Supplement stacks are common among athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to maximize the benefits of their nutritional supplements to meet specific exercise goals. What’s a supplement stack? It’s a combination of different supplements that are taken together that have complementary properties or purposes that enhance physical performance.
For example, a basic stack may include some of the best supplements for muscle growth, a pre-workout, and a post-workout, while a more comprehensive stack may throw fish oil, multivitamins, and probiotics into the mix. Our team of certified personal trainers and nutrition experts at BarBend has curated a list of our top pre-assembled supplement stacks. We’ve included a range of options, from stacks for bodybuilders to those for beginners — here are our picks for the best supplement stacks for athletes on the market today.
The Best Supplement Stacks of 2024
- Best Supplement Stack for Beginners: Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle
- Best Supplement Stack for Bodybuilders: Legion Muscle Growth Stack
- Best Supplement Stack for Muscle Gain: Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle
- Best Budget Supplement Stack: Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack
- Best Supplement Stack for Athletes: JYM Muscle-Building Stack
- Best Supplement Stack for Weight Loss: Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
Best Supplement Stacks Video Review
Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they break down what’s included in our picks for the best supplement stacks for athletes, bodybuilders, and those in a cut.
Best Supplement Stack for Beginners: Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle
The Momentous Athletic Resilience Stack uses natural ingredients that are clinically dosed to aid in recovery, muscle growth, and repair.
Specs
- Price: $227.95
- Stack Includes: Grass-Fed Whey Protein, Recovery, Collagen Peptides, Magnesium Threonate, Zinc Picolinate
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, collagen peptides, glutamine, L-carnitine, magnesium, zinc
- Dietary Notes: No artificial ingredients
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
- Best for: Athletes who train frequently and need a solid recovery stack to repair muscles between workout sessions
The Momentous Athletic Resilience Stack is specifically designed to enhance athletic recovery and cognitive function. The stack features five unique products: Grass-Fed Whey Protein, Recovery, Collagen Peptides, Magnesium Threonate, and Zinc Picolinate. All products are made with natural ingredients, meaning they don’t contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
The Grass-Fed Whey Protein provides 20 grams of whey isolate per scoop, enough to stimulate muscle protein synthesis for growth and repair. Whey protein is a key product in all of the best muscle-building supplement stacks. It is rich in branched-chain amino acids, particularly leucine, which activates the muscle-building process. (If whey protein upsets your stomach, consider a vegan supplement stack or choose one of the best vegan protein powders.)
“Momentous Whey Protein Isolate powder is backed by science and formulated with the help of registered dietitians,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, who rated the formulation at 4.25 out of 5.
We’re big fans of this protein supp, scoring its taste a 4 out of 5. “It was enjoyable in any liquid, but I really felt the taste come to life when mixing this powder with my milk of choice. I think the Vanilla and Chocolate varieties pair best with this creamier liquid base.”
Solubility, meanwhile, gets a 5 out of 5. “I thought it mixed easily enough for a quick shake,” says our tester.
Momentous Recovery, meanwhile, is intended to help heal muscles and restore glycogen stores after an intense training session. It contains a 2:1 ratio of protein (20 grams) and carbs (10 grams) designed to fuel rapid recovery. Furthermore, Recovery includes glutamine and l-carnitine, amino acids known to reduce muscle soreness and promote rebuilding making this one of the best post workout supplements.
Collagen peptides is another important supplement in the Momentous Athletic Resilience Stack. Each serving provides 10 grams of bovine collagen, a type of protein that works to strengthen bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints and may enhance muscle recovery. Studies suggest that a bovine collagen supplement can help reduce the wear and tear on joints and ligaments to support optimal physical performance. (1)
Magnesium threonate can help support sleep, which is crucial for muscle recovery and cognitive function, including memory and mood. Additionally, zinc picolinate is included to potentially boost immune function. Zinc has also been shown to have antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Ultimately, we rate the formulation of this stack a 5 out of 5. Each product contains clean, effective ingredients that are backed by science. Another bonus is that Momentous claims that their ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced. Furthermore, all Momentous products are NSF-certified for quality and safety, earning this category a 5 out of 5. This third-party testing gives customers peace of mind knowing that what’s on the label is what’s actually in the products.
