Dr. Steven Gundry, MD, a renowned cardiac surgeon with over four decades of medical experience, has developed a distinctive approach to nutritional supplementation based on his extensive clinical practice and research. As the author of multiple bestselling books including “The Plant Paradox” and “The Longevity Paradox,” Dr. Gundry has established himself as an authority on nutrition and its relationship to chronic disease management and prevention.
This comprehensive analysis examines Dr. Gundry’s ten most recommended supplements, the scientific evidence supporting their use, and how they complement his broader nutritional philosophy. For individuals seeking to optimize their health through strategic supplementation, understanding these recommendations provides valuable insight from a leading medical expert in the field.
Dr. Gundry’s Top 10 Essential Supplements
1. Vitamin D3 with K2
Primary Benefits: Immune system modulation, cardiovascular support, bone health optimization, and hormonal regulation.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Research published in the Journal of Immunology demonstrates vitamin D’s crucial role in immune function, particularly in the activation of T-cells. Dr. Gundry emphasizes the importance of combining D3 specifically with K2 (in the MK-7 form) to ensure proper calcium utilization in bones rather than arterial tissue.
Recommended Protocol: 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily with 180 mcg of vitamin K2 as MK-7, preferably taken with a meal containing healthy fats for optimal absorption.
Scientific Evidence: A meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal examining 25 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with a 12% reduction in all-cause mortality.
2. Polyphenol Complex
Primary Benefits: Antioxidant protection, microbiome support, and cellular defense mechanisms.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Dr. Gundry’s research focuses significantly on the role of polyphenols in supporting gut barrier function and modulating the microbiome. His clinical observations suggest polyphenols may help counteract potential inflammatory responses from dietary lectins.
Recommended Protocol: A comprehensive polyphenol blend containing extracts from olive leaf, grape seed, and various berries, typically taken twice daily with meals.
Scientific Evidence: Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry documents polyphenols’ ability to modulate gut microbiota composition and function while reducing oxidative stress markers.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Preferably from Algae)
Primary Benefits: Cardiovascular support, cognitive function enhancement, and inflammation modulation.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Unlike many nutrition experts who recommend fish oil, Dr. Gundry specifically advocates for algae-derived DHA and EPA, citing both environmental sustainability concerns and potential contamination issues with fish-derived supplements.
Recommended Protocol: 1,000-2,000mg combined EPA and DHA daily from algal sources, divided into two doses with meals.
Scientific Evidence: A 2019 meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that omega-3 supplementation was associated with reduced risk of myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease events.
4. Prebiotics and Probiotics
Primary Benefits: Gut microbiome diversity support, immune system regulation, and intestinal barrier function improvement.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Central to Dr. Gundry’s approach is the importance of gut health for overall wellness. He emphasizes the need for both prebiotics (to feed beneficial bacteria) and multiple strains of probiotics (to introduce diverse microbial species).
Recommended Protocol: Multi-strain probiotic (30-50 billion CFU) containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, plus 5-10g of prebiotic fiber (such as inulin or resistant starch) daily.
Scientific Evidence: Research published in Cell Host & Microbe demonstrates that prebiotic-probiotic combinations more effectively enhance gut microbial diversity than either intervention alone.
5. CoQ10 (as Ubiquinol)
Primary Benefits: Mitochondrial energy production, cardiovascular support, and cellular antioxidant protection.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: As a cardiac surgeon, Dr. Gundry emphasizes CoQ10’s importance for cardiovascular health. He specifically recommends the ubiquinol form rather than ubiquinone, particularly for individuals over 40, due to its superior bioavailability.
Recommended Protocol: 100-200mg daily of ubiquinol, with higher doses (300mg+) for individuals taking statin medications, which can deplete natural CoQ10 levels.
Scientific Evidence: A meta-analysis published in Medical Principles and Practice examining randomized controlled trials found that CoQ10 supplementation significantly improved endothelial function and reduced inflammatory markers.
6. Berberine
Primary Benefits: Blood glucose regulation, lipid profile improvement, and AMPK activation.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Dr. Gundry frequently describes berberine as “nature’s Metformin,” referring to its ability to help regulate blood glucose levels and improve metabolic parameters without many of the side effects associated with pharmaceutical interventions.
Recommended Protocol: 500mg 1-3 times daily before meals containing carbohydrates.
Scientific Evidence: A comprehensive meta-analysis in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology analyzed 27 clinical trials and found berberine comparable to oral hypoglycemics in its ability to regulate blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients.
7. Vitamin C (Buffered)
Primary Benefits: Immune system support, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Beyond its well-established immune benefits, Dr. Gundry emphasizes vitamin C’s role in maintaining skin elasticity and vascular health through its essential function in collagen synthesis.
Recommended Protocol: 500-1,000mg twice daily of a buffered, liposomal, or time-release formula to maximize bioavailability and minimize digestive discomfort.
Scientific Evidence: Research published in Nutrients demonstrates that vitamin C’s physiological effects are dose-dependent, with higher plasma concentrations achieved through multiple daily doses rather than a single large dose.
8. Methylated B Vitamins
Primary Benefits: Energy production, cognitive function, cellular repair, and methylation support.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Dr. Gundry emphasizes the importance of methylated forms of B vitamins, particularly for the approximately 40% of the population with genetic variations affecting B vitamin metabolism (such as MTHFR polymorphisms).
