Top 5 — Ranked by Evidence
Very Strong
Caffeine
Enhances Alertness and Focus
100–400 mg/day; performance: 3–6 mg/kg body weight 60 minutes pre-exercise; upper safe
Very Strong
Provon® (Whey Protein Isolate — Glanbia)
Muscle Protein Synthesis Stimulation
20-40 g whey protein isolate per serving across published trials. 20 g provides ~2.5 g
Very Strong
Creatine Monohydrate
Strength and high-intensity exercise performance
Standard daily: 3-5 g/day (no loading needed). Optional loading: 20 g/day × 5-7 days,
Very Strong
Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark)
Blood pressure — modest effect, mostly in hypertensives
50–200 mg/day; cardiovascular: 100–200 mg/day; cognitive: 100 mg/day; athletic
Very Strong
Whey Concentrate
Muscle Growth and Repair
20–40 g post-workout for muscle growth/recovery; 1.6–2 g/kg/day total protein for
📈 Fastest Growing Athletic Performance Ingredients
Branded ingredients seeing rapid growth in formulator adoption and clinical research in 2024–2026.
Trending
Very Strong
Creatine Monohydrate
Strength and high-intensity exercise performance
Standard daily: 3-5 g/day (no loading needed). Optional loading: 20 g/day × 5-7 days, then 3-5…
Trending
Very Strong
Provon® (Whey Protein Isolate — Glanbia)
Muscle Protein Synthesis Stimulation
20-40 g whey protein isolate per serving across published trials. 20 g provides ~2.5 g…
Trending
Very Strong
Whey Concentrate
Muscle Growth and Repair
20–40 g post-workout for muscle growth/recovery; 1.6–2 g/kg/day total protein for athletes;…
🔬 Future Athletic Performance Ingredients to Watch
Lower current evidence but active research underway — these may become top picks within 2–3 years.
Watch
Moderate
PrimaVie® (Shilajit Extract — Natreon)
Testosterone support in middle-aged men (foundational trial)
Clinical trial dose: 250 mg twice daily (500 mg/day total) for 90 days. CoQ10 potentiation…
Watch
Moderate
cellflo6® (Gallate-Enhanced Green Tea Procyanidins — PLT Health)
Enhanced blood flow following resistance exercise
600 mg/day cellflo6 — the dose showing significant blood flow improvements in the Auburn…
Watch
Moderate
Bovine Colostrum
Exercise-induced gut permeability — strongest evidence
Athletic gut/immune: 20-60 g/day × 4-12 weeks. Pediatric diarrhea: 7-14 g/day. Choose products…
Recommended Athletic Performance Products
Heads up: NutraSmarts may earn a commission from purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We curate these picks based on the same evidence we cite throughout the page. Full disclosure.
Real products featuring the best-evidenced athletic performance ingredients ranked above - chosen for clinically-studied forms and doses, third-party testing, and value. Match the supplement to your specific need.
Best for energy, pumps & focus pre-training
Amazon →
Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout
Powder, 30 servings (flavored)
Fully transparent label with clinically meaningful citrulline, beta-alanine, and organic caffeine; no artificial sweeteners or dyes.
Best for post-workout muscle recovery
Amazon →
Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein
20 g whey isolate/serving, 25 servings
Grass-fed whey isolate that is NSF Certified for Sport, screening for banned substances; includes ProHydrolase enzymes.
Best for strength & lean muscle support
Amazon →
Thorne Creatine
5 g micronized monohydrate/serving, 90 servings
Micronized monohydrate, the most-researched creatine form, and NSF Certified for Sport; unflavored, mixes easily.
Best for hydration during & after exercise
Amazon →
LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes Variety Pack
Stick packs (1,000 mg sodium each), 12 ct
High-sodium, zero-sugar mix with potassium and magnesium for sweat replacement; sampler of flavors.