Since this stack is designed for athletic resilience, it doesn’t include a pre-workout or creatine supp, which may disappoint some athletes. If muscle-building is your goal, you’ll want to check out Legion’s Muscle Growth Stack or JYM’s Muscle-Building Stack.
Best Supplement Stack for Bodybuilders: Legion Muscle Growth Stack
This stack with Legion brings together the Pulse Pre-Workout to get you ready, protein powder to build muscle, and Recharge Post-Workout to help you recover
Specs
- Price: $129.99
- Stack Includes: Pulse Pre-Workout, Whey+ Protein Powder, Recharge Post-Workout
- Key Ingredients: Whey, casein, or plant-based protein, caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, L-carnitine
- Dietary Notes: No artificial ingredients, no added sugar
- Third-Party Tested: Yes
- Best for: Those looking for a basic supplement stack utilizing minimal, natural ingredients that support muscle growth
Legion Muscle Growth Stack may support all your wildest bodybuilding aspirations with Pulse Pre-Workout, Whey+ Protein Powder, and Recharge Post-Workout. Together, these products can help you work out harder and recover faster for big results.
Legion’s supplements are tested by Labdoor for potency and purity, resulting in a 5 out of 5 score across the board for third-party testing. Legion also highlights 83 peer-reviewed studies that support their ingredients and doses, so that you can take some of the best supplements for bodybuilding without any unnecessary additives or fillers.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian, was impressed when assessing the product for BarBend. “It’s rare to come across all-natural ingredients backed by stacks of clinical research. What’s advertised is what you get… There’s total transparency in the formulas.”
We love the customization options customers have when ordering this stack. You can choose between whey, casein, and plant-based protein powders, and either a caffeinated pre-workout or a stim-free option. It truly feels like you’re just ordering your favorite supplements, not some pre-selected stack that lacks personalization.
With each choice, customers can choose from a variety of flavors for both the protein and pre-workout. “I thought the Blue Raspberry Pre-Workout had a weird aftertaste,” our tester, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, notes. “But at least it mixed well.” For solubility, they gave a 5 out of 5.
We’re big fans of Legion’s Whey+ Protein Powder, which pairs 5.6 grams of BCAAs with 22 to 25 grams of protein, depending on the type and flavor of protein you choose. We rated its overall formulation a 5 out of 5. We do, however, wish it had a stronger taste. “I had the Cinnamon Cereal and there was only a hint of flavor,” says our tester, a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer.
Perfect for strenuous days in the gym, the 3.6 grams of beta-alanine and 2.5 grams of betaine in Pulse Pre-Workout may help boost power, strength, and muscle endurance. (18)(22) It’s also packed with 8 grams of citrulline malate, a nitric oxide booster that supports blood flow for improved physical performance.
With competition dates looming, preparation is key. Recharge Post-Workout packs a healthy dose of l-carnitine that works to provide fast muscle recovery and reduce soreness. (19) Recharge also comes with 10.5 milligrams of corosolic acid, which may help decrease blood sugar levels and improve glucose metabolism. (20)(21) It also packs 5 grams of micronized creatine to boost lean muscle gains while reducing soreness. (10)
This is a pretty comprehensive strength-building stack, but it may lack the kinds of heavy-duty formulations sought out by bodybuilders. If that’s what you’re after, check out Muscle Tech’s OG Bundle or Optimum Nutrition’s Mass Stack.
Best Supplement Stack for Muscle Gain: Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle
The OG Bundle is a classic combination of whey protein and creatine, two of the most studied supplements available for athletes. Each product comes in a variety of flavors.
