At a certain stage in a bodybuilder's efforts to bulk up, the concept of muscle pump and vascularity will become a hot topic.
However, understanding the optimal timing and methods for improving vascularity is crucial. It's not just about when to concentrate on it, but also how to do it right. To provide concrete guidance, we embarked on an extensive testing process.
We collaborated with several clients and put over 30 supplements to the test, specifically targeting their impact on vascularity and muscle pump. The result is a curated list of the best supplements for vascularity, tailored for those looking to enhance their muscle definition and vascular appearance.
The Best Supplements For Vascularity
- Best Overall Supplement for Vascularity: Stim-Free by Transparent Labs
- Cheapest Supplement for Vascularity: N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Supplement
- Top-Rated Vascularity Supplement for Morning Workouts: 4 Gauge Pre-Workout
- Leading Vascularity Formula for Performance Enhancement: Kaged Muscle Pre-Workout
- Best Vascularity Supplement for Energy Boost: BSN Nitrix 2.0
Our Top Supplements For Vascularity (July 2024)
1 - Stim-Free by Transparent Labs (Best Overall)
- Price per serving : $1.67
- Key ingredients : Beta-Alanine, BCAA, Citrulline Malate
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many positive online reviews and good results for muscle pump from our clients
- It comes in powder form that easily mixes with water for a fast pre-workout drink
- Gluten-free option with no artificial additives mixed in
- Stimulant-free to not cause jitters or sleepless nights
Cons
- Some of the flavors are a bit too sweet
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Fitness enthusiasts wanting a stimulant-free option
- Those seeking high-quality, transparent ingredients
Who is it not for?
- Individuals looking for a budget option
Final Verdict
This supplement is ideal for those who want a clean, stimulant-free product with effective ingredients. It is a bit pricey but worth the investment.
Stim-Free by Transparent Labs became a staple in my fitness journey as well. The first time I used it, the visible increase in vascularity was undeniable, making my workouts feel more rewarding.
I measured the results on muscle pumps both before and after taking this supplement, and there was a good increase in blood flow.
It's also great that it doesn't rely on caffeine for a mental performance boost. Many of our clients head to the gym later in the day, and caffeine could mess up their sleep.
Also, based on our tests we found this supplement mixes very easily with water. Just add a scoop to 6 ounces of water about 30 minutes before you start at the gym, and you're good to go.
Main Ingredients: BCAAs, L-Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine
2 - 4 Gauge Pre-Workout (Best for Morning Workouts)
- Price per serving : $2.25
- Key ingredients : Caffeine, L-Theanine, Red Beet
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong dose of L-citrulline malate
- A carefully chosen essential amino acid profile may improve lean muscle mass
- It’s a low-calorie option that shouldn’t mess up your diet
Cons
- This supplement does have some caffeine that could make you jittery
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Morning exercisers needing a pre-workout boost
- Users preferring natural ingredients
Who is it not for?
- Those sensitive to caffeine
Final Verdict
Great for early workouts, providing a balanced energy boost without jitters. Natural ingredients make it a solid choice.
4-Gauge is another favorite here at the Total Shape office, and we usually recommend this for clients who do most of their weight training earlier in the day. I’ve also used 4-Gauge for my morning workouts. The energy surge and enhanced blood flow it offers not only boosted my performance but made every pump more visible and intense.
The added caffeine may also help boost your mental focus and makes this a combination of a pre-workout supplement and a fat burner.
It also seems to be most popular with bodybuilders going through a bulking phase to maximize muscle growth. The only downside we noted is that you could end up quite jittery from the caffeine if you’re sensitive to stimulants.
Main Ingredients: Caffeine, L-Citrulline Malate, L-Theanine, Creatine
3 - N.O. XT Nitric Oxide Supplement (Cheapest Option)
- Price per serving : $0.66
- Key ingredients : Nitrosigine, L-Citrulline, L-Arginine
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It has a simple formula that focuses just on muscle growth and pumps
- Positive comments about improved muscle strength during training
- It comes in capsule form to make it easier to take while on the go
Cons
- It doesn't provide the strongest dosage compared to other vascularity supplements
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Budget-conscious users
- Beginners looking to try nitric oxide supplements
Who is it not for?
