Dr. Peter Attia is a leading longevity and health optimization expert who employs a science-based approach to enhancing lifespan and enriching quality of life. As a respected medical doctor and scientist, he leverages insights from diverse fields like biochemistry, endocrinology, and pharmacology to delay chronic disease and promote wellbeing. Dr. Attia’s methodology focuses on nutrition, physical fitness, sleep, emotional health, and supplements to achieve healthspan and longevity.
His bestselling book, The Longevity Code, and top-rated podcast, The Drive, reveal practical strategies for living vibrantly longer. Dr. Attia also heads up Attia Medical, a preventative healthcare company utilizing advanced testing and technology. Through his research and patient work, Dr. Attia has developed science-backed supplement recommendations to support longevity pathways.
Dr. Peter Attia's Morning Supplements
To start his day on the optimal foot, Dr. Attia takes a suite of supplements that provide a strong nutritional foundation, support energy levels, enhance cognitive function, and optimize overall health. His multifaceted morning stack includes essential vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, antioxidants, adaptogens, and nootropics to cover a wide range of longevity needs. Key ingredients like magnesium, vitamin D, methylated B vitamins, fish oil, curcumin, and Athletic Greens work synergistically to prime the body and mind for peak performance. Dr. Attia chooses best-in-class forms such as magnesium L-threonate and vitamin D3 for enhanced bioavailability. Dosages are personalized based on regular blood testing. His morning ritual establishes a firm baseline of cellular nutrition and function.
Dr. Attia highlights the importance of nutrition as one of the key pillars for longevity. However, he recognizes the difficulty of consistently meeting micronutrient needs through diet alone. As a convenient nutritional insurance policy, he suggests one scoop daily of Athletic Greens AG1 supplement drink.
Dr. Attia on AG1 Athletic Green
"Longevity is predicated on five pillars, of which nutrition is an important one. The challenge is that it can be very difficult for people to get adequate and appropriate nutrition day in and day out. Therefore, having a foundational program like AG1 makes it easier to go on autopilot and get the important, essential nutrients that we want and need access to," said Dr. Attia. "I take a scoop of AG1 every day, regardless of what else I'm eating. I just know if I'm taking AG1, I'm getting exactly, if not probably a little bit more, than what I need.”
Key features of Athletic Greens include:
- A comprehensive blend of 75 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and adaptogens.
- Provides comprehensive micronutrient support to fill potential gaps in the diet.
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics for gut health and immune function.
- Rich in antioxidants from ingredients like spirulina and wheatgrass.
- Adaptogens such as ashwagandha and astragalus root help manage stress levels.
“This is one reason why if people say, ‘Well, if I can only take 1 supplement, what should I take?’ I say, well, what’s your budget? If they say they can meet that $100 threshold per month, then my recommendation would be Athletic Greens or something like it.
Peter Attia's takes two tablets of SlowMag when not fasting and ups his dose to three to four tablets when fasting.
More on SlowMag
SlowMag tablets, containing magnesium chloride and calcium, are engineered with a unique enteric coating. This coating enables the tablets to traverse through the stomach's gastric juices, facilitating a gradual digestion process. This slow digestion mitigates the risk of stomach upset, which can be a side effect of some magnesium supplements.
Dive Deeper into
Magnesium
Magnesium is a necessary mineral in our diet that plays a role in energy production, nervous system function, blood pressure regulation, and blood glucose control. Not getting enough magnesium in your diet is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions.
Low levels of magnesium have been linked to a higher risk of diabetes. Supplementation with magnesium has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals who are insulin resistant, magnesium deficient, or women with gestational diabetes. Additionally, supplemental magnesium has been found to lower blood pressure in individuals with magnesium deficiency and those with hypertension. There is some evidence suggesting that magnesium supplementation can normalize age-related changes in sleep patterns, improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia or magnesium deficiency, decrease the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches, and alleviate premenstrual symptoms in women.
