Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko (Certified Sports Nutritionist, MSc)
No wonder why so many are looking for the best pre workout with testosterone booster. Almost every man at some point in life has wanted to increase testosterone levels to accelerate muscle and strength growth. From this review, you will learn which nutrients and other pre-workout components affect testosterone synthesis and get a list of testosterone boosting pre workout.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the BULK by Transparent Labs.
First place went to test boosting pre workout BULK from the brand Transparent Labs. It is a well-balanced product with a good dosage of caffeine, the needed dosage and ratio of citrulline malate, as well as betaine.
Top 4 Best Pre-Workouts With Testosterone Boosters Reviewed
- BULK by Transparent Labs – Top Pick
- Optimum Nutrition Pre Advanced – Best High-Stim Option
- ProSupps Hyde – Best Balanced Option
- Gold Standard Pre-Workout – Budget Pick
1. BULK by Transparent Labs – Top Pick
- Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
- Flavors: Strawberry Kiwi, Piña Colada, Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Peach Mango, Tropical Punch, Sour Grape
- Caffeine: 200 mg
- Special Ingredients: Zinc, Beta-Alanine, Citrulline Malate, Betaine, Theanine
- Package Information: 30 servings per package
- Serving: 1 scoop (~20.5-21 g)
- Company Founded: 2015
- Recommended By Athletes: Paul Sklar, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsso, Tanner Shuck
First place went to test boosting pre workout BULK from the brand Transparent Labs. It is a well-balanced product with a good dosage of caffeine, the needed dosage and ratio of citrulline malate, as well as betaine. In addition to these key components, this product also contains zinc, and its deficiency may lead to impaired testosterone synthesis. This product is also certified from the recognized third party Informed Choice.
Photo by @transparentlabs
Among the relative disadvantages is one of the highest single doses of beta-alanine on the market, which dramatically increases the chances of tingling.
Positives:
A well-formulated product with a moderately high dosage of caffeine
Contains citrulline malate and betaine in the required single dosages
Contains zinc
Informed Choice certified
Best price / pre-workout formula ratio in this review
Could be better:
A very high single dose of beta-alanine
2. Optimum Nutrition Pre Advanced – Best High-Stim Option
- Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
- Flavors: Berry Blast, Raspberry Lime Mojito, Strawberry Mango Daiquiri
- Caffeine: 300 mg
- Special Ingredients: Vitamin D, Magnesium, Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine, Citrulline
- Package Information: 20 servings per package
- Serving: 1 scoop (~20 g)
- Company Founded: 1986
- Recommended By Athletes: Cody Allen, Clay Harbor
The second position was taken by Pre Advanced from the well-known brand Optimum Nutrition. This product contains 300 mg of caffeine, so it provides a very strong stimulating effect. It can work well for athletes with experience taking pre-workouts with a moderate to high caffeine dosage and good caffeine tolerance. However, it is not suitable for beginners and athletes with high sensitivity to caffeine.
Photo by @optimumnutrition
Pre Advanest also includes 6 g of citrulline, 3.2 g of beta-alanine, 5 g of creatine monohydrate and 1.2 creatine nitrate. We included Pre-Advanced in our testosterone booster pre workout supplement because it contains vitamin D and magnesium, which are involved in maintaining a healthy level of testosterone.
Positives:
Good overall formula from reputable brand
The strongest stimulating effect in this pre workout with test booster rating
Contains vitamin D and magnesium
Could be better:
Definitely not for beginners (due to the high dose of caffeine)
Contains magnesium in the oxide form, which is less bioavailable than other forms
High risk of tingling due to high dose of beta-alanine
3. ProSupps Hyde – Best Balanced Option
- Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
- Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Tiger’s Blood
- Caffeine: 250 mg
- Special Ingredients: Zinc, Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine, Citrulline
- Package Information: 30 servings per package
- Serving: 1 scoop (~9.75 g)
- Company Founded: 2012
- Recommended By Athletes: Soniya Singh Khatri, DJ Harris
The next pre workout supplement with testosterone booster is HYDE. It contains 250 mg of caffeine, 1.25 g of creatine monohydrate, 2.5 g of beta-alanine and 3 g of citrulline per serving. At just $1 per serving, this is the most budget-friendly option in this review.
Photo by @prosupps
It is a very balanced product, a serving of which also contains 15 mg of zinc in the form of bisglycinate, which has good bioavailability.