All Athletic Performance Ingredients (170)
Very Strong
Caffeine
Enhances Alertness and Focus
100–400 mg/day; performance: 3–6 mg/kg body weight 60 minutes pre-exercise; upper safe
Very Strong
Provon® (Whey Protein Isolate — Glanbia)
Muscle Protein Synthesis Stimulation
20-40 g whey protein isolate per serving across published trials. 20 g provides ~2.5 g
Very Strong
Creatine Monohydrate
Strength and high-intensity exercise performance
Standard daily: 3-5 g/day (no loading needed). Optional loading: 20 g/day × 5-7 days,
Very Strong
Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark)
Blood pressure — modest effect, mostly in hypertensives
50–200 mg/day; cardiovascular: 100–200 mg/day; cognitive: 100 mg/day; athletic
Very Strong
Whey Concentrate
Muscle Growth and Repair
20–40 g post-workout for muscle growth/recovery; 1.6–2 g/kg/day total protein for
Very Strong
AstaZine® (Natural Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis — BGG)
Visual Function for Digital Screen Users (VDT)
4-12 mg/day AstaZine (research-validated; some applications 12-24 mg)
Very Strong
Creapure® (Pharmaceutical-Grade Creatine Monohydrate)
Strength and power output
Loading: 0.3 g/kg/day for 5–7 days (typically 20 g/day split in 4 doses). Maintenance:
Very Strong
Glucose / Dextrose
Accelerated fluid absorption via SGLT1 cotransport
WHO ORS: 13.5 g glucose/L (75 mmol/L) + 75 mmol/L Na. SPORTS: 4-8% solution (40-80
Very Strong
MegaNatural®-BP (Patented Grape Seed Extract — Polyphenolics)
Blood Pressure Within Normal Range — UC Davis Trials
150-300 mg/day MegaNatural-BP (research-validated)
Very Strong
Potassium
Blood pressure reduction
AI 4,700 mg/day (NAM) or 3,500–4,700 mg/day (WHO/AHA). Supplements limited to 99
Very Strong
Iron
Oxygen transport
18 mg/day (women RDA); 27 mg/day (pregnant); 8 mg/day (men); therapeutic: 150–200 mg
Very Strong
Sodium / Electrolyte Sodium
Fluid balance and hydration maintenance
1,500–2,300 mg/day dietary sodium (AI/UL); electrolyte replacement during exercise:
Strong
Alpha-GPC
Cognitive function in age-related decline
AD/MCI: 400 mg × 3/day = 1200 mg/day. COGNITIVE: 300-600 mg/day. ATHLETIC: 250-600 mg
Strong
Ashwagandha
Testosterone and Muscle
KSM-66® root extract: 300-600 mg/day (most stress/sleep trials). Shoden®: 120-240
Strong
KSM-66®
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
300–600 mg/day KSM-66® root extract (5% withanolides); 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg
Strong
Beta Alanine
Improved Exercise Performance
4–6 grams per day, typically taken for 2–12 weeks
Strong
Quercefit® (Quercetin Phytosome — Indena)
20-Fold Improved Bioavailability vs Standard Quercetin
250-500 mg/day Quercefit® (delivering ~100-200 mg quercetin), one or two tablets
Strong
L-Citrulline
Improved Exercise Performance
3–6 g/day L-citrulline or 6–8 g/day citrulline malate (2:1 ratio) 30–60 minutes
Strong
Phosphatidylserine
Age-related memory complaints — modest benefit
Cognitive (elderly): 100-300 mg/day. Athletic (cortisol): 600-800 mg/day × 10-15 days.
Strong
Pomegranate Extract
Blood pressure and arterial health
Standard cardiovascular dose: 500-1,500 mg/day pomegranate extract standardized to
Strong
Creatine HCL
Strength and high-intensity exercise performance
Typical dosing: 1.5-3 g/day of creatine HCL based on marketing claims of higher
Strong
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v / LP299V®)
Boosts non-heme iron absorption from food
PIVOTAL 10¹⁰ CFU/day (10 billion) Axling 2020 athlete 12 wk + Hoekstra 2021 pregnancy
Strong
Soy Protein
Equivalent to whey for muscle and strength gains
MUSCLE/RT: 20-40 g/day. FDA HEART CLAIM: 25 g/day. Anderson 1995 NEJM meta 38 trials:
Strong
Capsaicin / Capsicum Extract (Cayenne Pepper)
Thermogenic energy expenditure (class evidence)
2-10 mg total capsaicinoids per day, typically from 25-100 mg of capsicum extract. 2
Strong
Carnipure® (L-Carnitine — Lonza)
Pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing
Same as generic L-carnitine: 1-3 g/day general supplementation. Specific applications:
Strong
Casein Protein
Sustained amino acid delivery
PRE-SLEEP: 20-40 g casein 30 min before sleep (Res 2012: 40 g intrinsically labeled).
Strong
Dynagenix® (Water-Soluble Boswellia for Joint + Muscle Recovery — PLT Health)
Joint comfort in 5 days (40 mg/day OA trial)
40 mg/day Dynagenix for joint comfort and mobility (the 2025 osteoarthritis trial
Strong
Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan / Southern Ginseng)
Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c reduction
Standardized extract: 200-450 mg twice daily (containing standardized gypenosides).
