than TL BULK's 8g citrulline malate (2:1). Promix's 5g pure L-citrulline is equivalent to approximately 9.4g of citrulline malate — making it the highest effective citrulline dose in this comparison despite having the smaller label number.

What is the best pre-workout without artificial sweeteners? +

Of the five pre-workouts compared here, Wave (stevia), TL BULK (stevia), TL LEAN (stevia + Rebaudioside M), and Promix (monk fruit) all use natural sweeteners with no artificial dyes, artificial colors, or synthetic preservatives. ON Gold Standard is the only one confirmed to contain artificial sweeteners (Sucralose + Acesulfame Potassium) and artificial coloring (Blue 1). If avoiding artificial ingredients is the priority, any of the first four qualify. Promix uses monk fruit rather than stevia — relevant for those who find stevia's aftertaste unpleasant.

What does KSM-66 ashwagandha do in a pre-workout? +

KSM-66 is a standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), the most clinically studied form. In the context of a pre-workout, its primary roles are cortisol modulation (reduces the stress hormone spike associated with intense training), testosterone support, and recovery. It is not a stimulant and does not contribute to acute energy — its benefits accumulate over weeks of consistent use. Wave is the only pre-workout in this comparison that includes it, at 600mg — a dose consistent with those used in clinical trials.

// 02 · multivitamins

Multivitamin Comparison —
Animal Pak, Opti-Men, GNC Mega Men, IM8, TMRW.

Form matters more than dose — but dose matters too. The table below covers every micronutrient with both the exact amount and the specific form used. Two products in this comparison (IM8 and TMRW) also include longevity compounds beyond standard vitamins and minerals. Those are separated into a second table below.

Key form considerations: Magnesium oxide vs. bisglycinate (absorption), Cyanocobalamin vs. methylcobalamin (B12 bioavailability), Folic acid vs. methylfolate (MTHFR gene variants), K1 (phytonadione) vs. K2 MK-7 (bone/cardiovascular protection), D3 vs. D2 (vitamin D efficacy).