Positives:
High stimulating effect
A very balanced pre-workout formula
Contains 15 mg of zinc
Budget-friendly
Could be better:
Not for beginners (due to high caffeine dosage)
Still a high single dose of beta-alanine
4. Gold Standard Pre-Workout – Budget Pick
- Best For: Overall Athletic Performance, Muscular Endurance, Reducing Fatigue
- Flavors: Blueberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Watermelon Candy
- Caffeine: 175 mg
- Special Ingredients: Vitamin D, Citrus Bioflavonoids, Creatine Monohydrate, Beta-Alanine
- Package Information: 20 servings per package
- Serving: 1 scoop (~10 g)
- Company Founded: 1986
- Recommended By Athletes: Evan Johnson, Chandler Smith
Gold Standard Pre-Workout is another product from the brand that we have already considered above. In this pre-workout, you will find the lowest dosage of caffeine among the products in this ranking, as well as a lower single dose of beta-alanine, which can be considered as an advantage. A serving also contains 3 g of creatine.
At the same time, this product contains a very low dose of citrulline to expect additional effects. On the other hand, this testosterone boosting pre workout contains vitamin D as well as a complex of bioflavonoids. Flavonoids can provide potential anti-aromatase activity, and due to this can have a positive effect on testosterone levels.
Given that the cost of a serving is less than $1, this is a product that definitely deserves attention.
Positives:
Better suited for beginners and intermediate athletes due to the relatively low dosage of caffeine
Contains vitamin D and a complex of bioflavonoids to support testosterone levels
Informed Choice certified
The lowest cost per serving in this ranking
Could be better:
Ridiculously low citrulline dosage
The stimulating effect may not be enough for experienced users of high-caffeine pre-workouts
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Does pre-workout increase testosterone?
The effect of pre-workouts on testosterone levels has not been studied. Moreover, claims of testosterone-boosting supplements do not have scientific support. The general scientific consensus on this issue does not support taking dietary supplements that claim to have testosterone-boosting properties, at least for healthy young people without hypogonadism. And even if you really have a problem with testosterone levels that have fallen below a healthy range, or if you have erectile dysfunction, you need to see a doctor.
So what do I mean by testosterone booster pre workout, and how did I choose specific products for this review?
What components of pre-workouts can have a positive effect on testosterone levels?
Since there are several micronutrients that play an important role in the synthesis and maintenance of healthy testosterone levels, I have selected only pre-workouts that contain these nutrients. Deficiency of these micronutrients can negatively affect testosterone levels. I will briefly consider each of them.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in testosterone production. Men with a deficiency of this vitamin may have lower testosterone levels. I have selected 2 products that contain vitamin D for this pre workout with test booster review.
2. Zinc
Zinc deficiency correlates with lower testosterone levels, so I included 2 products with zinc in this review.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium can affect testosterone levels by decreasing oxidative stress, a high level of which can negatively affect testosterone levels. Also, this mineral is able to potentially increase the bioavailability of testosterone.
Unfortunately, only one product in this review contains magnesium, albeit in the oxide form, which is not the most bioavailable. On the other hand, the same product contains vitamin D.
4. Other components
Other components found in some pre-workouts that can help maintain testosterone levels include flavonoids and ashwagandha.
Flavonoids are more often found in pre-workouts. These are phytochemicals that are widely found in fruits and vegetables. It is assumed that they are able to inhibit the activity of the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estradiol, and thus can indirectly affect testosterone levels. Aromatase inhibitors are considered as a tool to increase testosterone levels in men with low testosterone.
Ashwagandha is rarely found in pre-workouts, although it does show potential testosterone-boosting effects.
How to choose the best pre-workout with testosterone booster?
Do not forget that the key task of pre-workouts is to give you an energy boost, improve muscle endurance and delay the onset of fatigue. And the presence of additional micronutrients that contribute to the maintenance of testosterone levels can only be considered as a bonus. When choosing a pre-workout, pay attention to the factors discussed below.
1. Caffeine content
Since caffeine is the key component of the pre-workout, pay attention to its dosage and your individual sensitivity. If you have never used this type of supplement before, it is best to start with a dosage of 100-150 mg of caffeine per serving. If you are an athlete with experience taking pre-workouts and have a good tolerance for caffeine, you can choose a product with a higher dosage.