Strong
LJ100® (Tongkat Ali — HP Ingredients)
Testosterone support trials
Standard formulation use: 100-300 mg LJ100® daily. Most clinical trials use 200
Strong
Milk Protein (MPC/MPI)
Muscle protein synthesis equivalent to whey at matched doses
MPS: 20 g = whey-equivalent. Trommelen 2020: 38 g sustained MPS 5+ hr. PRE-BED: 30-40
Strong
Mitopure® (Urolithin A — Amazentis)
Essentially the only validated commercial urolithin A
Standard clinical dose: 500-1,000 mg/day Mitopure®. Most clinical trials use 500-1,000
Strong
Mycoprotein (Quorn)
LDL cholesterol reduction
Typical dietary serving: 90-180 g cooked mycoprotein per meal (providing 11-22 g
Strong
OPTIZIOME® P3 HYDROLYZER® (Protease Blend for Protein Digestion — BIO-CAT)
14% higher EAA, 15% higher BCAA with whey protein
250 mg per dose providing 31,875 HUT units of proteolytic activity. Typically taken
Strong
Palatinose™ (Isomaltulose)
Low-glycemic carbohydrate energy
25–75 g per dose in acute glycemic and exercise trials, typically replacing sucrose or
Strong
Pea Protein Isolate
Muscle Thickness and Strength Gains
20-50 g per serving; 1.4-2.0 g/kg/day total protein for resistance training. 25 g
Strong
Restoridyn® (Tart Cherry Extract — Anthocyte)
Documented exercise recovery effects
Standard exercise recovery protocol: 480 mg Restoridyn® 1-2 times daily for 4-7 days
Strong
Tart Cherry Extract
Post-exercise muscle recovery and reduced soreness
Exercise recovery: 480 mg standardized extract or 8-12 oz tart cherry juice 1-2 times
Strong
Tongkat Ali
Testosterone support in men with low levels
Standard dose: 100-400 mg/day standardized root extract. Most clinical trials use
Strong
Wellmune (Yeast Beta-Glucan)
Upper Respiratory Tract Comfort
Most Wellmune trials use 250 mg/day, taken daily for periods of 4 to 12 weeks. Some
Strong
Whey Protein Isolate
Supports muscle protein synthesis
20-40 g per serving taken 1-3 times daily, often around resistance training and/or
Strong
AstraGin® (Nutrient Absorption Enhancer)
Amino acid and protein absorption enhancement
25–50 mg/day as absorption enhancer (co-ingredient); 100 mg/day for gut health
Strong
Beetroot
Blood pressure reduction
300–500 mg nitrate/day (equivalent to 70–140 mL concentrated beet juice or 500 mg
Strong
Egg White Albumin Powder
Complete Protein for Muscle Support
20-40 g protein per serving post-exercise or distributed across meals; ~0.3-0.4 g
Strong
GeniusPure® (High-Purity Alpha-GPC)
Memory, learning, and cognitive enhancement
300–600 mg/day alpha-GPC (as standard 50% — adjust for GeniusPure® 70% or 90%
Strong
HydroCurc® (Highly Bioavailable Curcumin)
Enhanced Bioavailability vs Standard Curcumin
500 mg/day; clinical trials use 250-1,000 mg/day depending on indication
Strong
L-Carnitine
Cardiovascular support in heart failure and angina
General supplementation: 1-3 g/day L-carnitine. Athletic recovery: 2 g/day L-carnitine
Strong
L-Leucine
Muscle protein synthesis activation
2–5 g/dose with protein; MPS threshold: ~2–3 g leucine per meal; BCAA supplements:
Strong
NUTRALYS® Pea Protein (Roquette)
Complete Plant Protein Profile
20-50 g/day pea protein for muscle/sports applications; per product specification for
Strong
Nitrosigine® (Arginine Silicate)
Superior nitric oxide and arginine elevation
1,500 mg/day; most studies use 1,500 mg taken 30–60 minutes pre-exercise
Strong
PEAK ATP® (Disodium Adenosine Triphosphate)
Strength and lean body mass gains
400 mg/day PEAK ATP® (disodium ATP); acute: 400 mg taken 30–60 minutes pre-exercise;
Strong
PepForm® (Leucine-Rich Whey Peptides — Glanbia Nutritionals)
Increased muscle protein synthesis in older adults
Per published trial protocols: 15 g leucine-enriched whey beverage delivering 4.2 g
Strong
PeptiStrong® (AI-Discovered Fava Bean Peptides)
Muscle protein synthesis and recovery acceleration
2,400 mg/day PeptiStrong® (clinical dose across 3 RCTs); taken daily; muscle recovery
Strong
