Everyone wants to get the most out of their workout sessions, and a pump supplement might be all you need to get the best bang for your buck. It will give you the energy to push harder in the gym while delaying the onset of fatigue.
Good pump supplements can help in building muscle faster and gain more size. These supplements include creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, glutamine, arginine, etc. Pump supps can help increase nitric oxide levels in your body. Being a vasodilator, nitric oxide is responsible for widening your muscle blood vessels resulting in higher blood flow and skin-ripping muscle pumps.
If you are into bodybuilding, you probably know what a muscle pump is, but for those who don’t, a muscle pump is when your muscles are gorging with blood and feel on the verge of exploding.
However, what if you are not achieving great muscle pumps despite intense training sessions? It’s a sign you should add pump supplements to your routine.
Pump supplements help increase blood flow and oxygen to your muscles and improve athletic performance. They are often sold as “nitric oxide boosters” or “oxygen enhancers” as they increase nitric oxide levels in your body. (1)
There are several types of pump supplements on the market, each with its own benefits. Some are better suited for endurance athletes, while others are better for strength training.
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The best muscle pump supplements for you will depend on your goals and needs. For example, if you want to build muscle mass, then a pump supplement that contains creatine will be more effective than one that doesn’t have it.
Many different brands claim to have the best pump supplement, but which ones work? Which ones can deliver what they promise? And which ones are worth buying?
We did the hard work for you by shortlisting the top 10 pump supplements worth your attention.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about each pump product to make the right choice. Read on to find out how much these supplements cost, what ingredients they contain, and why they are the best in their genre!
So, let’s get started!
Top 10 Pump Supplements of 2024:
- Best Overall Pump Supplement — Huge Supplements Pump Serum
- Best Nootropic Pump Supplement — PUMPSURGE by Jacked Factory
- Best Blood Flow Enhancer Pump Supplement — Evlution Nutrition Pump Mode
- Best Caffeine-Free Pump Supplement — Anabolic Warfare Pump-N-Grow Muscle Pump
- Best Detoxifying Pump Supplement — MRI NO2 Black Nitric Oxide
- Best Nitric Oxide Pump Supplement — Build Fast Formula Vasoblitz
- Best Pump Supplement for Muscle Protein Synthesis — N.O. X.T. Nitric Oxide Supplement
- Best Overdosed Nitric Oxide Booster Pump Supplement — Rich Piana 5% Nutrition FasF
- Best Vasodilation Booster — Purus Labs Noxygen
- Best Stackable Pump Supplement — Redcon1 Big Noise
How Much Do Pump Supplements Cost?
Depending on ingredients, different companies price their pump supplements differently. However, there’s no denying that the most popular pump supplements are pretty expensive.
You shouldn’t buy a pump supplement solely because of its price. You should first check out its ingredient list.
A supplement’s cost varies depending on its ingredients. Hence, you should check out the ingredients you are looking for in your pump supplement before pulling out your wallet.
Most pump supplements cost between $0.50 to $2.50 per serving. However, it is not always necessary that a supplement with a higher cost per serving is better. Besides high-quality ingredients, factors such as branding and marketing can affect a supplement’s price.
Let’s take a look at the price chart —
Here are the costs and prices per ounce of the top 10 pump supplements in 2022 at a glance:
| Category | Product | Name | Price | Per Serving | Why We love it |
| Stimulant Free |  |
Huge Supplements Pump Serum | $54.95 | $2.20/serving | Contains a concoction of pump-inducing ingredients. |
| Nootropic Pump |  |
Pump Surge by Jacked Factory | $29.99 | $1.5/serving | Great for mental focus. |
| Blood Flow Enhancer |  |
Evolution Nutrition Pump Mode | $22.49 | $0.76/ serving | Contains powerful performance-boosting compounds like NO3T Betaine Nitrate and Hydromax. |
| Caffeine Free Pump Supplement |  |
Anabolic Warfare Pump-N-Grow Muscle Pump | $38.69 | $1.29/serving | Excellent muscle pumps without jitters and crashes. |
| Detoxifying Pump Supplement |  |
MRI NO2 Black Nitric Oxide | $54.99 | $0.91/serving | Increases strength and endurance while amplifying muscle pumps. |
| Dual Nitric Supplement |  |
Build Fast Formula Vasoblitz | $39.99 | $1.62/serving | Enhances blood flow to muscles by boosting nitric oxide. |
| Muscle Protein Synthesis |  |
N.O. X.T. Nitric Oxide Supplement | $ 24.74 | $0.81/serving | Improves vascularity while delivering skin-ripping pumps. |
| Overdosed Nitric Oxide Booster |  |
Rich Piana 5% Nutrition FasF | $37.04 | $1.29/serving | Endurance, strength gains, and massive pumps. |
| Vasodilation Booster |  |
Purus Labs Noxygen | $27.99 | $0.57/serving | Excellent pumps with improved blood flow. |
| Stackable Pump Supplement |  |
Redcon1 Big Noise | $ 31.49 | $1.04/serving | A great pump supplement that can be stacked with a potent pre-workout supp. |
Best Pump Supplements to Buy
Best Overall
Contains a combination of 13 potent ingredients to enhance your overall athletic performance. Each ingredient in Pump Serum is dosed optimally for maximum effectiveness, making it the best overall pump supplement on the market.