Nutrient Opti-Men (ON)// 3 tablets/day · rotated Animal Pak// 8 tablets/day · current rotation GNC Mega Men// 2 caplets/day · rotated IM8 Essentials// 1 drink/day · evaluating TMRW// 1 drink/day · evaluating
Vitamin A 3,000mcg RAE (beta-carotene only) / 333% DV — plant-derived, converts as needed. No preformed retinol. Previous data was wrong. 1,200mcg RAE (beta-carotene) / 133% DV ✓ — moderate, plant-derived form. Previous data was incorrect. 1,500 mcg RAE (50% beta-carotene + 50% retinyl acetate) ✓ — balanced mixed form, safest Vitamin A approach here 900 mcg RAE (retinyl palmitate) — 100% DV ✓ Present ✓ — dose not isolated on available label
Vitamin C 300mg ✓ 1,000mg ✓ — highest dose; ascorbic acid + ascorbyl palmitate 300mg ✓ 900mg ✓ — ascorbic acid. Strong dose. 400mg (Ascorbic Acid) ✓ — plus natural sources: Amla, Acerola Cherry, Camu Camu
Vitamin D — form D3 (cholecalciferol) ✓ D3 (cholecalciferol) ✓ D3 (cholecalciferol) ✓ VegD3® — plant-based D3 from algae ✓ D3 (Cholecalciferol) ✓
Vitamin D — dose 37.5mcg / 1,500 IU / 188% DV ✓ 100mcg / 4,000 IU / 500% DV ✓ — highest Vitamin D dose in this entire comparison. Previous data was badly wrong. 2,000 IU (50 mcg) ✓ — highest of the three athlete multis 2,000 IU (50 mcg) ✓ — VegD3® plant-based D3. Highest dose in this comparison. D3 (Cholecalciferol) 25mcg / 1,000 IU — 125% DV ✓. Lower than IM8's 2,000 IU.
Vitamin E 200 IU (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) ✓ — natural form 100mg (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) / 667% DV ✓ — single natural form, not mixed tocopherols as previously stated. 20.1mg (d-alpha tocopheryl) ✓ 15mg (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate) ✓ Present ✓
Vitamin K — form Not present ✗ — no vitamin K on current label. Previous data was incorrect. 120mcg (phytonadione K1 + menaquinone-4 K2 MK-4) / 100% DV ✓ — both K1 and K2 MK-4 present. MK-4 is a shorter-chain K2 than MK-7; MK-7 has longer half-life and better studied cardiovascular benefits, but MK-4 is still active K2. K1 only (80mcg) — no K2 ✗ K1 (phylloquinone 30mcg) + K2 as All-Trans Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) 100mcg ✓ — both confirmed on supplement facts panel. K2 MK-7 is listed separately after the mineral section. The Fullscript panel I referenced earlier was an older/incomplete version. K2 MK-7 100mcg is confirmed. K2 MK-7 confirmed ✓ — directs calcium to bones not arteries
Thiamin (B1) 15mg (thiamin hydrochloride) / 1,251% DV ✓ — previous data overstated at 75mg. 76mg (mononitrate) — 5,067% DV ✓ 50mg ✓ 4mg (thiamin HCl) — 333% DV. Lower but adequate. Active form (thiamine) ✓
Riboflavin (B2) — form Standard riboflavin 18mg — requires conversion ✗ Standard riboflavin 76mg — requires conversion ✗ Standard riboflavin 50mg — requires conversion ✗ Riboflavin-5-phosphate (R-5-P) 4.2mg ✓ — active form. Same superior form as TMRW. Riboflavin-5-phosphate (R-5-P) ✓ — active form, bypasses conversion. Best B2 form in this comparison.
Riboflavin (B2) — dose 18mg / 1,385% DV ✓ — previous data overstated at 75mg. 76mg / 5,846% DV ✓ 50mg / 3,846% DV ✓ 4.2mg — lower dose but active form pending label clarification Active form ✓
Niacin (B3) 75mg (niacinamide) — no flush ✓ 82mg (niacinamide) ✓ 50mg (Niacinamide + Niacin — mixed) ✓ 20mg (niacinamide) ✓ Present ✓
B6 — form Pyridoxine HCl 18mg — standard form ✗. Previous data overstated dose at 50mg. Pyridoxine AKG + pyridoxine HCl — mixed, partially active Pyridoxine — standard form Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P-5-P) ✓ — active form. Same superior form as TMRW. Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P-5-P) ✓ — active form, directly usable. Both IM8 and TMRW use P-5-P — best B6 form in this comparison.
B6 — dose 18mg / 1,058% DV 80mg (pyridoxine HCl) / 4,706% DV ✓ — previous data overstated at 180mg. 50mg / 2,941% DV ✓ 5mg (pyridoxine HCl) 2.5mg P-5-P — low dose but active form. TMRW intentionally dosed low to avoid B6 toxicity risk at high doses of synthetic forms.
Folate — form Folic acid ✗ — requires MTHFR conversion. Problematic for those with MTHFR variants (~40% of population). Folic acid ✗ — same limitation Folic acid ✗ — same limitation Quatrefolic® (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate ✓ — most bioavailable active folate form. Bypasses MTHFR entirely. 5-MTHF (methylfolate) ✓ — active form. Full MTHFR bypass.
Folate — dose 1,020mcg DFE (600mcg folic acid) / 255% DV 680mcg DFE (400mcg folic acid) / 170% DV 680mcg DFE (folic acid) 400mcg DFE (Quatrefolic®) Active methylfolate ✓
B12 — form Cyanocobalamin ✗ — synthetic form requiring conversion. Contains cyanide moiety (negligible amount but notable). Methylcobalamin ✓ — active form only. No cyanocobalamin. Previous data was incorrect. Cyanocobalamin ✗ — standard synthetic form Methylcobalamin ✓ — active form, directly usable, neurologically protective Methylcobalamin ✓ — active form
