Contents
- 10 Best Supplements For Muscle Growth
- How to Choose The Best Supplement For Muscle Growth?
- The Science Behind Muscle Growth
- Side Effects Of Supplements For Muscle Growth
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Muscle growth supplements can help you recover faster, so you can train harder and more often. Many of these supplements have ingredients that may help with optimal muscle protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Some also boost your energy, endurance, and focus, making tough workouts easier to power through.
When it comes to building muscle, the right supplements can help you see faster results and reach your fitness goals more easily. A good workout plan and a balanced diet are key for muscle growth, but muscle growth supplements could give you an additional boost to get the most out of your efforts.
With so many choices out there, it’s important to pick the ones that will truly support your muscle-building journey. In this guide, we’ll explain why these supplements work, how they help your body, and how they can help you reach your muscle-building goals.
10 Best Supplements For Muscle Growth
-
Naked Mass Weight Gainer
Naked Mass Weight Gainer claims to help you build muscle mass and meet your daily calorie requirements, especially if you have trouble consuming enough calories from food alone. Each serving (4 scoops) can give you 1250 calories, 252 grams of carbohydrates, around 50 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fat, and 21 grams of sugar. The carbohydrates are sourced from organic maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate that provides natural energy. The protein comes from a blend of Naked Whey, a fast-digesting protein, and Naked Casein, a slow-digesting protein, which together help support both quick recovery and sustained muscle nourishment. Naked Mass is certified by Informed Choice Trusted by Sport, ensuring the product is tested monthly for banned substances so you also can trust its purity. It is free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, or additives. Naked Mass is also gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-free, ensuring you get the cleanest ingredients.
Pros
- Free from gluten, GMOs, and soy, making it a safe choice for people with sensitivities.
- Made with just whey protein, casein, and organic maltodextrin.
- Combines fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein to support muscle recovery and growth.
- Organic maltodextrin provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy during workouts.
- Each serving has 1250 calories, helping you meet your calorie goals for muscle growth.
Cons
- The 4-scoop serving might be too much for some individuals to handle at once.
- Each serving contains around 21 grams of sugar, which may not be suitable for those cutting back on sugar.
- It comes with only a 14-day return window.
-
Wise Choice Dileucine Peptide Supplement
The Dileucine Peptide Supplement claims to provide you with 2000mg of Dileucine per serving, which is made up of two leucine molecules. Leucine is known as an essential amino acid that helps your body build muscle and stay energized. This supplement for muscle growth could stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for proper muscle recovery and growth. It supports your physical routine by aiding in muscle tissue recovery, improving endurance, and reducing muscle fatigue. Dileucine may also boost energy production by enhancing your energy metabolism during physical activity, helping you sustain your energy levels. The brand also claims that taking Dileucine Peptide can improve cognitive function and mental clarity. It may also help maintain metabolic health by supporting protein and energy utilization, and it assists with insulin response and glucose regulation. After intense exercise, the Dileucine Peptide Supplement could speed up recovery by promoting muscle repair and reducing soreness.
Pros
- Helps improve endurance by boosting energy production during exercise.
- Speeds up recovery by reducing muscle soreness and promoting repair.
- Supports cognitive function and helps improve mental clarity.
- Promotes muscle growth by stimulating protein synthesis for muscle recovery.
- Assists in metabolic health by improving energy and protein utilization.
- Reduces muscle fatigue and improves overall physical performance.
Cons
- Results may vary, and individual responses can differ.
- It might cause mild side effects like digestive discomfort in some people.
- It could be pricey compared to other similar supplements.
-
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
Transparent Labs Creatine HMB claims to help you develop muscle, enhance strength, and improve athletic performance. It combines creatine monohydrate, which boosts muscle endurance and strength, with HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate), a metabolite of leucine that reduces muscle breakdown and supports lean muscle preservation. To further enhance its effectiveness, it includes BioPerine from black pepper, which improves nutrient absorption, and vitamin D3, which aids in muscle recovery and protein synthesis. Each tub contains 30 servings and is free from artificial sweeteners, fillers, gluten, and GMOs, using only natural flavors and stevia to keep it clean. Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is vegan-friendly and has been third-party tested, which may ensure purity and potency.
