Let’s get this out of the way: There’s no one best men’s supplement to replace a good diet and an effective workout program (that goes for people of any gender). But, if you are already eating right and training consistently, supplements can help fill the gaps in your diet. While no product on this list is necessarily superior for a specific gender, there may be a few that can suit your fitness and general health goals.
Our team of BarBend experts has tested the best creatine supplements, protein powders, and BCAAs (to name a few) to help provide all the supplements we think an athlete may need in their routine. Instead of taking the trial and error into your own hands, read on to learn about all the best supplements for men (and athletes across the gender spectrum).
The Best Supplements for Men of 2024
- Best Pre-Workout for Men: Transparent Labs BULK
- Best Creatine for Men: XWERKS Lift
- Best Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
- Best Gut Health Supplement for Men: Onnit Total Gut Health
- Best Multivitamin for Men: Ritual Essential Multivitamin
- Best Omega-3 Supplement for Men: Legion Triton
- Best Greens Powder for Men: Athletic Greens AG1
- Best BCAAs for Men: Momentous Vital Aminos
- Best Testosterone Supplement for Men: Transparent Labs Vitality
- Best Electrolyte Supplement for Men: Liquid IV
Best Pre-Workout for Men: Transparent Labs Bulk
Transparent Labs BULK contains all-natural ingredients and big doses of L-citrulline malate and beta-alanine to promote muscle gain for your next workout. Transparent Labs is also offering 25% off sitewide from November 28 through December 3, and all orders over $150 will receive a free gift bundle including a gym bag, shaker bottle, and free samples of popular products.
Specs
- Form: Powder
- Highlights: 8,000mg of citrulline malate, 4,000mg of beta-alanine, 2,500mg of betaine, 180mg of caffeine
- Flavors: Strawberry Kiwi, Piña Colada, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Peach Mango, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime
- Servings: 30
- Price Per Serving: $1.66
After trying about 70 different options, our team considers Transparent Labs BULK to be among the best pre-workout supplements. “Bulk gets a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer and registered dietitian. “It gets high scores for its ratio of ingredients and deductions for the proprietary blends and sodium content.”
Our tester tried Transparent Labs BULK for three separate workouts, including upper- and lower-body exercises. “After having BULK, I definitely felt focused throughout my whole workout,” they say. “I’ve definitely felt higher energy levels while training.” Our tester also noticed a pump, thanks to the ingredients in this product.
After shaking up this formula in a standard blender cup, we gave it a 5 out of 5 for solubility. Our team noticed zero clumping or floaties, which is exactly what you want with a pre-workout. Unfortunately, though, we have mixed opinions on flavors. While one of our testers absolutely loves the Blue Raspberry (and gives it a perfect score), our other product tester thinks the Strawberry Lemonade doesn’t taste as described, giving this one a 3.5 out of 5.
Luckily, neither of our testers noticed any unwanted side effects, so we give this category a 5 out of 5 as well. “I did notice some slight tingling but nothing too strong,” our tester says. “I’ve definitely tried other pre-workout supplements where this sensation was overwhelming. That wasn’t the case here.”
Unfortunately, though, we do have to give this product a 3.5 out of 5 for price per serving. One 30-serving container costs $49.99, which is about $1.66 per serving. You can definitely find less expensive pre-workout supplements out there. So, if you’re shopping on a budget, you might prefer a more cost-friendly pick.
Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Review.
Best Creatine for Men: XERKS Lift
Lift is Xwerks' creatine monohydrate supplement. One bag comes with 80 five-gram servings of micronized creatine monohydrate, making it easy to mix into water, or with other supplements in a stack.
Specs
- Form: Powder
- Highlights: 5g of creatine monohydrate
- Flavors: Unflavored
- Servings: 80
- Price Per Serving: $0.61
Sometimes the simplest supplements are the best. And if you’re looking for a creatine supplement for men with few added ingredients, XWERKS Lift is a solid choice. “XWERKS Lift gets a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer and registered dietitian. “The micronized creatine is easily digested, and the supplement doesn’t contain any unnecessary stuff.”