Phosphorus / Phosphate
Bone mineral density and skeletal strength
700 mg/day (RDA for adults); athletic phosphate loading: 3–4 g/day sodium phosphate
Strong
Rhodiola Rosea
Stress and fatigue reduction
200–600 mg/day standardized extract; taken before meals
Strong
RipFACTOR® (Botanical Muscle Accelerator)
Strength gains within 14 days — clinically proven
Performance dose: 325 mg/day (significant strength and endurance benefits);
Strong
Sensoril® (Ashwagandha Extract — Verdure/Natreon)
Stress Reduction
125-500 mg/day Sensoril (research-validated; stress applications often 250 mg/day)
Strong
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
High-intensity exercise performance enhancement
0.3 g/kg body weight (typically 20–25 g for 70 kg person) taken 60–90 minutes before
Strong
TestFACTOR® (Testosterone + Sexual Wellness)
Total and free testosterone increase across 4 RCTs
PERFORMANCE: 325 mg/day × 8 wk testosterone + sexual function. ULTRA-PERFORMANCE: 650
Strong
Testofen® (Fenugreek for Male Vitality)
Free Testosterone Increase
300-600 mg/day (libido lower; resistance training higher)
Strong
Urolithin A
Mitophagy induction (distinguishing mechanism)
Standard dose: 500-1,000 mg/day urolithin A direct supplementation. Most clinical
Strong
Velositol® (Chromium-Driven MPS Complex - Nutrition 21)
Doubles Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS)
2 g/day Velositol with protein (research-validated)
Strong
Zynamite® PX (Mango Leaf Extract for Sports Performance)
Peak power output improvement in single dose
140 mg Zynamite® + 140 mg quercetin (single dose, 1 hour pre-exercise); 140 mg/day +
Strong
Amino9® (Clinically Validated EAA Blend)
Complete muscle protein synthesis stimulation
5.6g Amino9® per serving (clinical dose used in published RCT); typically 5–10g/day;
Strong
DL-185® (Dileucine)
Superior muscle protein synthesis vs. leucine
2,000 mg (2g) once daily; absorbed 185% faster than equivalent leucine dose; clinical
Strong
PeakO2® (Adaptogenic Mushroom Blend)
VO2 max improvement and oxygen utilization
1–4g/day for ongoing use; 4g/day for clinical performance benefits (21-day loading);
Strong
goCOCOA® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)
Cardiovascular health and blood pressure reduction
200–400 mg/day cocoa flavanols (epicatechin equivalent); cardiovascular/cognitive:
Moderate
L-Arginine
Improved Blood Flow
3–6 g/day for cardiovascular effects; 6–10 g/day pre-exercise for blood flow; often
Moderate
Taurine
Heart Health
500–3,000 mg/day; energy drinks typically contain 1,000 mg; athletic performance: 1–3
Moderate
Astaxanthin
Eye health and visual function
4–12 mg/day from Haematococcus pluvialis extract; skin: 4–6 mg/day; exercise recovery:
Moderate
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Muscle Growth and Recovery
5–10 g/day (2:1:1 leucine:isoleucine:valine ratio); pre/intra/post-workout; leucine
Moderate
Bovine Colostrum
Exercise-induced gut permeability — strongest evidence
Athletic gut/immune: 20-60 g/day × 4-12 weeks. Pediatric diarrhea: 7-14 g/day. Choose
Moderate
PrimaVie® (Shilajit Extract — Natreon)
Testosterone support in middle-aged men (foundational trial)
Clinical trial dose: 250 mg twice daily (500 mg/day total) for 90 days. CoQ10
Moderate
Shilajit
Testosterone increase in middle-aged men
Standard clinical dose: 250 mg twice daily (500 mg/day total) of purified shilajit
Moderate
Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate (ATP)
Athletic Performance Adjunct
400 mg/day disodium ATP (research-validated dose, primarily based on PEAK ATP studies)
Moderate
Beef Protein Isolate
Lean mass and strength gains comparable to whey (mixed evidence)
MUSCLE/HYPERTROPHY: 20-46 g daily (Sharp 2018: 46 g; standard 20-30 g/dose
Moderate
Betalains (Beetroot Pigments)
Athletic performance enhancement (beetroot RCTs)
BEETROOT JUICE: 250-500 mL/day (~5-10 mmol nitrate + 30-100 mg betalains).