Huge Supplements Pump Serum
Most Huge Supplement products come with high-quality, well-dosed ingredients, and Pump Serum is no different. The 31-gram stim-free serving contains l-tyrosine, l-citrulline, nitrosigine, glycerpump, and beetroot, responsible for improved oxidation in your body.
This stim-free pre-workout delivers excellent muscle pumps and improves your focus. While most pre-workout supplements come with the standard two grams of Beta Anhydrous, Huge Supplements Pump Serum delivers 2.5 mg to delay muscle fatigue more efficiently. Three grams of glycerol powder ensures improved muscle pumps and endurance.
Ingredient List:
- Choline (as Choline Bitartrate)
- Sodium (as Himalayan Pink Sea Salt)
- L-Citrulline
- Betaine Anhydrous
- GlycerPump™ (65% Glycerol Powder)
- Beet Root Extract (Beta Vulgaris)
- L-Tyrosine
- Nitrosigine (Inositol Arginine Silicate)
- Agmatine Sulfate
- Pomegranate Extract (Punica Granatum)
- VasoDrive-AP (Casein Hydrolysate)
- Huperzine A 1% (Huperzia Serrata Leaf Extract)
- Bioperine (Black Pepper Fruit Extract)
Who Should Buy?
- Athletes who are looking for a pump supplement free from hard-hitting stimulants.
- Lifters wanting better focus, muscle pumps, and energy.
- Those looking for a combination of potent ingredients to take their workout to the next level.
Who Should Avoid?
- People who are overweight or suffering from any heart ailment should seek a medical professional’s advice before taking this supplement.
Advised Dosage: One full scoop with 8 to 12 fl oz of water or any other beverage of choice about 30 minutes before workout.
Pump Serum
Pump Serum
Huge Supplements Pump Serum is a stim-free supp loaded with pump-inducing ingredients — 31 grams of them. Its scientifically-back formula is optimally dosed and will leave you with muscle-ripping pumps.
Best Nootropic Pump
Nootropics are formulas and ingredients that work on the brain instead of the body. Although they may feel like a pre-workout, there are many other benefits like sharper attention, mental clarity, and improved focus.
Pump Surge by Jacked Factory
Nootropics help improve focus, alertness, and nutrient delivery to muscles. They can also help delay muscle fatigue. (2)
Available in six flavors, Pump Surge is a high-dosed ergogenic booster that improves your endurance and promotes mind-muscle connection. It is high on nootropic ingredients that provide you with skin-ripping pumps.
Ingredients like taurine, t-citrulline, and betaine enhance blood flow by boosting nitric oxide in your body. You can expect improved vascularity and muscle growth with this product. The best part is that Pump Surge is a stim-free pre-workout pump supplement that gives you mental benefits like improved focus and better cognitive function.
The presence of AstraGin enhances nutrient absorption in your body, such as amino acids. It helps in delaying muscle fatigue and muscle soreness. With no hidden ingredients, you get what is on its label.
If you’re looking for a nootropic pump supplement, Jacked Factory Pump Surge should be your go-to pre-workout pump supp.
Ingredient List:
- L-Citrulline 5g
- Betaine Anhydrous 2.5g
- Taurine 2g
- Alpha GPC 150mg
- Huperzine A 50mcg
- Astragin 25mg
Who Should Buy?
- Those looking for a scientifically dosed pre-workout.
- People who prefer stimulant-free products with ingredients like betaine, l-citrulline, and taurine.
- Lifters who lack muscle-mind connection during a workout.
Who Should Avoid?
- Folks who don’t want a stim-free pump supplement.
