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The Absorption Company: Ian Somerhalder’s Supplements

You may have heard of the Ian Somerhalder supplement company making rounds on social media. 

It’s great to see people getting more invested in their health and from our deep-dive into the Ian Somerhalder Absorption Company, we’re pleasantly surprised to see the company has the makings of a reputable company. 

This article will explore the company and each of its products, seeing if they’re scientifically backed and will actually do as they’re marketed to do. 

Jump there now:

• Who is the Owner of The Absorption Company?

• The Absorption Company Sleep

• The Absorption Company Calm

• The Absorption Company Restore

• The Absorption Company Energy

• Is The Absorption Company Worth It?

Who is the Owner of The Absorption Company?

The owners of The Absorption Company are Ian Somerhalder, Nikki Somerhalder, Zeke Bronfman and Nate Medow.

Nikki and Ian started the company after discovering high toxin levels in Ian’s body, which made them realise that many supplements on the market are unregulated and ineffective. They wanted to create high-quality supplements that are third-party tested for safety and purity, making sure they are free from harmful substances like glyphosate and are gluten-free and non-GMO.

While we haven’t personally tested the supplements, here are our The Absorption Company reviews and opinions. Let’s dive into The Absorption Company supplements!

The Absorption Company Sleep

The first of the Ian Somerhalder supplements we’ll discuss is Sleep, advertised ‘for natural, restful sleep.’ Let’s go through each ingredient to see if it may help your sleep.

• Liposomal Magnesium Bisglycinate 65mg: Their website doesn’t state how much elemental magnesium. Is this 65mg elemental magnesium or 65mg magnesium bisglycinate? While magnesium glycinate is great for sleep (gentle on the stomach, helps regulate GABA, helps with relaxation, muscle tension and melatonin production), you need between 200 to 720mg of magnesium each day for this benefit.

• CherryPURE® Tart Cherry Powder 500mg: There are mixed studies on tart cherry powder. They contain melatonin (your sleep-regulating hormone) and are a great anti-inflammatory, with some studies suggesting they can improve sleep quality in those with insomnia and melatonin, while others have found no effects. Most of these studies were done on either eating the cherries themselves or tart cherry juice, including the studies The Absorption Company has provided.

• Glycine 350mg: This antioxidant is needed for the body to produce creatine and collagen and may improve sleep quality, but this was only found at taking 3g before bed in humans.

• L-Theanine 300mg: L-Theanine, a natural ingredient found in tea, may slow brain activity, increase GABA and reduce alertness and anxiety. This was found at doses ranging from 50 to 200mg.

• Tryptophan 200mg: This amino acid is used to make melatonin and serotonin, which help regulate sleep, help you fall asleep faster, improve quality of sleep and decrease REM sleep. This was found at doses of at least 1g, though. 

• Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid 120mg: GABA may reduce stress, relieve anxiety and improve sleep. Studies have found it may benefit sleep at doses between 75mg and 300mg

• 5 Hydroxy L-Tryptophan 100mg: As a precursor melatonin, 5-HTP may improve sleep quality in older adults at doses of 50mg or 100mg.

• Apigenin 100mg: A compound found in chamomile that may have longevity, by raising NAD+ levels, and sleep benefits. More long-term studies are needed as the commonly recommended dosage for this is 50mg, with a sedative effect as a side effect. The studies provided by The Absorption Company are either tested on rats or use chamomile, rather than a concentrated apigenin compound. 

• Capsoil® Passionflower Oil 100mg: A flower that contains GABA that may help you fall asleep faster and increase the duration of sleep. These were found in animals, though, at doses of 500mg. Some of the studies provided by The Absorption Company use passionflower tablets also including other ingredients. One study provided used Passionflower tea.

• Chamomile Flower Extract 25mg: Chamomile is seen to be a mild sedative which can improve sleep by reducing the number of awakenings, predominantly among elderly people and those with insomnia. This was found at doses of a minimum 200mg or 400mg. Chamomile Flower Extract does not have any studies provided for it by The Absorption Company.

• Capsoil® Liposomal Saffron 3mg: A herb that may help with sleep difficulties. A review found that saffron may benefit sleep quality and duration, but generally at doses of at least 14mg, although one was with 0.6mg daily.