Moderate
Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora / Krachaidum / Thai Ginseng)
Exercise capacity and physical performance
Standard dose: 100-180 mg/day standardized extract (typically 5-7% methoxyflavones).
Moderate
Capsinoids (Non-Pungent Capsaicin Analogs)
Increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT (Snitker 2009 + Galgani 2010): 6 mg capsinoids daily × 4-12 wk.
Moderate
Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)
Faster gastric emptying than maltodextrin
15–70 g pre- or intra-workout (typical: 30–50 g mixed in 500 mL fluid). Endurance
Moderate
Cococin® (Freeze-Dried Coconut Water — Sabinsa)
Hair fall reduction — 81% (dermatologist assessment)
Variable by application. Hair/skin serum: multi-patented composition with Saberry® and
Moderate
Coconut Water
Natural electrolyte rehydration
HYDRATION: 240-500 mL (8-17 oz) general. POST-EX REHYDRATION (~2% body mass loss):
Moderate
Eurycomanone (Tongkat Ali Quassinoid)
Testosterone support in men with low levels
Physta® 200-400 mg/day; LJ100® 100-200 mg/day; purified eurycomanone 50-200 mg/day.
Moderate
FORTIGEL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides
Supports activity-related knee comfort
5 g per day of FORTIGEL® dissolved in water or beverage, typically taken once daily
Moderate
HydroMax®
Pre-exercise hyperhydration
Pre-exercise glycerol hyperhydration: typically 1.0–1.5 g glycerol per kg body weight
Moderate
Insect Protein (Cricket / Mealworm)
Muscle protein synthesis equivalent to milk protein
MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS: 30 g lesser mealworm = MPS equivalent to 30 g milk protein.
Moderate
Lacprodan® (Branded Family of Hydrolyzed Whey and Milk Proteins)
Supports muscle protein synthesis
Class-level whey protein dosing in muscle protein synthesis trials is typically 20–40
Moderate
Molecular Hydrogen (H2)
Metabolic syndrome improvement (pivotal)
HRW: 1.5-7 ppm H2 in water, 0.5-2 L/day. LeBaron 2020 high-conc: ~7 ppm × 24 wk
Moderate
MuscleGuard™ (Vegan 4-Nutrient Sports Performance Blend — Lonza)
63% increase in composite muscle score (no exercise)
Single daily dose providing the patent-pending ratio: 1500 mg L-Carnitine + 2000 mg
Moderate
MyoVera™ (Chromium-Based Muscle Protein Synthesis Amplifier — Nutrition 21)
Amplified muscle protein synthesis response
MyoVera daily dose per Nutrition21 specifications — to be taken alongside protein
Moderate
Oceanix™ (Marine Phytoplankton Recovery Booster — Lonza)
Explosive strength preservation (98% vs 68% baseline)
25 mg/day Oceanix — the small concentrated clinical dose used across multiple trials.
Moderate
Paraxanthine
Acute Cognitive Performance
50-200 mg as a single acute dose; 100-200 mg is the most commonly studied range for
Moderate
Sustamine® (L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine)
Enhanced Hydration and Fluid Absorption
Exercise/hydration trials used roughly 1–2 g per 500 mL of fluid during activity, or
Moderate
Whey Protein Hydrolysate
Supports rapid post-exercise recovery
20-30 g of whey protein hydrolysate per serving, taken before, during, or shortly
Moderate
cellflo6® (Gallate-Enhanced Green Tea Procyanidins — PLT Health)
Enhanced blood flow following resistance exercise
600 mg/day cellflo6 — the dose showing significant blood flow improvements in the
Moderate
zümXR® (Targeted-Release Caffeine Technology — PLT Health)
Sustained energy without spike or crash
Caffeine doses typically 50-300 mg per serving (matching immediate-release caffeine
Moderate
Betaine / TMG (Trimethylglycine)
Athletic performance — power and strength
2–6 g/day; athletic performance: 2.5 g/day (most studied dose); homocysteine
Moderate
Citrulline Malate
Resistance Training Performance
6-8 g pre-exercise (most clinical research dose); 8 g taken 60 minutes before training
Moderate
Cordyceps
Exercise performance and endurance
1,000–3,000 mg/day mycelium powder; 400–800 mg/day standardized extract
Moderate
ElevATP®
Supports Endogenous ATP Production
150 mg/day in branded human studies, taken with or without other workout ingredients.