Advised Dosage: One scoop with 8 to 10 oz of water before 30 minutes of workout.
PUMPSURGE Stim Free Pre-Workout
PUMPSURGE Stim Free Pre-Workout
PUMPSURGE Stim Free Pre-Workout is a scientifically proven formula, supports muscle growth gives focus, enhances endurance. Fully transparent.
Best Blood Flow Enhancer Pump Supplement
Pre-workout supplements that are pump-focused contain a combination of ingredients designed to increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the working muscles. Evlution Nutrition Pump Mode is one of the best supps for improved blood flow during training.
Evlution Nutrition Pump Mode
Research suggests improved blood flow ensures higher nutrient delivery that helps with faster recovery during and between workouts.
The unique formula of Evlution Nutrition Pump gives you an exceptional nitric oxide boost to elevate your blood flow. It provides you with skin-ripping muscle pumps and enhances endurance during intense workouts.
NO3T Betaine Nitrate and Hydromax can aid in improving muscle hydration, which can lead to better muscle pumps. It is a stimulant-free and sugar-free supplement that can set you up for intense workouts.
The enhanced blood flow will help you push yourself harder, and improved nutrient delivery into muscles will delay the onset of fatigue. It is a made-in-USA GMP-certified product following the highest safety guidelines.
Ingredient List:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
- Sodium
- Glycerol Muscle Volumizer (Glycerol Monostearate, Hydromax [std. min. 65% Glycerol])
- Betaine Nitrate (as NO3-T)
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Natural Rice Concentrate
- Silica
Who Should buy?
- People looking for improved muscle hydration and increased athletic performance with boosted endurance.
- Individuals who prefer sugar-free supplements.
Who Should Avoid?
- People looking for a clinical dose of active ingredients as this supplement is low on them.
Advised Dosage: One scoop of Evolution Pump Supplement with 8 to 10 oz of water
Evlution Nutrition Pump Mode Coupon
Evlution Nutrition Pump Mode Coupon
Evlution Nutrition Pump Mode combines the potent NO3T Betaine Nitrate and Hydromax for skin tearing pumps. The supp can also help improve your vascularity and performance in the gym.
Best Caffeine-Free Pump Supplement
Non-stimulant pre-workout products improve your energy levels without using caffeine in their formula. They improve alertness and focus by using other ingredients like Nitrosigine, Beta-Alanine, and TeaCrine.
Anabolic Warfare Pump-N-Grow Muscle Pump
High stimulant pre-workouts are responsible for interfering with the central nervous system and can speed up your heart rate. Hence athletes usually avoid high-stimulant pre-workouts to dodge such effects. A non-stimulant pre-workout is free from caffeine and helps in increasing the blood flow using ingredients such as nitrosigine, beta-alanine, nitric oxide, creatine, and teacrine.
With the addition of ingredients like l-citrulline, you can expect bigger pumps and muscle fiber activation with this stim-free pre-workout while avoiding “pre-workout crashes.” With the inclusion of amino acids such as nitrosigine in its formula, you do not need to take jitter-causing supplements for improved endurance, oxygen consumption, and concentration.
The presence of nitrosigine boosts your oxygen intake and leads to higher energy levels resulting in increased intensity required for a prolonged workout.
Due to l-citrulline in the Pump-n Grow formula, your capillaries open up to let more oxygen-delivering blood move across your muscles, helping with better pumps, improved vascularity, and enhanced strength.
Ingredient List:
- L-Citrulline malate
- Betaine anhydrous
- Beta-alanine
- Highly branched cyclic dextrin
- L-Arginine pyroglutamate
- L-Citrulline
- Nitrosigine
Who Should Buy?
- Lifters looking for jitter-free stimulants that can result in high oxygen uptake.
- People looking for a high amino acid pump supplement to dilate vessels for higher blood flow and improved strength.
Who Should Avoid?
- People who have kidney ailments because nitrous boosters might result in kidney failure.
Advised Dosage: One scoop of Pump-N-Grow supplement with six to eight oz of water 15 minutes before your workout.
Anabolic Warfare Pump-N-Grow Muscle Pump Coupon
Anabolic Warfare Pump-N-Grow Muscle Pump Coupon
Anabolic Warfare Pump-N-Grow comes with a transparent ingredient label. The stim-free supp contains eight potent ingredients and is made at a cGMP facility.
Best Detoxifying Pump Supplement
The presence of ingredients like active charcoal can help in detoxifying your muscles. It can also improve mental clarity and support healthy digestion.
