Supplement 101: Fill the Gaps, Don’t Replace the Foundation
By Don Saladino, Coach & Health Entrepreneur
Why Supplements Are Support, Not Shortcuts
You hear a lot about supplements…miracle fat burners, magic recovery stacks, or “secret” muscle builders. Here’s the truth: supplements are not magic. They’re tools. They fill gaps. If your nutrition, sleep, training, and consistency aren’t in place, no supplement is going to save you. But once the foundation is strong, the right supplements can help you recover faster, perform better, and stay healthier.
Supplements don’t do the heavy lifting. You do. They’re there to back you up once your foundation of training, nutrition, sleep, and recovery is in place. That’s when they make a difference.
Why I Trust Thorne
There are thousands of supplement companies, and not all of them are created equal. I’ve trusted Thorne for years because they do it right:
Rigorous testing — you know what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle.
NSF Certified for Sport® — clean, no banned substances, no hidden junk.
Quality and bioavailability — supplements that actually get absorbed and used by your body.
When I recommend Thorne products, I know it works, and I know it’s safe.
👉 Create an account & receive 15% off every supplement, every time your shop!
SUPPLEMENT CHEAT SHEET
Whey Protein = Recovery & Protein Support
Helps you hit daily protein goals and repair muscle when whole foods aren’t enough.
Creatine = Strength & Power
One of the most researched supplements; boosts strength, lean muscle, and performance.
Magnesium Bisglycinate = Sleep & Relaxation
Supports deep rest, muscle relaxation, and recovery.
Multivitamin = Nutrient Insurance
Covers the bases and fills gaps in your diet so you don’t miss key vitamins and minerals.
Omega-3 w/ CoQ10 = Heart, Brain & Joint Health
Supports cardiovascular health, brain function, and reduces inflammation.
Curcumin = Anti-Inflammatory & Joint Support
Helps manage inflammation, reduce soreness, and protect joint health after hard training.
Probiotic = Gut & Immune Health
Supports digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system strength, and overall recovery.
Common Mistakes
Buying too many. More is not better. Stick to essentials.
Ignoring quality. Cheap brands often cut corners.
Using supplements as a crutch. They can’t replace whole foods, sleep, or training.
Bad timing. Fat-soluble vitamins on an empty stomach or skipping creatine consistency. Small errors make a big difference.
The Takeaway
Supplements are not the star of the show. Focus on your diet, training, mindset, recovery, and consistency. Supplements are the insurance policy that makes a strong system even stronger.
👉 Create a Thorne account & receive 15% off every supplement, every time your shop!
FAQs
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No. Supplements only help if your foundation (nutrition, sleep, training) is solid. Think of supplements as tools, not shortcuts.
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Protein, creatine, omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D, and a quality multivitamin cover the basics for most.
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Because not all products are tested or clean. That’s why I use Thorne which is science-backed and NSF Certified for Sport®. When you see this seal, it means the supplement has been independently tested to confirm what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle. No hidden fillers, no banned substances, and safe. It’s one of the most trusted certifications in the supplement world.
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Buying from third-party sellers on Amazon can be a gamble. Counterfeit products slip into the supply chain, returned bottles sometimes get resold, and you can’t always trust how they’ve been stored. Heat, humidity, and tampering can all affect quality. That’s why I recommend buying directly from the brand.
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Creatine gummies sound fun, but they aren’t always the most effective. Creatine is stable in powder form, but when exposed to heat and moisture during gummy production, it can break down into creatinine, which is basically useless. If you want consistent, proven results, stick with powder.