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In an ideal world, we'd all simply receive exactly the nutrients we need from the food we consume. But in reality, even the most meticulous, health-conscious eaters sometimes need a little help hitting their vitamin and mineral quotient, especially if they're trying to hit particular wellness goals. That's why the best supplements can be effective in augmenting your regular diet and exercise routines.
The Best Supplements - Our Top Picks
- Best Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow
- Best Multivitamin: Huge Supplements Multi
- Best Collagen Powder: BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
- Best Magnesium Supplement: Transparent Labs Magnesium
- Best Fiber Supplement: Gainful Fiber
- Best Ashwagandha Supplement: Xwerks Ashwa
- Best Vitamin D Supplement: Huge Supplements Vitamin D3
- Best Turmeric Supplement: Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3
- Best Prenatal: Ritual Essential Prenatal
- Best Fish Oil Supplement: Kaged Omega-3
- Best Zinc Supplement: Future Kind Vegan Zinc
- Best B12 Supplement: Future Kind Vegan B12
Athletes and those who are active will quickly find that there is a dietary supplement for just about everything: Supplements that improve your performance as a runner, help you lose weight, stimulate your metabolism, expedite post-workout recovery, and more. So, what's the best supplement for you? We researched supplements and compiled a comprehensive list of the top supplements.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Protein Powder - Xwerks Grow
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage: 30g
- Certifications: Soy and gluten-free, NSF-certified
Serious athletes know just how important it is to fortify with plenty of protein, whether before a workout or as part of recovery. The Xwerks Grow protein powder belongs in any active person’s kitchen cabinet, offering a 100% whey protein isolate that’s formulated from grass-fed, pasture-raised New Zealand cattle. With no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors, this protein powder is well-suited for muscle repair, muscle growth, immune strength, and easy digestion, making it our pick for the best protein supplement.
Best For
- Athletes, especially weightlifters
- Anyone looking to build muscle mass
Not Best For
- Bargain hunters
- Anyone who doesn’t have a fairly active lifestyle
Best Multivitamin - Huge Supplements Multi
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 4 capsules
- Certifications: Manufactured in an FDA-regulated facility
All of us need a certain vitamin intake each day to ensure overall health and physical vigor, and that vitamin need is especially heightened for athletes. The Huge Supplements Multi provides the vitamin and nutrient levels needed for high-performance bodybuilding. This supplement is specially designed to help men build muscle, maintain strong bones, and regulate hormone levels.
Best For
- Those who prefer smaller, easy-to-swallow pills
- Athletic males and bodybuilders
- Those who want a multi with anti-inflammatories like ginger extract
Not Best For
- Those looking for a multivitamin with iron
- Women who need a more "female-centric" multi
Best Collagen Powder - BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage: 2 scoops
- Certifications: Gluten, nut, soy, corn, and GMO-free; NSF-certified
Our bodies produce collagen, a naturally occurring substance that promotes youthful skin, healthy hair, and strong nails. Over time, the body’s collagen production tapers off, which is when you start to notice the visible effects of aging. You can combat those effects with a couple of scoops of BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides each morning. This non-GMO product can also help promote your overall vitality and your post-workout recovery times.
Best For
- Athletes who cant to protect their joints and bone health
- Anyone concerned about visible signs of aging
Not Best For
- Those on a budget
BUY: BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
Best Magnesium Supplement - Transparent Labs Magnesium
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 3 capsules
- Certifications: Third-party tested, FDA and GMP manufactured
Studies show that an overwhelming percentage of Americans suffer from a magnesium deficiency, depriving them of good health and robust energy.(1) To solve that issue, consider Transparent Labs Magnesium. This pure magnesium supplement offers 71% of your daily magnesium recommendation in each serving and is made to help boost absorption rates…meaning you should see the maximum benefit.
Best For
- Athletes
- Vegans
- Those seeking cost-effective supplement options
Not Best For
- Anyone who struggles with pills or capsules
- Those seeking a multivitamin with added magnesium
BUY: Transparent Labs Magnesium
Best Fiber Supplement - Gainful Fiber
SPECS
- Type: Powder
- Dosage: 1 scoop
- Certifications: Non-GMO, vegan, organic
Gainful Fiber is designed to promote whole-body health through improved digestion. The fiber supports nutrient absorption as well as ease of elimination; in other words, it’ll keep you regular! We recommend it for balancing your appetite and helping support overall gut health.
Best For
- Anyone with ongoing digestion issues
- Anyone seeking better appetite regulation
Not Best For
- Bargain shoppers
Best Ashwagandha Supplement - Xwerks Ashwa
SPECS
- Type: Gummies
- Dosage: 2 gummies
- Certifications: Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO NSF-certified
Ashwagandha is an ancient herbal remedy that remains popular and widely used to optimize physical health and mental clarity.(2) We love the Xwerks Ashwa gummies, which can help you handle stress in a natural, holistic way. The fact that these gummies taste great while remaining gluten- and GMO-free is a nice bonus.
Best For
- Anyone seeking better stress management
- Anyone who dislikes pills and capsules
Not Best For
- Those seeking a sugar-free supplement
- Those who need a true multivitamin
Best Vitamin D Supplement - Huge Supplements Vitamin D3
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 1 capsule
- Certifications: Vegetarian, manufactured in an FDA-regulated facility
Vitamin D deficiencies are all too common, and they can contribute to low energy, moodiness, and more. We love Huge Supplements Vitamin D3, not least because each capsule offers an astonishing 5,000 IU of Vitamin D…more than 600% of your DV (daily value). This supplement is vegetarian-friendly, tested for purity and quality, and designed specifically to help promote performance in powerlifting and other high-intensity activities.
