AMA #19: Collagen vs. Whey Protein, Creatine, Smelling Salts, Stimulants & More

Welcome to a preview of the 19th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. If you're an existing Huberman Lab Premium member, you can log in to access the full episode at https://hubermanlab.supercast.com. If you’re not a member, you can learn more and join Huberman Lab Premium at https://www.hubermanlab.com/premium. ROKA Wind Down™: https://www.roka.com/huberman Huberman Lab Essentials: https://go.hubermanlab.com/essentials *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 The Importance of Light Management for Sleep 00:00:58 Huberman Lab Premium 00:01:33 Research Funding & Matching Donations 00:03:05 Subscription Details & Benefits 00:03:48 Protein Sources 00:05:18 Comparing Whey Protein, Bone Broth, & Collagen 00:10:08 Protein Intake Recommendations 00:14:22 Whey Protein & Skin Health 00:17:42 Conclusion *In the full AMA episode, we cover:* - Creatine & Water Retention - Creatine for Brain Health - Creatine Use in Teenagers - Safety & Effects of Smelling Salts - Other Stimulants: Caffeine & Nicotine - Prescription Stimulants & Cognitive Enhancers Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

Andrew Hubermanhost

Apr 25, 202518mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: April 25, 2025
Duration: 18m
Channel: Huberman Lab
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Welcome to a preview of the 19th Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode, part of Huberman Lab Premium. If you're an existing Huberman Lab Premium member, you can log in to access the full episode at https://hubermanlab.supercast.com. If you’re not a member, you can learn more and join Huberman Lab Premium at https://www.hubermanlab.com/premium. ROKA Wind Down™: https://www.roka.com/huberman Huberman Lab Essentials: https://go.hubermanlab.com/essentials *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:15 The Importance of Light Management for Sleep 00:00:58 Huberman Lab Premium 00:01:33 Research Funding & Matching Donations 00:03:05 Subscription Details & Benefits 00:03:48 Protein Sources 00:05:18 Comparing Whey Protein, Bone Broth, & Collagen 00:10:08 Protein Intake Recommendations 00:14:22 Whey Protein & Skin Health 00:17:42 Conclusion *In the full AMA episode, we cover:*
Creatine & Water Retention
Creatine for Brain Health
Creatine Use in Teenagers
Safety & Effects of Smelling Salts
Other Stimulants: Caffeine & Nicotine
Prescription Stimulants & Cognitive Enhancers
Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

SPEAKERS

Andrew Huberman
host

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Huberman Lab, featuring Andrew Huberman, AMA #19: Collagen vs. Whey Protein, Creatine, Smelling Salts, Stimulants & More explores collagen, Bone Broth, or Whey: Huberman’s Protein Playbook Explained Andrew Huberman uses this AMA to compare collagen/bone broth with whey protein, focusing on goals like muscle growth, recovery, and skin health. He explains why whey protein, due to its higher leucine content and bioavailability, is superior for muscle protein synthesis and strength gains. Collagen and bone broth, while inferior for muscle-building, can offer modest but measurable benefits for skin elasticity and appearance at around 15 grams per day. He also discusses total daily protein targets, budget-friendly strategies, and cautions that high-leucine whey may exacerbate acne in some individuals, especially women at certain menstrual cycle phases.

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