B12 — dose 27mcg (cyanocobalamin) / 1,125% DV — previous data overstated at 100mcg. Lowest B12 dose in this comparison. 100mcg methylcobalamin ✓ / 4,167% DV — methylcobalamin ONLY. Previous data (11mcg, mixed forms) was badly wrong. Animal Pak is strong on B12. 50mcg ✓ 200mcg methylcobalamin ✓ — 8,333% DV. Highest B12 dose in this comparison by a wide margin. Active form ✓
Biotin (B7) 300mcg (100% DV) ✓ 300mcg ✓ 300mcg ✓ 300mcg ✓ Present ✓
Pantothenic Acid (B5) 45mg / 900% DV ✓ — previous data overstated at 75mg. 76mg (760% DV) ✓ 50mg ✓ 12mg ✓ Present ✓
Magnesium — form Oxide ✗ — ~4% absorption rate. Primarily laxative effect at this dose. Oxide ✗ — same poor absorption. Despite 400mg listed, usable magnesium delivered is a fraction of this. Oxide ✗ — same issue. 120mg oxide delivers minimal usable magnesium. Glycinate chelate ✓ — ~80% absorption rate. Gentle on GI, crosses blood-brain barrier, supports sleep and muscle function. Glycinate ✓ — same superior form as IM8
Magnesium — dose 80mg oxide — delivers ~3mg usable magnesium. Previous data overstated at 100mg. 400mg oxide — listed amount high, but effective delivery ~16mg due to poor absorption 120mg oxide — effective delivery ~5mg 100mg bisglycinate chelate ✓ — delivers ~80mg usable magnesium. Superior to all three athlete multis at any dose of oxide. Magnesium Glycinate 24mg ✓ form but low dose — 6% DV. Best-absorbed form; however IM8 delivers 100mg glycinate vs TMRW's 24mg. TMRW is not a magnesium replacement supplement.
Zinc — form Zinc oxide 15mg ✗ — same poorly-absorbed form as Animal Pak and GNC (~10% bioavailability). Previous data was wrong — I listed zinc citrate. All three athlete multis confirmed to use zinc oxide. Zinc oxide ✗ — poorly absorbed (~10% bioavailability) Zinc Oxide 25mg ✗ — same poorly-absorbed form as Animal Pak and Opti-Men (~10% bioavailability). All three athlete multis use zinc oxide. Zinc citrate 15mg ✓ Zinc Bisglycinate 7.5mg ✓ — chelated form, well absorbed. Lower dose than IM8's 15mg zinc citrate.
Zinc — dose 15mg / 137% DV 30mg / 273% DV 25mg / 227% DV 15mg (136% DV) ✓ Present ✓
Selenium — form Selenomethionine ✓ — organic form, well absorbed Sodium selenite ✗ — inorganic form, less bioavailable Selenium 200mcg ✓ — form not confirmed but dose is strong Selenomethionine 70mcg ✓ — organic form Present ✓
Calcium — form + dose 50mg (dicalcium phosphate) / 4% DV ✗ — previous data badly wrong at 200mg. Very low calcium dose and dicalcium phosphate is a poor-absorption form. Lowest calcium of any product here. 650mg / 50% DV ✓ — previous data (2,000mg) was badly wrong. Reasonable dose. K2 MK-4 now confirmed present ✓. 210mg ✓ 150mg (citrate + tricalcium phosphate) ✓ Present ✓
Iodine 150mcg (from kelp) ✓ — 100% DV 150mcg (from kelp) ✓ 150mcg ✓ 150mcg (potassium iodide) ✓ Present ✓
Iron None ✓ — men rarely need supplemental iron; excess iron is pro-oxidant and associated with cardiovascular and liver risk None confirmed ✓ None — intentionally omitted ✓ None ✓ None — intentionally omitted ✓
CoQ10 None ✗ None ✗ None ✗ Ubiquinone 100mg ✓ — cardiovascular and mitochondrial energy support. Declines with age. Ubiquinone 150mg ✓ — highest dose in this comparison
Choline 10mg (L-choline bitartrate) / 2% DV — minimal, barely present. 90mg (bitartrate) in vitamin section + 250mg in Performance Complex = ~340mg total choline ✓ — highest choline of any product in this comparison. Choline 10mg — present but minimal dose Choline bitartrate 55mg ✓ Present ✓ — supports methylation and MTHFR variants
Chromium Present ✓ 100mcg (chromium chloride) / 286% DV ✓ — previous data understated at 60mcg. 120mcg ✓ — insulin sensitivity support Present ✓ Present ✓
Amino acids / extras 1g Amino Men Blend (L-Arginine, L-Glutamine, L-Lysine HCl, L-Cystine, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Threonine) ✓. Selenium L-selenomethionine 200mcg ✓ (best selenium form). Boron 2mg, Vanadium 100mcg. Lycopene, Lutein 2mg, Zeaxanthin 400mcg, Astaxanthin 50mcg, Saw Palmetto. No liver complex, no protein blend, no adaptogens. Leaner formula than Animal Pak. Full 20-amino acid profile (Glycine 504mg, Leucine 290mg, Lysine 285mg, Glutamic Acid 489mg + all others) ✓. Whey + Beef/Liver Protein Complex (~4.6g) ✓. Liver Detox: Milk Thistle 500mg, Hawthorn Berry 250mg, Beet Root 200mg, Turmeric 100mg ✓. Performance: Eleutherococcus 750mg, L-Taurine 500mg ✓. Antioxidant: Spectra® 100mg, ALA 100mg, Spirulina 50mg, Chlorella 50mg, Grape Seed 50mg ✓. Digestive: Inulin 250mg, Ginger 200mg, Bromelain 100mg, BioPerine® 5mg, AstraGin™ 25mg ✓. Energy/Focus: L-Tyrosine 300mg, Green Tea 100mg, Ginkgo Biloba 100mg ✓. CoQ10 5mg (present but sub-clinical dose). Fruit & Vegetable Blend 62.5mg (orange, açaí, blueberry, pomegranate, elderberry, grape, carrot, beet root + 12 others) ✓, Alpha-Lipoic Acid 25mg ✓, Lutein 2mg, Zeaxanthin 400mcg, Astaxanthin 50mcg, Saw Palmetto 3mg, L-Selenomethionine (best selenium form) ✓. Timed-release delivery. Full amino complex (citrulline, glutamine, BCAAs, lysine, proline, taurine) + MSM 1,000mg + digestive enzyme blend + pre/pro/postbiotics ✓ Acetyl L-Carnitine 750mg ✓, Choline Bitartrate 220mg ✓, TMG 250mg ✓, Alpha-Lipoic Acid 100mg ✓, MSM (in Skin/Hair/Joint blend), Glucosamine Sulfate, Milk Thistle, Schisandra, Artichoke, Dandelion ✓ — liver + detox support. Rich adaptogen/mushroom complex (Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Rhodiola, Bacopa, Gotu Kola, Panax Ginseng 15% ginsenosides) ✓