Specs
- Price: $55.24
- Stack Includes: Nitro-Tech Whey Protein, Cell-Tech Creatine
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein, creatine, BCAAs, glutamine, taurine
- Dietary Notes: Includes added sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors
- Third-Party Tested: No
- Best for: Bodybuilders searching for products packed with protein, BCAAs, and creatine to support massive strength and muscle gains
Muscle Tech’s OG Bundle is a no-nonsense stack for serious weight lifters looking to unleash their fullest muscle growth potential. This stack contains only two products — Nitro-Tech Whey Protein and Cell-Tech Creatine — both crammed with key ingredients to activate and support hypertrophy. (10)
Nitro-Tech Whey Protein delivers an impressive 30 grams of whey protein concentrate, isolate, and peptides — more than most protein powders on the market today. It also includes 3 grams of creatine to boost strength and power, along with 6.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids to stimulate muscle building and support muscle repair after intense training sessions. (3)(10)
It does, however, leave something lacking in terms of taste. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, tried the Milk Chocolate flavor and scores it a 3 out of 5. “My first sips were really terrible, but I settled into it after a while. You can taste the chocolate, but it’s heavy on the sugar,” they say.
Solubility was no issue — a 5 out of 5 — but they score the texture a 3 out of 5. “I only mixed it with water, so that may be part of it, but it wasn’t creamy at all. Very thin,” they say.
While the added creatine is a nice bonus, it’s not necessary and could contribute to bloating and diarrhea, especially since you’re already getting creatine from the Cell-Tech Creatine product. (2)
Cell-Tech Creatine is a recovery supplement that boasts 5 grams of creatine and 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving to restore glycogen and creatine stores. Research consistently demonstrates creatine’s ability to increase muscle mass and enhance exercise capacity, particularly when paired with short, high-intensity workouts (10). The product also contains 1 gram of taurine, which is believed to help reduce muscle soreness post-workout (23).
While there’s a lot to love about these products, it’s also important to note that they include artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, which docked their formulation score to a 4 out of 5. They also lack third-party testing. They’re a little more costly, but if you want a stack with no artificial sweeteners and third-party certification, check out the Legion Muscle Growth Stack.
[Related: How To Build Muscle]
Best Budget Supplement Stack: Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack
Composed of Serious Mass mass gainer (a protein supplement) and Micronized Creatine Capsules, this simple yet effective supplement stack can be perfect for athletes looking to bulk up through added muscle mass and weight gain. Additionally, the sub-$100 price tag can be great for keeping your budget aligned through multiple months of supplementation.
Specs
- Price: $72.99
- Stack Includes: Serious Mass Mass Gainer, Micronized Creatine Capsules
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein concentrate, creatine monohydrate
- Dietary Notes: Contains artificial flavors
- Third-Party Tested: No
- Best for: Hardgainers who need an extra boost of calories and protein to meet their muscle building goals.
Ordering a bundled supplement stack can be expensive, with many costing well over $100. However, the Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack is a more affordable option for those on a budget, costing only $72.99. The stack is great for bulking and is specifically geared towards athletes wanting to gain weight and muscle. (If you’re more interested in lean muscle, some solid alternatives include Legion’s Muscle Growth Stack or JYM’s Muscle-Building Stack.
For those transitioning from cutting to bulking, where more calories and protein are essential, Serious Mass makes it easier to meet those needs, especially for those with a high metabolism. Each serving delivers a whopping 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, and 250 to 253 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the flavor.
Additionally, it provides 20 essential vitamins and minerals that support everything from immune health to energy metabolism. (5)(6) Optimum Nutrition also adds 5 grams of creatine monohydrate to this mass gainer, which can be beneficial when trying to strike a balance between gaining muscle, not just weight. (7)
We rate Serious Mass at 4 out of 5 for its formulation, as we appreciate how well-rounded it is as a complete source of nutrition. However, it is made with a fair amount of maltodextrin and artificial sweeteners which kept it from receiving a perfect score.