Moderate
HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate)
Muscle mass preservation during inactivity and aging
3 g/day in divided doses (1 g three times daily); HMB-FA: 1–3 g/day pre-workout;
Moderate
L-Ornithine
Exercise fatigue reduction via ammonia clearance
2–6 g/day; fatigue reduction: 2 g before exercise; sleep: 400 mg before bedtime; liver
Moderate
Metabolaid® (Hibiscus + Lemon Verbena)
AMPK activation and fat oxidation
500 mg/day Metabolaid® (325 mg lemon verbena + 175 mg hibiscus); taken before exercise
Moderate
MitoBurn® (L-BAIBA)
White-to-brown fat conversion
250–500 mg/day; 500 mg is the full clinical dose
Moderate
Phosphatidic Acid (Mediator®)
Muscle hypertrophy and lean mass gains
750 mg/day; timing: taken around resistance training sessions; 8-week minimum for
Moderate
Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)
Chronic fatigue reduction
300 mg/day Robuvit®; fatigue studies use 300 mg/day; athletic performance: 300 mg/day
Moderate
SalidroPure™ (Pure Salidroside)
Anti-fatigue and endurance
3–5 mg/day pure salidroside (equivalent to ~500 mg 1% standardized Rhodiola extract)
Moderate
Senactiv®
VO2 max and endurance improvement
50–100 mg/day; 50 mg is the established clinical dose
Moderate
Sodium Citrate
Extracellular Buffering Support
Ergogenic protocols use 0.3-0.5 g/kg body mass (about 0.5 g/kg most effective), taken
Moderate
Strengthera™
Lower body strength improvement
650 mg/day; significant results beginning at 4 weeks
Moderate
TendoGuard® (Tendon Collagen Complex)
Tendon and ligament structural support
5–10 g/day collagen peptide complex; most tendon studies use 5–10 g/day type I
Moderate
Terminalia Arjuna (Oxyjun®)
Cardiorespiratory endurance improvement
500 mg/day Oxyjun®; traditional cardiac use: 1–3 g/day bark powder; effects on
Moderate
Yohimbe / Yohimbine (Pausinystalia yohimbe)
Fat loss — particularly stubborn adipose
5–20 mg/day yohimbine HCl; fat loss: 20 mg/day (split doses) in clinical studies;
Moderate
ZMA® (Zinc Magnesium Aspartate — Lonza)
Athletic Recovery and Muscle Strength
30 mg zinc + 450 mg magnesium + 10.5 mg B6 (per ZMA standard formulation)
Moderate
Carb10® (Pea Starch Carbohydrate)
82% less insulin response than maltodextrin
15–25g per serving for workout fueling; can be used pre, intra, or post-workout;
Moderate
Ecdysterone / Turkesterone (Ecdysteroid Anabolics)
Lean muscle mass increase without hormonal side effects
Ecdysterone: 500–1,000 mg/day (12-week RCTs); Turkesterone: 500 mg/day; both: taken
Moderate
Epicatechin (Myostatin Inhibitor / Muscle Flavonol)
Myostatin inhibition and follistatin elevation
50–200 mg/day (-)-epicatechin; muscle/anabolic applications: 150–200 mg/day;
Moderate
Gremin™ (Green Coffee + Curcumin BioFusion Complex)
Muscle recovery and DOMS reduction
Per Gremin™ clinical dosing; BioFusion Technology formulation per manufacturer
Moderate
HydroPrime® (Stabilized Glycerol)
Hyperhydration and plasma volume expansion
2–6g glycerol (as HydroPrime®) 1–2× daily; pre-exercise hyperhydration: 1g/kg
Moderate
MalTor™ (Taurine + L-Malic Acid Recovery Complex)
Exercise recovery acceleration
Per MalTor™ clinical specifications; NutriScience Innovations product data; 5g MalTor™
Moderate
NUTRALYS® Fava Bean Protein (Roquette)
Pulse Family Diversification
Per Roquette NUTRALYS Fava product specification; typical 20-30 g/day for protein
Moderate
NUTRALYS® Wheat Protein (Roquette)
Complementary to Legume Proteins
Per Roquette NUTRALYS Wheat / VITEN product specification
Moderate
Nitratene® (Stabilized Beet Root Nitrate)
Nitric oxide production and vasodilation
200–400 mg inorganic nitrate equivalent; 1–3 hours pre-exercise for peak NO elevation;
Moderate
Oxystorm® (Red Spinach Nitrate)
Superior nitrate density — 9× more than beetroot
1–2g Oxystorm® providing ~200–400 mg dietary nitrate; consume 2–3 hours before
Limited
Maca
Improved Sexual Function and Libido
1.5–3 g/day dried root powder; gelatinized maca preferred for digestion; 8–12 weeks
Limited
Agmatine
Neuropathic Pain Reduction
PAIN TRIALS: 1.335-3.560 g/day. RCT: 2.670 g/day divided × 14 d. BODYBUILDING: 500
Limited
Pyruvate (Calcium Pyruvate / Sodium Pyruvate)
Modest body weight reduction
MODERN: 5-10 g/day Ca/Na pyruvate (Kalman 1999: 6 g/day × 6 wk). STANKO 1990s: 22-53
Limited
4-Hydroxy-L-Isoleucine
Glucose-dependent insulin secretion support
Standalone 4-OH-Ile human data is limited; preclinical doses range 18–50 mg/kg in
Limited
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Topical arnica gel for bruising — modest effect
TOPICAL (recommended): 20% tincture or 10-25% gel 2-4×/day. OTC: Arnicare®, Traumeel®.