Proprietary blends Clean label on current formula ✓ — all listed ingredients with doses visible. Earlier versions had 4 proprietary blends; current label shows full disclosure. 1g Amino Men Blend (8 amino acids listed), Boron 2mg, Vanadium 100mcg. Spectra™ blend (doses hidden) + Performance Complex ✗ Relatively clean label — fewer hidden blends ✓ Full disclosure ✓ — every ingredient and dose listed Full disclosure ✓ — NSF Certified for Sport for label accuracy
Format 3 tablets/day ✓ 8 tablets/pack — significant daily pill burden 2 caplets/day ✓ — timed-release technology One drink/day ✓ — replaces multi + greens + probiotic + CoQ10 One drink/day ✓ — replaces 20+ supplements
Monthly cost ~$25–28 ~$33–40 ~$22–25 — lowest cost $89 — but replaces multi + greens + probiotic + CoQ10 simultaneously $89 — replaces 20+ supplements including longevity compounds
Verdict More accurately assessed after label audit. Strengths: beta-carotene only vitamin A (safest form), selenium as L-selenomethionine ✓ (best form, 200mcg — tied with GNC for best selenium), clean current label ✓, 3 tablets/day (manageable). Weaknesses: Zinc OXIDE ✗ (not citrate as previously stated), magnesium oxide 80mg ✗, cyanocobalamin B12 at only 27mcg (lowest dose here) ✗, folic acid ✗, no vitamin K at all ✗, calcium only 50mg (dicalcium phosphate) ✗. B-vitamin doses are significantly lower than previously reported (Thiamin 15mg not 75mg, B6 18mg not 50mg). Less comprehensive than Animal Pak. A reasonable lean multi if cost and pill count matter. Most comprehensive athlete multi by a wide margin — and significantly better than previously assessed. Vitamin D 4,000 IU ✓ (highest in comparison), Methylcobalamin B12 100mcg ✓ (active form only), K1 + K2 MK-4 both present ✓, Choline ~340mg ✓ (highest here), extensive Liver Detox Complex (Milk Thistle 500mg), full 20-amino acid profile, whey + beef/liver protein complex, AstraGin™ absorption enhancer ✓. Weaknesses that remain: magnesium oxide ✗, zinc oxide ✗, folic acid ✗ (not methylfolate), sodium selenite ✗ (inorganic), 8-pill burden. CoQ10 only 5mg — present but not clinically relevant. The extra breadth of Animal Pak — liver detox, protein complex, adaptogens, amino acids — is unique in this comparison. Best Vitamin D dose (2,000 IU / 50mcg) of the three athlete multis ✓. Best selenium dose (200mcg L-selenomethionine — organic form) ✓. Timed-release technology is a genuine differentiator. Meaningful fruit & vegetable blend (62.5mg, 17 sources) not present in Opti-Men or Animal Pak ✓. Weaknesses: magnesium oxide ✗, zinc oxide ✗ (same as all three), cyanocobalamin B12 ✗, folic acid ✗. Best of the three athlete multivitamins on vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidant extras. Addresses the form weaknesses in all three athlete multis — glycinate magnesium, methylcobalamin B12, Quatrefolic methylfolate. Full-disclosure label. CoQ10 100mg included. K2 MK-7 100mcg confirmed on supplement facts panel ✓ — listed separately after the mineral section. Active B vitamin forms throughout: R-5-P (B2), P-5-P (B6), methylcobalamin B12 at 200mcg (highest dose here), Quatrefolic methylfolate. The formula is more complete than initially assessed. The most complete micronutrient profile with active B-vitamin forms across the board — R-5-P (B2), P-5-P (B6), methylcobalamin (B12), 5-MTHF (folate), plus K2 MK-7 ✓, glycinate magnesium ✓, CoQ10 150mg, and TMG for methylation support. No iron (intentional). No creatine (removed due to taste). The longevity compounds (NMN 500mg, taurine 1,200mg, fisetin, spermidine, urolithin A, etc.) put it in a different category from any multivitamin.
// the consistent weakness across all three athlete multivitamins Opti-Men, Animal Pak, and GNC Mega Men all use magnesium oxide — ~4% absorption rate vs. ~80% for bisglycinate. The listed mg dose is meaningless when the form ensures almost none of it reaches your cells. Opti-Men and GNC use cyanocobalamin B12 ✗. Animal Pak uses methylcobalamin ✓ — a key differentiator. All three use folic acid over methylfolate ✗. All three use zinc oxide ✗ (Opti-Men 15mg, Animal Pak 30mg, GNC 25mg — all oxide form). Opti-Men has no vitamin K; GNC has K1 only; Animal Pak has K1+K2 MK-4 (shorter-chain than MK-7, still active). None include K2 MK-7. These are not minor details — they are the difference between a multi that checks a box and one that actually delivers what it claims.
// frequently asked questions · multivitamins
Is Animal Pak good for men? +

