@RapAdmin No TMG or Glycine? Relying on the collagen?
(I assume you’re taking taurine later in the day?)
Also, what Astaxanthin powder do you use? Can you link to it? Are you sure the Astaxanthin is being absorbed by your body as it tends to be fat soluble? Or is that what the milk is for?
Any reason (besides taste) to go with Cocoa powder vs Cacao powder?
No TMG, and yes, just the glycine from the collagen.
And @Nick1 , sorry my typo - I’m using Cacao powder, from Costco, just because it was available and reasonably priced.
I ordered a multi-kg synthetic astaxanthin sample from a manufacturer (DSM) … so not something most people would want to do. Astaxanthin, Natural vs. Synthetic - Your Thoughts?
Now that you mention it, I may not have enough fat at time of consumption… I just did a search on ChatGPT to see how much fat I would need and it seems to suggest I likely need more…
Yes, astaxanthin is a fat-soluble compound, meaning it requires dietary fat for optimal absorption. To maximize its bioavailability, you should take it with a meal containing healthy fats.
How Much Fat is Needed?
- At least 5-10 grams of fat per serving is ideal.
- Higher-fat meals (15-20g of fat) may further enhance absorption, but diminishing returns exist.
Best Fat Sources for Absorption
- Avocados (Healthy monounsaturated fats)
- Olive oil (Extra virgin, cold-pressed)
- Nuts & Seeds (Almonds, walnuts, chia, flax)
- Fatty Fish (Salmon, sardines, mackerel)
- Eggs (Especially pastured or omega-3 enriched)
- Coconut Oil or MCT Oil (Fast-digesting fat source)
Scientific Basis
- A study showed that taking astaxanthin with a meal containing fat significantly increased blood levels of the compound compared to taking it on an empty stomach.
- Lipid-based formulations (like astaxanthin in oil-based softgels) already improve absorption, but additional dietary fat can enhance it further.
Optimal Timing
- Take with a main meal that contains fat (e.g., breakfast or dinner).
- Avoid taking it on an empty stomach or with a low-fat meal, as absorption is poor under those conditions.
Got it. I have used Volupta brand from Costco. Apparently its in top 5 brands for low chromium content amongst Cacao podwers.
I also get Cocvitae brand when its on sale. It does taste better.
I would try astaxanthin in my morning protein shake which essentially is Levels Whey Protein+1 tbsp of EVOO+ 1 tsp of cinnamon that way absorption is taken care of.
I love seeing what others are doing, so thank you for sharing.
I have questions!!! For you or anyone!
I find the world of mushrooms overwhelming, so is there a stand out reason you chose lions mane vs a blend or another option?
I imagine there might not be an answer to this, but does anyone feel that vegan collagen might work. I am taking vecollal and I’m not sure I can get over my ick factor to take the real stuff. I’ve been toying with trying because I keep seeing how good it is for us… I’m just not used to consuming animal products.
https://www.vecollal.eu/
I currently use the following ‘as seen on rapamycin news’ mushrooms
And tremella because a few have raved about its skin benefits.
I was really just seeing how bad it impacted the coffee taste / mixing ability; and some mild potential benefits: Lion’s mane mushroom compounds found to boost memory and nerve growth in new study
I’d like to use king oyster mushroom powder but couldn’t find any at the time, as that would be higher in ergothionine. But I may try shiitake for the same reason. I eat a lot of shiitake mushrooms too.
From ChatGPT:
Top 5 Mushrooms Highest in Ergothionine (A Powerful Antioxidant)
- King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)
- Highest known ergothionine content among edible mushrooms.
- Contains up to 13 mg per 100g (dry weight).
- Also rich in beta-glucans and other antioxidants.
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa) – “Hen of the Woods”
- Contains high ergothionine levels (~7-10 mg per 100g).
- Also valued for its immune-boosting properties.
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Ergothionine levels range from 5-8 mg per 100g.
- Well-known for its immune and cardiovascular benefits.
- Porcini (Boletus edulis)
- Wild porcini mushrooms contain 6-10 mg per 100g.
- Among the highest in total antioxidants, including ergothionine.
- Enoki (Flammulina velutipes)
- Around 4-6 mg per 100g.
- Popular in Asian cuisine, offering neuroprotective benefits.
Other Notable Mentions:
- Cordyceps (moderate levels but high in other antioxidants).
- Reishi & Chaga (low in ergothionine but rich in other bioactives).
Has anyone tried this? It’s available at Coscto but not sure the amount of Ergothioniene that one pack gets you.
At first the world of mushrooms seems overwhelming, but actually there are only about 12 medicinal mushroom, each one with some outstanding properties. Lion’s mane is the nootropic effects.
Here more than ever the choice of quality products is fundamental, since mushrooms concentrate radioactive particles and elements like germanium.
I ended up choosing more expensive selected products and limiting the variety of mushrooms. Right now one only mushroom.
The choice is individual; one species that is very good for prevention is Reishi, or Ganoderma Lucidum, best a mixture of whole mushroom plus extract.
Lion’s mane for the brain, Cordyceps against cancer, but they usually have more properties each one.
Are you sure you want to brush after consuming coffee which is acidic.
Right. Dr Ellie says to eat something alkalinizing (celery) or chew xylitol gum.
…Or, perhaps more convenient, rinse with baking soda?
Dr Ellie didn’t like backing soda as I recall but she might have been referring to baking soda toothpaste that would be too gritty/abrasive? I don’t recall exactly.
Rinse with baking soda or xylitol, or mixture of both. I use it for my waterpick.
My father likes the Galantamine. It gives him vivid dreams and helps him sleep better.
I’ve been using Galantamine for a few weeks and it has the same effects for me except my dreams don’t seem to be much more vivid.
Overall I feel better when I wake up in the morning. More refreshed.
Probably so, dentists warn against the use of baking soda (Na-bicarbonate) as it can easily wear enamel. But this is true about the crystallized, undissolved compound.
I bought some galantamine and i have done research for begin my experiency in that. Maybe, if it doenst bother you, can share dosage and protocol? Thaks
I take one tablet after dinner every night along withy other supplements. 
Thanks DeStrider. I imagine that your tablet content 8mg.
So interesting!
Sorry for extra inquiry, but I am seriously considering trying it… esp curious as an adjunct for sleep for someone with ApoE4:
Thnx inn advance:-)
Pleurotus eryngii - Wikipedia(also%20known%20as,in%20many%20parts%20of%20Asia.
Pleurotus eryngii (also known as king trumpet mushroom , French horn mushroom , eryngi , king oyster mushroom , king brown mushroom , boletus of the steppes
I bought dried pleurotus ostreatus from them. I just use a coffee grinder to turn the mushrooms to powder. Quality is good. Erg content of ostreatus is only one third of eryngii, But I am chasing the other benefits of ostreatus.
