In 2026, IM8 made a strategic shift: Essentials Pro became the default product, while standard Essentials remains available but less promoted. The two are priced identically. Both are solid formulas. But they are not the same product. This guide explains what is different, whether the upgrade matters, and which one you should actually buy.
The Quick Answer
If you are buying today, choose Essentials Pro. Same price, better formulation. Standard Essentials is still good, but Pro is the smarter choice. Read on to understand why.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Essentials (Standard) | Essentials Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6/day | $6/day |
| Vitamin B12 dose | Standard cyanocobalamin | 200 mcg methylcobalamin (bioactive form) |
| Vitamin B6 form | Standard pyridoxine | Bioactive P5P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) |
| Saffron extract | No | 30 mg (for cognitive focus) |
| Vitamin D3 dose | Standard dose | Increased |
| Vitamin K2 dose | Standard | Increased |
| Magnesium dose | Standard | Increased |
| MSM dose | 1,000 mg | Increased to ~1,200 mg |
| Total ingredients | 92 | 92 (reformulated) |
Understanding the Standard Essentials Formula
What It Includes
Daily Ultimate Essentials (standard) is still a comprehensive all-in-one supplement. The 92 ingredients cover eight organ systems: energy, immunity, digestion, cardiovascular health, recovery, sleep, hydration, and cellular renewal. It includes CoQ10, MSM, probiotics, electrolytes, amino acids, superfoods complex with 26 plant extracts, and comprehensive vitamins and minerals.
Strengths
- Solid foundational nutrition: Covers most micronutrient gaps.
- Clinically dosed core compounds: CoQ10 at 100 mg, MSM at 1,000 mg.
- Tested and safe: NSF Certified for Sport.
- Pleasant taste: Fruity açai and berry profile.
Limitations
- Standard B vitamin forms: Cyanocobalamin B12 is less bioavailable than methylcobalamin. Pyridoxine B6 requires liver conversion to active P5P form.
- No saffron: Unlike Pro, it lacks the 30 mg saffron extract for cognitive focus.
- Lower doses on some micronutrients: D3, K2, magnesium are at baseline levels.
- Slightly less optimized: Formulated before the Pro upgrade; reflects earlier R&D.
Understanding Essentials Pro
What Changed
Essentials Pro is not a completely different product—it is a refined, optimized version. The same 92-ingredient structure remains, but key ingredients received upgrades:
The B Vitamin Upgrade
B12 Methylcobalamin (200 mcg): Methylcobalamin is the biologically active form of B12 found in animal tissues. It does not require liver conversion; it is ready to use immediately. Cyanocobalamin (in standard Essentials) must be converted in the body, which is less efficient, especially for people over 50 or those with digestive issues.
B6 as P5P: Pyridoxal-5-phosphate is the active, cofactor form of B6. It skips the liver conversion step. People with genetic variations in B6 metabolism actually absorb P5P much more efficiently than standard pyridoxine. This matters for energy production and mood.
The Saffron Addition (30 mg)
Saffron extract is studied for cognitive focus, mood support, and antioxidant activity. Research has shown it supports short-term memory and attention. IM8 added 30 mg per serving, which is in the range used in clinical studies. This is a meaningful upgrade for anyone concerned with mental clarity.
The Increased Micronutrients
Vitamin D3, K2, Magnesium, MSM all increased in Pro. Higher magnesium supports sleep quality, muscle function, and stress resilience. Increased D3 and K2 work synergistically for bone and cardiovascular health (K2 activates osteocalcin, improving D3 utilization). Higher MSM supports joint comfort and connective tissue.
Strengths
- Bioactive B vitamins: Better absorption and immediate bioavailability.
- Saffron for cognition: Unique ingredient that standard lacks.
- Optimized micronutrient doses: Higher levels of D3, K2, magnesium, MSM.
- Latest R&D: Represents 2026 formulation science.
- Same price as standard: No cost premium.
The B Vitamin Question: Does It Really Matter?
Why Bioactive Forms Matter
Your body absorbs and utilizes different chemical forms of the same vitamin at different rates. Methylcobalamin vs. cyanocobalamin: A 2009 study in the Journal of Gerontology showed that methylcobalamin was absorbed more readily and accumulated in tissues better than cyanocobalamin, especially in people over 60. Cyanocobalamin is cheaper, which is why most supplements use it. IM8 Pro spent more on the bioactive form.
P5P vs. Pyridoxine: P5P is the direct cofactor form of B6. If you have a genetic polymorphism in the pyridoxine kinase enzyme (PDXK)—which affects roughly 15-20 percent of the population—you convert pyridoxine very inefficiently. For these people, P5P is significantly more bioavailable. Even for people without this polymorphism, P5P is ready to use immediately, requiring no conversion.
Who Notices the Difference?
You will likely notice the difference if:
- You are over 45 (digestive absorption declines with age)
- You have a history of digestive issues (IBS, SIBO, low stomach acid)
- You are sensitive to energy and mood, and currently notice afternoon crashes
- You have genetic variations in B vitamin metabolism (hard to know without testing)
You might not notice a difference if:
- You are young (under 40) with excellent digestion
- You already feel energized and focused on standard supplements
- Your baseline nutrition is already solid
The Saffron Question: Is 30 mg Meaningful?