Our team enjoys the straightforward formula and also the product solubility. “The product doesn’t have any texture or graininess when you sip it,” our tester says, giving the solubility a 4.75 out of 5. “I couldn’t give a perfect score, though, because there was a little bit of residue at the bottom of my glass.”
Unfortunately, this product doesn’t have any flavor options. However, that’s actually pretty common for creatine. “I actually prefer an unflavored creatine supplement,” our tester says, giving the flavor a 5 out of 5. “That makes it easy to mix with other supplements. In coffee or protein, I didn’t even notice the powder.”
We do wish this product were third-party tested, though. After scouring the XWERKS website, we weren’t able to find any certifications or indication of third-party testing. While our testers do consider XWERKS a pretty transparent brand, we would have liked to see some validation. (1)
Where the price per serving is concerned, XWERKS earned a perfect score. One 80-serving container costs $49, which is only about $0.61 per serving. Whenever you can find any supplement that’s less than a dollar per serving, it’s a steal.
Read our full XWERKS Lift Creatine Review.
Best Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
Dig into this easily digesting grass-fed whey isolate that provides 25 grams of protein with each lean 110 calorie scoop. It comes in three tasty flavors at a cost-effective price making it a solid choice for nearly anyone.
Specs
- Form: Powder
- Highlights: 25g whey protein isolate, 0-4g carbohydrates, 0-1g fat
- Flavors: Unflavored, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Fruity Cereal
- Servings: 30
- Price Per Serving: $1.33
Protein is the main building block for muscle, and the best protein powders can help athletes build more strength. “Jacked Factory Authentic ISO earns a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulation with deductions for its sodium content and lack of third-party testing,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian and our expert reviewer.
This formula has 25 grams of protein, a maximum of 1 gram of fat, and 4 grams of carbohydrates, making it an ultra-lean option. Its low fat and low carb content makes this protein powder ideal for those prioritizing weight loss, too.
“I tried the Vanilla flavor, and I think it definitely tasted accurate,” our tester says, giving the taste a 4 out of 5. “It was a little bit sweeter than I’d like, though.” Our testers have also tried the Fruity Cereal flavor, which we think also tastes pretty true to the description.
We also give the solubility a 4 out of 5. The product mixes pretty well, and we haven’t noticed an undesirable texture. However, our product testers have noticed a little bit of powder still floating around their shaker cups.
After testing, we worked with an accredited, third-party lab to test more than 150 protein powders for accuracy and purity. Jacked Factory lands in the top 50% overall, earning a C. See our results below.
[Related: Best Whey Protein Powders]
Best Gut Health Supplement for Men: Onnit Total Gut Health
This supplement is packed with pre- and probiotics, as well as fiber from Jerusalem artichoke and dandelion root. The convenient single-serving packets make it easy to take it on the go.
Specs
- Form: Capsules
- Highlights: 250mg Saccharomyces boulardii, 450mg probiotic blend, 900mg organic Jerusalem artichoke, 600mg organic dandelion root, 500mg betaine HCl, proprietary digestive blends
- Servings: 15
- Price Per Serving: $2.53
Gut health can be an overlooked aspect of fitness, but when you’re having digestive issues, you’ll wish you’d taken better care of your microbiome. Gut health supps are generally made up of probiotics, a selection of beneficial bacteria and yeast that live in your stomach that can help you digest your food and keep you healthy, and Onnit Total Gut Health is one of the best probiotic supplements we’ve tried.
“Onnit Total Gut Health aims to address gut health from all angles,” says registered dietitian, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “It includes various probiotic strains, prebiotic sources, and betaine HCl.” She scores the formulation a 4 out of 5, noting that she especially likes the inclusion of Bifidobacterium lactis, which research suggests may be linked to benefits on the gut-brain axis. (2)(3)(4)
She does, however, ding the product slightly for its use of proprietary blends, which “leave you in the dark regarding how much of each ingredient you’re consuming.”
According to the brand, most users see pretty instant results. However, we don’t love that the serving size is seven capsules, and neither does Bourgeois. “That just seems so excessive,” she says. While they do come conveniently pre-packaged, we wish the serving size were smaller.
Our team also had to give the price per serving a 3.5 out of 5. One 15-serving box costs $37.95, which is about $2.53 per serving. If you’re looking to save a little money, you can likely find a more cost-friendly probiotic supplement.
