Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a testosterone boost supplement.

Many men begin noticing a dip in their testosterone production sometime in their 30’s. Muscle becomes harder to develop—but not impossible. There are plenty of guys in their 50s and 60s getting jacked (naturally) and they’re doing it with the help of testosterone boosters.
You’ve probably seen the t-booster ads that promise to make you look like Arnold, but what they don’t share are the nasty side effects that come years later from their proprietary blends. That’s why it’s important to find a supplement that not only uses natural ingredients but also lists their doses on the label.
At Health Rankings, we analyzed dozens of clinical studies on muscle building and testosterone before creating this guide. You’ll learn what ingredients work and which ones to avoid along with our top picks for 2023.
How Testosterone and Muscle are Related
To build muscle, enough stress needs to be placed on the body to produce muscle-protein synthesis—a foundational building block of muscle mass.
Testosterone also increases levels of hormones like IGF-1. These anabolic hormones play a significant role in promoting muscle-protein synthesis which leads to more mass.
By boosting your testosterone levels, you’re effectively stimulating the growth factors required to increase overall muscle size and strength.
A High Quality Test Boost Supplement Can:
- Increase Physical Performance1
- Decrease Body Fat2
- Increase Muscle Mass3
- Boost Sex Drive4
- Support Memory Recall5,6
- Boost Mood7
Results: What to Expect From a Quality Muscle-Building Supplement
Greater Gains
You’ll start to see and notice a difference in muscle growth after strength training over time. Whether you’re looking to increase the size of your quadriceps or increase your 1 rep max on the bench, certain ingredients can help you activate the muscle-protein synthesis process and have a huge effect on your size and strength.
More Drive
You may become more driven to reach your goals. There have been numerous clinical studies showing a strong correlation between physiology and motivation.
Less Stress For Greater Decision Making
While you may not think of a muscle-building supplement as a stress-reducer, many of the same ingredients that target muscle growth also help you relax and think clearly.
There’s no shortage of ingredients that claim to boost testosterone levels, but we narrowed the list down to those that have shown positive results on humans in clinical studies, as opposed to mice.
The Best Ingredients to Boost Testosterone
Magnesium
Magnesium is a key mineral that lowers cortisol levels—the reduction of stress can help your testosterone to rise. Studies have also shown that Magnesium supplements have been used for centuries as a natural enhancer of energy levels. It has become a trend among many weight-lifters as a source for improved energy, drive, and stamina.
Effective Dose: 100 mg – 200 mg
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is a substance made from a fruit-producing Mediterranean plant called Gokshura, also known as the puncture vine. It is also called puncture vine. A 90-day study was conducted where men ages 45-55 were given Tribulus Terrestris. Researchers found there was a statistically significant difference in testosterone levels.9 Increased testosterone can help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol and increase sexual function and libido.
Effective Dose: 500 mg – 750 mg
Zinc
Zinc is a testosterone-boosting mineral that’s also a potent treatment for erectile dysfunction. One study about the effect of Zinc on testosterone levels revealed that testosterone levels doubled after four weeks of consistent supplementation.10
Effective Dose: 25 mg – 40 mg
Chrysin
A naturally occuring compound that you can find in various plants and substances, such as the passionflower, silver linden, and some geranium species; and in honey and bee propolis (glue). People use Chrysin for bodybuilding and for conditions such as anxiety, inflammation, gout, erectile dysfunction (ED), and many others.
Effective Dose: 50 mg – 100 mg
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed is an herb that has been used for medicinal purposes since at least ancient China. It’s used for low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and pain management.
Effective Dose: 50 mg – 150 mg
Ingredients to Avoid in a Test Boost Supplement
Fenugreek
This herb found in the Mediterranean region is said to increase muscle and strength. However, the studies have been inconclusive. Possible side-effects include excessive flatulence and diarrhea.
DHEA
A precursor hormone that can be converted to testosterone or estrogen in the body, DHEA is often marketed as a way of boosting testosterone and muscle mass but it has not been proven outside of a few small studies. Side effects have included breast enlargement, high cholesterol, and hair loss.
Final Checklist – What to Look For:
Now that you know what ingredients to look for and what to avoid, it’s also important to keep these additional tips in mind when looking for a testosterone supplement.
Clinically Recommended Dosages
Some brands will use quality ingredients, but skimp out on dosages in order to save money. So even if you’re getting the right ingredients, if they’re not in their recommended dosages, you won’t experience the full benefits.
Money-Back Guarantee
It’s always a good idea to invest in a supplement that offers a money-back guarantee that shows the company’s faith in its product. Look for brands that offer at least a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Top 5 Testosterone Supplements Of 2023
We’ve compiled a list of what we’ve found to be the top five testosterone supplements on the market today.
First, here’s a side-by-side comparison of how industry-leading testosterone supplements stack up against each other.

PROS
- 200 mg of Magnesium
- 750 mg of T. Terrestris
- 75 mg of Chrysin
- Tested by a 3rd party lab
- 60-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- Exclusively sold online
- Free shipping is only for orders over $50
THE BOTTOM LINE
Vitaliboost’s Test Boost supplement’s ingredients includes 9 scientifically-backed ingredients: magnesium, zinc, tribulus terrestris, chrysin, horny goat weed extract, longjack, saw palmetto, hawthorn, and cissus quadrangularis – all in clinically recommended doses. This is the best all-around formula to help you maintain your testosterone, promote stamina, and build muscle.
This was one of the only products that was NSF certified, third-party tested, and had no hidden additives or artificial ingredients.
Additionally, their return policy was one of the best on the market: a comprehensive 60-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, proving the company stands behind its products.
PROS
- 1,125 mg of L-citrulline malate
- Has vitamins B6 & B12
- 10 mg of Boron
- 30-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- No Tribulus Terrestric
- No Magnesium
- Money-back guarantee might not be long enough for some users
THE BOTTOM LINE
Nugenix Total-T supplement’s ingredients includes zinc, L-citrulline, and B vitamnis which we like. It also contains a few other ingredients that we have a neutral opinion about.
Unfortunately, Total-T contains fenugreek, which we do not recommend for a Testosterone support supplement because it can cause an upset stomach and cause other GI issues.
Additionally, their return policy is good at 30 days, though this may not be long enough to see whether or not this testosterone supplement is working, especially after accounting for shipping time.
PROS
- 5 mcg of Vitamin D
- Has vitamins B6 & B12
- 30-day, risk-free, money-back, product guarantee
CONS
- No Tribulus Terrestric
- No Magnesium
- Money-back guarantee might not be long enough for some users
THE BOTTOM LINE
Test X180 by Force Factor has vitamin D, vitamin B6 and B12 in their formulation, making for a solid muscle-building base.
Unfortunately, it’s missing the ingredients we recommend such as magnesium, tribulus terrestric, and chrysin. On top of that, this formula is a proprietary blend, which means we can’t tell you the exact dose of every ingredient in each blend. Proprietary blends should be avoided.
Force Factor’s 30-day money-back guarantee shows us that they stand by their products, but it’s not enough time for most users to evaluate whether it’s working after you account for shipping time.
*Results are based on our proprietary ranking system and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.