- Advanced users seeking high-end formulations
Final Verdict
An affordable option for those new to supplements. It offers good value for its price.
I remember taking N.O. XT before a particularly intense training session. The enhanced muscle pumps and endurance were noticeable, making every lift more effective. It's specifically formulated as a nitric oxide supplement for increased muscle pumps.
Many athletes like such a simple formula as it makes it easier for them to stack it with other products to target muscle soreness and body fat.
We also liked the convenience of taking dietary supplement capsules rather than a powder. It's a bit more convenient than mixing up a powder.
Just keep in mind that while it is cheaper than the above two options, it doesn't have the same dose of L-citrulline either.
Main Ingredients: L-Citrulline, L-Glutathione, Bioperine
4 - Kaged Muscle Pre-Workout (Best for Performance Enhancement)
- Price per serving : $1.83
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, Creatine HCl
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great amino acid combination for athletic performance and faster recovery
- It seems to make a big difference for endurance
- Comes with some added B vitamins to support energy boosts
Cons
- Contains some artificial sweeteners and flavors
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes aiming to enhance performance
- Those seeking scientifically backed ingredients
Who is it not for?
- Casual gym-goers not focused on performance gains
Final Verdict
Perfect for athletes, providing top-notch ingredients for performance enhancement. It might be overkill for casual users.
Pre-Kaged is another one of our favored pre-workout supplements that comes with some good nitric oxide boosters. My experience with Pre-Kaged was positive. The blend of ingredients not only amplified my vascularity but also enhanced my overall workout performance.
It has one of the strongest doses of L-citrulline, and we did find that Kaged gave us a good bit more blood flow to muscles.
The BCAA combination is also in a good ratio, which could explain the improved strength and performance many users highlight.
The added vitamin B6 and B12 may also be key to ensuring you achieve a higher red blood cell count, which should help to improve the delivery of oxygen and energy to muscle cells.
Main Ingredients: L-Citrulline, BCAAs, Beta-Alanine
5 - BSN Nitrix 2.0 (Best for Energy Boost)
- Price per serving : $0.83
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, L-Arginine, Creatine
- Form : Tablet
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes creatine that should help to enhance performance
- Available in tablet form to make taking it on the go a lot easier
- Seems to boost nitric oxide production to enhance blood flow
Cons
- The company hides behind a proprietary blend that makes stacking difficult
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Individuals needing an energy boost
- Users looking for a reputable brand
Who is it not for?
- Those avoiding stimulant-based supplements
Final Verdict
Ideal for those seeking a significant energy boost. Trusted brand ensures quality and reliability.
I’ve been a fan of BSN Nitrix for several years. Each tablet seems to work in synergy with my body, enhancing vascularity and muscle fullness during workouts
As a dedicated nitric oxide supplement, it has 3 grams of L-citrulline. It's not as much as other supplements for vascularity, but we still noticed a solid improvement. And with 3 grams of creatine included, you should also notice some better athletic performance.
If you don't like carrying around a tub of powder all day when you head to the gym after work, then these tablets could be a good solution.
We just don't like that BSN hides the exact formula blend, as stacking with other supplements could become an issue.
Main Ingredients: L-Citrulline, Creatine
6 - Superior Labs VasoWORx
- Price per serving : $0.50
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, L-Arginine, Beet Root Extract
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good source of B vitamins to promote more red blood cell supply
- Positive results for pumps and energy supply
- Comes in veggie capsules that are convenient to take later in the day
Cons
- It's not always in stock which makes keeping supply levels up a bit difficult
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Users seeking a high-potency supplement
- Fitness enthusiasts focused on vascularity
Who is it not for?
- People with sensitivity to potent formulations
Final Verdict
A potent option for serious fitness enthusiasts. It’s highly effective but might be too strong for some.
This was a strong favorite for a few of my professional clients a few years ago, and it looks like it still works pretty well to increase blood flow during training. We measured significantly better pumps and felt more energized.