“For a supplement meant to support weight gain, including creatine helps put on muscle mass,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer. “I also like that they kept the formula pretty low in fat. Many mass gainer supplements include a significant amount of saturated fat to boost the calories, and that’s not the case here.”
It is recommended that you use a countertop blender when mixing up the best mass gainers, and Serious Mass is no exception. “I do recommend pulsing this mixture a bit, though,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer, who scores solubility a 3 out of 5. “Just to ensure that every bit of powder is broken up and combined with the liquid.”
As for taste, we score it a 3.5 out of 5. “I enjoyed this mixture and think it can be an appealing pick for athletes,” says our tester. “The Vanilla option I tried was a middle-of-the-road taste that’s good enough for daily consumption but nothing I’d personally write home about.”
The Micronized Creatine Capsules have a super simple formulation, with creatine monohydrate being the only active ingredient. This simplicity makes it easy to keep your supplementation regimen transparent and track your dosages accurately, which is why we rated the formulation 4.5 out of 5.
The creatine capsules are completely unflavored, so there aren’t any competing flavors between the pills and your beverage of choice. However, some may find that the pills are larger than desired, making getting them down a bit uncomfortable.
Read our full Optimum Nutrition Creatine 2500 Caps Review.
Best Supplement Stack for Athletes: JYM Muscle Building Stack
JYM brings together a High-Performance Pre-Workout, protein powder, BCAAs+ Recovery Matrix, and Fish Oil to round out this stack.
Specs
- Price: $157.46
- Stack Includes: Pre JYM High-Performance Pre-Workout, Omega JYM Fish Oil, Pro JYM Protein Powder, and Post JYM BCAAs+ Recovery Matrix Post-workout
- Key Ingredients: Citrulline malate, BCAAs, creatine HCI, glutamine, beta-alanine, beet root extract
- Dietary Notes: 300mg of caffeine
- Third-Party Tested: No
- Best for: Athletes seeking a complete supplement stack that covers all stages of a workout — before, during, and after.
With so many options available, you may be wondering what to consider when building a supplement stack. If you’re an athlete, having products that prepare your body for competition is key. The JYM Muscle Building Stack puts competitors center stage by bundling a pre-workout, omega-3s, protein powder, and recovery supplement.
Taste, solubility, and profile all scored high for each product across this stack, with a score of 4.2 out of 5 for the entire bundle. “I think these supplements are all really good quality,” says our tester, a USA Weightlifting Level-1 coach.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer, called out the “6 grams of BCAAs in the well-researched 2:1:1 ratio, and beet root extract, which has been linked to improved nitric oxide production.” (26) She scores the formulation a 4 out of 5, noting that while its doses of creatine, beta-alanine, and betaine are “on the low end of what science shows to be most effective in pre-workout formulas,” the addition of components like BioPerine “may help maximize the effects of the other ingredients.”
Each serving also packs a whopping 300 milligrams of caffeine. The ingredients completely sold one of our testers. “It kept me energized and the pump I felt really boosted my ego,” they say.
Overall, our testing team is crazy about this pre-workout. “We’ve tried countless pre-workouts over the last decade, and this is the one everyone always goes back to,” our tester says. We rated this pre-workout a 4.5 out of 5 for taste.
Pro JYM Protein Powder delivers 24 grams of protein in the form of whey protein isolate, micellar casein, and milk protein isolate, which your body absorbs at varying speeds. Fast-digesting protein is ideal for athletes looking to build lean tissue immediately following a workout, and slow-digesting protein remains in your bloodstream longer, allowing you to continue rebuilding your muscles hours after you’ve downed your drink. (13)(14) “It’s probably not the best tasting protein powder you’ll ever try,” says our tester. “But it wasn’t too bad.”