MRI NO2 Black Nitric Oxide
Hydromax and Nitrosigine increase nitric oxide production for dilation and hydration to improve blood flow in your muscles. Plus, MRI NO2 helps with better pumps.
It contains seven grams of citrulline malate in each scoop which can amplify your muscles pumps and boost your energy levels significantly (thanks to the malic acid ingredient).
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid and precursor to nitric oxide — a vasodilator responsible for increasing blood flow. It also assists in improving the intake of nutrients, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and enhancing immunity and muscle pumps.
Ingredient List:
- Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Stearic Acid
- Cellulose Gum
- Magnesium Stearate
- Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
- Crospovidone
- Hypromellose
- Silicon Dioxide
- Triacetin
Who Should Buy?
- Those looking for a supplement free from harmful fillers.
- Athletes who need A-AKG and l-arginine in the right proportions to boost strength and endurance.
Who Should Avoid?
- Lifters who have already used more intense pre-workouts.
Advised Dosage: Three caplets served 30 minutes before your workout.
MRI NO2 Black Nitric Oxide Coupon
MRI NO2 Black Nitric Oxide Coupon
MRI NO2 Black Nitric Oxide has one of the most potent pump formulas on the list. The latest variant of the supplement guarantees 500% bigger pumps!
Best Dual Nitric Supplement
Nitric oxide supplements have many benefits, including lowering arterial stiffness and blood pressure and improving carotid blood flow. Nearly every cell in the body produces nitric oxide, making it one of the most important molecules to maintain blood vessel health. It acts as a vasodilator by relaxing the blood vessel’s inner muscles, causing them to expand. This increases blood flow and lowers your blood pressure.
Build Fast Formula Vasoblitz
A high concentration of nitric oxide-enhancing ingredients makes Build Fast Formula Vasoblitz one of the best pump supplements on our list. It contains ingredients like L-Citrulline and NO3-T Arginine Nitrate to boost blood flow and nutrient delivery to the working muscles.
There are many delicious flavors, from lemon drop and rocket pop up to strawberry and fruit punch; you can pick the one that fits your preferences. You will probably enjoy Vasoblitz’s flavors compared to the various tasteless pump blends available in the market.
Vasoblitz is not a proprietary blend. BFF assures that their label displays each ingredient in the blend, and what appears on the ingredient list is precisely what you will get. There are no hidden or prohibited ingredients
Ingredient List:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Calcium
- L-Citrulline
- Betaine Anhydrous
- Arginine Nitrate (as NO3-T)
- Calcium Lactate
- Citric Acid, natural
- Artificial Flavours
- Calcium Silicate
- Sucralose
- Beet Root (color)
Who Should Buy?
- Beginners looking for plenty of flavor choices for a stimulant-free pump supplement.
- People looking for an affordable pump supplement backed by clinical evidence.
Who Should Avoid?
- Professional athletes who need stronger ingredients or higher doses for achieving muscle pumps.
Advised Dosage: Two scoops with 8-10 ounces of water 30-60 minutes before your workout.
BFF Build Fast Formula VASOBLITZ Coupon
BFF Build Fast Formula VASOBLITZ Coupon
BFF Build Fast Formula VASOBLITZ improves nitric oxide production, enhances anabolic response to your training, and increases your workout volume and endurance. All the ingredients of a BFF, right?
Best for Muscle Protein Synthesis
Protein is the building block for muscles. Muscle protein synthesis, a natural process that produces protein to repair muscular damage from intense exercise . It prevents muscle protein breakdown (MPB), which is caused by protein loss during exercise. These supplements prevent amino acids from being removed from your muscles. They allow synthesis (buildup), and muscle growth to take place .
N.O. X.T. Nitric Oxide Supplement
Are you looking for endless endurance, a great pump, and increased strength? N.O. X.T. is a solid formula to enhance blood flow and boost nitric oxide during intense workouts.
The fantastic combination of the ingredients like nitrosigine, l-arginine, and l-citrulline improves nitric oxide production significantly, resulting in a delayed onset of fatigue.
The supplement includes ingredients like Bioperine, l-citrulline, and l-glutathione, which are effective N.O. boosting agents, with l-arginine being the most potent. (3). At the same time, citrulline is responsible for driving muscular pumps and delaying fatigue. Bioperine is a patented black pepper fruit known for maximizing the perpetual effects of boosting brain functions and decreasing inflammation.