Is The Absorption Company Sleep Worth It?

Pros:

• Contains scientifically backed ingredients like magnesium glycinate, tart cherry powder, glycine, L-theanine, and GABA, which are commonly associated with better sleep and relaxation.

• Uses high-quality forms of ingredients (e.g., liposomal magnesium for better absorption).

• Includes several compounds that could reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, such as passionflower oil, chamomile, and saffron.

Cons:

• Many ingredients, like magnesium (65mg), glycine (350mg), and tryptophan (200mg), are well below the dosages typically shown to provide significant sleep benefits in studies.

• Some studies referenced by the company are based on whole foods (e.g., tart cherries or chamomile tea), not the concentrated forms used in this product.

• A few ingredients, like chamomile extract and saffron, are dosed much lower than what research suggests for effectiveness.

Verdict:

This supplement may provide some mild benefits, especially for those sensitive to lower doses of sleep-supporting ingredients or seeking a gentle relaxation aid, however, if you don’t have insomnia or aren’t elderly, you might not notice much of an impact. Most of the ingredients are included in amounts lower than what studies recommend for significant sleep improvements.

If sleep is a major concern, it may be worth considering other options with clinically effective doses or speaking with your doctor.

Further Reading: What is the RIGHT Magnesium Glycinate Dosage for You?

 

The Absorption Company Calm

The next of the Ian Somerhalder vitamins we’ll go over is Calm. It’s advertised ‘for stress relief and mental clarity,’ so let’s go through the ingredients to see if you will experience this effect. 

• Magnesium 30mg (from 230mg Liposomal Magnesium Bisglycinate powder): Magnesium may help regulate neurotransmitters in your brain by reducing the release of glutamate and helping release GABA, helping to reduce anxiety. It may also help reduce stress and improve sleep. It may help with regulating your cortisol levels. The daily recommended dose of magnesium is 320mg for women and 420mg for men, with studies showing it may have an anti-anxiety effect at doses between 75mg and 360mg (although, don’t exceed 350mg from supplements without first speaking to your doctor. The recommended daily dosage of magnesium for women is 320mg and for men, 420mg. During pregnancy, it may increase to about 400mg per day. Therefore, the 30mg found in this supplement is a very small amount of magnesium.

• Sensoril® Ashwagandha 250mg: Ashwagandha, a herb, may help promote calmness as it’s been found to help reduce anxiety and stress, sleepiness, fatigue and cortisol levels, at doses between 225mg and 600mg. It’s important to note, though, that herbal supplements are not for everyone as they interact with many medications, and Shoden® Ashwagandha is the most absorbable form of ashwagandha on the market, rather than Sensoril® and KSM-66.

• L-Theanine 250mg: L-theanine is naturally found in tea and may help with calmness and relaxation by increasing alpha brainwaves, reducing your state of alertness without drowsiness. It may also reduce stress and anxiety by influencing your GABA, dopamine and serotonin levels. Studies have found that 200mg of L-theanine may reduce resting heart rate and promote relaxation. 

• CherryPure Tart Cherry Powder 200mg: Like mentioned above, studies on this ingredient focus on tart cherry juice or the fruit themselves, not the powder. Tart cherry extract and juice may help with sleep by increasing melatonin, the hormone that tells your body to sleep. There is no safety concern with taking up to 480mg of tart cherry extract once per day for up to 2 weeks. The studies provided by The Absorption Company only focus on sleep, rather than specifically calmness, stress and anxiety. 

• Sabroxy® 150mg: This is a nootropic (a brain supplement) that may provide a calming sensation and make one sleepy. One study found it has the potential for cognitive-enhancing effects, such as immediate word recall, numeric working memory and a faster rate of learning. This was at a dosage of 500mg twice a day. The other two studies provided by The Absorption Company are not conducted on humans, so more research is needed.

• Capsoil® Passionflower Oil 50mg: Passionflower oil may promote relaxation by increasing the amount of GABA in your brain, making you feel relaxed and giving you better sleep. It may treat anxiety and insomnia. These are, however, found at much higher doses, such as 260mg, 500mg and 700mg. 

• Zembrin® (a proprietary extract of Kanna) 25mg: This extract helps promote serenity and focus at doses of 5mg per kg in animals. It was also found that doses of 25mg daily for 3 weeks improved mood, sleep and cognition. Another study showed doses of 25mg may lower anxiety levels.