Pros
- Helps build muscle and increase strength.
- Supports muscle recovery and reduces muscle breakdown.
- Contains no artificial sweeteners or fillers.
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
- Contains ingredients backed by scientific studies.
- Enhances nutrient absorption with BioPerine®.
- Third-party tested for purity and quality.
Cons
- It may be expensive compared to other similar supplements.
- Only available in one size (30 servings)
- Some may not like the unflavored option.
- Only available on the official website.
- Not suitable for those with allergies to pepper (due to BioPerine®).
- It may not be ideal for beginners (requires an understanding of supplement use)
-
Testo-Max
Testo-Max promises to enhance your muscle gains, strength, and overall performance without the use of illegal steroids. The makers claim it works by increasing your testosterone levels naturally, using a powerful blend of ingredients like D-aspartic acid, which stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone, leading to more testosterone. The formula also includes magnesium, zinc, vitamins D, B6, K1, Korean Red Ginseng, and fenugreek extract to support muscle function, stamina, and recovery. It is intended to help you achieve extreme muscle gains, maximum strength, fast recovery, and improved sex drive. The makers of Testo-Max also claim that these effects may help in bulking and cutting cycles. It may help you train harder, recover faster, and experience increased muscle growth.
Pros
- Boosts muscle gains, strength, and stamina.
- A safe and legal alternative to steroids.
- Speeds up recovery time.
- It can be stacked with multiple CrazyBulk products.
- Free worldwide shipping on orders over $100.
- Increases testosterone levels naturally.
Cons
- Results may not be the same for everyone.
- Consistent use is needed for the best results
- Some ingredients may cause mild side effects.
- Only available on the official website.
- The high dosage might not suit all users.
-
Ligabulk
Ligabulk claims to boost energy, helping you push through growth plateaus. It’s intended to help you build lean muscle and increase strength using legal ingredients. Ligabulk is marketed as a safe alternative to Ligandrol (LGD-4033), promising the muscle gains and strength of a performance enhancer without its side effects.
It is said to aid in promoting lean muscle mass without fat, reduce muscle fatigue with MSM, and support rapid bone and tendon healing with hyaluronic acid. Ligabulk claims to support recovery times, which may help you train harder and more frequently without skipping workouts due to muscle soreness.
The makers claim that Ligabulk boosts testosterone levels, fights fatigue, and enhances muscle growth by increasing natural growth hormones. They promise it helps you push through growth plateaus, build muscle without fat, and reduce joint discomfort.
The ingredients include MSM, L-Leucine, Suma root powder, Ashwagandha, Puncture Vine, and Sodium Hyaluronate. It is manufactured in the U.S. in a facility that may also process common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.
Pros
- Boosts energy levels.
- Helps build lean muscle without adding fat.
- Reduces muscle fatigue with MSM.
- Speeds up recovery and reduces soreness.
- Legal alternative to Ligandrol (LGD-4033).
- Contains natural ingredients like Ashwagandha and Suma.
- 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Needs a good diet and workout routine for best results.
- Results can vary from person to person.
- It can cause allergic reactions to ingredients like milk or soy.
- Some may experience mild stomach discomfort
-
100% Tri Protein
Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein contains micellar casein, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and milk protein concentrate. The formula may help trigger protein synthesis, boost metabolism, build lean muscle, and support energy. The formula features a 3-phase protein release system, which means the proteins break down and are absorbed at different intervals by your body. This ensures you get a steady flow of amino acids over an extended period, which is crucial for muscle recovery, building lean muscle, and maintaining energy levels without feeling sluggish. The whey protein concentrate and isolate are fast-digesting, providing you with quick energy post-workout, while micellar casein and milk protein concentrate digest slower, ensuring a continuous protein supply throughout the day. With 24 grams of protein per serving, 100% Tri-Protein promises to curb hunger, burn stubborn fat, and help you stay strong throughout your workouts or daily routine. The makers claim it helps fuel your body, build muscle, and improve metabolism.
Pros
- 4 natural, non-GMO proteins for long-lasting energy.