With the addition of JYM Omega Fish Oil and BCAAs + Recovery Matrix Post-Workout, you’re giving your muscles tools to recover and rebuild so you can return to training faster. Fish oil can help reduce inflammation, while the 6 grams of 2:1:1 BCAAs in the Recovery Matrix may activate muscle protein synthesis (8)(9)(15). What’s more, 3 grams of glutamine and 2 grams of creatine HCI could help reduce soreness. (11)(12)
It’s worth noting that serving sizes aren’t uniform across the stack, so you may run out of one supplement before the others. Still, it’s hard to overlook the quality of the ingredients here. “It’s a good combination of fish oil, creatine, beta-alanine, and glutamine. So if you’re an active person, these pre- and post-workout benefits might be what you want,” our tester said.
It’s worth noting, though, that this stack contains 300 milligrams of caffeine, which is 75% of the FDA’s daily recommendation. If you’re trying to cut back on your caffeine, you may want to Legion’s Muscle Growth Stack, which offers stim-free options.
Best Supplement Stack for Weight Loss: Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle
The Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle is ideal for those looking to boost energy and muscular endurance. The thermogenic blends may also aid in burning more calories.
Specs
- Price: $52.50
- Stack Includes: C4 Ripped Pre-Workout, Super HD
- Key Ingredients: Caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, capsimax cayenne, green tea extract
- Dietary Notes: Contains artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners
- Third-Party Tested: No
- Best for: Those wanting to increase energy and workout intensity to burn more calories and boost metabolism
The Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle is made for individuals wanting to supercharge their workouts to burn more calories for a leaner physique. The bundle includes two products, C4 Ripped Pre-Workout and Super HD, a fat burner. They’re both formulated with ingredients intended to boost energy levels and fire up your metabolism.
C4 Ripped Pre-Workout contains many standard pre-workout ingredients, with 1 gram of citrulline malate and 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, which Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, notes are “less than what research says is ideal.” Still, she says C4 is “great for athletes with a low to moderate caffeine tolerance, as each scoop contains around 150 milligrams of caffeine.” She also likes that it’s sugar-free. Overall, Bourgeois scores the formulation a 3.75 out of 5.
But what sets it Ripped apart is its inclusion of a thermogenic blend designed to boost metabolism and increase calorie burning. This blend features cayenne and green coffee seed extract, both known for their thermogenic properties. (16) Additionally, it contains L-carnitine, which research suggests can support fat metabolism. (17)
As for Super HD, it includes a thermogenic blend with Yohimbe bark extract, dandelion root extract, and cayenne fruit extract, which may help enhance heat production and ergogenesis. (24) While these ingredients can potentially boost metabolism and support fat loss for athletes, their effectiveness is likely minimal without regular exercise and a balanced diet. For those uninterested in the thermogenic blend, we’d recommend the Legion Muscle Growth stack, which includes a more straightforward pre-workout.
Caffeine and green tea extract are key ingredients in Super HD. The 160 milligrams of caffeine may enhance energy and mental focus, leading to more effective workouts and increased calorie burning during training sessions. Green tea extract improves fat oxidation, helping the body use fat as an energy source more efficiently. (25)
We SCORE the Super HD formulation a 4 out of 5. While the thermogenic ingredients may be effective when combined with other healthy habits, the product contains proprietary blends so we aren’t sure exactly how much of each ingredient we are getting.
Given that these products aren’t third-party tested, we rated this category a 1 out of 5. However, the cost is a major bonus at just $52.50. If you’re seeking the best supplement stack for cutting, consider adding a high-quality protein powder to this Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle for a budget-friendly way to maintain lean mass while shedding body fat.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Supplement Stacks
The BarBend team includes competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve thoroughly evaluated and tested over 400 individual products from leading brands. Using our multi-point supplement testing methodology, we rated each of these products on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine the best supplement stacks on the market. Below, we highlight the key categories that influenced our rankings.