Animal Pak is the most comprehensive athlete multivitamin in this comparison. The confirmed label shows 4,000 IU Vitamin D3 (highest here), methylcobalamin B12 100mcg (active form only), K1 + K2 MK-4 confirmed, ~340mg total choline, a full 20-amino acid complex, liver detox support (Milk Thistle 500mg), and AstraGin™ for absorption. Weaknesses: magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, folic acid not methylfolate, sodium selenite, and 8 pills per day. For an active man who can handle the pill count, Animal Pak is the strongest of the three athlete multivitamins — but both IM8 and TMRW address its form weaknesses while adding CoQ10, K2 MK-7, and longevity compounds.

Does IM8 have K2 MK-7? +

Yes — confirmed from the supplement facts panel. IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials contains Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone 30mcg) and Vitamin K2 as All-Trans Menaquinone-7 (MK-7, 100mcg), listed separately after the main mineral section. MK-7 directs calcium to bones rather than arterial walls and has a longer half-life than MK-4. None of the three athlete multivitamins (Opti-Men, Animal Pak, GNC Mega Men) include K2 MK-7.

What is the difference between magnesium oxide and magnesium glycinate? +

Magnesium oxide has approximately 4% absorption rate. Magnesium glycinate (bisglycinate chelate) has approximately 80% absorption — the magnesium is bound to glycine, which facilitates intestinal transport. A supplement listing 400mg of magnesium oxide delivers roughly 16mg of usable magnesium; 100mg of magnesium glycinate delivers roughly 80mg. Opti-Men, Animal Pak, and GNC Mega Men all use magnesium oxide. IM8 Essentials and TMRW use glycinate. If you use any of the three athlete multivitamins, adding a separate magnesium glycinate supplement is worth considering.

TMRW vs IM8 — which is better? +

They serve overlapping but different priorities. IM8 Essentials ($89/month) has stronger mineral dosing — magnesium glycinate 100mg vs. TMRW's 24mg, zinc citrate 15mg vs. TMRW's 7.5mg. IM8 Longevity ($119/month add-on) adds NMN 300mg, fisetin, quercetin, spermidine, and taurine — but at $208/month combined. TMRW ($89/month) includes most longevity compounds in one product: NMN 500mg, CoQ10 150mg, Glutathione 300mg, CaAKG 1,000mg, Urolithin A, Pterostilbene, and 10-strain probiotics. If mineral repletion is a priority, IM8 Essentials wins. If longevity compounds at value are the priority, TMRW covers more at half the cost of the IM8 stack. Neither has been personally trialed — this is pre-purchase analysis.

Is AG1 worth it? +

AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, which verifies safety and label accuracy for what is disclosed — but AG1 uses four proprietary blends, meaning individual ingredient doses are not confirmed. At ~$99/month it is the most expensive greens product compared here. The inability to verify doses of spirulina, chlorella, ashwagandha, and rhodiola against clinically studied amounts is the reason it was tried and stopped. It may be an excellent product. The label structure makes that impossible to confirm.

// 03 · greens powders

Greens Powder Comparison —
TL Greens, Promix Raw Greens, AG1, IM8 Essentials.