It might not last quite as long as advertised, but for the average bodybuilder, it should provide good results.
There are also B vitamins included, which should gradually help increase your red blood cells and further improve your energy.
Just beware that it's often out of stock online, so you might not always get a successful resupply.
Main Ingredients: Vitamin B complex, L-Citrulline Malate, L-Arginine
7 - Pump Surge Jacked Factory
- Price per serving : $1.33
- Key ingredients : Betaine Anhydrous, Alpha-GPC, Taurine
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No added stimulants to mess up your recovery time
- The powder mixes easily with water
- May provide good results for endurance and pumps
Cons
- Some of the flavors are pretty fake tasting and overly sweet
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those looking for a stimulant-free pump enhancer
- Users wanting a clean formula
Who is it not for?
- Individuals needing a stimulant for energy
Final Verdict
Great for achieving a pump without stimulants. Clean formula makes it a safe choice for most users.
My personal trial with Pump Surge left me impressed. The noticeable increase in muscle pumps and endurance made each workout session a step closer to my fitness goals.
With 5 grams of L-citrulline, it seems to give you a good pump and even some endurance boosts as well.
We also liked that the company doesn't resort to the unnecessary use of stimulants like caffeine. If you head to the gym later in the day or evening, those could mess up your sleep and recovery process.
The powder also mixes easily with cold water, and you don't even need a shaker. But, we found that the flavors have gone downhill. Some of them taste fake and very sweet.
Main Ingredients: L-Citrulline, Betaine, Taurine
8 - Havasu Extra Strength L-Arginine
- Price per serving : $0.27
- Key ingredients : L-Arginine, L-Citrulline
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A simple formula that aims to deliver good pumps and vascularity
- Comes as capsules that make changing the dose quite easy
- Positive reports about boosted performance levels
Cons
- The dosage is quite low compared to other products available
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners trying L-Arginine
- Users looking for a simple, effective formula
Who is it not for?
- Advanced users seeking complex formulations
Final Verdict
Simple and effective, this is perfect for beginners. It may lack complexity for advanced users.
Havasu is a supplement with many marketing promises considering that there are only a few ingredients in the formula. I was initially skeptical about Havasu, but after trying it, the enhanced blood flow and performance during my workouts made me a believer.
But I would not say that this product will do a huge amount for your recovery time.
It does seem to work well for increased blood flow and better performance at the gym. But the low dosage in the capsules might limit that effect.
Some of my clients said they found the effect wore off after just 20 minutes.
Main Ingredients: L-Arginine, L-Citrulline Malate
9 - Vintage Burst Nitric Oxide Booster
- Price per serving : $0.83
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, L-Arginine, Beet Root Extract
- Form : Capsule
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- May also reduce fatigue during training
- Claims to provide better pumps for up to 3 hours
- Provides a good dose of L-Arginine to raise nitric oxide levels
Cons
- You need to take three capsules which are quite large
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Fans of vintage bodybuilding supplements
- Those needing a nitric oxide boost
Who is it not for?
- Users looking for modern formulations
Final Verdict
A nostalgic choice with effective nitric oxide boosting properties. It’s a great blend of old-school and new benefits.
I love the label of this nitric oxide supplement, but it's more about the results we got with clients. The energy and vascularity boost it provided were not just visible but felt in every rep and set. The main ingredient is L-arginine, and with 1.5 grams, it has a decent dosage.
My clients all noticed better pumps throughout their training sessions. Whether it will last for three hours as promised is another matter, but it should be a good option for at least one hour.
We also found that it seems to work well for reducing fatigue, so you get to put in a few more reps or sets.
Main Ingredients: L-Arginine
10 - High Volume by PEScience
- Price per serving : $1.67
- Key ingredients : L-Citrulline, Arginine Nitrate, Agmatine Sulfate
- Form : Powder
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A high dose of proven ingredients seems to provide good results for vascularity
- It's caffeine-free, making it suitable for evening training sessions
- No added fillers or unnecessary ingredients, plus some added vitamin C
Cons
- The powder doesn't seem to mix that easily, and the flavor is very sweet
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Individuals wanting a high-volume pump
- Users preferring a stimulant-free option
Who is it not for?
