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For informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

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  1. Home
  2. Goals
  3. Build strength & muscle
Performance

Best Supplements for Muscle & Strength

Support muscle growth and power. Ranked by evidence strength from 32 supplements backed by peer-reviewed clinical research.

32
Supplements Ranked
1,136+
Studies Analyzed
9.5/10
Top Evidence Score
98%
Top Match Score
1
Ct9.5

Creatine

Top Pick9.5/10 Evidence

The most researched supplement for strength, power, and cognitive function under stress.

98%match
5g daily
2-4 weeks
high
Monohydrate powder

5-15% strength gains

Goal relevance98%
2
Wp9.0

Whey Protein

9/10 Evidence

The gold standard protein supplement for muscle building, recovery, and convenient protein intake.

95%match
20-40g per serving
2-4 weeks
high
Whey Protein Isolate

Enhanced muscle protein synthesis

Goal relevance95%
3
Cp9.0

Casein Protein

9/10 Evidence

A slow-digesting milk protein ideal for sustained amino acid delivery and overnight muscle recovery.

88%match
30-40g before bed
4-8 weeks
high
Micellar Casein powder

Reduced muscle breakdown, sustained muscle protein synthesis

Goal relevance88%
4
Eaa7.5

EAAs

7.5/10 Evidence

Complete essential amino acid blend that maximizes muscle protein synthesis — superior to BCAAs alone.

85%match
10-15g EAAs (containing 3-4g leucine)
Acute and cumulative
high
Free-form EAA powder (instantized for mixing)

Enhanced muscle protein synthesis

Goal relevance85%
5
CM7.5

Citrulline Malate

7.5/10 Evidence

A powerful combination of L-citrulline and malic acid that enhances exercise performance, reduces fatigue, and improves muscle pumps.

80%match
6-8g citrulline malate pre-workout
Acute (first dose)
high
Citrulline Malate 2:1 powder

More reps, better pumps, reduced soreness

Goal relevance80%
6
Tka7.0

Tongkat Ali

7/10 Evidence

Southeast Asian herb with evidence for supporting healthy testosterone levels, energy, and stress resilience.

80%match
200-400mg standardized extract
4-12 weeks
moderate
Standardized root extract (100:1 or 200:1)

May increase testosterone, especially if low or stressed

Goal relevance80%
7
Fen7.5

Fenugreek

7.5/10 Evidence

Traditional herb with evidence for supporting testosterone, libido, blood sugar control, and lactation.

75%match
500-600mg extract (standardized)
4-8 weeks
high
Standardized extract (Testofen, Furosap)

Modest increase in testosterone and libido

Goal relevance75%
8
Lci9.0

L-Citrulline

9/10 Evidence

Amino acid that boosts nitric oxide production, improving blood flow, exercise performance, and recovery.

70%match
3-6g (or 6-8g citrulline malate)
1-2 weeks
moderate
L-Citrulline powder (pure form)

May improve high-rep performance

Goal relevance70%
9
B8.5

Boron

8.5/10 Evidence

Often-overlooked trace mineral that supports testosterone, bone health, and cognitive function.

70%match
3-10mg
1-4 weeks
high
Boron citrate or boron glycinate

May increase free testosterone, especially if deficient

Goal relevance70%
10
Tt8.5

Tribulus

8.5/10 Evidence

A traditional herb marketed for testosterone and libido support, though research shows benefits primarily for libido and sexual function rather than testosterone levels.

70%match
250-750mg daily (standardized to 45-60% saponins)
2-4 weeks
high
Extract standardized to 45-60% saponins (protodioscin)

Enhanced libido and sexual desire

Goal relevance70%
11
Ec8.0

Beta-Ecdysterone

8/10 Evidence

A plant-derived compound structurally similar to insect hormones that may enhance muscle protein synthesis and strength without hormonal side effects.

70%match
200-500mg daily (or higher based on studies)
4-10 weeks
high
Standardized extract (typically from Cyanotis arachnoidea or spinach)

Enhanced muscle protein synthesis and strength

Goal relevance70%
12
Hmb8.0

HMB

8/10 Evidence

Leucine metabolite that helps prevent muscle breakdown and supports recovery, especially during caloric restriction or intense training.

70%match
3g daily
2-4 weeks
high
HMB-Ca (calcium salt) capsules or powder

Preserves muscle during caloric restriction

Goal relevance70%
13
Shj8.0

Shilajit

8/10 Evidence

Ancient Ayurvedic substance containing fulvic acid and minerals, used for energy, testosterone, and vitality.

70%match
300-500mg purified extract
8-12 weeks
moderate
Purified resin or PrimaVie extract

May increase testosterone levels

Goal relevance70%
14
Bal7.5

Beta-Alanine

7.5/10 Evidence

Increases muscle carnosine to buffer acid during high-intensity exercise, extending endurance for 1-4 minute efforts.

70%match
3.2-6.4g daily
2-4 weeks
high
CarnoSyn® sustained-release tablets

More reps at higher intensities

Goal relevance70%
15
Bc9.0

BCAAs

9/10 Evidence

The three essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) that support muscle protein synthesis and reduce exercise fatigue.

65%match
5-10g per serving
Immediate to 2 hours
high
Powder (2:1:1 ratio)

Muscle protein synthesis support

Goal relevance65%
16
Ep8.5

Epicatechin

8.5/10 Evidence

A powerful flavonoid found in dark chocolate that may enhance muscle growth, endurance, and cardiovascular health by inhibiting myostatin.