[Related: Best Post-Workout Supplements]
Best Multivitamin for Men: Ritual Essential Multivitamin
A handsome multivitamin that delivers a range of nutrients men tend to fall short on.
Specs
- Form: Capsule
- Highlights: Provides more than 100% of your daily value for vitamins and minerals like vitamin D3 and vitamin B12; includes omega-3s
- Flavors: Mint essence
- Servings: 30
- Price Per Serving: $0.88
When your balanced diet falls short of some essential vitamins and nutrients, a vitamin supplement for men (and folks of any gender, really) can be a great solution. And the Ritual Essential Multi, one of the best multivitamins we’ve tested, is sure to fill those gaps for your overall health — and then some.
This product packs plenty of the best vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc. And unlike most multivitamin supplements, this formula also includes 330 milligrams of omega-3s. We did have to give the formulation a 4 out of 5, though, as it’s missing vitamin C. However, Ritual claims this is because some research has found that we actually get sufficient vitamin C from our food. (5)
Unlike some other multivitamins, this daily supplement for men only requires two capsules per serving, which we like. And our testers actually like the aftertaste Ritual added, giving the flavor a 5 out of 5. It has a slow-releasing minty essence, which helps hide the fish oil. Plus, if you’re looking for one of the best multivitamin supplements for men over 50, Ritual makes that version, too.
“I’d say the most notable thing about these is the flavor of the pills,” says Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer. “It seems a little unnecessary, but I think it’s a good touch, too. The first bottle I took of this product tasted minty, but the one I have now is a little lemon-y.”
The price per serving for this product is pretty affordable, which our team also enjoys, giving this factor a 5 out of 5. One 30-serving bottle is $26.40, which is only about $0.88 per serving. “My only complaint is that the label on the bottle is impossible to read,” Meier adds. “The brand uses white text on a clear bottle with gold pills, which is impractical. And the letters are TINY.”
Best Omega-3 Supplement for Men: Legion Triton
A high-potency, molecularly distilled fish oil with additional vitamin E and lemon oil, this supplement from Legion meets stringent purity standards and is sourced from sustainable fisheries.
Specs
- Form: Softgel
- Highlights: 1440mg EPA, 960mg DHA, 48 IU vitamin E
- Flavors: N/A
- Servings: 30
- Price Per Serving: $1.50
Omega-3 fatty acids are common in fish and seafood. Their positive health benefits on the cardiovascular system are well-documented, but it can be hard to eat enough to get those benefits (especially if you don’t like seafood). “Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a host of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, better cognition, lowered inflammation, better joint health, and improved vision, among others,” explains Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM. (6) That’s where a supplement like Legion Triton comes in.
This supplement is among our top-rated male supplements (though we like it regardless of your gender) because it’s loaded with 4000 milligrams of fish oil, which is more than the more common 2,000-milligram dose you’ll find in even the best fish oils. This is good news because omega-3s may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in those with an elevated risk of heart disease or cardiovascular issues. (7)
More good news: This contains 2400 milligrams of EPA/DHA, which may reduce the risk of nonfatal heart syndromes, as well as lower inflammation. (8)(9) (In other words, your knees will thank you.)
“Personally, I split the four-capsule serving into two servings per day with meals,” according to our tester, Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer, who gives side effects a 4.5 out of 5. “I didn’t experience any fishy aftertaste or burps.” However, she did notice a fishy smell of the capsules but not nearly as bad as she has experienced with other fish oil supplements.
Our team gives Legion a 5 out of 5 for third-party testing, too. Legion is a transparent brand that presents all the research it did to create this supplement. We also like that this product is sustainably sourced and certified by Friend of the Sea, a project of the World Sustainability Organization.
We do wish the product were just a smidge less pricey, though. One 30-serving bottle costs $44.99, which is about $1.50 per serving. For price per serving, our team had to give this product a 3.5 out of 5, as it may not fall within every athlete’s budget. However, we love the transparency, dosage, and sustainability factor.
