Ultimate Guide - PILLAR Performance
What Is PILLAR Performance?
PILLAR Performance was created by Damien Fitzpatrick, an ex NSW Waratahs rugby player, and Pip Taylor, a former world number 1 triathlete. It is Australia’s first and only range of purposefully formulated sports micronutrition products. Taylor brings a background in sports dietetics, while Fitzpatrick has first-hand experience of the impact micronutrition can have on the human body. He believes the sports nutrition market has focused on macronutrients for too long.
Research for the brand is now headed by Dr Dan Plews, a globally renowned HRV expert, endurance coach, sports scientist and researcher.
Where Is PILLAR Performance Based?
PILLAR Performance is an Australian-owned micronutrition company based in Sydney, Australia.
Is PILLAR Performance A Good Brand?
PILLAR is a gold standard brand, in a class of its own. What stands out:
-
Every product is batch tested for banned substances, with the range certified through the internationally recognised Informed Sport program¹.
-
A genuine micronutrition focus, rather than the macronutrient-heavy approach most sports nutrition brands take
-
Products built around five areas: bones, immunity, recovery, inflammation and energy
-
Research-backed ingredients, including a collagen peptide that has been studied by the Australian Institute of Sport².
PILLAR is dedicated to unlocking the relationship between micronutrition and optimal human performance.
Our Favourite PILLAR Performance Products
-
PILLAR Performance Triple Magnesium Powder
Key Features →
-
Three select forms of bioavailable magnesium, including magnesium glycinate³.
-
Supports muscle health and may help reduce muscle cramps³.
-
Magnesium may support sleep quality, which can be useful when pre-race nerves interrupt your rest, though the research is still limited.
-
Informed Sport batch tested, vegan, gluten free and dairy free³.
Who It’s For →
Athletes who want to support recovery, muscle function and sleep, particularly through heavy training blocks or in the lead-up to race day.
How To Use →
Adults take one 5g scoop per day, with food or as directed by your healthcare professional³.
Key Features →
-
Combines collagen peptides (TENDOFORTE®) with vitamin C, in line with current research in this area².
-
TENDOFORTE® was studied by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in a 6-month cross-over trial of 20 participants with long-term chronic Achilles tendinopathy who were not responding to traditional therapies and were unable to train².
-
Within 3 months of supplementing with 5g of TENDOFORTE® alongside a specialised exercise program, 12 of the 20 participants had returned to running².
-
Unflavoured, so it mixes easily into smoothies, pre-workout snacks and meals, or water
-
Informed Sport certified⁴.
Who It’s For →
Athletes and active people working to rebuild tendon health, particularly runners and cyclists returning to training after a tendon injury.
How To Use →
Take one scoop (5.1g) per day with liquid⁴.
Key Features →
-
Creatine is a natural compound stored mostly in muscle as phosphocreatine⁵.
-
It helps regenerate ATP, the fuel for sprints, surges and hard efforts⁵.
-
3-5g a day is enough, with no loading phase needed⁵.
-
The only common side effect is a small gain in body mass⁵.
-
Creatine monohydrate is the most studied and most effective form⁵.
-
Uses Creapure® creatine from Germany, described as the purest source⁵.
-
Informed Sport certified⁶.
Who It’s For →
Endurance athletes, particularly in cycling and triathlon, as well as strength-focused athletes. Vegans and vegetarians, who typically have lower creatine intakes, may also benefit⁵.
How To Use →
Take one scoop per day with liquid. Cycling through loading, maintenance and rest phases is not recommended or required⁵.
Key Features →
-
Highly concentrated omega-3 triglycerides, with 540mg EPA and 360mg DHA per capsule6
-
Supports joint mobility and helps relieve mild inflammation and aches and pains
-
Contributes to overall wellbeing, and supports cardiovascular health, cognitive function and faster recovery
-
Informed Sport batch tested, and free from gluten, dairy and nuts⁶.
Who It’s For →
Adults looking to support joint mobility, reduce mild inflammation and ease mild joint aches, including athletes managing the wear and tear of heavy training.
How To Use →
Take with food. One capsule a day for general wellbeing, one capsule twice a day for cardiovascular health, or one capsule three times a day for mild joint inflammation. See a healthcare professional if symptoms persisT⁶.
Key Features →
-
30g of carbohydrate per gel from maltodextrin and fructose, in a 1:0.8 glucose-to-fructose ratio⁷.
-
The dual-source formula is designed to support carbohydrate absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort7
-
82.5mg of sodium per gel⁷.
-
Vegan, gluten free and dairy free⁷.
Who It’s For →
Endurance athletes who want consistent, dependable fuelling from the first kilometre through to the finish line.
How To Use →
Take one gel every 30 minutes, which delivers 60g of carbohydrate per hour⁷.
Key Features →
-
400mg sodium, 190mg potassium and 80mg magnesium per stick⁹.
-
Batch tested, vegan, gluten free and dairy free⁹
-
Single-serve sticks are easy to carry for training, travel and racing⁹
Who It’s For →
Active people and athletes who want a low carbohydrate electrolyte drink
How To Use →
Add one stick (7g) to 500-750ml of water and mix well.
Final Thoughts
PILLAR Performance suits athletes who want to look beyond carbohydrates and electrolytes and build a solid micronutrition base for bones, joints, recovery and immunity, while still covering the basics of fuelling and hydration with Gel 30 and Electrolyte Hydration. With batch-tested products, research-backed ingredients and Australian ownership, PILLAR is a strong choice for athletes who want to back their training with supplements they can trust.
Ash Miller
Dietitian and Nutritionist (Masters)
Bachelor of Physical and Health Education
Instagram: @ashthomo_nutrition
References
-
PILLAR Performance. PILLAR range Informed Sport Certified [Internet]. Available from: https://pillarperformance.com/blogs/news/pillar-range-informed-sport-certified
-
Praet SFE, Purdam CR, Welvaert M, Vlahovich N, Lovell G, Burke LM, Gaida JE, Manzanero S, Hughes D, Waddington G. Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Combined with Calf-Strengthening Exercises Enhances Function and Reduces Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy Patients. Nutrients. 2019 Jan 2;11(1):76. doi: 10.3390/nu11010076. PMID: 30609761; PMCID: PMC6356409.
-
Aid Station. PILLAR Performance Triple Magnesium Recovery Powder product listing [Internet]. Available from: https://aidstation.com.au/products/pillar-performance-triple-magnesium-powder-natural-berry
-
Aid Station. PILLAR Performance Collagen Repair product listing [Internet]. Available from: https://aidstation.com.au/products/pillar-performance-collagen-repair
-
Aid Station. PILLAR Performance Creatine Monohydrate product listing [Internet]. Available from: https://aidstation.com.au/products/pillar-performance-creatine-monohydrate
-
Aid Station. PILLAR Performance Ultra Omega Joint Freedom product listing [Internet]. Available from: https://www.aidstation.com.au/products/pillar-performance-ultra-omega-joint-freedom-1
-
Aid Station. PILLAR Performance Gel 30 Variety Pack product listing [Internet]. Available from: https://aidstation.com.au/products/pillar-performance-gel-30-variety-pack
-
Kreider RB, Kalman DS, Antonio J, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:18. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
-
Aid Station. PILLAR Performance Electrolyte Hydration Stick Variety Pack product listing [Internet]. Available from: https://aidstation.com.au/products/pillar-performance-electrolyte-hydration-stick-variety-pack
Disclaimer:
The content in this blog is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with your doctor or allied health team before changing your diet, exercise, or taking supplements, especially if you have a health condition or take medication. Please use this information as a guide only. Aid Station doesn’t take responsibility for individual outcomes.