L-glutathione works as an antioxidant to regulate vascular function and increases muscle protein synthesis in synergy with l-citrulline. Nitrosigine is an excellent ingredient for a non-stimulant supplement that gives intense muscular pumps by dilating blood vessels.
Ingredient List:
- L-Citrulline
- Inositol-Stabilised Arginine Silicate (NITROSIGINE)
- L-Glutathione
- Bioperine
Who Should Buy:
- Athletes looking for a vegan pump supplement free from artificial preservatives, fillers, or dye.
- Those who need a high antioxidant dosage for improved vascularity.
Who Should Avoid:
- People with black pepper allergy.
- A high dosage of higher arginine may increase blood pressure. Hence, people with high blood pressure should strictly avoid this supplement.
Advised Dosage – Three capsules 30 minutes before your workout.
Jacked Factory N.O. X.T. Nitric Oxide Supplement Coupon
Jacked Factory N.O. X.T. Nitric Oxide Supplement Coupon
N.O. X.T. Nitric Oxide is the second pump supplement by Jacked Factory on this list. They certainly know a thing or two about delivering muscle-ripping pumps. The NO X.T. formula can help boost muscle growth and increase stamina and endurance.
Best Overdosed Nitric Oxide Booster
Overdosed nitric oxide boosters increase blood flow to your muscles. Since blood carries oxygen to the muscles, nitric dioxide supplements can help you exercise for longer and speed up your recovery.
Rich Piana 5% Nutrition FasF
FasF delivers long-lasting energy. It also slows down your digestion without altering your blood sugar levels negatively.
FasF is designed to increase the pump you feel after a workout. It increases nitric oxide (NO) levels within the body, growing blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to muscles, and transferring oxygen and nutrients.
It also triggers the release of hormones, including the human growth hormone and insulin. The NO products contain ingredients that fight fatigue and boost athletic performance. The presence of AgmaMax Agmatine Sulphate coupled with L-Citrulline in this product is responsible for increasing nitric oxide levels in your body, resulting in improved blood flow.
Ingredient List:
- Citrulline
- Taurine
- Agmatine
- Glycerol Monostearate
- Dan-Shen Extract
- Beet Root Powder
- L-Norvaline
- Hesperidin
- BioPerine
Who Should Buy?
- People who are looking for a value for money product.
- Athletes wanting to improve their endurance and build muscle mass using a stimulant-free pre-workout.
Who Should Avoid?
- Those who struggle with high blood pressure and are not able to handle the nitric oxide overdose.
Advised Dosage – One scoop in 8-10 oz water 30 minutes before your workout.
Rich Piana 5% Nutrition FasF Coupon
Rich Piana 5% Nutrition FasF Coupon
Rich Piana 5% Nutrition FasF is a non-stim supp formulated to increase nitric oxide levels, vascularity, and muscle cell volume. It has the most loaded ingredient list of the bunch. Plus, it comes in seven delicious flavors.
Best Vasodilation Booster
Vasodilation boosters relax a blood vessel’s inner muscles, allowing them to expand. This is how nitric dioxide increases blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.
Purus Labs Noxygen
The presence of fast-acting nitric oxide aids in vasodilation by assisting nutrient delivery to your muscles.
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Noxygen is a “pre-workout accelerator” manufactured by Puru Labs and designed to increase energy and build endurance. The company describes the product as “a stimulant-free, unflavored supplement,” which can be used pre-workout or intra-workout.
Noxygen is a combination of six components: sodium, sugar, alcohol, glycerol (as HydroMax(r)), sodium nitrate, and betaine-nitrate. Glycerol is believed to increase the hydration of muscles, and boost strength and endurance. (4)
HydroMax is a trademarked version of glycerol believed to have a longer shelf duration. Additionally, betaine nitrate can improve aerobic performance in high-intensity workouts. It is a non-stimulant blood flow amplifier that helps you recover faster between the reps.
Ingredient List:
- Vitamin C
- Niacin
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- L-Citrulline
- L-Taurine
- Agmatine Sulfate
- Glycerol Monostearate
- Dan Shen
- Beet
- L-Norvaline
- Hesperidin
- Bioperine
Who Should Buy:
- People who want to improve muscle strength, hydration, and endurance.
- Beginner athletes looking for an effective pump supplement that is free from artificial flavors and sugar.
Who Should Avoid:
- Professional Athletes who have previously used high-stim pump supplements.
Advised Dosage – Two caps 30 minutes before your workout.
