Dr. William Li vs Mark Hyman
Compare Dr. William Li's Eat to Beat Disease protocol with Mark Hyman's functional medicine approach. Both are physician-authors who place food at the center of disease prevention and treatment — Li focuses on activating the body's five defense systems through specific foods backed by clinical research, while Hyman addresses root causes of chronic disease through functional medicine principles including gut repair, detoxification, and blood sugar regulation. Li stays closer to food-as-medicine; Hyman builds a broader functional medicine supplement stack.
Dr. William Li
Physician, Scientist & Author
A food-as-medicine protocol targeting the body's five defense systems — angiogenesis, regeneration, microbiome, DNA protection, and immunity — through everyday foods backed by clinical research.
12 products in protocol
Mark Hyman
Functional Medicine Physician & Author
A food-as-medicine protocol combining functional medicine principles with targeted supplementation, emphasizing gut health, blood sugar regulation, and anti-inflammatory nutrition.
15 products in protocol
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Dr. William Li | Mark Hyman |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Physician, Scientist & Author | Functional Medicine Physician & Author |
| Focus Areas | food as medicineangiogenesisgut healthanti inflammatorynutritioncancer prevention | functional medicinenutritiongut healthsupplementsanti aging |
| Total Products | 12 | 9 |
| Shared Products | 6 products in common | |
| Protocol | A food-as-medicine protocol targeting the body's five defense systems — angiogenesis, regeneration, microbiome, DNA protection, and immunity — through everyday foods backed by clinical research. | A food-as-medicine protocol combining functional medicine principles with targeted supplementation, emphasizing gut health, blood sugar regulation, and anti-inflammatory nutrition. |
What They Agree On
Both Dr. William Li and Mark Hyman include these 6 products in their protocols — a signal of strong evidence and broad expert consensus.
Omega-3 Fish Oil (High EPA)
High-potency omega-3 fish oil supplement with elevated EPA content. Supports cardiovascular health, reduces systemic inflammation, and promotes healthy brain function and mood regulation.
Omega-3 Fish Oil (High EPA)
supplements
Vitamin D3 (5000 IU)
High-potency vitamin D3 supplement providing 5000 IU per serving to support optimal blood levels. Essential for immune function, bone health, and mood regulation. One of the most widely recommended supplements among longevity researchers due to widespread deficiency.
Vitamin D3 (5000 IU)
supplements
Probiotics (Multi-Strain)
Multi-strain probiotic supplement containing diverse beneficial bacteria to support gut microbiome health. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion, immune function, and mental well-being. Look for formulas with clinically studied strains and high CFU counts.
Probiotics (Multi-Strain)
supplements
Green Tea (Matcha)
High-quality matcha green tea powder rich in EGCG catechins and L-theanine. Provides calm, sustained energy while delivering powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Regular green tea consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk and improved metabolic health in population studies.
Green Tea (Matcha)
foods
Turmeric / Curcumin
Turmeric extract standardized for curcumin content, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Supports joint health, reduces chronic inflammation, and may protect against age-related cognitive decline. Best absorbed when paired with piperine (black pepper extract) or in a liposomal formulation.
Turmeric / Curcumin
supplements
Vitamin C
High-quality vitamin C supplement supporting immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defense. Essential for tissue repair and iron absorption. Liposomal forms offer enhanced bioavailability compared to standard ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C
supplements
Where They Differ
These products are unique to one protocol — reflecting each expert's distinct philosophy, research focus, and priorities.
Only in Dr. William Li's Protocol
Black Coffee
High-quality black coffee, one of the most widely recommended beverages during intermittent fasting. Contains caffeine and chlorogenic acid, which may increase metabolic rate and fat oxidation. Dr. Jason Fung considers black coffee an excellent fasting companion — it suppresses appetite, does not stimulate insulin, and may enhance the metabolic benefits of fasting.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cruciferous vegetable rich in sulforaphane, a powerful compound that activates cellular detoxification pathways. Studies show broccoli consumption supports DNA repair mechanisms and may help reduce inflammation. Longevity researchers recommend broccoli for its ability to activate Nrf2 pathways that protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of Mediterranean and longevity diets. Rich in polyphenols and oleic acid.