- 24 grams of protein per serving.
- Helps build muscle, burn fat, and control hunger.
- No fillers and no need to stack with other products.
- Tastes good with flavors like vanilla and strawberry.
- Free shipping on orders over $60.
Cons
- It can be pricey for some people.
- Some users didn’t feel much benefit from it.
- It may cause stomach issues for some people.
-
Formulation Factory Self Obsessed 10 in 1 Masculinity Maximizer
The Self Obsessed 10-in-1 Masculinity Maximizer Supplement claims to boost your vitality, energy, and overall performance with its powerful blend of ingredients. The makers claim that shilajit may help increase natural energy and stamina, ashwagandha could help you develop strong bones and healthy testosterone, and zinc citrate may aid in immune health and hormone production. It may enhance vitality, energy, mood, and stamina and is intended to improve endurance, vitality, and physical performance. Self Obsessed 10-in-1 Masculinity Maximizer may help with muscle growth through fadogia agrestis that supports healthy testosterone levels. The supplement is non-addictive, free from sweeteners and fillers, and made in an FDA-GMP-certified facility in the USA. However, individual results may vary.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients like ashwagandha, shilajit, and fenugreek.
- Supports healthy testosterone levels.
- Manufactured in an FDA GMP-certified facility in the USA.
- Non-addictive and free of sweeteners and fillers.
- Boosts energy, vitality, and mental clarity.
- Helps improve stamina and endurance.
Cons
- Results can vary for different users.
- It may cause headaches and nausea.
-
Muscletech Mass Tech Elite
Mass-Tech Elite by Muscle Tech claims to help you build muscle size and strength. According to the makers, each serving provides 80g of multi-phase protein when it is mixed with 2 cups of skim milk, which supports muscle growth. They also promise an enhanced 10g dose of creatine per serving, intended to boost muscle energy, size, and strength. The formula includes BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) that may support rapid recovery and features a precise carb-to-protein ratio to deliver clean, nutrient-dense calories for bulking. The product claims to improve absorption by 20% with ProHydrolase®, aiding the body in better absorbing amino acids for muscle recovery and building. Mass-Tech Elite could support muscle growth, help you break through plateaus, and maximize strength gains.
Pros
- Includes 10g of creatine to enhance muscle strength
- Nutrient-dense with a balanced carb-to-protein ratio
- Helps speed up recovery with BCAAs
- 80g of protein per serving supports muscle growth
- Contains ProHydrolase® for better amino acid absorption
- Aids in building muscle size and strength
Cons
- It may cause bloating in some users
- It can be costly as compared to other similar products.
- Only available through the official website
- Might be too heavy for those with smaller appetites
- High in calories, not ideal for all diets
- Some users may not like the taste of certain flavors
-
Nutrex Research Anabol Hardcore Anabolic Activator
Nutrex Research Anabol Hardcore Anabolic Activator is marketed as a potent anabolic activator that helps with muscle growth by enhancing protein synthesis. The brand claims that when combined with intense weight training, the ingredients in Nutrex Research Anabol Hardcore Anabolic Activator, such as 6-keto-diosgenins (Acetate, Propionate, Cypionate, and Decanoate) and Dicyclopentanone, create an optimal anabolic environment that accelerates muscle growth, strength gains, and recovery. These ingredients may work together to boost protein synthesis, improve nitrogen retention, and prevent muscle breakdown, which are all essential for gaining lean muscle mass. The brand promises that with its fast-acting liqui-cap technology, Nutrex Research Anabol Hardcore Anabolic Activator provides quick absorption, helping you achieve faster muscle growth and a dry, dense, hard physique.
Pros
- Boosts protein synthesis and nitrogen retention.
- Helps increase muscle growth.
- It may help with increased strength and endurance.
- Fast-acting liqui-cap technology for quick absorption.
- Promotes lean, dense muscle mass.
- Supports faster muscle recovery.
Cons
- Requires intense weight training for best results.
- It’s not ideal for beginners in muscle building.
- Some sports organizations may ban it.