Purus Labs Noxygen Coupon
Purus Labs Noxygen Coupon
Purus Labs Noxygen is a stim-free budget-friendly pump supplement that comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The unflavored supp is one of the best formulas on the market if you want to improve your vascularity.
Best Stackable Pump Supplement
Some folks like to bundle their pre-workout supp with a pump supplement. Many pump products contain caffeine which can make consuming a pre-workout with it an overkill. However, Redcon1 Big Noise was designed to be Total War’s sidekick.
Redcon1 Big Noise
Redcon1 Big Noise is a stim-free vasodilator to help enhance your muscle pumps. It includes 2,500 mg of betaine anhydrous, 500 mg of l-carnitine HCl, 200 mg of glucosyl-hesperidin, 100 mg of l-theanine, 100 mg of Schisandra, 140 mg of sodium, and 407 mg of choline.
It is one of the few pump supplements on the market that help improve your mental focus. It is arguably the best pump supp that can be stacked with other pre-workout supplements.
Ingredient List:
- Choline (as Choline Bitartrate)
- Sodium (as Pink Himalayan Sea Salt)
- Betaine Anhydrous
- Acetyl L-Carnitine HCI
- Glucosyl-Hesperidin (as CitraPeak™) (Citrus aurantium and Citrus sinensis) (fruit) Extracts
- L-Theanine
- Schisandra (Schisandra chinemis) (fruit) Extract
Who Should Buy?
- Folks who want a pump supp to go along with their favorite pre-workout.
- Lifters who want their pump supplement to improve their mental focus.
Who Should Avoid?
- People who want a stimulated pump formula.
Advised Dosage: One full scoop with 4 to 6 oz of water, pre-workout, or any other beverage of choice about 30 minutes before your workout.
Read out our complete review of Redcon1 Total War.
Redcon1 Big Noise Coupon
Redcon1 Big Noise Coupon
Redcon1 Big Noise promotes muscle pumps, fullness, mental focus, blow flow, and blood oxygen levels. The versatile stim-free pump supp can be used with a pre-workout supplement or on its own.
What to Look For in Best Pump Supplements?
Here are some ingredients that improve the effectiveness of a pump supplement —
HydroMax Glycerol
Glycerol is popular for its pump-enhancing capabilities. It can also improve your metabolism and hydration.
Hydromax glycerol is a popular sports nutrition compound that increases endurance and delivers intense muscle pumps that athletes and bodybuilders seek.
HydroMax Glycerol is a patent-pending powder with a high concentration of silica and glycerol. Its strength is more significant because it has more than 65% glycerol than GMS forms.
Hydromax Glycerol is a water-attracting molecule made from a concentration powder six times as powerful as monostearate glycerol. It is a unique combination of silica and glycerol intestines. Other people use it for weight reduction, skin hydration, and alleviating eye strain.
Glycerol itself is a syrup-like fluid that increases the level of liquids and aid in the storage of fatty acids within the body.
Vasodilators
The primary function of vasodilators, such as l-arginine, l-citrulline, and beetroot, is to boost nitric oxygen levels in the blood. It leads to an increased blood flow, which could trigger the ever-desired “pump.”
There are many of these substances on the market currently. So you can find a wide range of dosage recommendations based on the one you like best. For example, pomegranate extracts are a good food source of nitrates, proven to improve blood flow and reduce fatigue in athletes.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a great way to pump out more reps and get the maximum benefit from your exercise. So long as you’re taking it throughout your day, you’ll be able to build up your reserves and boost your ability to stock hydrogen ions (H+).
It is another component that will help increase the overall volume of your training. It works through stocking up hydrogen ions which gives you the capacity to maintain your fitness levels for a longer time.
If you consume a higher amount of beta-alanine, you will probably feel tingly. However, there is nothing to worry much. It’s a condition known as “paresthesia” which is perfectly normal. To avoid this sensation, break down your dose into smaller amounts.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
BCAAs — leucine, isoleucine, and valine are essential for increasing protein synthesis, controlling protein metabolism, and reducing protein breakdown. It is necessary to have the proper ratio of leucine to valine. It is best to have 2:1:1 or more.
BCAAs offer immediate protection from catabolic effects produced during exercise. Additionally, drinking BCAAs could assist in decreasing delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS) the next day, allowing you to be back to training quicker.
Leucine is the most powerful in this scenario since it has been proven to boost muscle protein synthesis, and that’s why it’s the most abundant amino acid found in a formula.