Best Greens Powder for Men: Athletic Greens AG1
Specs
- Form: Powder
- Highlights: 555mcg vitamin A, 420mg of vitamin C, 22mcg of vitamin B12, 118mg of calcium, 300mg of potassium, 154mg of digestive enzymes, 38mg probiotics
- Flavors: Pineapple Vanilla
- Servings: 30
- Price Per Serving: Starting at $2.63
It can be hard for athletes to get everything they need just from the food they eat, which is where the best greens powders come in. Greens powders are basically a selection of vegetables that are dehydrated and powdered for easy consumption. They’re intended to boost your vegetable intake and fill in your nutritional gaps, and we think Athletic Greens’ AG1 is worth a look. (10)
AG1’s exhaustingly long ingredients list includes vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and nootropics. (4)(10) You get more than 100 percent of your daily requirement for vitamin C, most B vitamins, and zinc. Some of the ingredients are in proprietary blends, though, so you don’t know exactly how much of each ingredient you’re getting.
“AG1 Athletic Greens gets a 3 out of 5 for its formulation, with major deductions for its proprietary blends and cost,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian and our expert reviewer. “For many, the cost doesn’t match the purported benefits.” At about $2.63 per serving, this formula definitely isn’t the most affordable.
However, compared to other greens powders, the plant-based taste actually isn’t too earthy. According to our tester and nutrition coach Billy Brown, “I drank this supplement consistently for a few months, and the Pineapple Vanilla definitely cuts the bitter taste of the greens. Overall, I’d give the flavor a 4 out of 5.”
Brown has some tips for mixing this powder, too. “I do have to knock AG1 down a few points for the solubility, though, to a 3 out of 5. I tried mixing my greens with an electric stirrer and a shaker bottle, but neither mechanism was able to keep the drink from settling. However, I sipped mine with a straw, which enabled me to mix pretty consistently.”
Read our full Athletic Greens Review.
Best BCAAs for Men: Momentous Vital Aminos
This supplement blends nine essential amino acids to help build strength and improve your performance. One bag costs $44.95 and comes in a tropical punch flavor.
Specs
- Form: Powder
- Highlights: 2,500mg L-Leucine, 725mg L-Lysine, 625mg L-Isoleucine, 50mg L-Methionine, 20mg L-Tryptophan, 625mg L-Valine
- Flavors: Tropical Punch
- Servings: 30
- Price Per Serving: $1.49
Branched-chain amino acids can help your body build muscle, reduce soreness, and even stave off fatigue during workouts. Momentous Vital Aminos, one of the best BCAA supplements we’ve tested, packs 13 amino acids, which can go a long way in reducing soreness and speeding up recovery after hard workouts. (11)
“Our bodies can’t make essential amino acids, so we have to get them through our diet,” explains Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian and our expert reviewer. “While you can get them from a variety of foods, Vital Aminos makes it easy. You get all nine in one scoop. And it’s also Informed Sport certified!”
While we do like the inclusion of all the essential aminos, Bourgeois does have to give the overall formulation a 2.5 out of 5. The amount of each ingredient leaves you wanting more, she says. “Adding small portions of a few specific foods can give you more [BCAAs] than you get in this formulation — and at a lower cost,” she explains.
That being said, we do like the third-party testing and certification, so Momentous gets a perfect 5 out of 5 in that category. (1) And we like that the brand uses no artificial flavors, sugars, or colorings, which you won’t find with most other BCAA products.
Our team does wish this product were a little more budget-friendly, giving it a 3 out of 5 in the cost category. One 30-serving bag costs $44.95, which is about $1.49 per serving. While you can subscribe to monthly deliveries for $35.96 per bag, you can still find cheaper BCAA supplements on the market.
Best Testosterone Supplement for Men: Transparent Labs Vitality
Each two-capsule serving provides 600 milligrams of organic ashwagandha alongside 15 milligrams of zinc. It is free of artificial sweeteners, colorings, gluten, and GMOs. Transparent Labs is also offering 25% off sitewide from November 28 through December 3, and all orders over $150 will receive a free gift bundle including a gym bag, shaker bottle, and free samples of popular products.