The greens category is dominated by proprietary blends. AG1 is the most visible example: NSF certified for safety, but four proprietary blends mean you cannot confirm whether the spirulina dose is 3g or 30mg. Full label disclosure is the entry requirement before any other criterion matters.
TL Greens// used ✓ Promix Raw Greens// used ✓ AG1 (Athletic Greens)// tried & stopped IM8 Essentials (greens layer)// evaluating
Label transparency Full disclosure ✓ — every ingredient + dose listed Full disclosure ✓ — per-batch QR code results 4 proprietary blends ✗ — individual doses hidden. NSF certifies safety, not doses. Full disclosure ✓
Serving size 16.17g (1 scoop) / 30 servings. 50 calories. 4g protein. 6g dietary fiber (21% DV). 6.54g (1 scoop) / 30 servings. 20 calories. Vegan. No allergens. 12g (1 scoop) Part of 30g all-in-one — greens layer not isolatable
Algae Organic Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) 3,000mg + Organic Chlorella (Broken Cell, Chlorella vulgaris) 3,000mg ✓ — both at confirmed doses. 4g protein/serving from algae. Iron 1mg (3% DV), Magnesium 25mg, Potassium 50mg present. None ✗ — focus is on land-based greens Spirulina + chlorella listed in proprietary blend — dose unknown ✗ Blue spirulina listed — dose within complex, not isolated
Grasses / greens None — algae + fiber focus only Organic Wheat Grass powder (North America) 3,000mg + Organic Alfalfa Leaf powder (North America) 1,000mg ✓ — sprouted, North American sourced Wheatgrass juice, alfalfa — proprietary blend, dose unknown ✗ Spinach leaf, barley grass, kale — listed individually ✓
Prebiotic fiber Organic Acacia Fiber (Acacia senegal) 3,000mg + Green Banana Flour (Musa acuminata) 3,000mg + Jerusalem Artichoke Fiber (Helianthus tuberosus) 1,000mg + Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus) 1,000mg. 6g total dietary fiber / 21% DV ✓. Stevia 210mg + Cinnamon 60mg in other ingredients. Organic Jerusalem Artichoke Root Inulin 500mg + Chicory Root 500mg = 1,000mg prebiotic fiber ✓. Plus 3g total dietary fiber per serving from the sprouted greens complex. Apple fiber + inulin — proprietary blend, ~1g total ✗ Blue Agave Inulin ✓ + multiple prebiotic sources listed
Adaptogens None ✗ Ashwagandha root extract (2.5% withanolides) 200mg + Rhodiola root extract (3% rosavins, 2% salidrosides) 100mg ✓ — standardized extracts, both doses confirmed Ashwagandha + rhodiola listed — doses unknown ✗ Rhodiola, American ginseng, andrographis, reishi, chaga ✓
Antioxidant fruits None ✗ Matcha tea leaf powder (Japan) 750mg + Tart cherry skin 250mg ✓ — both doses confirmed on label Lycium berry, bilberry, apple, broccoli — proprietary blend ✗ Açaí, elderberry, blueberry, tart cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, beet root ✓ — most comprehensive
Iron Iron 1mg (3% DV) ✓ present — from spirulina/chlorella. Men generally do not need supplemental iron; excess is pro-oxidant. At 1mg this is a minor consideration, not a disqualifier. Iron 0.8mg (4% DV) present — from alfalfa and wheatgrass. Same consideration for men as TL Greens. None ✓ — AG1 does not list iron (proprietary blend means it may be present but unconfirmed) Not listed ✓
3rd-party testing Informed Choice certified ✓ Per-batch QR code results ✓ NSF Certified for Sport ✓ (safety only — not dose accuracy) NSF certified ✓
Monthly cost ~$34 ~$36–46 ~$99 — most expensive by far Included in $89/month IM8 Essentials — not separable
Verdict All doses confirmed from label. Organic Spirulina 3g + Organic Chlorella (broken cell) 3g ✓. Six prebiotic fiber sources totaling 6g dietary fiber (21% DV) ✓ — Acacia 3g, Green Banana Flour 3g, Jerusalem Artichoke 1g, Chicory Root 1g. 4g protein from algae. Iron 1mg present. No adaptogens, no antioxidant fruits, no grasses. Stevia sweetened + cinnamon. 50 calories/serving. All doses confirmed from label. Organic Sprouted Greens: wheat grass 3g + alfalfa 1g (North American, sprouted) ✓. Adaptogens: ashwagandha 200mg (2.5% withanolides) + rhodiola 100mg (3% rosavins, 2% salidrosides) ✓. Antioxidants: matcha 750mg + tart cherry skin 250mg ✓. Prebiotic fiber: Jerusalem artichoke 500mg + chicory root 500mg + 3g total dietary fiber per serving ✓. Organic monk fruit + vanilla sweetened. No allergens. Vegan. Iron 0.8mg present (4% DV) — only greens product with iron. No algae. Tried and stopped. NSF certified for safety. Likely a quality product — but four proprietary blends mean you cannot confirm doses of any individual ingredient. $99/month for a formula you cannot verify fails the clean-label standard regardless of certification. Most comprehensive antioxidant fruit profile. Full greens, liver support (milk thistle, dandelion, artichoke), and adaptogens all disclosed. Trade-off: greens bundled with multi and probiotic — cannot optimize the greens layer independently.
// 04 · pre & probiotics

Pre & Probiotic Comparison —
Promix Debloat, IM8 Essentials, TMRW.