Creatine
Creatine is a fantastic and one of the most well-researched sports supplements. The majority of research suggests that the timing of creatine’s use has no impact on the strength.
Creatine can help in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) replenishment. ATP is an energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things. This improves energy production during intense exercise, which leads to enhanced performance and greater strength.
Nitric Oxide Precursors
Nitric oxide is a substance that the body naturally produces to reduce blood vessel tension and increase blood flow.
Pre-workout supplements typically contain certain compounds like l-arginine, l-citrulline, and citrulline malate, which your body utilizes to produce nitric oxide.
Studies suggest that supplementing these compounds increases oxygen levels and nutrient transfer through your muscles, possibly improving an athlete’s performance.
Although l-citrulline has been found to enhance fitness performance, research has shown that l-arginine is disrupted before reaching the bloodstream. Therefore, even though it increases nitric oxide production, it does not improve fitness performance.
Notably, since most of the available research about nitric oxide is focused on men in their 20s, it is not clear if these results apply to other demographics.
Things to Avoid in Your Pump Supplement
Here are the specific aspects that you need to avoid while shortlisting the best pump supplement —
Not tested by third-party inspection agencies
In the U.S, dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) as food instead of drugs. Hence, the product labels may be misleading as there may be some harmful substances that are not otherwise mentioned on the label.
Consider buying the supplements tested and approved by a third party like U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) or NSF International.
Excess Caffeine
Stress, increased blood pressure, and poor sleep are some factors leading to increased caffeine intake. A single pre-workout serving gives you 240 to 474 ml of caffeine, equivalent to 1-2 cups of coffee. Consuming other caffeine-rich drinks can increase overall caffeine content in your body, leading to side effects such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, dizziness, etc.
Artificial Sugar and Sweeteners.
Sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners are predominantly used in most supplements to enhance their flavor. However, increased sugar intake may cause diarrhea, gas, and even bloating. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose may also lead to digestive problems. Hence, you should avoid pump supplements high on sweeteners and artificial sugar.
How Do We Pick Our Top Pump Supplements?
Here are the selection criteria that we follow to shortlist the best pump supplements:
Scientifically Proven Ingredients
First and foremost, we carefully considered each pump supplement on the list, beginning with what ingredients were used and the clinical dose in a single serving.
The important thing was to discover which ingredients were used and in what quantities since many manufacturers tend to under-dose their products.
Manufacturers also conceal this fact by using proprietary blends that don’t explicitly state how much of each ingredient is being used. To cut costs, manufacturers generally cut back on active and effective ingredients, thereby bolstering their pockets.
Safety
The lack of stringent testing or standardizations in the supplement industry is a glaring vulnerability because it allows nefarious players to incorporate substances into their products that could cause serious health consequences. A reasonable way to rule out these untrustworthy companies is to look for products that have been third-party tested.
The NSF certification for sports, for example, is a good indication that the product has passed rigorous tests and is 100% safe and pure.
Brand or Reputability
It is advised to choose products from established companies with a good reputation. A company that has been in the market for a long time usually has earned people’s trust with its quality products.
But this does not mean that newer and growing companies should be avoided. As long as their products are lab tested and prepared according to hygienic standards, the brand can be considered safe.
Price Per Serving
The majority of us consider cost and value when buying products, so we used the cost per serving as the benchmark for each product. Some manufacturers have smaller/larger serving sizes and the total number of servings per container. Another factor in the calculation of value is that some brands have two-scoop serving sizes, which can be misleading for consumers.
Transparency
Generally, products that maintain transparency about their ingredients list along with the doses are preferred more over proprietary blends since, with proprietary blends, you can never be sure if you are receiving optimal doses.
Dosage
Dosages are the key to the effectiveness of any supplement, including pump supplements. To be on our top 10 list, a supplement must fall within the optimal dosage for each ingredient, as determined by various research.
How Do You Choose the Best Pump Supplement?
With a myriad of pump supplements available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best one for yourself.
Before starting your pump supplement hunt, you must decide if you prefer a pump supp with caffeine or without caffeine since certain brands have two different versions.
Then, check if the ingredients are in the right proportions as per your requirements.
Finally, look at the label to determine if the product has been tested by a third party to ensure that it’s free of banned and harmful substances.
Another way to determine a supplement’s quality is to check if it is made in a cGMP-approved facility, which means it complies with standards set by FDA.
Other factors you should consider are price per serving and available flavors, but this is contingent on your budget and your taste preferences.