- Product Synergy: We’ve carefully evaluated how each product complements others within the stack. Each supplement serves a specific purpose, providing benefits that the other products in the stack lack. They work together to offer the full package.
- Research-Backed Ingredients: The stacks on our list are made of reputable products backed by research. We eliminated products from this list with questionable claims.
- Formulation: We strive to include products within each stack made with high-quality ingredients. Many of these supplements are made with natural ingredients and lack artificial flavors, dyes, and additives.
- Third-Party Testing: We prioritize stacks made up of third-party tested supplements. Third-party testing ensures products don’t contain harmful amounts of heavy metals or other contaminants.
Benefits of Supplement Stacks
A supplement stack is a convenient, cost-effective way to support your fitness and physique goals. Whether you’re looking to build size, save money, or are curious about how to lose fat and gain muscle, there’s a stack out there for you.
- Cost Effective: Supplements can be expensive when you purchase them individually. However, when you purchase a supplement stack, items are typically sold at a discounted price. Purchasing a supplement stack saves you both time and money. Furthermore, you’ll avoid multiple shipping costs, as all the products ship together.
- Confidence: Navigating the supplement industry on your own can be intimidating, especially if you’re trying to choose multiple products at once. Supplement stacks are packaged specifically to settle uncertainty and allow you to get straight to what matters most – maximizing your health and performance.
- Goal-Oriented: If you’re unsure which supplements align with your gym goals, supplement stacks can be a great guide. They’re often tailored to specific goals like muscle building or fat burning. Once you’re clear on your goals, simply choose the stack that offers the benefits you’re after.
How Much Do Supplement Stacks Cost?
Supplements cost a lot less when sold together in a stack than they would if you bought them as individual products. These stacks range in price from roughly $50 to $160 for a month’s supply. On average, you can expect to pay around $120 for a supplement stack, but these prices can vary depending on the number and type of supplements included.
Best Supplement Stack for Beginners | Momentous Athletic Resilience Bundle | $227.95 |
Best Supplement Stack for Bodybuilders | Legion Muscle Growth Stack | $129.99 |
Best Supplement Stack for Muscle Gain | Muscle Tech: The OG Bundle | $54.24 |
Best Budget Supplement Stack | Optimum Nutrition Mass Stack | $72.99 |
Best Supplement Stack for Athletes | JYM Muscle Building Stack | $157.46 |
Best Supplement Stack for Weight Loss | Cellucor Thermogenic Bundle | $52.50 |
What to Consider Before Buying Supplement Stacks
Supplement stacks are tailored to help you find all the right products for your fitness journey in one fell swoop. But before you commit to a stack, there are a few factors that deserve some consideration. Below are some examples of what to consider when building supplement stacks.
Manage Your Expectations
When shopping for supplements of any kind, keep in mind that brands are making a targeted effort to pitch their products to you first and foremost. For consumers, this can mean having to sift through dubious claims about efficacy or ingredients.
While the products on this list contain science-backed ingredients, make sure to do your own research and read the supplement label thoroughly before making a final decision or purchase. Keep in mind that not every claim a product makes is going to hold true for every individual, and results will vary. The best way to achieve fitness goals is through consistent exercise and healthy food habits, including plenty of high-protein foods.
Assess Your Actual Needs
A supplement stack can help you fill gaps in your nutrition intake. Rather than buying all five or six of the products in a stack separately, you can snag them all at once. But if you don’t actually need all the products in the bundle, don’t get suckered into buying a whole stack when you will only end up using one or two.
A supplement stack of four products isn’t necessarily four times more effective than a single item. If you’ve figured out how to count macros and are hitting your macros from whole food sources, recover well post-training, but wish you had more energy in the gym, you may just need a solid pre-workout rather than a whole new stack of products. Bottom line: Buy what you need.
[Read More: The Best Greens Powders, Tested, Chosen, and Approved by a Dietitian]
Check the Ingredients
Not all supplements in a stack are created equal. Some stacks feature high-quality ingredients, research-backed dosages, and third-party testing, while others may include artificial fillers, low dosages, and lack transparency.