- Those needing energy from stimulants
Final Verdict
Perfect for achieving a high-volume pump without stimulants. It’s effective but lacks energy-boosting properties.
I tried High Volume by PEScience during an intense cutting phase. The enhanced vascularity and muscle pumps it delivered made every workout visually and physically gratifying.
And because it's caffeine-free, it shouldn't mess up your sleep patterns or recovery times. That's something a lot of my clients appreciate because they train at the gym after work.
And I also like that there are no weird fillers or overly complex ingredients. That makes it a lot easier to stack with other pre and post-workout supplements.
The reason it's at the bottom of the list is due to the fact some of the flavors are very sweet, and the powder doesn't mix as easily as others.
Main Ingredients: L-Citrulline, Arginine Nitrate, Glycerol
How We Chose the Best Supplements for Vascularity
We understand that in the diverse and often complex world of vascularity supplements, making an informed choice is paramount. Here’s a glimpse into our rigorous selection process.
Scientific research and evidence
We spent 3-4 weeks reviewing clinical studies and medical journals, focusing on key ingredients like L-Arginine, known for its role in nitric oxide production and blood flow enhancement, and Citrulline, which aids in reducing fatigue and improving endurance. We verified the dosages used in studies and their proven effectiveness.
Top-notch ingredients
We're strict about ingredient quality. Only natural, organic, and clinically proven ingredients make the cut, ensuring they're safe and effective.
Trusted brands
We looked at the brand's history, customer reviews, and awards. We evaluated brands based on their transparency about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and compliance with FDA guidelines.
Safety first
Over two weeks, we closely monitored for potential side effects. For example, high doses of caffeine can cause jitters or heart palpitations, while excessive L-Arginine might lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. We ensured the supplements contained safe levels of each ingredient.
Real feedback
We spent three weeks analyzing customer reviews, paying special attention to reports of any adverse effects like headaches, nausea, or allergic reactions and positive effects such as improved energy levels and endurance.
Value for money
We compared the cost per serving against the benefits provided, considering both the quality of ingredients and the effectiveness, as reported in scientific studies and customer reviews.
Our testing
We don't just take others' word for it; we test them ourselves. Our experts and clients tried the supplements to see their real effects.
Buyer's Guide for the Best Supplements for Vascularity
Here are the most important things you need to keep in mind before committing to a certain product.
Setting The Right Goals
Nitric oxide boosters won't make you super muscular unless you already have a good muscle base; your muscle pump depends on your starting muscle size and genetics.
The effectiveness of vascularity supplements varies with genetics, affecting your metabolic rate, hormone levels, and response to nitric oxide. Also, these supplements don't reduce body fat; they only enhance muscle appearance by increasing blood flow.
Common Side Effects
When there is more nitric oxide in your body, your blood vessels will slightly expand to make it easier for blood to flow into muscles. But there can be some side effects from the ingredients most often used. First of all, L-citrulline may cause some stomach upset and heartburn depending on the dosage [1].
Similarly, L-arginine may cause bloating and nausea, but this is most commonly the case when people take very high doses [2].
It's also important to note that anyone with low or high blood pressure should be careful with these products. They may impact your blood pressure, and if you're on medication, that could complicate things further.
3 Most Effective Ingredients
Improved vascularity can boost self-esteem and confidence, and positively impact mental health. Here are the three most researched vascularity and pre-workout supplement ingredients that our dietitian said we should always focus on to look and feel good.
L-Citrulline
This is an amino acid that your body can produce, but when you introduce higher doses through your diet or supplements, it may also help deal with blood flow issues. In medicine, this may be an option for treating heart issues [3]. But for athletes, it could result in a more intense workout with your veins popping.
L-Arginine
This is another amino acid that the body produces and that you normally get enough of through your diet. But great things happen when you get a small boost from a supplement about half an hour before you start training.
It has been linked to improved vascularity and is regularly used to treat heart health issues like elevated blood pressure [4].