65%match
100-200mg daily
4-8 weeks
high
Pure (-)-Epicatechin extract

Potential myostatin inhibition and enhanced muscle growth

Goal relevance65%
17
Ash7.5

Ashwagandha

7.5/10 Evidence

A powerful adaptogen that reduces cortisol, anxiety, and stress while supporting sleep quality and recovery.

65%match
300-600mg daily (standardized extract)
8-12 weeks
moderate
KSM-66 or Sensoril standardized extract

Modest strength and muscle gains

Goal relevance65%
18
Ci7.0

Cistanche

7/10 Evidence

A traditional Chinese herb known as 'desert ginseng' that supports energy, hormonal health, and longevity.

65%match
100-200mg extract or 1-3g dried herb
4-8 weeks
high
Standardized extract (echinacosides)

Support for healthy testosterone levels

Goal relevance65%
19
Mcp7.0

Mucuna Pruriens

7/10 Evidence

Natural source of L-DOPA that supports dopamine production, mood, motivation, and reproductive health.

65%match
200-500mg extract (standardized to 15-20% L-DOPA)
4-12 weeks
moderate
Standardized extract (15-20% L-DOPA)

May support reproductive hormones

Goal relevance65%
20
Zn9.0

Zinc

9/10 Evidence

An essential mineral critical for immune function, testosterone, wound healing, and sleep quality.

60%match
15-30mg daily
4-8 weeks
high
Zinc picolinate or zinc citrate

Testosterone support if deficient

Goal relevance60%
21
Fa2.5

Fadogia Agrestis

2.5/10 Evidence

A Nigerian shrub traditionally used for male vitality that has gained popularity for potential testosterone support.

60%match
300-600mg extract daily
2-4 weeks
moderate
Standardized extract

Potential testosterone support (limited evidence)

Goal relevance60%
22
Ar9.0

Arginine

9/10 Evidence

An amino acid precursor to nitric oxide that supports blood flow, exercise performance, and cardiovascular health.

55%match
3-6g daily
Acute (30-60 min)
moderate
L-Arginine powder or capsules

Improved muscle pump and nutrient delivery

Goal relevance55%
23
K9.0

Potassium

9/10 Evidence

An essential electrolyte mineral critical for blood pressure regulation, muscle function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance.

55%match
99-500mg daily from supplements (food provides more)
1-2 weeks
moderate
Potassium Citrate or Potassium Gluconate

Proper muscle function and reduced cramps

Goal relevance55%
24
Vd9.0

Vitamin D3

9/10 Evidence

The 'sunshine vitamin' essential for immune function, mood, bone health, and regulating over 1,000 genes in the body.

55%match
2000-4000 IU daily
8-12 weeks
high
D3 (cholecalciferol) softgel or liquid

Supports muscle protein synthesis and bone mineral density

Goal relevance55%
25
Agp8.5

Alpha-GPC

8.5/10 Evidence

A highly bioavailable choline source that supports acetylcholine production for focus, memory, and athletic performance.

55%match
300-600mg daily
Acute
moderate
Alpha-GPC 50% powder or capsules

Possible power output improvement

Goal relevance55%
26
Mac8.5

Maca

8.5/10 Evidence

Peruvian root vegetable traditionally used for energy, libido, and hormonal balance without directly affecting hormone levels.

55%match
1500-3000mg
4-8 weeks
high
Gelatinized maca powder (easier to digest)

May improve libido without changing hormone levels

Goal relevance55%
27
Mg8.5

Magnesium

8.5/10 Evidence

An essential mineral involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions, crucial for sleep, stress, muscle function, and cognitive health.

50%match
200-350mg elemental magnesium daily
4-8 weeks
high
Depends on goal - see notes

Supports muscle contraction and ATP production for strength

Goal relevance50%
28
Am7.0

Agmatine

7/10 Evidence

A versatile neuromodulator derived from arginine that supports mood, neuroprotection, pain management, and nitric oxide regulation.

50%match
500-2500mg daily
Acute
moderate
Agmatine Sulfate

Improved muscle pumps via NO modulation

Goal relevance50%
29
Clt6.5

Carnitine L-Tartrate

6.5/10 Evidence

Recovery-optimized form of carnitine with evidence for muscle recovery, androgen receptor upregulation, and exercise performance.

50%match
2000-3000mg (2-3g) daily
4-8 weeks
high
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate powder or capsules

Supports recovery from resistance exercise via androgen receptor upregulation

Goal relevance50%
30
Dha9.0

DHEA

9/10 Evidence

Adrenal hormone precursor that declines with age, supporting hormone balance, energy, and body composition.

48%match
25-50mg for women; 50-100mg for men (start low)
8-12 weeks
moderate
Micronized DHEA capsules

Modest anabolic effects via androgen precursor activity

Goal relevance48%
31
Nab8.0

Sodium Bicarbonate

8/10 Evidence

Proven ergogenic aid that buffers lactic acid, extending high-intensity exercise capacity by 1-3%.

48%match
0.2-0.3g per kg bodyweight (14-21g for 70kg person)
30-60 minutes
moderate
Pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate powder or capsules

Buffering capacity extends high-intensity work sets

Goal relevance48%
32
Vk7.5

Vitamin K2

7.5/10 Evidence

Fat-soluble vitamin that directs calcium to bones instead of arteries, supporting cardiovascular and bone health.

48%match
100-200mcg (MK-7)
12+ weeks
moderate
MK-7 (menaquinone-7)

Activates osteocalcin for bone mineralization and density

Goal relevance48%

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Related Goals

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Improve endurance

Enhance stamina and aerobic capacity

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💪

Speed up recovery

Faster post-workout recovery

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Boost daily energy

Increase sustained energy levels

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.