• Capsoil® Liposomal Saffron 10mg: This spice may help with mild anxiety and nervous tension, providing a sense of calm by balancing serotonin and dopamine levels, found at a dose of 28mg. Results are mixed, though, so more studies are needed. 

Is The Absorption Company Calm Worth It?

Pros:

• Includes popular calming ingredients like magnesium, ashwagandha and L-theanine, which have scientific backing for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

• Some ingredients, like L-theanine (250mg) and ashwagandha (250mg), are dosed within the effective range found in studies.

• Features unique compounds like Sabroxy® and Zembrin®, which may support focus and mood.

• Uses bioavailable forms of ingredients (like liposomal magnesium) to potentially enhance absorption.

Cons:

• Many ingredients, like magnesium (30mg), passionflower oil (50mg), and saffron (10mg), are well below the dosages typically shown to provide significant effects in studies.

• Research supporting some ingredients, such as Sabroxy® and Capsoil® Passionflower Oil, is either limited, conducted on animals or uses much higher doses than what's included here.

• The effectiveness of bioavailable forms (like Capsoil®, despite being more absorbable) at lower doses compared to standard forms is not yet fully supported by research.

Verdict:

The Absorption Company Calm might offer mild stress relief, particularly for those sensitive to lower doses of calming ingredients, however, many of its components are dosed below the levels shown to have strong effects in studies.

If you’re looking for a significant impact on stress or anxiety, you might need higher doses of individual ingredients or consider supplements with clinically proven dosages. It could be worth a try if you're curious about bioavailable forms or prefer a gentler approach to stress management.

Further Reading: The Different Types of Ashwagandha

The Absorption Company Restore

‘For rehydration and cellular recovery,’ is the tagline for this product, so let’s see if it will do what it’s advertised.

• Magnesium Glycinate 250mg: In the ingredients list, this doesn’t state how much elemental magnesium you’re getting, which is disappointing to see. Magnesium is an electrolyte, that helps with hydration and cellular function, helping move calcium and potassium across cells, affecting your nerves and helping make DNA. The daily recommended dose of elemental magnesium is 320mg for women and 420mg for men.

• Capsoil® Liposomal Glutathione 120mg: This antioxidant protects cells from oxidative stress and helps maintain proper cell function. When dehydrated, the body goes through more oxidative stress. Glutathione is also important for mitochondrial function. Studies have found benefits at doses of 250mg and 500mg. 

• Capsoil® Coenzyme Q10 30mg: CoQ10 helps with mitochondrial function and signalling and gene expression and is used in cell senescence. Studies have found benefits at 30mg, 150mg, 200mg and 300mg.

• AlphaSize® Alpha GPC 175mg (87mg): Chone is needed for cell functioning, with Alpha GPC maintaining choline levels. It may help with mood, such as motivation and depression and muscle performance. This was found at doses of 200mg, 400mg or 600mg.

Is The Absorption Company Restore Worth It?

Pros:

• Includes important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, B6, B12, niacin, folate, potassium and sodium, which are beneficial for hydration and cellular function.

• Contains magnesium glycinate, a good form of magnesium for absorption, which is essential for nerve function, hydration and DNA production.

• Adds advanced ingredients like liposomal glutathione and CoQ10, which support antioxidant protection and mitochondrial function, and Alpha GPC, which may help with mood and muscle performance.

Cons:

• The amount of elemental magnesium in the 250mg of magnesium glycinate is not specified, making it unclear how much magnesium you're actually getting. The recommended daily dose is 320mg for women and 420mg for men.

• Liposomal glutathione (120mg) is dosed lower than the amounts (250mg–500mg) found effective in studies.

• Alpha GPC (175mg, with only 87mg of choline) is below the typical effective doses (200mg–600mg).

• The comparison with a “leading hydration powder” is vague and doesn’t provide enough information to validate claims.

Verdict:

The Absorption Company Restore has a good range of essential nutrients and some advanced ingredients, but the dosages of key components like glutathione and Alpha GPC are lower than those typically shown to deliver maximum benefits. Also, the lack of clarity on elemental magnesium content is a drawback.