Specs
- Form: Capsules
- Highlights: 15mg zinc, 600mg organic ashwagandha extract, 250mg shilajit extract, 250mg quercetin dihydrate, 5mg boron
- Flavors: N/A
- Servings: 30
- Price Per Serving: $1.83
One big concern for some adults, especially as they get older, is dropping testosterone levels. One way to combat this is supplementing with one of the best testosterone boosters. For this purpose, our team likes Transparent Labs Vitality.
“I’d score this a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer and a registered dietitian. “The research is there — Vitality uses clinical doses of proven ingredients.” Vitality packs 15 milligrams of zinc (136% of your daily value), an essential mineral. Although this ingredient isn’t going to skyrocket your testosterone instantly, zinc deficiency may reduce testosterone levels. (12)
“Many testosterone boosters are available over the counter, but the FDA doesn’t regulate these products, so I love that Transparent Labs has Vitality tested by a third-party lab to be Informed-Sport certified,” Bourgeois says. So, naturally, our team gave this product a 5 out of 5 for third-party testing.
Bourgeois also likes the use of ashwagandha, which has been linked to improved testosterone levels. (13) And the diindolylmethane (DIM) in Vitality is a bioactive metabolite of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which can help prevent drops in testosterone by interfering with aromatase. (14) Plus, there are no artificial sweeteners or colorings in this product, so it’s safe for those following gluten-free or vegan diets. (15)
We did have to give this product a 3 out of 5 for price per serving, though. One 30-serving container costs $54.99, making it about $1.83 per serving. Realistically, you can buy a lot of these ingredients on their own for less than $54.99 total. However, if you don’t want to be taking a bunch of individual capsules, this is a good choice.
Best Electrolyte Supplement for Men: Liquid IV
Liquid IV's hydration multiplier is ideal for athletes who like to take their workouts on-the-go, thanks to the convenient single-serving packets. These also contain additional vitamins and nutrients.
Specs
- Form: Powder
- Highlights: 40-50 calories per serving, 11-13g of carbs
- Flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Seaberry, Tropical Punch, Pina Colada, Concord Grape, Golden Cherry, Acai Berry, Guava, Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Watermelon
- Servings: 16
- Price Per Serving: $1.56
In our opinion, Liquid IV is among the best electrolyte supplements on the market — and for good reason. Our team absolutely loves the product in and out of training. “Liquid IV gets a 4 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian. “It contains essential vitamins and electrolytes that can support your best workout and recovery.” We just wish it didn’t have the 11 grams of added sugar, but these additional carbs may offer some extra workout energy. (16)
After plenty of Liquid IV-fueled bike rides and runs, one of our testers, nutrition coach Billy Brown, definitely feels the difference. “This product absolutely does its job, and it deserves a spot among the best workout supplements for men (and athletes of any gender working up a sweat). My long endurance workouts can be incredibly depleting, but with this powder in my water bottle, I definitely felt more energized. As far as the product’s effects are concerned, I’d give it a 4 out of 5.”
Brown hasn’t noticed any issues with this powder’s solubility. However, our other tester did have a tip. “Don’t try to mix this powder with less than 16 ounces of liquid,” she says. “If you use too little liquid, the texture is grainy and too strong.” That being considered, we give the solubility a 5 out of 5.
Brown only tried the Lemon Lime flavor. “Honestly, it wasn’t my favorite. It tasted really artificial, so I give the taste a 3 out of 5.” Brown also thinks there’s a little too much sodium (another thing our RD called out, too), and it really comes out in the flavor. Brown explains: “During a 60-mile bike ride, this supplement left my mouth feeling too salty, despite the fact that I was sweating a ton. So, I’d actually suggest mixing it with even more water than recommended.”
When it comes to overall value, we thought this one was pretty pricey. One 16-serving bag costs $24.99, which is about $1.56 per serving. We had to give this category a 3 out of 5, as you can definitely find more cost-friendly electrolytes.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Supplements for Men
Our team of BarBend experts, including personal trainers and athletes, has been testing supplements (and everything else gym-related) for years. For this article, we evaluated hundreds of supplements based on price, taste, and effectiveness, among other things. Here are the factors we considered:
- Effects: For this list, we tried each product for its intended purpose, noting any benefits or side effects we felt. We also ran these products by our registered dietitian to make sure they’re safe for the general population.