“Be sure to look at the ingredients and dosages of each supplement within the stack, not just one or two, and make sure you know what you are getting in each one,” cautions Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM.
Look for products that include research-backed ingredients at clinically effective dosages. For example, whey protein, a fast-absorbing protein, is shown to activate muscle protein synthesis when taken in doses of 20 to 40 grams. So, if you’re shopping for a muscle-building supplement stack, consider one with a whey protein powder that provides at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
Also, if you have any dietary preferences or needs it’s important to take them into consideration before purchasing a supplement stack. For instance, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to search for a supplement stack with one of the best non-stim pre-workouts. Likewise, if you prefer to avoid lactose, you’ll want to look for supplement stacks that offer plant-based or egg white protein powders.
“If you are sensitive to gluten, be sure to read labels carefully to ensure each product in the stack is free from gluten and the risk of cross-contamination,” Dr. Stanford advises. “Transparent labeling is key here, so that you know the ingredients within each supplement.”
Supplement Stacks FAQs
What is the best supplement stack?
One of the best stacks we’ve found is the Legion Muscle Growth Stack. It includes a pre-workout, protein powder, and post-workout recovery supplement with creatine. We love that it’s customizable, with a variety of protein powder options, stim or non-stim pre-workout choices, and flavors to choose from.
Do supplements ever cancel each other out?
Not really. It can seem odd at a glance that a stack includes a high-calorie protein powder and a fat burner, but these products target different aspects of function and performance without interfering with one another.
Do I need to take multiple different supplements at once?
If your nutrition is on point to support your goals, then you don’t necessarily need to take multiple supplements at once. However, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need for muscle building from whole foods alone, so adding in supplements that boost energy, stimulate muscle growth, and support recovery may help you reach your goals faster.
Is it safe to consume multiple supplements per day?
For most individuals, it can be safe to take supplements daily. It’s best to consult your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you’re taking prescription medication or have a diagnosed health condition.
References
- Campos, L. D., Santos Junior, V. A., Pimentel, J. D., Carregã, G. L. F., & Cazarin, C. B. B. (2023). Collagen supplementation in skin and orthopedic diseases: A review of the literature. Heliyon, 9(4), e14961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14961
- Ostojic, S. M., & Ahmetovic, Z. (2008). Gastrointestinal distress after creatine supplementation in athletes: are side effects dose dependent?. Research in sports medicine (Print), 16(1), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438620701693280
- Kaspy, M. S., Hannaian, S. J., Bell, Z. W., & Churchward-Venne, T. A. (2023). The effects of branched-chain amino acids on muscle protein synthesis, muscle protein breakdown and associated molecular signaling responses in humans: an update. Nutrition research reviews, 1–14. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422423000197
- Vårvik, F. T., Bjørnsen, T., & Gonzalez, A. M. (2021). Acute Effect of Citrulline Malate on Repetition Performance During Strength Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 31(4), 350–358. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0295
- Gombart, A. F., Pierre, A., & Maggini, S. (2020). A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients, 12(1), 236. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010236
- Tardy, A. L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., & Scholey, A. (2020). Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients, 12(1), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
- Wu, S. H., Chen, K. L., Hsu, C., Chen, H. C., Chen, J. Y., Yu, S. Y., & Shiu, Y. J. (2022). Creatine Supplementation for Muscle Growth: A Scoping Review of Randomized Clinical Trials from 2012 to 2021. Nutrients, 14(6), 1255. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061255
- Calder P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochemical Society transactions, 45(5), 1105–1115. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20160474