And there is some potential for it to boost growth hormone production, which could also help athletes and bodybuilders in bulking phases.
"Because L-arginine acts as a vasodilator, opening (dilating) blood vessels, many people take oral L-arginine to treat heart conditions and erectile dysfunction."
- MayoClinic.com
Beta-Alanine
Now, I first have to highlight that this ingredient isn't a supplement for vascularity. But in combination with the above two ingredients, it could be a powerful ally in your training regime.
What it seems to do is improve endurance in athletes who are working out at peak levels of performance [5]. So, when your blood is circulating more freely, and you can increase your peak performance, the result should be a better pump.
"A review of studies of the beta-alanine supplement shows that it doesn't increase muscle strength or aerobic endurance. Instead, it appears to slightly increase the amount of time an athlete can perform high-intensity exercises, such as weight lifting and sprinting, before getting exhausted."
- WebMD.com
Related Article:
Vascularity Boosting Tips
Along with taking vascularity supplements, you need to do a few other things to get the blood flowing and show off your physique.
Reduce Your BMI
There is no point in achieving a massive pump with fully dilated blood vessels if you've still got a BMI above 20%. I'm sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but those fat reserves will hide your muscle shape and veins as well. A vascularity supplement will still help your body produce more nitric oxide, but the increased pumps won't look as well as they should.
So, before you decide to take a supplement, go through a cutting phase first. That way, you're preparing your body for the next phase of your fitness journey toward physical wellness.
Gain Muscle
Before you take a nitric oxide booster, you have to build up more muscle tissue first [6]. If you try to promote vascularity with slim arms, it's still not going to make you look like Mr. Universe.
While a clean pre-workout supplement will help you to train harder, I wouldn't waste time or money on a vascularity supplement if you are not already shredded. It's a perfect example of putting the cart before the horse.
Remove Hair
If you want to show off your blood vessels over fully ripped muscles, then make sure you take away all distractions. That also means reducing or removing body hair that would just hide the veins.
This is particularly important if you have dark hair. A simple body hair grooming kit for some man-scaping will work wonders for greater vascularity, which could increase your confidence and overall feeling of wellness.
Keep Hydrating
This is something that many bodybuilders make mistakes on. I've heard many people say that they reduce their water intake to avoid water retention that would hide muscles and blood vessels. But what happens when you mess with your water supply is that your body will hold onto as much water as possible.
The opposite happens when you consistently stay hydrated. Your body understands that there isn't going to be a water shortage, and it won't retain as much.
FAQs
Do Nitric Oxide Supplements Increase Vascularity?
Yes, nitric oxide supplements may increase vascularity. But you will need a significant amount of muscle and a relatively low BMI to see the effects. If you have a slim build or carry excess weight, these supplements won't do much to change it.
Does Citrulline Increase Vascularity?
Yes, citrulline increases vascularity by boosting your nitric oxide levels and enhancing your blood flow.
What Vitamins Help With Vascularity?
Vitamin B3 can help with vascularity. According to studies, it may help improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation. It's not a common ingredient in vascularity supplements, so make sure you get enough through a multivitamin.
Does L-Arginine Make You Vascular?
Yes, L-arginine may make you vascular. It helps dilate vessels and aids blood flow around the body and into muscle tissue, which is why it's a common ingredient in vascularity supplements.
Our Verdict on the Best Vascularity Supplement
Based on all of our testing, we believe that Stim-Free by Transparent Labs is the best option to boost nitric oxide production.
It's not only a great option for pumps you've never experienced before but may also provide the right amino acids to help boost performance, reduce fatigue, and recovery.
With the added BCAAs, we found that this was a well-formulated supplement, and our clients have had huge success with it.
It might be worth trying out to see how much of a difference it could make for your appearance.
Our #1 Recommendation
Stim-Free by Transparent Labs (Best Overall)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Many positive online reviews and good results for muscle pump from our clients
- It comes in powder form that easily mixes with water for a fast pre-workout drink
- Gluten-free option with no artificial additives mixed in
- Stimulant-free to not cause jitters or sleepless nights
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of July
- Some of the flavors are a bit too sweet
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