The recommended daily intake of magnesium varies depending on age and sex. Adult men should aim for 400-420 mg/day, while adult women should aim for 310-320 mg/day. Pregnant women require a slightly higher intake of 350-400 mg/day, and lactating women require the most at 310-360 mg/day. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg/day for adults. To enhance absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, it is best to take magnesium supplements with food.
Curcumin, the main bioactive in turmeric, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research highlights its neuroprotective effects in enhancing cognition, mood and brain longevity. Dr. Attia takes a curcumin extract supplement providing enhanced bioavailability to garner cognitive benefits. He recommends doses between 90-180 mg daily of the specific curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex called Theracurmin.
Dive Deeper into
Curcumin
Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is decent evidence that it can alleviate various conditions, from chronic pain to depression. Curcumin has poor bioavailability on its own, and thus it is often combined with Black Pepper or with lipids.
Curcumin supplementation reliably reduces some markers of inflammation and increases the levels of endogenous antioxidants in the body. It shows small to moderate improvements in the symptoms of depression and moderate to large improvements in pain and function in osteoarthritis. Curcumin also shows promise for treating a type of inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. Improvements in blood lipids, markers of glycemic control, blood pressure, liver enzymes, and weight loss have also been observed following supplementation with curcumin.
By itself, curcumin is poorly absorbed during digestion. To improve its bioavailability, it is often combined with Black Pepper or with lipids. The recommended dosage varies depending on the formulation used.
Omega-3s provide multiple benefits for brain, eye, heart, joint and metabolic health. However, most people fall short of the recommended daily intake for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Dr. Attia aims for 2 grams per day of a quality fish oil supplement to help close this gap. He emphasizes omega-3s role in reducing systemic inflammation, optimizing insulin sensitivity, supporting cognitive function, and promoting longevity pathways like autophagy.
Dive Deeper into
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are essential for human health. They play a crucial role in brain function, growth, and development.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels, improve symptoms of depression, and reduce inflammation.
The optimal dosage of Omega-3 fatty acids varies depending on the desired effect. For reducing triglyceride levels, a dosage of 2-4 grams per day is commonly used.
Many individuals are deficient in Vitamin D, which can negatively impact immune function, bone health, and various diseases. Dr. Attia monitors his vitamin D status through regular blood testing of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. His aim is to maintain an optimal range between 40-60 ng/ml through daily supplementation with vitamin D3. Which translates to 5,000 IU for him. He adjusts his dosage based on testing results to meet this target range for longevity.
Dr. Attia also recommends to figure out your own optimal range, with that you’ll have to get your blood tested twice. Once prior to taking a supplement — to understand your current position — and another some time after the supplementation, to understand its effects.
Dive Deeper into
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is synthesized by our skin when exposed to sunlight. It provides various benefits, including promoting bone health and mood. It can also be obtained from certain foods and supplements.
Vitamin D can improve immune health, bone health, and overall well-being. It may also reduce the risk of cancer mortality, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Many of these benefits are only observed when correcting a deficiency.
The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 400–800 IU/day, but this may be insufficient for many individuals. For moderate supplementation, a dose of 1,000–2,000 IU of vitamin D3 is generally adequate for most people. Higher daily doses range from 20–80 IU per kilogram of body weight. The upper tolerable intake level is 4,000 IU/day, but some studies suggest it could be as high as 10,000 IU/day.
Dr. Attia takes up to 1 gram of Magnesium through the day, alternating between NowMag Citrate and Carlson Mag Oxide. Mainly to promote muscle function and energy production.
Dive Deeper into
Magnesium
Magnesium is a necessary mineral in our diet that plays a role in energy production, nervous system function, blood pressure regulation, and blood glucose control. Not getting enough magnesium in your diet is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions.