- Santos, C. S., & Nascimento, F. E. L. (2019). Isolated branched-chain amino acid intake and muscle protein synthesis in humans: a biochemical review. Einstein (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 17(3), eRB4898. https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2019RB4898
- Hall M, Manetta E, Tupper K. Creatine Supplementation: An Update. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021;20(7):338-344. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000863
- Lu, C. C., Ke, C. Y., Wu, W. T., & Lee, R. P. (2023). L-Glutamine is better for treatment than prevention in exhaustive exercise. Frontiers in physiology, 14, 1172342. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1172342
- Doma, K., Ramachandran, A. K., Boullosa, D., & Connor, J. (2022). The Paradoxical Effect of Creatine Monohydrate on Muscle Damage Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 52(7), 1623–1645. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01640-z
- Mulet-Cabero AI, Torcello-Gómez A, Saha S, Mackie AR, Wilde PJ, Brodkorb A. Impact of caseins and whey proteins ratio and lipid content on in vitro digestion and ex vivo absorption. Food Chem. 2020;319:126514. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126514
- Schoenfeld, B. J., & Aragon, A. A. (2018). How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1
- VanDusseldorp, T. A., Escobar, K. A., Johnson, K. E., Stratton, M. T., Moriarty, T., Kerksick, C. M., Mangine, G. T., Holmes, A. J., Lee, M., Endito, M. R., & Mermier, C. M. (2020). Impact of Varying Dosages of Fish Oil on Recovery and Soreness Following Eccentric Exercise. Nutrients, 12(8), 2246. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082246
- Sudeep, H. V., & Shyam Prasad, K. (2021). Supplementation of green coffee bean extract in healthy overweight subjects increases lean mass/fat mass ratio: A randomized, double-blind clinical study. SAGE open medicine, 9, 20503121211002590. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503121211002590
- Talenezhad, N., Mohammadi, M., Ramezani-Jolfaie, N., Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., & Salehi-Abargouei, A. (2020). Effects of l-carnitine supplementation on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled clinical trials with dose-response analysis. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 37, 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.03.008
- Kaufman, M. W., Roche, M., & Fredericson, M. (2022). The Impact of Supplements on Sports Performance for the Trained Athlete: A Critical Analysis. Current sports medicine reports, 21(7), 232–238. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000972
- Fielding, R., Riede, L., Lugo, J. P., & Bellamine, A. (2018). l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise. Nutrients, 10(3), 349. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10030349
- Hibi M, Matsui Y, Niwa S, et al. Corosolic acid improves glucose and insulin responses in middle-aged men with impaired fasting glucose: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Journal of Functional Foods. 2022;97:105256.
- Zhao J, Zhou H, An Y, Shen K, Yu L. Biological effects of corosolic acid as an anti-inflammatory, anti-metabolic syndrome and anti-neoplasic natural compound. Oncol Lett. 2021;21(2):84. doi:10.3892/ol.2020.12345
- Ismaeel A. Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Power: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31(8):2338-2346. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001959
- O’Connor, E., Mündel, T., & Barnes, M. J. (2022). Nutritional Compounds to Improve Post-Exercise Recovery. Nutrients, 14(23), 5069. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235069
- Barnes, M. E., Cowan, C. R., Boag, L. E., Hill, J. G., Jones, M. L., Nixon, K. M., Parker, M. G., Parker, S. K., Raymond, M. V., Sternenberg, L. H., Tidwell, S. L., Yount, T. M., Williams, T. D., Rogers, R. R., & Ballmann, C. G. (2022). Effects of Acute Yohimbine Hydrochloride Supplementation on Repeated Supramaximal Sprint Performance. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(3), 1316. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031316
- Gahreman, D., Wang, R., Boutcher, Y., & Boutcher, S. (2015). Green Tea, Intermittent Sprinting Exercise, and Fat Oxidation. Nutrients, 7(7), 5646–5663. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7075245
- Baião Ddos S, Conte-Junior CA, Paschoalin VM, Alvares TS. Beetroot juice increase nitric oxide metabolites in both men and women regardless of body mass. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2016;67(1):40-6. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2015.1121469. Epub 2015 Dec 13. PMID: 26653541.