CFU count is the most commonly marketed probiotic metric and one of the least useful. 50 billion CFU of a single strain with poor acid stability is less useful than 5 billion CFU of spore-forming Bacillus strains that survive stomach transit. The key questions: which strains, are they shelf-stable, and what does the prebiotic fiber do.
Promix Debloat// current IM8 Essentials (probiotic layer)// evaluating TMRW (probiotic layer)// evaluating
CFU count 5 Billion CFUs (at time of manufacture) ✓ — 1 Packet (4.9g) / 30 servings. 5 calories. 10 billion CFU ✓ 10+ billion CFU ✓ — 10-strain complex
Strains Bacillus coagulans + Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus clausii ✓ — 3 spore-forming strains. Label lists B. subtilis without DE111 strain designation. B. coagulans BC99 + B. subtilis DE111 ✓ — 2 strains + FloraSMART® postbiotic (L. casei 327, 25mg) 10-strain complex ✓ — broadest strain diversity, most coverage of gut microbiome niches.
Strain type Spore-forming (Bacillus) ✓ — survives stomach acid, heat, and storage without refrigeration Spore-forming (Bacillus) ✓ + postbiotic layer Multi-strain ✓ — spore-forming and Lactobacillus
Shelf stability No refrigeration required ✓ No refrigeration required ✓ No refrigeration required ✓
Prebiotic fiber Wild Harvested Organic African Baobab 2,600mg ✓ — natural source of fiber (1g dietary fiber/serving) and Vitamin C (100% DV as ascorbic acid). Monk fruit sweetened. Turmeric, orange juice, orange extractives. No allergens. Vegan. Blue Agave Inulin ✓ Prebiotic fiber complex ✓
Postbiotic None FloraSMART® postbiotic ✓ — metabolic byproducts of beneficial bacteria supporting gut barrier integrity Not confirmed on available label
Clinical evidence Promix cites an IRB-approved clinical trial showing improvements in bloating/digestion at weeks 8 and 12. Current label lists B. subtilis without specifying DE111 strain designation referenced in some Promix materials. Verified from label: B. coagulans + B. subtilis + B. clausii, 5B CFU, baobab 2,600mg, Vitamin C 100% DV. BC99 and DE111 individually clinically studied ✓ Individual strain studies — no combined formula trial confirmed
Format Standalone stick packets or jar — dedicated probiotic product Bundled within IM8 Essentials drink — not a standalone product Bundled within TMRW drink — not a standalone product
Monthly cost ~$46 (subscribe) Included in $89/month IM8 Essentials Included in $89/month TMRW
Verdict Three spore-forming Bacillus strains, 5B CFU, Wild Harvested Organic African Baobab 2,600mg, Vitamin C 100% DV. Monk fruit sweetened, turmeric, orange juice. No allergens. Vegan. 4.9g packet / 30 servings. Dedicated standalone probiotic product — not bundled with other supplements. Solid two-strain Bacillus complex with a meaningful postbiotic layer — FloraSMART® adds metabolic byproducts beyond live strains. Trade-off: probiotic cannot be optimized independently when bundled in an all-in-one. Broadest strain diversity — 10 strains covers more microbial niches than a 2–3 strain product. Like IM8, bundled and cannot be adjusted independently. Best for gut diversity as part of a complete daily drink.
// 05 · all-in-ones vs. built stack

All-in-One vs. Built Stack —
IM8 Essentials + Longevity vs. TMRW vs. your own stack.