Dark Chocolate (85%+ Cacao)
High-cacao dark chocolate rich in flavanols and antioxidants. Studies link regular consumption to improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and enhanced cognitive function.
Wild-Caught Salmon
Wild-caught salmon is one of the best whole-food sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Rich in high-quality protein, astaxanthin, and vitamin D, it supports cardiovascular and brain health. Consuming fatty fish 2-3 times per week is a cornerstone recommendation across longevity protocols.
Fermented Foods (Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kefir)
Naturally fermented foods rich in live beneficial bacteria to support gut microbiome diversity. Regular consumption of kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir has been shown to reduce markers of systemic inflammation. A Stanford study found fermented foods increased microbial diversity more effectively than a high-fiber diet.
Only in Mark Hyman's Protocol
Magnesium (Threonate/Glycinate)
Highly bioavailable magnesium in threonate or glycinate form for superior absorption. Supports deep sleep quality, cognitive function, and nervous system relaxation. Magnesium threonate is particularly valued for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Glutathione (Liposomal)
Liposomal glutathione supplement for enhanced absorption of the body's master antioxidant. Glutathione plays a critical role in detoxification, immune support, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Liposomal delivery bypasses digestive breakdown for greater bioavailability.
Zinc (Picolinate)
Zinc picolinate supplement offering superior absorption compared to other zinc forms. Supports immune function, hormone production, and wound healing. Important for maintaining testosterone levels and thyroid health, particularly in those with dietary deficiencies.
Product Comparison
| Product | Dr. William Li | Mark Hyman |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Fish Oil (High EPA) | Recommended | Recommended |
| Vitamin D3 (5000 IU) | Recommended | Recommended |
| Probiotics (Multi-Strain) | Recommended | Recommended |
| Green Tea (Matcha) | Recommended | Recommended |
| Turmeric / Curcumin | Recommended | Recommended |
| Vitamin C | Recommended | Recommended |
| Black Coffee | Recommended | --- |
| Broccoli | Recommended | --- |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Recommended | --- |
| Dark Chocolate (85%+ Cacao) | Recommended | --- |
| Wild-Caught Salmon | Recommended | --- |
| Magnesium (Threonate/Glycinate) | --- | Recommended |
| Glutathione (Liposomal) | --- | Recommended |
| Zinc (Picolinate) | --- | Recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Dr. William Li's and Mark Hyman's protocols?
Compare Dr. William Li's Eat to Beat Disease protocol with Mark Hyman's functional medicine approach. Both are physician-authors who place food at the center of disease prevention and treatment — Li focuses on activating the body's five defense systems through specific foods backed by clinical research, while Hyman addresses root causes of chronic disease through functional medicine principles including gut repair, detoxification, and blood sugar regulation. Li stays closer to food-as-medicine; Hyman builds a broader functional medicine supplement stack.
What do Dr. William Li and Mark Hyman both recommend?
Both experts recommend Omega-3 Fish Oil (High EPA), Vitamin D3 (5000 IU), Probiotics (Multi-Strain), Green Tea (Matcha), Turmeric / Curcumin, Vitamin C. These shared recommendations carry extra weight because they represent consensus across two independent, well-informed approaches to longevity.
Which protocol is better for beginners?
Both protocols can be adapted for beginners. Start with the fundamentals both experts agree on — Omega-3 Fish Oil (High EPA), Vitamin D3 (5000 IU), Probiotics (Multi-Strain), Green Tea (Matcha), Turmeric / Curcumin, Vitamin C — then gradually explore the unique elements of each protocol based on your specific health goals and budget.
All Products From Both Protocols
Omega-3 Fish Oil (High EPA)
supplements
Vitamin D3 (5000 IU)
supplements
Probiotics (Multi-Strain)
supplements
Green Tea (Matcha)
foods
Turmeric / Curcumin
supplements
Vitamin C
supplements
Black Coffee
foods
Broccoli
foods
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
foods
Dark Chocolate (85%+ Cacao)
foods
Wild-Caught Salmon
foods
Fermented Foods (Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kefir)
foods
Magnesium (Threonate/Glycinate)
supplements
Glutathione (Liposomal)
supplements
Zinc (Picolinate)
supplements
Links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
More Comparisons
Get Protocol Comparisons in Your Inbox
New comparisons, product reviews, and the latest longevity research — weekly.