While it may support basic hydration and antioxidant needs, you might achieve similar results from a high-quality multivitamin and hydration powder. It could be worth considering if you value the inclusion of specialised ingredients like CoQ10 and glutathione, but those looking for more robust dosages may want to explore other options.

Further Reading: Calcium AKG and Cell Health

The Absorption Company Energy

This supplement is suggested ‘for sustained energy and focus,’ so let’s go over whether you may experience these benefits from taking it.

• Taurine 500mg: This is a common ingredient in energy drinks as it’s an amino acid that helps produce energy. Keep in mind that energy drinks also contain caffeine, so it’s hard to tell how much of their benefit are attributed to taurine. It may help improve cognitive function. While about 3g per day is seen to be a safe level, up to 10g a day has been found to be safe for 6 months. Taurine’s energy benefits are mainly seen in athletes and those who exercise at doses of 500mg.

• L-Carnitine Tartrate 300mg: This nutrient helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells, where they are then used to produce energy. This may help people full more energised and alert, and may reduce fatigue and improve exercise recovery. This was found at 2g per day for 9 weeks alongside resistance training. More studies are needed, though, as some studies don’t suggest any benefits for energy and fatigue. 

• N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine 200mg: Tyrosine may boost energy and focus as it’s a precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline, which helps with mood, cognition and alertness. Benefits are found at around 100–150mg per kg, though, with some studies suggesting certain conditions must be met for it to have an effect. with doses of 300–2000mg often used for exercise, despite benefits on exercise performance remaining mixed.

• Tryptophan 200mg: This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to relaxation, mood and sleep, which may lead to feelings of drowsiness. Other than a study The Absorption Company provided showing it may lead to improved attention and cognition, although this was alongside 6 other amino acids, the other studies provided are all about its benefits on sleep, so we’re not too sure why this ingredient is in this supplement. 

• AlphaSize Alpha GPC (75mg) 150mg: This may increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is needed for memory and learning, so it may boost mental alertness. Studies show that 200mg may boost motivation and 400mg may have some nootropic benefits. It’s suggested to have 300mg to 1200mg per day for cognitive benefits, remembering that about 40 per cent of Alpha GPC is water. 

• Caffeine 125mg: Caffeine is well absorbed in the body, boosting mental alertness and physical energy quickly for up to 12 hours. A maximum of 400mg a day is recommended.

• L-Theanine 100mg: Found in tea, this may improve focus and attention when paired with caffeine. A study found this at levels of 97mg L-theanine and 40mg caffeine. Higher doses than this will likely begin to change its effect, instead, promoting relaxation, such as at 200mg. 

• Sabroxy® Extract 100mg: This focus and cognitive supplement may improve mental alertness and concentration. A study found this was the case at 500mg, twice daily.

• Sensoril® Ashwagandha 50mg: This herb may improve memory and focus, however, it’s also a supplement that reduces stress and improves sleep by calming you down. A study found it can boost memory, attention and information processing speed in those with mild cognitive impairment at doses of 300mg twice daily, while another found this at 300mg just once per day.

• Capsoil® Liposomal Glutathione 50mg: This antioxidant can help protect cells from damage, leading to improved cell function and potentially better cognitive performance, but more research is needed in humans. The studies provided by The Absorption Company focus on the elderly population with diabetes and protecting against oxidative stress, which it shows benefits for, as well as for skin elasticity.

• Methyllberine (Dynamine®) 50mg: This compound is suggested to increase focus and energy without the jitters that may come with caffeine. It may improve concentration, motivation and mood. One study found it may improve energy, concentration, motivation and mood, but not cognition at a dose of 100mg. Another study found that doses of 400mg had no improvements in cognitive function. A study found that mixing methylliberine with caffeine increased caffeine life in the body. One study, however, found that mixing caffeine, methylliberine and theacrine boosted cognitive and motor abilities in recreational gamers. 

• Capsoil® Caffeine 25mg: As mentioned above, caffeine is already well absorbed by the body, so we’re not sure why a more bioavailable form was needed in the same supplement. 

Is The Absorption Company Energy Worth It?

Pros:

• Includes essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins C, D, B6, B12, niacin, thiamine, calcium, folate and sodium, which support energy production and overall health.