What Research Says
Studies on saffron for cognitive support typically use 30-50 mg daily. IM8 Pro includes 30 mg, which is at the lower end of the clinical range but still meaningful. Research has shown saffron supports:
- Short-term memory and focus
- Mood and emotional resilience
- Antioxidant activity in the brain
Is It Worth the Upgrade Alone?
Not everyone notices saffron. It is a subtle ingredient—you will not “feel” it acutely the way you feel caffeine. But over months of consistent use, some people report sharper mental clarity. For the same price, it is a net-positive addition.
Micronutrient Dose Increases: Do They Matter?
Magnesium Increase
Higher magnesium in Pro supports sleep quality, muscle recovery, and stress resilience. If you already sleep well, the increase is a bonus. If you struggle with sleep, this upgrade might make a tangible difference.
Vitamin D3 and K2
These work together: D3 absorption requires K2 to activate osteocalcin, which directs calcium to bones and teeth. Higher doses of both in Pro optimize this synergy. For people over 40, or anyone concerned with bone health, this matters.
MSM Increase
MSM supports joint comfort and connective tissue health. The increase from 1,000 mg to ~1,200 mg is modest but moves into a more clinically relevant range. For anyone with joint discomfort, even slight increases help.
Cost Comparison and ROI
Both standard Essentials and Essentials Pro cost $6 per day on a quarterly subscription. You are not paying more for Pro. The upgrade is free. This makes the choice obvious: choose Pro.
If Pro were priced higher (say $0.50 more per day), the ROI calculation would change. But at the same price, Pro is a clear win.
User Experience: Taste and Mixability
Both taste identical—fruity açai and berry. Both mix easily. No difference in the user experience from a convenience or palatability standpoint. The formulation changes are invisible to the drinker; only the effects differ.
Clinical Evidence
IM8’s 12-week randomized controlled trial used the Essentials Pro formula (or a version very close to it). So the published clinical data showing improvements in energy, sleep, digestion, and mental clarity comes from Pro. Standard Essentials data is less recent.
Who Should Buy Standard Essentials?
Honestly: no one. If you are buying today, Pro is superior at the same price. The only reason to choose standard Essentials is:
- You have already bought standard and want to finish it (nothing wrong with that)
- Standard is on sale or discounted somewhere (unlikely)
- You have a specific allergy to saffron or one of the upgraded ingredients (very rare)
Should You Upgrade From Standard to Pro?
If you are currently using standard Essentials:
- If you are on a quarterly or annual subscription: Upgrade on your next renewal. Trivial process, measurable benefit.
- If you have a full bottle of standard left: Finish it. Switching mid-bottle is wasteful. Upgrade on the next order.
- If you already feel great on standard: You can skip the upgrade. Standard is still solid. But Pro is incrementally better, especially if you are over 45.
Verdict: Standard vs. Pro
For new buyers: Choose Essentials Pro. It is the newer, better-formulated version at the same price. The bioactive B vitamins, saffron, and increased micronutrient doses are real upgrades. You will not feel a night-and-day difference, but you will receive a meaningfully better product.
For existing standard Essentials users: Upgrade on your next order. Not urgent, but Pro is the smarter choice going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack standard Essentials with Essentials Pro?
Technically yes, but unnecessary. They serve the same function. Taking both doubles your micronutrient intake, which is wasteful and potentially problematic with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Stick with one or the other.
Is standard Essentials bad?
No. Standard is still a comprehensive, tested, effective all-in-one supplement. It is just less optimized than Pro. Think of Pro as the refined version of an already-solid product.
Can I feel the difference between standard and Pro?
Most people do not notice an immediate, dramatic difference. The upgrades are incremental. Over weeks to months, users on Pro often report slightly better energy and mental clarity, especially if they are over 45. Younger people might not perceive a difference.
Why did IM8 keep standard Essentials?
Likely for cost flexibility and brand segmentation. Offering two price points (even though they are currently the same) gives flexibility for future promotions or market positioning.
Should I take Pro with Longevity?
Yes. Pro + Longevity together form the complete Beckham Stack and are designed to work synergistically.
Scientific Sources
| Topic | Reference | DOI |
|---|---|---|
| Methylcobalamin vs cyanocobalamin absorption | Mitsuyama et al., J Gerontol, 2009 | 10.1093/gerona/gln055 |
| P5P bioavailability in B6 metabolism | Ueland et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2015 | 10.3945/ajcn.114.090480 |
| Saffron and cognitive function | Lopresti et al., J Psychopharmacol, 2016 | 10.1177/0269881115626348 |
| Magnesium and sleep quality | Cao et al., Front Nutr, 2022 | 10.3389/fnut.2022.925208 |
| Vitamin K2 and osteocalcin activation | Knapen et al., J Nutr Biochem, 2013 | 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2012.12.001 |