- Potential side effects if the dosage is exceeded
-
Purity Products Muscle Accelerator
Purity Products Muscle Accelerator claims to help you enhance muscle size and endurance. Its formula features a patented, clinically tested blend called the Muscle Accelerator Matrix, which includes extracts from East Indian Globe Thistle (Sphaeranthus indicus) and Mango Tree Bark (Mangifera indica). The product is said to be lab-tested in the USA and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, which may indicate that it meets high standards of purity and quality. Each serving contains 650 mg of the muscle accelerator matrix (TorForce®). It claims to support faster muscle growth, better recovery, and enhanced workout performance by boosting nitric oxide production, improving blood flow, and stimulating muscle growth. Muscle Accelerator may work by activating mTOR pathways to build skeletal muscle, enhancing protein synthesis, reducing muscle breakdown, and increasing endurance.
Pros
- Made in FDA-inspected, cGMP-certified facilities to ensure high quality.
- Clinically tested ingredients that are known for their effectiveness.
- Convenient daily dosage of just two capsules.
- Supports muscle growth, strength, and endurance.
- Boosts nitric oxide production to improve blood flow and performance.
- Helps enhance workout performance and recovery.
Cons
- It may cause mild digestive discomfort for some people.
- Results can vary and may not be as effective for everyone
- Requires regular weightlifting or exercise for best results.
- It can be expensive for a supplement of this type.
How to Choose The Best Supplement For Muscle Growth?
-
Learn About Your Goals
Before choosing a supplement for muscle growth, it’s important first to understand your personal fitness goals. Think about what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to build muscle, boost your strength, or improve endurance? Different supplements are made for different objectives. For example, if your goal is to gain muscle mass, protein supplements like whey or casein could be suitable choices as they may repair and build muscle tissue after exercise. On the other hand, if you want to boost strength and power, creatine may be a better fit since it provides extra energy for high-intensity workouts. You can choose a muscle growth supplement that best supports your needs and helps you make progress faster by understanding your specific goals.
-
Look For The Ingredients Used
When selecting a supplement, it’s important to look for proven ingredients that support muscle growth. Creatine helps muscles produce energy during high-intensity exercises. This additional energy can help you to push yourself harder, leading to more muscle growth over time. Whey protein is another key ingredient, as the body easily digests it and provides essential amino acids needed for muscle recovery and growth. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are helpful for preventing muscle breakdown and speeding up recovery so that you can train more often with less soreness. Beta-alanine may reduce excessive muscle fatigue by buffering lactic acid buildup, which means you can work out longer and more intensely.
-
Consider Your Lifestyle And Diet
Your diet plays a critical part in muscle growth, so it’s important to choose supplements that fit your eating habits. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, plant-based protein options like pea or hemp protein could be suitable alternatives to animal-based proteins. If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, certain protein powders might suit you better. For example, whey protein is easily absorbed, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. On the other hand, casein protein is slower to digest, making it suitable for overnight recovery. You can avoid digestive issues and ensure they support your muscle growth effectively by choosing muscle growth supplements that match your diet and lifestyle.
-
Decide According To Your Workout Routine
The type of workouts you do plays a big part in choosing the right supplement for muscle growth. If you focus on strength training or high-intensity exercises, supplements like creatine, BCAAs, and beta-alanine may help promote your strength and endurance, allowing you to push harder in your workouts. Creatine helps provide extra energy for tough exercises, while BCAAs help reduce muscle breakdown and speed up recovery. Beta-alanine reduces muscle fatigue, allowing you to work out longer and with more intensity. If endurance activities like running or cycling are your focus, supplements like electrolytes and BCAAs can help maintain energy and prevent fatigue.
The Science Behind Muscle Growth
Muscle growth, or hypertrophy, happens when your muscle fibers experience stress from exercises like resistance training. When you lift weights or perform intense exercises, the stress causes tiny tears or damage to the muscle fibers. This damage is actually a necessary part of muscle building and triggers your body’s repair system.
In response to the damage, your body starts a process called muscle protein synthesis (MPS). During MPS, your body uses amino acids from the protein you eat to repair and rebuild the damaged muscle fibers. This rebuilding process fuses the fibers together, making them larger and stronger. For muscle growth to happen, the rate of protein synthesis needs to be higher than protein breakdown, creating a positive balance that causes an increase in muscle mass.