Best For
- Athletes
- Those who may have vitamin D deficiency
Not Best For
- Anyone who struggles with pills or capsules
- Those who need a true multivitamin
BUY: Huge Supplements Vitamin D3
Best Turmeric Supplement - Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 1 capsule
- Certifications: Third-party tested, FDA and GMP manufactured
Turmeric is recognized more and more for its incredible health benefits, including improved joint health and antioxidant enrichment.(3) We like the Transparent Labs Turmeric Curcumin C3 Complex, which is made without any artificial coloring, sweeteners, or preservatives. These capsules are rigorously tested for purity and safety, making them a smart addition to almost any lineup of supplements.
Best For
- Anyone with ongoing joint pain
- Athletes
Not Best For
- Anyone who struggles with pills or capsules
- Those who need a true multivitamin
BUY: Transparent Labs Turmeric
Best Prenatal - Ritual Essential Prenatal
SPECS
- Type: Capsules
- Dosage: 2 capsules
- Certifications: Vegan, third-party tested
Prenatal supplements can help support a healthy pregnancy and the development of a baby’s brain and body. The Ritual Essential Prenatal is a robust multivitamin formula that includes Vitamin D, Vitamin E, iron, magnesium, biotin, and a number of other prenatal must-haves. Citrus- and mint-essenced capsules make these refreshing, and while the price point is a little steep, it may prove to be a completely worthwhile investment for expecting moms.
Best For
- Moms-to-be
- Women seeking a comprehensive multivitamin
Not Best For
- Bargain shoppers
- Anyone who struggles with swallowing capsules
BUY: Ritual Essential Prenatal
Best Fish Oil Supplement - Kaged Omega-3
SPECS
- Type: Softgels
- Dosage: 2 softgels
- Certifications: Informed-Sport Certified
Fish oil is widely touted for its ability to promote cognitive function and safeguard your cardiovascular health. The Kaged Omega-3 product is our top pick in this category, offering softgel capsules with high absorption rates. And, there’s no need to worry about "fishy-smelling" burps!
Best For
- Anyone looking to promote cardiovascular health
- Anyone seeking to promote cognitive health.
Not Best For
- Those who struggle with pills or capsules
- Bargain shoppers
Best Zinc Supplement - Future Kind Vegan Zinc
SPECS
- Type: Tablets
- Dosage: 1 tablet
- Certifications: Vegan, B-Corp certified, third-party tested
The Future Kind Vegan Zinc boasts a 100% vegan formula, designed to optimize your immune system and keep your skin looking its best. You just need to take one tablet a day to get a generous 50 milligrams of zinc in your system. And, the price point is pretty reasonable, making this a supplement you can easily stockpile in your medicine cabinet.
Best For
- Bargain shoppers
- Those seeking improved immune health.
- Vegan athletes
Not Best For
- Anyone seeking a standard multivitamin
Best B12 Supplement - Future Kind Vegan B12
SPECS
- Type: Tablets
- Dosage: 1 tablet
- Certifications: Vegan, B-Corp certified, third-party tested
Vitamin B12 may help improve mental clarity and cognitive skill, along with physical energy and stamina.(4) The Future Kind Vegan B12 chewable tablets make it incredibly easy to get some B-complex vitamins into your daily diet, even if you don’t like taking pills. The berry flavor is achieved naturally, without any added sugars to worry about.
Best For
- Vegan athletes
- Those who dislike pills or capsules
Not Best For
- Those seeking a true multivitamin
- Those seeking to fuel more intense physical workouts
How to Choose the Best Supplements for You
As you seek the best dietary supplement, there are a handful of factors you'll want to consider.
Purpose
Why do you feel the need for supplements in the first place? Some people take supplements because they are instructed to do so by their doctor. For example, if you're anemic, your doctor may tell you to stock up on iron. More often, though, you'll need to consider the health problem you wish to solve or a performance metric you wish to improve and determine your supplement needs based on that.
Certifications
Do you need a supplement that comes with a specific guarantee of assurance? For example, is something approved by a particular medical organization, or guaranteed to work with a specific diet or lifestyle? Such certifications are usually easy to spot on the front of the bottle.
Nutrient Density
How much of your given nutrient do you actually need? Remember that your body can only absorb so much, so you don't want to overdo it. Talk to your doctor for a specific recommendation.
Our Final Takeaway
Even for those who exercise sound nutritional habits, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be difficult to avoid. The best supplements will help you make up for any nutritional deficits in your diet, empowering you to live your happiest, healthiest, and most active life.
FAQs About Supplements
What supplement should I take daily?
The answer varies from person to person, but in terms of general multivitamin needs, most nutritionists recommend focusing on magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, iron, folate, and vitamin B12.
What supplements should not be taken together?
There are a few supplement combinations that are ill-advised due to the possibility of their effects being diminished when taken together. The main ones include calcium and magnesium, copper and zinc, and iron and green tea. If you have specific questions or concerns, talk with your doctor.
Do we really need supplements?
While many people can get the vitamins and minerals they need with a balanced diet, others have distinctive nutrient deficiencies or other health concerns that call for dietary supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- DiNicolantonio, J. J., O'Keefe, J. H., & Wilson, W. (2018). Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis. Open heart, 5(1), e000668. https://doi.org/10.1136/openhrt-2017-000668
- Singh, N., Bhalla, M., de Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines: AJTCAM, 8(5 Suppl), 208–213. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Vitamin B12 - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved April 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
About the Author
Josh is a journalist and writer whose work has appeared in magazines and local newspapers such as Christianity Today, IMAGE Journal, Relevant Magazine, FLOOD, The Nashville Scene, True Tunes, Rise Up Daily, and Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet. Josh is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
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