- Flavor and Solubility: For pre-workouts and protein powders, for instance, we made sure to choose supplements that tasted appetizing (or offered many flavor options) and diluted well in water. After all, who wants to sip on an awful-tasting, grainy supplement?
- Dosage: Where it applies, we selected products that actually provide adequate amounts of the supplement (or active ingredients) at hand. We also made sure to point out where we thought products lacked in the dosage department.
- Third-Party Testing: We prioritized third-party tested supplements to make sure readers are getting products with accurate labels. BarBend also worked with a third-party accredited lab to test several different types of protein powders for unwanted components, like heavy metals.
- Price: That being said, you don’t have to make a huge investment in order to add some high-quality products to your diet. We tried to balance price with well-produced, safe products.
Benefits of Supplements for Men
As the name suggests, supplements are intended to supplement a healthy diet and a consistent, effective workout regimen. Nothing on this list is going to get you to your goals if you’re not eating right and putting the hours in at the gym. But, if you’re taking care of the essentials, supplements can help you in many areas of health and fitness. Below are some benefits of the many types of supplements you’ll find on this list.
- Pre-Workout: Most often, these supplements use caffeine and other stimulants like beta-alanine, which not only delivers those fun skin tingles but can also stave off fatigue during long sets. (17)(18)
- Protein Powder: As the main building block for muscle, adding protein powder to one’s diet can help speed up the recovery process, helping men and athletes across the gender spectrum pack on muscle and get back in the gym sooner after a tough workout. (19)
- Creatine: Studies have shown that adding a creatine supplement can not only help build strength but may also help the body increase muscle mass as well. (20)
- Omega-3s: Commonly found in fatty fish and other seafood, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of negative cardiac events like strokes and heart attacks. (7)
- BCAAs: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that can help your body build muscle, reduce soreness, and speed up recovery after exercise. (11)
- Greens Powders: At its most basic, a greens powder is a selection of nutrient-rich vegetables that have been dehydrated and ground into a powder.
- Testosterone Boosters: Often testosterone boosters use ingredients like vitamin D and zinc, which studies suggest may influence testosterone levels. (21)(12) Higher levels can have positive effects on people’s energy, strength, muscle, etc. However, in people with normal vitamin D levels (i.e., not vitamin D deficiency), vitamin supplementation is less likely to boost testosterone levels.
- Probiotics: Increasing the good bacteria may help your body digest food better and fight off illness. Studies have also suggested that probiotics may even help some digest milk products. (2)
How Much Do Supplements for Men Cost?
The best dietary supplements for men can come in a variety of forms — from protein and creatine powders to multivitamins and probiotics — and the prices of our picks represent that diversity. The following chart puts the prices of our picks side by side.
Best Pre-Workout for Men | Transparent Labs BULK | $1.66 per serving |
Best Creatine for Men | XWERKS Lift | $0.61 per serving |
Best Protein Powder for Men | Jacked Factory Authentic ISO | $1.33 per serving |
Best Gut Health Supplement for Men | Onnit Total Gut Health | $2.53 per serving |
Best Multivitamin for Men | Ritual Essential Multivitamin | $0.88 per serving |
Best Omega-3 Supplement for Men | Legion Triton | $1.50 per serving |
Best Greens Powder for Men | Athletic Greens AG1 | Starting at $2.63 per serving |
Best BCAAs for Men | Momentous Vital Aminos | $1.49 per serving |
Best Testosterone Supplement for Men | Transparent Labs Vitality | $1.83 per serving |
Best Electrolyte Supplement for Men | Liquid IV | $1.56 per serving |
[Related: Best Supplements for Weight Loss]
What to Consider Before Buying Supplements for Men
The category of best supplements for men is a far-reaching one. In order to hone in on all the supplements you may need, take your personal health, fitness goals, and activity levels into account. Here are a few factors to consider:
Ingredients
For a lot of supplements, the ingredient list should be fairly straightforward. For example, if you’re buying a protein supplement, its first ingredient should be (you guessed it) protein. But even with protein, there are nuances — different types of proteins, additives, etc. Try to opt for a formula that’s as simple as possible. Or, at the very least, one that adds ingredients that may benefit your goals (or won’t harm them).