Hormones like insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), testosterone, and growth hormone are also crucial in muscle growth. These hormones are released in response to the exercise, especially resistance training, and help to stimulate protein synthesis and muscle recovery. They encourage your body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue, speeding up the growth process.
During muscle recovery, satellite cells assist in repairing muscle tissue. They fuse with the damaged fibers, adding more nuclei to the muscle cells, which support growth and repair. With more nuclei, your muscle fibers could grow bigger and stronger to meet the increased demands you place on them.
Muscle growth can also happen when you rest, not while you’re working out. Giving your muscles enough time to recover is key. Without proper rest and sleep, your body can’t fully repair the muscles, which limits growth.
Side Effects Of Supplements For Muscle Growth
-
May Cause Water Retention And Bloating
Muscle growth supplements are known for enhancing strength and aiding in muscle recovery. However, one common side effect is water retention from creatine supplements, which can lead to a feeling of bloating. It works by drawing water into your muscles to enhance energy production during high-intensity workouts. As a result, your muscles may appear fuller, and you may feel puffier, particularly during the first few weeks of use. Although it doesn’t negatively affect muscle growth, the initial bloating might be uncomfortable. To minimize bloating, ensure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
-
Could Cause Digestive Issues
When you take protein like whey and casein for muscle recovery and growth, it may sometimes trigger digestive issues like bloating, gas, or discomfort, especially if you are lactose intolerant. Whey protein contains lactose, which can irritate your digestive system, leading to cramping or diarrhea.
-
May Induce Fatigue
Supplements for muscle growth, like branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), are commonly used to prevent muscle breakdown during exercise and to enhance recovery. However, excessive intake of BCAAs could induce exhaustion. This may occur when an imbalance is created in your amino acid levels, which can result in tiredness or difficulty coordinating movements during intense physical activity.
-
May Cause A Tingling Sensation
Muscle growth supplements like beta-alanine are used for reducing muscle fatigue and improving endurance during workouts. A common side effect of supplementation with beta-alanine for muscle growth is a tingling sensation known as paresthesia, particularly in the face, neck, or arms. Although it is not harmful, this feeling could make you feel uncomfortable.
-
May Cause Low Blood Pressure And Dizziness
Some muscle growth supplements include L-arginine, an amino acid that may help improve your blood flow and boost muscle pumps during your workouts. However, in some cases, it might cause a drop in blood pressure, which might make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is more likely to happen if the supplement has a high dose of L-arginine or if you’re taking it along with medication that lowers blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Important Is Timing When Taking Muscle Growth Supplements?
Timing can help, especially when it comes to protein and creatine. For example, taking protein right after a workout can help with muscle repair. Creatine works best when taken consistently, but some prefer taking it before or after their workout. - Should I Cycle Muscle Growth Supplements, Or Can I Take Them Continuously?
Some people cycle certain supplements like creatine, but others take them continuously. It depends on the supplement and your goals. Generally, protein can be taken daily without cycling. - Do Muscle Growth Supplements Work For Everyone In The Same Way?
Yes, muscle growth supplements generally work the same for everyone. The main difference is that men typically have higher testosterone levels, which can affect how quickly they see muscle growth. - Can Supplements Help With Muscle Growth If I’m Not Working Out Consistently?
While supplements can support muscle growth, they work best when you follow a consistent workout routine. Without regular exercise, muscle growth will be limited, no matter how many supplements you take.
Conclusion
The right supplements can make a big difference in boosting your muscle growth, speeding up recovery, and improving your physical performance. While they can’t replace a good workout routine and proper nutrition, muscle growth supplements can help improve your muscle development results. Choosing supplements for muscle growth with creatine, whey protein, and BCAAs can help support muscle repair, reduce breakdown, and help you recover faster after your workouts. The right supplements, along with hard work in the gym and good nutrition, can help you reach your muscle-building goals faster. So take the time to understand what you need, do your research, and pick the supplements that support your fitness journey.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
Leave a Reply