IM8 and TMRW both claim to replace your entire foundation supplement stack. The comparison below pits each against the stack I actually use: Animal Pak + TL Greens or Promix Raw Greens + Promix Debloat. Same categories, same criteria, no adjustment for marketing.
My Built Stack// Animal Pak + TL/Promix Greens + Promix Debloat IM8 Essentials + Longevity// evaluating · $208/month combined TMRW// evaluating · $89/month
Monthly cost ~$113–124 (Animal Pak ~$35 + Greens ~$35 + Promix Debloat ~$46) $208 (Essentials $89 + Longevity $119) — most expensive option $89 ✓ — least expensive and most comprehensive single product
Magnesium form Oxide (Animal Pak) ✗ — worst-absorbed form Bisglycinate chelate ✓ Bisglycinate ✓
Vitamin K2 MK-7 None in any of the three products ✗ 100mcg ✓ K2 MK-7 ✓
B12 form Methylcobalamin ✓ (Animal Pak — best of the three athlete multivitamins) Methylcobalamin 200mcg ✓ Methylcobalamin ✓
NMN (NAD+) None ✗ — significant longevity gap 300mg (Longevity product) ✓ 500mg ✓ — highest NMN dose in this comparison
CoQ10 None ✗ Ubiquinone 100mg ✓ Ubiquinone 150mg ✓ — highest dose
Taurine Trace in Animal Pak — not therapeutic 2,000mg (Longevity) ✓ 1,200mg ✓
Senolytics None ✗ Fisetin 100mg + Quercetin 250mg (Longevity) ✓ Fisetin + Quercetin ✓
CaAKG / Urolithin A None ✗ None ✗ — not in IM8 stack Both present ✓ — unique to TMRW in this comparison
Glutathione None ✗ None ✗ L-Glutathione 300mg ✓ — master antioxidant. Unique to TMRW.
Spermidine None ✗ 3mg ✓ Present ✓
Probiotics Promix Debloat: 3 Bacillus strains (B. coagulans, B. subtilis, B. clausii), 5B CFU, Wild Harvested Organic African Baobab 2,600mg, Vitamin C 100% DV ✓ 2 Bacillus strains, 10B CFU, FloraSMART® postbiotic ✓ 10-strain complex, 10B+ CFU ✓ — broadest diversity
Greens quality TL Greens: Organic Spirulina 3g + Organic Chlorella (broken cell) 3g + 6g dietary fiber (Acacia, Green Banana, Jerusalem Artichoke, Chicory) ✓ OR Promix: sprouted wheatgrass 3g + alfalfa 1g + ashwagandha 200mg (2.5% withanolides) + rhodiola 100mg (3% rosavins) ✓ 20+ whole foods — broad but greens layer not independently optimizable. Spirulina dose within complex. Broad greens + fruit complex but confirmed algae doses not isolated vs. TL Greens
Nootropics None ✗ Not a focus ✗ L-Theanine, Bacopa Monnieri, Rhodiola, Gotu Kola, Panax Ginseng (15% ginsenosides) ✓ — no citicoline on label
Label transparency All three products fully disclosed ✓ Full disclosure ✓ Full disclosure ✓ — NSF Certified for Sport
Flexibility High ✓ — each product independently optimizable. Switch greens without changing probiotic. None ✗ — formula is fixed. All-or-nothing. None ✗ — same constraint.
Overall verdict Best greens quality (confirmed clinical doses of spirulina/chlorella or sprouted adaptogens). Best standalone probiotic (Promix cites IRB-approved clinical trial data; B. subtilis strain designation not confirmed on current label). Full control over each category. Significant gaps: no longevity compounds — no NMN, CoQ10, taurine, fisetin, K2 MK-7, or magnesium bisglycinate. Cost is comparable to TMRW once all three products are combined. Most comprehensive longevity coverage (NMN, fisetin, quercetin, spermidine, taurine, bisglycinate Mg, K2 MK-7) but at $208/month — the most expensive option. At that price you're paying a significant premium over TMRW for similar — but not substantially better — longevity coverage. The $119 Longevity add-on does real work but doubles the cost of Essentials alone. Strongest value case. At $89/month covers NMN 500mg, CoQ10 ~150mg, glutathione 300mg, CaAKG 1,000mg, Urolithin A, Pterostilbene 50mg, Spermidine HCl 5mg, taurine 1,200mg, ALCAR 750mg, 10-strain probiotics, full adaptogen/mushroom complex. One honest note: magnesium glycinate is only 24mg (6% DV) and zinc only 7.5mg — superior forms but minimal doses compared to IM8's 100mg glycinate and 15mg zinc. If mineral repletion is a goal, a separate magnesium supplement remains advisable with TMRW. Only areas where the built stack is stronger: confirmed clinical doses of TL Greens algae and Promix Debloat's clinically studied probiotic formula (IRB trial cited by Promix; B. subtilis strain not confirmed on current label).
// where I landed Neither all-in-one fully beats the built stack on every dimension. The built stack wins on greens quality and probiotic clinical evidence. TMRW wins on longevity compounds, cost, and simplicity. The most interesting hybrid: TMRW ($89) + TL Greens ($34) — one drink covering the longevity and foundation layer, one powder confirming clinical doses of spirulina and chlorella that TMRW's greens complex cannot verify in isolation. Total: ~$123/month, similar to the built stack cost but with NMN 500mg, CoQ10 ~150mg, K2 MK-7, taurine 1,200mg, glutathione 300mg, ALCAR 750mg, and 10-strain probiotics included. Note: magnesium (24mg) and zinc (7.5mg) doses in TMRW are low — adding a separate magnesium glycinate supplement remains advisable. I have not tried either IM8 or TMRW yet. This analysis is the pre-trial reasoning. I will update this page once I have.
// the rest of the section

What I take — and why.

This page covers the analysis. The supplement page covers my actual stack and reasoning. If a spine issue is limiting what you can train or recover from, a consultation is the right next step.

No financial relationships with any brand named on this page. All prices are estimates based on current retail/subscription pricing. Ingredient information sourced from manufacturer supplement facts panels and verified third-party retailer listings. Always verify the current label before purchasing. This page reflects personal research, not medical advice.