Recommended Protocol: A B-complex containing methylated forms of folate (as 5-MTHF) and B12 (as methylcobalamin) rather than synthetic folic acid and cyanocobalamin.
Scientific Evidence: Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that individuals with certain genetic variations show improved biomarkers when receiving methylated forms of B vitamins compared to non-methylated forms.
9. MCT Oil
Primary Benefits: Cognitive support, metabolic enhancement, and ketone production.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Dr. Gundry values MCT oil for its ability to support ketone production even without strict carbohydrate restriction, providing alternative fuel for brain cells and potentially enhancing metabolic flexibility.
Recommended Protocol: 1-2 tablespoons daily, typically incorporated into morning coffee or smoothies, with gradual introduction to prevent digestive discomfort.
Scientific Evidence: A systematic review in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that MCT oil consumption significantly increased ketone production and may support weight management and metabolic health compared to long-chain triglycerides.
10. Zinc (with Copper)
Primary Benefits: Immune function, testosterone production, protein synthesis, and wound healing.
Why Dr. Gundry Recommends It: Dr. Gundry emphasizes zinc’s role in immune function and hormonal health, particularly for men. He specifically recommends supplemental zinc be accompanied by small amounts of copper to prevent imbalances between these minerals.
Recommended Protocol: 30mg of zinc daily (as zinc glycinate or picolinate) with 2mg of copper, taken with a meal to reduce potential nausea.
Scientific Evidence: A meta-analysis in BMJ Open found zinc supplementation reduced the duration of common cold symptoms and showed preventive effects when taken regularly during cold seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take all ten supplements recommended by Dr. Gundry?
Dr. Gundry emphasizes personalized approaches to supplementation based on individual health status, genetic factors, and specific health goals. While these ten supplements represent his most frequently recommended interventions, he advises working with healthcare providers to develop targeted protocols based on objective measurements such as comprehensive bloodwork.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick, PhD, renowned biomedical scientist, notes: “Supplement requirements are highly individualized based on age, genetics, microbiome composition, and even geographic location. What works optimally for one person may be superfluous or insufficient for another.”
How does Dr. Gundry’s supplement philosophy differ from conventional approaches?
Dr. Gundry’s approach diverges from conventional recommendations in several key aspects, including his emphasis on polyphenol supplementation, preference for algal over fish-derived omega-3s, and focus on gut microbiome support as fundamental rather than secondary.
Dr. Mark Hyman, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, observes: “Dr. Gundry’s focus on the gut-immune connection and emphasis on polyphenols aligns with emerging research, though his specific interpretations about lectins remain more controversial within nutritional science.”
Are Dr. Gundry’s supplement recommendations evidence-based?
Dr. Gundry’s recommendations combine conventional research with his clinical experience treating thousands of patients with complex conditions. While supplements like vitamin D3, omega-3s, and zinc have substantial research supporting their use, others reflect Dr. Gundry’s specific nutritional philosophy and clinical observations.
Independent verification through peer-reviewed research varies by supplement. For example, vitamin D and omega-3 recommendations align closely with consensus guidelines, while his polyphenol protocols represent a more novel approach based on emerging research.
Does Dr. Gundry have financial interests in the supplements he recommends?
Yes, Dr. Gundry has developed a line of supplements through his company Gundry MD. While he uses many of these formulations personally, this commercial interest represents a potential conflict that consumers should be aware of when evaluating his recommendations.
It’s worth noting that financial involvement doesn’t necessarily invalidate the underlying nutritional science, but it does underscore the importance of seeking diverse perspectives when developing personal supplementation strategies.
How important are supplements compared to diet in Dr. Gundry’s approach?
Dr. Gundry consistently emphasizes that supplements should complement rather than replace a nutrient-dense diet focused on polyphenol-rich plants, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats. In his writings, he estimates that approximately 85% of health outcomes derive from dietary choices and lifestyle factors, with supplements serving as targeted support rather than foundational elements.
“No amount of supplementation can overcome the detrimental effects of a poor diet,” Dr. Gundry stated in a 2023 interview. “These recommendations are designed to enhance an already solid nutritional foundation.”
How has Dr. Gundry’s supplement philosophy evolved over time?
Dr. Gundry regularly updates his recommendations based on emerging research and clinical observations from his practice. Notable evolutions include his shift from fish oil to algal omega-3s, increased emphasis on vitamin K2 alongside vitamin D3, and greater focus on polyphenol supplementation in recent years.
This willingness to modify recommendations based on new evidence reflects scientific integrity, though it also means that current recommendations may continue to evolve as research advances.
Conclusion
Dr. Gundry’s supplement recommendations reflect his integrated approach to health, emphasizing gut microbiome support, mitigation of inflammatory processes, and metabolic optimization. While his specific protocols have evolved over time and continue to develop with emerging research, they maintain consistency with his overall nutritional philosophy centered on supporting the gut-immune axis.
It is important to acknowledge that while many patients report positive outcomes following Dr. Gundry’s protocols, aspects of his nutritional theory—particularly regarding lectins—remain controversial within the broader scientific community. Those interested in implementing elements of Dr. Gundry’s supplement regimen should ideally do so under the guidance of knowledgeable healthcare providers who can provide personalized recommendations based on objective metrics and individual health status.
This analysis was developed based on Dr. Gundry’s published works, public interviews, and clinical recommendations as of March 2025. Information was cross-referenced with peer-reviewed research where applicable.