You should also know that the safe daily dose of caffeine for healthy adults is 400 mg. So consider the total amount of caffeine you're getting from beverages, foods, and pre-workouts.
2. Other performance-enhancing ingredients
Citrulline and betaine stand out among additional pre-workout components with ergogenic potential. Citrulline should contain at least 3 g per serving, while citrulline malate should contain at least 6 g. To obtain the potential effects of betaine, it is better that a single dose is 2.5 g.
At the same time, many pre-workouts include creatine and beta-alanine. These components have the most scientific support along with caffeine. However, they are not mandatory components of pre-workouts, because unlike caffeine, citrulline and betaine, they do not have acute effects.
3. Additional ingredients
In order to at least somehow justify the title of testosterone boosting pre workout, pay attention to the presence of micronutrients that have already been considered - vitamin D, zinc and magnesium.
Flavonoids and ashwagandha can be considered as additional bonus elements. However, it is worth considering that ashwagandha can cause adverse reactions and may even be contraindicated for some people, so you need to be careful with it.
4. Third party testing
It is also best to choose products from well-known brands that have also been tested by an independent third party for the absence of prohibited substances and contaminants. For example, the first and last places of this rating have certification from Informed Choice.
What lifestyle habits help keep testosterone in a healthy range?
When we talk about maintaining testosterone levels in a healthy physiological range, there are key lifestyle factors to keep in mind:
- Engage in strength training, avoiding overtraining,
- Follow a high-quality diet, with an emphasis on vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, as well as polyphenols,
- Control your weight and body fat percentage, staying in a healthy fitness or athletic range. Both an excess of fat mass in the body and a too low percentage of body fat have a negative effect on testosterone,
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep,
- Don't forget about stress management.
FAQ
Does zinc increase testosterone?
A systematic review from 2023 states that zinc supplementation improves testosterone levels. However, in the absence of a zinc deficiency, its intake in the form of a supplement may not be reflected in the level of testosterone.
Are testosterone boosters safe?
It is impossible to generalize the safety profile of so-called testosterone boosters as a group of supplements, because each of them must be considered separately for each individual. For example, Ashwagandha has contraindications and may interact with medications. It can also cause vomiting, stomach upset and other unpleasant symptoms.
If you have low testosterone, the best solution is to consult a physician.
Conclusion
The scientific consensus doesn't support the use of so-called “testosterone boosters”, so I don't recommend getting your hopes up. On the other hand, if pre-workout contains vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium, this can be seen as an added bonus to help maintain healthy testosterone levels. And don't forget about the key lifestyle factors! As for the best pre workout with testosterone booster, BULK from Transparent Labs took first place in this rating.
Also read:
References:
- L. Te, J. Liu et al., Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone: A systematic review, J Trace Elem Med Biol, 2023 Mar; 76:127124,
- Magnesium, Fact Sheet for Health Professionals, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS); https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/#h7 (accessed August 2023),
- Peggy G., D. Bour et al., A bioavailability study comparing two oral formulations containing zinc (Zn bis-glycinate vs. Zn gluconate) after a single administration to twelve healthy female volunteers, Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2007 Jul;77(4):243-8,
- Amit Zamir, Tavor Ben-Zeev, Jay R. Hoffman, Manipulation of Dietary Intake on Changes in Circulating Testosterone Concentrations, Nutrients. 2021 Oct; 13(10): 3375,
- C. G. Clemesha, H. Thaker, M. K. Samplaski, ‘Testosterone Boosting’ Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature, World J Mens Health. 2020 Jan; 38(1): 115–122,
- How Can You Increase Testosterone Naturally, Examine, https://examine.com/articles/increase-testosterone-naturally/ (accessed August 2023),
- M. Wrzosek, J. Woźniak, D. Włodarek, The causes of adverse changes of testosterone levels in men, Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 15, 2020 - Issue 5,
- Willem de Ronde, Frank H de Jong, Aromatase inhibitors in men: effects and therapeutic options, Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2011; 9: 93,
- S. J Smith, A.L. Loprest et al., Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review, Adv Nutr. 2021 May; 12(3): 744–765,
- J. L. Temple, C. Bernard et al., The Safety of Ingested Caffeine: A Comprehensive Review, Front Psychiatry. 2017; 8: 80,
- Ismaeel Ahmed, Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Power: A Systematic Review, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 31(8):p 2338-2346, August 2017.
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 7 years
Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.
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