How Do Pump Supplements Work?
Pump supplements use a combination of selected ingredients that helps in enhancing nitric oxide levels in the body. This aids in dilating blood vessels and enhancing blood flow to different muscles. The dilation helps accelerate the process of oxygen-rich blood reaching muscles and removing toxins like ammonia.
The improved blood flow also helps in promoting muscle growth and reduces recovery time between sets.
What are the Benefits of Using Pump Supplements?
Here are the four benefits of using pump supplements:
Delays the Onset of Fatigue
If you routinely quit a set before completing the desired number of reps, it might be the right time to look into pump supplements. Beta-alanine in pump supplements can be incredibly effective in delaying the onset of fatigue.
Pump supplements can delay and reduce muscle fatigue by increasing blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to your muscles.
High Nutrient Delivery
The oxygen-rich blood that flows to muscles also delivers essential nutrients for muscle growth. The more nutrients your muscles receive, the better they will recover and grow.
Increased Endurance
A pump can help maintain your muscles’ energy levels. The actual scientific term for pump is “hyperemia,” which is the process of providing oxygen-rich blood to the target muscles.
The improved blood flow is responsible for higher oxygen delivery, which can help the muscles function better. The bigger the pump, the better the oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles, making them stronger for heavier lifts.
Fascia expansion
Pump supplements can help expand the fascia, giving your muscles more room to grow. Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle in place.
More on Pre-Workouts
If you want to learn more about pre-workout supplements, we have an entire pre-workout section that we recommend you check out!
- How to Make Your Own Pre-Workout Drink
- Best Pre-Workout Supplements
- Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss
- Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine
- Best Tasting Pre-Workout Supplements
- Strongest Pre Workout Supplements
- Best Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Supplements
FAQs
What are the benefits of boosting nitric oxide in the body?
Nitric oxide not only helps in achieving muscle pumps but also provides you more energy and endurance for the workout, reduces muscle soreness, and might also help in lowering blood pressure.
What are the best ingredients to improve muscle pumps?
Some of the most common dietary supplement ingredients for improving muscle pumps are l-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, arginine nitrate, creatine, etc.
Are pump supplements worth it?
Through increasing blood flow and the distribution of nutrients, a good pump can help detoxify working muscles quickly. It assists in removing the lactic acid produced by a lift and even reduces the onset of DOMS.
Does beta-alanine enhance a muscle pump?
Beta-Alanine increases the sensation of a “pump” for athletes. Many athletes experience intense vasodilation/pumps due to beta-alanine, especially if they consume over 1,000 mg of the compound.
Can I mix a pump and pre-workout supplement?
Yes, you can put a pre-workout and the pump supplements together safely.
Bottom Line
Apart from taking a pump supplement, it is also essential to eat a balanced diet, which is rich in carbs, vitamins, protein, and good calories.
Furthermore, a pre-workout and a pump or nitric oxide booster is a great combination. They aid in achieving optimum performance during intense workouts.
References
- Bloomer, Richard J et al. “Comparison of pre-workout nitric oxide stimulating dietary supplements on skeletal muscle oxygen saturation, blood nitrate/nitrite, lipid peroxidation, and upper body exercise performance in resistance trained men.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 7 16. 6 May. 2010, doi:10.1186/1550-2783-7-16
- Suliman, Noor Azuin et al. “Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2016 (2016): 4391375. doi:10.1155/2016/4391375
- McKinley-Barnard S, Andre T, Morita M, Willoughby DS. Combined L-citrulline and glutathione supplementation increases the concentration of markers indicative of nitric oxide synthesis. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12:27. Published 2015 Jun 10. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0086-7
- Patlar S, Yalçin H, Boyali E. The effect of glycerol supplements on aerobic and anaerobic performance of athletes and sedentary subjects. J Hum Kinet. 2012;34:69-79. doi:10.2478/v10078-012-0065-x
- Rogers ME, Bohlken RM, Beets MW, Hammer SB, Ziegenfuss TN, Sarabon N. Effects of creatine, ginseng, and astragalus supplementation on strength, body composition, mood, and blood lipids during strength-training in older adults. J Sports Sci Med. 2006;5(1):60-69. Published 2006 Mar 1.
- Sabaratnam V, Kah-Hui W, Naidu M, Rosie David P. Neuronal health – can culinary and medicinal mushrooms help?. J Tradit Complement Med. 2013;3(1):62-68. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.106549
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