LeBron James' Supplements List (Secrets of an NBA Icon)

LeBron James uses Ladder Pre-Workout to increase his energy and improve mental focus and concentration during intense workouts.

This supplement is a mix of green tea leaf extract and the following: 

• L-citrulline - According to NIH supplementing with L-citrulline may reduce fatigue and improve concentration immediately after physical activity [4].
• Creatine - As noted by NIH, good creatine supplementation is proven to increase strength gains and the performance of high-intensity exercises [5].
• Beta-alanine - While supplementing with quality beta-alanine does not increase strength, according to study from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), it may delay fatigue and improve high-intensity anaerobic performance [6,7].
• L-theanine - Research by NIH has proven that l-theanine may promote mental health, decrease stress-related symptoms, and improve sleep quality problems [8].
• Caffeine - As noted in a study from NLM, it may impact the central nervous system and improve how long muscles can keep going during intense exercise before getting tired by about 5 minutes [9].

“Because of its ability to stimulate the central nervous system, caffeine may increase metabolism by up to 11% and fat burning by up to 13%. Practically speaking, consuming 300 mg of caffeine per day may allow you to burn an extra 79 calories daily.”

- Alina Petre, Dietitian

LeBron James uses Ladders’ Sport Hydration to maximize hydration and support his active lifestyle.

This supplement contains:

• Sodium - A study in NLM notes that, athletes must consume 300–600 mg/h to prevent muscle cramps and hyponatremia [10].
• Calcium - Calcium has been scientifically proven to be vital in promoting strong and healthy bones. Additionally, according to the Harvard Scool of Medicine, it plays a crucial role in blood clotting and facilitating muscle contractions [11].
• Magnesium - According to NIH, this vital mineral is intricately involved in various essential processes such as energy metabolism, cardiorespiratory function, and muscle actions [12].
• Potassium - Adequate potassium supplementation may help athletes reduce muscle cramping and fatigue.

“Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. What’s more, a high-potassium diet may help reduce blood pressure and water retention, protect against stroke, and prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.”

- Ryan Raman, Health Editor

LeBron James takes Ladders’ Sport Superfood Greens containing nutrients that help keep him healthy.

Some of them are:

• Spirulina - A study from Frontiers in Nutrition shows that it may increase oxygen uptake and improve exercise tolerance [13].
• Matcha - As noted by NIH, regular matcha intake positively affects physical and mental health [14].
• Rhodiola root - As per a study from NLM, it has been associated with potential benefits such as reducing oxidative stress, alleviating muscle pain and injury, enhancing skeletal muscle recovery during training, and improving explosive power in athletes [15].
• Vitamin D - According to NIH, adequate vitamin D intake is crucial for athletes to minimize the risk of stress fractures, acute illnesses, and suboptimal muscle function [16].
• Zinc - Research from NIH notes that maintaining an appropriate level of zinc is crucial for elite athletes to prevent conditions such as anorexia, significant body weight loss, latent fatigue with reduced endurance, and the risk of osteoporosis [17].
• Vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) - Insufficient B vitamins can impact an individual's exercise performance. These essential vitamins play a critical role in facilitating the release of energy within the body by supporting the metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins [18].

LeBron James takes Ladder's 100% whey protein isolate after training so that his body can use protein o muscle building.

This supplement is formulated with the following: 

• Whey protein - As per a study by NIH, supplementing with whey protein enhances anabolism and improves recovery after intense workouts [19].
• Tart cherry - Research from NLM has demonstrated that tart cherry positively impacts endurance exercise performance due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative capacity and blood flow-enhancing effects [20].

“Tart cherry juice may interact with some medications. For example, medications used to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about medication interactions with tart cherry juice.”

- Kathleen M. Zelman, Nutrition Expert

During the off-season, LeBron designates Sundays as his rest days, prioritizing adequate hydration.

On this particular day, he places special emphasis on maintaining optimal hydration levels.

Additionally, he uses a cryotherapy chamber and hyperbaric chamber as part of his recovery routine, aiding his body in recuperating from the demands of the previous week.

“I have trained my body to excellence. I push it as hard as I can and rely on science to make sure I let no stone unturned in maximizing what I can do.”

- James LeBron, Basketball Player