Dosage
Having the right ingredients doesn’t mean much if you don’t have an effective dosage. So, in addition to the ingredients, also check for effective doses. For example, studies show that 5 grams of creatine can be effective in amplifying athletic performance and muscle hypertrophy, so we chose a creatine supplement that had 5 grams of creatine. (20)
For supplements like protein powder that are designed to boost your macronutrient intake, we looked for supplements that had higher, more effective doses. A protein supplement that had 20 to 25 grams of protein per scoop received more consideration than, say, a protein powder with 10 to 15 grams of protein.
When possible, research the recommended daily value of a supplement or look into the common amounts you should be getting each day.
Third-Party Testing
Whenever possible, we put an emphasis on brands and products that present some sort of third-party testing. This helps ensure that the product you’re buying is safe and presents an accurate nutritional label. (1)
We give preference to products that are certified by reputable organizations like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), as well as the NSF International Certification for Sport, which certifies that a product does not contain any prohibited substances.
Fitness Goals
Athletes with different fitness goals will have different nutritional needs. Therefore, consider what types of supplements may benefit your training most. If you’re looking to hit a new squat PR, you’ll want to check out some of the best supplements for muscle growth. Or, if you’re someone who lives a busy lifestyle and doesn’t often have time for diverse meals, a greens powder may be able to help fill some nutritional gaps. “This is where working with a knowledgeable professional to create personalized recommendations can be beneficial,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM.
Physician Guidance
Everyone’s body is different, and what works for one athlete may not be best for your needs. The supplements on this list are pretty well-researched and should be safe for the general population. Nevertheless, if you have any pre-existing conditions or just general health concerns, it’s best to follow the guidance of a personal physician or registered dietitian.
Supplements for Men FAQs
What is the best supplement for men?
Supplements for athletes of any gender come in many different categories, so it really depends on what effect you’re looking for. But right now, our current favorite is Transparent Labs BULK pre-workout. In addition to being an effective way to boost energy before a workout, it’s loaded with a good amount of ingredients that may help boost testosterone levels.
What vitamins actually work for men?
While all of the supplements on this list have scientific research backing their effectiveness, some men may not need creatine or extra protein. However, studies have shown that vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies are fairly common in healthy adults, so it could be beneficial to find a multivitamin or greens powder that contains those vitamins. (22)
Are supplements for men safe?
The FDA doesn’t approve dietary supplements, so you’ll have to look for other certifications, like a USP or ISF certification, to ensure a supplement’s quality. Even then, you should check with a physician if you are considering a supplement to make sure that it doesn’t contain anything that may cause an adverse reaction.
Should men take a multivitamin?
A multivitamin isn’t a must-have for any athlete. However, for those who might be deficient in certain vitamins and nutrients or who may not have a balanced diet, they can be a good choice.
Resources
- Eichner, A. K., Coyles, J., Fedoruk, M., Maxey, T. D., Lenaghan, R. A., Novitzky, J., Lindsey, A. T., & Deuster, P. A. (2019). Essential Features of Third-Party Certification Programs for Dietary Supplements: A Consensus Statement. Current sports medicine reports, 18(5), 178–182. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31082891/
- Tegegne, B. A., & Kebede, B. (2022). Probiotics, their prophylactic and therapeutic applications in human health development: A review of the literature. Heliyon, 8(6), e09725. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9240980/
- Michels, M., Jesus, G. F. A., Abatti, M. R., Córneo, E., Cucker, L., de Medeiros Borges, H., da Silva Matos, N., Rocha, L. B., Dias, R., Simon, C. S., Voytena, A. P. L., Rossetto, M., Ramlov, F., & Dal-Pizzol, F. (2022). Effects of different probiotic strains B. lactis, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri on brain-intestinal axis immunomodulation in an endotoxin-induced inflammation. Molecular neurobiology, 59(8), 5168–5178. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35674863/
- Bevilacqua, A., Campaniello, D., Speranza, B., Racioppo, A., Sinigaglia, M., & Corbo, M. R. (2024). An Update on Prebiotics and on Their Health Effects. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 13(3), 446. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38338581/
- Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. (2013). Synthetic or food-derived vitamin C–are they equally bioavailable?. Nutrients, 5(11), 4284–4304. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3847730/