• Contains taurine, L-carnitine and caffeine — commonly found in energy drinks — known to improve focus and energy, especially for athletes and active individuals.

• L-theanine balances caffeine’s stimulating effects, potentially providing a smoother energy boost without jitters.

• Sensoril® Ashwagandha and Sabroxy® Extract may enhance cognitive performance, though primarily at higher doses than included here.

• Methylliberine (Dynamine®) may complement caffeine’s effects, extending its duration and improving focus.

Cons:

• Some ingredients, such as tryptophan, seem misplaced, as they are more associated with relaxation and sleep benefits rather than energy or alertness.

• Several components, including Alpha GPC, Sabroxy®, and Sensoril® Ashwagandha, are dosed lower than levels typically shown to deliver their full benefits in studies.

• The inclusion of both regular caffeine and Capsoil® Caffeine feels redundant, as caffeine is already highly bioavailable in standard form.

• Taurine and L-carnitine doses are effective mainly for athletes and may not provide the same energy benefits for those who are less active.

• The vague comparison to a ‘leading energy drink’ lacks transparency.

Verdict:

The Absorption Company Energy combines ingredients often found in energy drinks and pre-workout supplements, making it best suited for those looking for a quick energy boost before exercise or a busy day. While it offers a range of vitamins and energy-supporting compounds, the dosages of some key ingredients are lower than those used in studies to show significant effects.

If you're already active or used to caffeine, this supplement could be a convenient option, but those looking for substantial cognitive or energy boosts might find better results from products with higher doses of critical ingredients or a more focused blend.

Further Reading: All About Nootropics

Is The Absorption Company Worth It?

The Absorption Company claims to create supplements with significantly higher absorption rates compared to traditional options, thanks to their Capsoil® technology. This technology uses a water-soluble delivery system for liposomal nutrients, which is said to boost absorption by up to 500 per cent. While the company asserts that most supplements are only absorbed at a rate of 16 per cent, their products aim to address this inefficiency, which is good to see. It is worth noting, though, that many vitamins and minerals are absorbed naturally from food and dietary supplements are meant to fill gaps rather than serve as the primary source of nutrients.

One standout feature is the company’s focus on bioavailability. They claim to use the most absorbable forms of nutrients and back their choices with human clinical studies. While this sounds impressive, some of the studies referenced are not directly applicable to the specific claims they make. Nonetheless, their transparency in sharing this information, as well as detailed explanations of their ingredients and the science behind their supplements, is what we love to see. They also provide third-party testing documents, which is an essential marker of a reputable supplement brand.

In terms of marketing, The Absorption Company’s approach is slick and consumer-focused, much like Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme brand. They sell solutions rather than individual ingredients, with blends targeting energy, calm, sleep and hydration (Restore). The packaging is eye-catching, and their emphasis on convenience is appealing to busy, health-conscious consumers. The price point of $40 per box ($2.86 per stick), however, is steep, especially when compared to other multi-ingredient supplements. Interestingly, all their blends are priced the same, which could suggest a cost-balancing strategy, but it raises questions about whether the pricing truly reflects the value of each formula.

While the science page on their website is a great educational resource for consumers, there’s still room for improvement in the quality and relevance of the studies cited. For a brand that emphasises science and innovation, stronger evidence would strengthen its credibility. That said, they’re off to a good start with their transparency and commitment to providing information about their processes and ingredients.

The Absorption Company’s supplements might be worth considering if you’re looking for convenience, trendy formulations and a brand that prioritises bioavailability, but it’s important to weigh the cost against the actual benefits and remember that a balanced diet remains the best source of essential nutrients. If you decide to invest in these supplements, make sure they align with your specific health needs and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.

End Note

While it’s been a long one, we think it’s important to analyse the ingredients in new supplement brands, especially celebrity brands that come onto the market. 

Like The Absorption Company, here are Xandro, we prioritise transparency, which is why you will find third-party testing certificates on our website, along with research behind our supplements as well as weekly blogs informing you about your health. 

Feel free to have a browse of Xandro’s supplements to see if there are any specific ingredients you would like to add to your diet, such as Magnesium Glycinate and Shoden® Ashwagandha.

You can also try out Protocol X, a longevity supplement containing ingredients such as NMN, Calcium AKG, Taurine and Creatine to help boost your health span.