Limited
Aspartic Acid / D-Aspartic Acid (DAA)
Testosterone Support (Mixed Evidence)
DAA: 2,500–3,000 mg/day in clinical trials; supplemental cycles typically 12 days to 4
Limited
Beef Heart (Desiccated)
Richest natural food source of CoQ10
Typical supplementation: 1.5-3 g/day (2-4 capsules at 750 mg each) desiccated beef
Limited
Bemethyl (Bemitil / Metaprot)
Asthenic disorders (1988 RCT vs piracetam/pyriditol)
RUSSIAN/CIS APPROVED: 250-500 mg 1-2×/day for asthenia; courses 3-5 days with 2-3 day
Limited
Mildronate (Meldonium)
Post-myocardial infarction heart failure
RUSSIAN/LATVIAN APPROVED: 500-1,000 mg/day oral. POST-MI: 1,000 mg/day IV × 10-14
Limited
Silk Amino Acids / Silk Fibroin Hydrolysate
Cognitive function support — memory, attention, mental focus
COGNITIVE: 200-600 mg silk fibroin enzyme hydrolysate (FEH)/day × 3-16 wk. STAMINA:
Limited
Ursolic Acid
Single small positive RT trial (n=16) showed strength benefit
MUSCLE/STRENGTH: 400-450 mg/day divided (Bang 2014: 450 mg POSITIVE; Pereira 2020: 400
Limited
Bee Pollen
Nutrient-dense whole food
Traditional intake ranges from 1 teaspoon (about 5 g) to 1 tablespoon (15 g) daily;
Limited
CordyFuel™ (Branded Cordyceps Extract)
Supports exercise endurance and oxygen utilization
Branded-specific dosing is not well defined in indexed trials. Class-level cordyceps
Limited
CordycepsPrime™ (Branded Cordyceps Extract)
Exercise tolerance and aerobic capacity support
CordycepsPrime™ label dose per manufacturer; broader cordyceps literature has used 1–4
Limited
Creatinol-O-Phosphate (COP)
Cardioprotective and anti-ischemic mechanism (historical cardiology)
Italian cardiology trials used variable parenteral and oral doses depending on
Limited
GlycerPump™
Pre-exercise hyperhydration (glycerol class)
No branded GlycerPump™ RCTs. Glycerol-class hyperhydration protocols typically use
Limited
GlycerSize™
Pre-exercise hyperhydration (glycerol class)
No branded GlycerSize™ RCTs. Glycerol-class hyperhydration protocols typically use
Limited
Kre-Alkalyn
Provides Creatine for Energy Systems
Manufacturer-recommended use is 1.5-3 g/day without a loading phase; head-to-head
Limited
L-Histidine
Carnosine Precursor
4 g/day for atopic dermatitis trials; 1.5–4 g/day in carnosine precursor research;
Limited
L-Isoleucine
Muscle Protein Synthesis (Adjunct to Leucine)
Typically as part of BCAA blends (2:1:1 leucine:isoleucine:valine); standalone rarely
Limited
L-Valine
Muscle Protein Synthesis (Adjunct)
Typically as part of BCAA blends (2:1:1 leucine:isoleucine:valine); standalone rarely
Limited
Magnesium Aspartate
Soluble, absorbable form
Repletion typically targets 200-400 mg elemental magnesium daily; older fatigue
Limited
PureATP (Pure Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate Disodium)
Athletic Performance (Extrapolated Evidence)
400 mg/day disodium ATP (extrapolated from PEAK ATP research; PureATP-specific studies
Limited
Sodium Phosphate
Proposed Oxygen Delivery Support
Loading protocols typically use about 1 g of sodium phosphate four times daily
Limited
GBB (Gamma-Butyrobetaine / 'Super Carnitine')
Endogenous L-carnitine elevation
10–25 mg/day GBB-EE (ethyl ester) as thermogenic/carnitine elevator; very low dose