- Gammone, M. A., Riccioni, G., Parrinello, G., & D’Orazio, N. (2018). Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport. Nutrients, 11(1), 46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6357022/
- Khan, S. U., Lone, A. N., Khan, M. S., Virani, S. S., Blumenthal, R. S., Nasir, K., Miller, M., Michos, E. D., Ballantyne, C. M., Boden, W. E., & Bhatt, D. L. (2021). Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine, 38, 100997. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505026/
- So, J., Wu, D., Lichtenstein, A. H., Tai, A. K., Matthan, N. R., Maddipati, K. R., & Lamon-Fava, S. (2021). EPA and DHA differentially modulate monocyte inflammatory response in subjects with chronic inflammation in part via plasma specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Atherosclerosis, 316, 90–98. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33303222/
- Bernasconi, A. A., Wiest, M. M., Lavie, C. J., Milani, R. V., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2021). Effect of Omega-3 Dosage on Cardiovascular Outcomes: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Interventional Trials. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 96(2), 304–313. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32951855/
- Kirby, T. O., Sapp, P. A., Townsend, J. R., Govaert, M., Duysburgh, C., Marzorati, M., Marshall, T. M., & Esposito, R. (2024). AG1® Induces a Favorable Impact on Gut Microbial Structure and Functionality in the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem® Model. Current issues in molecular biology, 46(1), 557–569. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814853/
- Arroyo-Cerezo, A., Cerrillo, I., Ortega, Á., & Fernández-Pachón, M. S. (2021). Intake of branched chain amino acids favors post-exercise muscle recovery and may improve muscle function: optimal dosage regimens and consumption conditions. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 61(11), 1478–1489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33586928/
- Te, L., Liu, J., Ma, J., & Wang, S. (2023). Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone: A systematic review. Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS), 76, 127124. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36577241/
- Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., & Smith, S. J. (2019). A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. American journal of men’s health, 13(2), 1557988319835985. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30854916/
- De Santi, M., Carloni, E., Galluzzi, L., Diotallevi, A., Lucarini, S., Magnani, M., & Brandi, G. (2015). Inhibition of Testosterone Aromatization by the Indole-3-carbinol Derivative CTet in CYP19A1-overexpressing MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry, 15(7), 896–904. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25612679/
- Lizano-Díez, I., Mariño, E. L., & Modamio, P. (2021). Gluten in pharmaceutical products: a scoping review. Systematic reviews, 10(1), 218. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8349483/
- Fan, P. W., Burns, S. F., & Lee, J. K. W. (2020). Efficacy of Ingesting an Oral Rehydration Solution after Exercise on Fluid Balance and Endurance Performance. Nutrients, 12(12), 3826. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7765193/
- Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015). International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 30. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4501114/
- Guest, N. S., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Nelson, M. T., Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B. J., Jenkins, N. D. M., Arent, S. M., Antonio, J., Stout, J. R., Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Goldstein, E. R., Kalman, D. S., & Campbell, B. I. (2021). International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7777221/
- Cintineo, H. P., Arent, M. A., Antonio, J., & Arent, S. M. (2018). Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training. Frontiers in nutrition, 5, 83. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6142015/
- Naderi, A., de Oliveira, E. P., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Willems, M. T. (2016). Timing, Optimal Dose and Intake Duration of Dietary Supplements with Evidence-Based Use in Sports Nutrition. Journal of exercise nutrition & biochemistry, 20(4), 1–12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5545206/
- Monson, N. R., Klair, N., Patel, U., Saxena, A., Patel, D., Ayesha, I. E., & Nath, T. S. (2023). Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Testosterone Levels in Adult Males: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 15(9), e45856. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37750061/
- Sivaprasad, M., Shalini, T., Reddy, P. Y., Seshacharyulu, M., Madhavi, G., Kumar, B. N., & Reddy, G. B. (2019). Prevalence of vitamin deficiencies in an apparently healthy urban adult population: Assessed by subclinical status and dietary intakes. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 63-64, 106–113. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30954757/