Low levels of magnesium have been linked to a higher risk of diabetes. Supplementation with magnesium has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals who are insulin resistant, magnesium deficient, or women with gestational diabetes. Additionally, supplemental magnesium has been found to lower blood pressure in individuals with magnesium deficiency and those with hypertension. There is some evidence suggesting that magnesium supplementation can normalize age-related changes in sleep patterns, improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia or magnesium deficiency, decrease the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches, and alleviate premenstrual symptoms in women.
The recommended daily intake of magnesium varies depending on age and sex. Adult men should aim for 400-420 mg/day, while adult women should aim for 310-320 mg/day. Pregnant women require a slightly higher intake of 350-400 mg/day, and lactating women require the most at 310-360 mg/day. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg/day for adults. To enhance absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, it is best to take magnesium supplements with food.
Dr. Attias takes 1 protein shake post workout at least once a day. His daily protein shakes usually consist of two 25g servings of protein powder. One flavorless and the other slightly flavored (preferably sweetened with sucralose), to give his shake some taste without being too overpowering.
Dr. Peter Attia's Evening Supplements
Dr. Attia curates an evening supplement stack focused specifically on enhancing sleep onset, quality, and duration for restorative rest. His customized sleep stack combines ingredients proven to relax the mind, reduce nighttime cortisol levels, support healthy circadian rhythms, and increase time spent in the deepest, most regenerative non-REM and REM sleep stages. Core elements include glycine, magnesium, ashwagandha, melatonin and phosphatidylserine. Glycine boosts growth hormone release while also improving sleep efficiency. Magnesium L-threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier to exert calming effects directly on the central nervous system. Ashwagandha normalizes cortisol fluctuations that can disrupt sleep architecture. Melatonin helps reinforce the body's natural sleep-wake cycles. Phosphatidylserine lowers cortisol to remove a barrier to deep, undisturbed slumber. These synergistic ingredients enable restorative sleep for the optimum circadian biology underpinning longevity.
Glycine is a neurotransmitter and amino acid with sleep-promoting properties. Dr. Attia supplements with 2 grams of glycine before bedtime to enhance sleep quality and duration. Studies demonstrate glycine reduces core body temperature, latency to sleep onset, and levels of wakefulness during sleep. It also increases time spent in deepest non-REM slow wave sleep to boost recuperative rest.
Dive Deeper into
Glycine
Glycine is a nonessential amino acid that plays a role in various bodily functions. It is involved in protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and collagen synthesis.
Glycine supplementation has been shown to improve sleep quality, reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, and support brain health.
The recommended daily dosage of glycine varies depending on the condition being treated. For sleep improvement, dosages ranging from 3 g to 5 g per day have been used.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to counteract stress and enhance resilience. Dr. Attia takes 600 mg of ashwagandha nightly to lower cortisol levels that can interfere with sleep quality. Research confirms ashwagandha’s anti-anxiety benefits and its ability to reduce serum cortisol concentrations. Lower nighttime cortisol promotes more restful sleep and protects brain health.
Dive Deeper into
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian ginseng, is an herb used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Its root has a horsey smell and is said to confer the strength and virility of a horse. Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it is purported to enhance the body's resilience to stress. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is best known for reducing stress and anxiety. It may also modestly enhance various aspects of physical performance, increase testosterone levels, improve reproductive health, improve total sleep time and sleep quality in people with and without insomnia, improve immune health, women's health, men's health, and sexual health.
Ashwagandha's main benefits are associated with its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and stress-relieving effects. It also seems to reduce cortisol levels. In addition, it may improve physical performance before exercise or reduce physical and mental fatigue. Research on ashwagandha in cardio-respiratory and musculoskeletal performance enhancements has shown promise for both athletes and non-athletes.
The recommended dosage of ashwagandha is 250 mg to 6000 mg per day.
Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and is used to treat insomnia and jet lag. Although Dr. Attia emphasizes proper sleep hygiene over supplements, he occasionally uses low-dose melatonin. When needing extra sleep assistance, he takes between 2-5 mg of fast-acting melatonin approximately 30 minutes before a desired sleep time. This aligns with research finding lower doses to be more effective for sleep.