Limited
Stadice® (Joint Health Complex)
Joint comfort and mobility support
Per Stadice® product specifications; clinical dosing per Zeus Hygia product
Limited
Testncrease® (Testosterone Support Blend)
Healthy testosterone level support
Per Testncrease® product specifications; typically 2 capsules/day with meals; clinical
Preliminary
Glucuronolactone (D-Glucurono-γ-Lactone)
Component of energy drink combinations
RED BULL: 600 mg per 250 mL serving. EU SCF safe up to 250 mg/kg/day (2003). ISOLATED
Preliminary
Velvet Antler (Deer/Elk)
Single small trial: knee extensor strength (with caveats)
ATHLETIC: 1.5-1.6 g/day or 560 mg/day. TCM TRADITIONAL: 0.3-1 g/day powdered.
Preliminary
Laxogenin (5-Alpha-Hydroxy Laxogenin Plant Steroid)
Non-hormonal muscle protein synthesis support
50–100 mg/day laxogenin; limited human clinical data available; animal and cell
Strong
AlphaSize® (Alpha-GPC — Chemi Nutra)
Memory and cognition
300 to 600 mg per day for cognition; about 600 mg pre-exercise in sports studies.
Strong
AstaPure® (Natural Astaxanthin — Algatech)
Antioxidant and recovery support
4 to 12 mg per day, taken with a fat-containing meal for absorption.
Strong
BetaTor® (HMB Free Acid)
Muscle preservation
About 1 to 3 grams per day, often around training.
Moderate
BODYBALANCE® (Bioactive Collagen Peptides — Gelita)
Body composition with exercise
About 15 grams per day, combined with resistance training.
Moderate
CherryPure® (Montmorency Tart Cherry — Shoreline Fruit)
Exercise recovery
Often 480 mg of cherry powder per day, or the equivalent in juice concentrate.
Moderate
Recoverben® (Lemon Verbena Extract — Monteloeder)
Muscle recovery
Around 400 mg per day, often taken before exercise.
Limited
Vinitrox™ (Grape and Apple Polyphenols — Nexira)
Nitric oxide and blood flow
Around 500 mg per day, often taken before exercise.
Moderate
CarnoLife® (L-Carnitine L-Tartrate)
Exercise recovery
Commonly 1 to 2 grams of L-carnitine L-tartrate per day.
Limited
Prodiet® Colostrum (Bovine Colostrum — Ingredia)
Immune support
Commonly a few grams of colostrum per day.
Strong
NewCaff™ (Microencapsulated Natural Caffeine)
Energy and alertness
Commonly 100 to 200 mg per serving; performance studies use about 3 to 6 mg per kg.
Strong
PurCaf® (Organic Caffeine from Green Coffee)
Energy and alertness
Commonly 100 to 200 mg per serving; performance studies use about 3 to 6 mg per kg.
Strong
InnovaTea® (Natural Caffeine from Tea — NutriScience)
Energy and alertness
Commonly 100 to 200 mg of caffeine per serving.
Limited
AminoZorb® (Buffered Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
Muscle support
Commonly 5 to 10 grams of BCAAs per day.
Limited
FitNox® (Plant Nitric Oxide Complex)
Nitric oxide and blood flow
Around 250 mg per day.
Moderate
PurTea® (Organic Green Tea Caffeine — Applied Food Sciences)
Energy and alertness
Commonly 100 to 200 mg of caffeine per serving.
Limited
Kinetiq® (Bitter Orange Extract — Novel Ingredients)
Thermogenesis and weight management
Commonly providing around 50 mg of p-synephrine per day.
Strong
Carbelac® (Whey Protein Concentrate — Carbery)
Muscle building and strength
Commonly 20 to 40 g of whey protein per serving.