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid nutrient concentrated in brain cell membranes. Dr. Attia incorporates 600 mg of phosphatidylserine into his bedtime or travel routine to lower nighttime cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol can inhibit restorative sleep. Research confirms phosphatidylserine supplementation reduces ACTH and cortisol secretions induced by physical stress. This effect helps normalize sleep cycles.
Dr. Peter Attia's Jet-Lag Supplements
To minimize the disruptive effects of jet lag when traveling across multiple time zones, Dr. Attia has perfected a science-based protocol of specialized supplements to reset the biological clock. His jet lag stack counteracts the cortisol and melatonin disturbances induced by travel fatigue, stress and light exposure that alter the sleep-wake rhythm. Key ingredients such as melatonin, phosphatidylserine, magnesium, glycine, and adaptogens realign the circadian cycle to the new time zone. Melatonin reinforces the nighttime dip in alertness. Phosphatidylserine blunts untimely cortisol spikes that can delay realignment of the circadian clock. Magnesium and glycine act on GABA receptors to relax the central nervous system for sleep. Adaptogens moderate the stress hormone response. This multi-pathway formula rapidly resets internal rhythms to overcome jet lag.
To prevent jet lag, Dr. Attia takes 100 mg of Phosphatidylserine 30 minutes before boarding a plane. Cortisol spikes from travel stress and jet lag can disrupt circadian rhythms. Research confirms phosphatidylserine lowers cortisol release induced by physical stress. Lowering cortisol helps mitigate jet lag symptoms by more rapidly realigning the sleep-wake cycle.
Dr. Attia also relies on ingredients in Dr. Kirk Parsley’s Sleep Remedy to counter jet lag. This supplement contains melatonin, magnesium, zinc, glycine and other anti-stress adaptogens. For travel, Dr. Attia takes one capsule before boarding and upon arrival at the destination to improve sleep quality when time zones change abruptly.
To prevent excessive daytime sleepiness when traveling, Dr. Attia takes 200 mg of Modafinil upon arrival at his destination. Modafinil promotes wakefulness and alertness to help offset fatigue from jet lag. Rather than napping, Dr. Attia stays awake until a regular local bedtime. Modafinil facilitates this adjustment by temporarily mitigating excessive drowsiness.
Peter Attia's Gadgets & Tech
To track biometrics and optimize various aspects of his longevity regimen, Dr. Attia incorporates a range of science-backed gadgets into his daily routine.
Oura Ring - This wearable ring monitors sleep stages, duration, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, body temperature and movement. The data helps inform diet, supplementation, sleep hygiene and stress management.
Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM - This continuous glucose monitor measures blood glucose levels in real-time so Dr. Attia can see how nutrition, activity and supplements impact his metabolic health.
ChiliPad - This mattress temperature regulation system cools the surface to an ideal 60 degrees Fahrenheit to facilitate deeper sleep by mimicking the body's natural temperature drop at night.
Mack's Earplugs - Dr. Attia uses these soft silicone earplugs to block ambient noise that can disrupt sleep continuity and quality.
Alaska Bear Eye Mask - By blocking 100% of light, this sleep mask reinforces natural melatonin release for optimal sleep-wake cycle alignment.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses - Dr. Attia wears blue light blocking glasses in the evening to avoid melatonin suppression from screens and environmental light exposure before bed.
KAATSU Training Bands - These inflatable bands restrict venous blood flow to retain blood in extremities during exercise for muscle and strength gains.
Xero Shoes - As his preferred fitness footwear, Dr. Attia trains in Xero barefoot-style athletic shoes to simulate natural walking motion and posture.
Hydro Flask - Dr. Attia keeps this insulated water bottle by his bed to ensure proper nighttime hydration.
Dr. Attia strategically applies scientifically-validated health tracking technology, fitness gear, and sleep accessories to gather data for tailoring and optimizing his longevity plan.