Best Supplements for Performance
2 evidence-based options for performance, summarized from the research: what they do, how to dose them, and how they work together.
Caffeine
The world's most popular cognitive stimulant.
Tongkat Ali
A traditional herb studied for testosterone, stress, and vitality.
Combinations to know
How these supplements pair with each other and beyond.
Caffeine + L-Theanine
The classic nootropic stack: L-theanine smooths caffeine's jitters while preserving the focus boost.
Caffeine + L-Tyrosine
Tyrosine and caffeine are commonly stacked for sustained focus; tyrosine may offset the catecholamine depletion that follows caffeine's stimulant effect.
Ashwagandha + Tongkat Ali
Both are adaptogenic herbs used for stress, hormones, and vitality, and they are commonly stacked together.
Tongkat Ali + Zinc
Zinc is required for testosterone production, complementing Tongkat Ali's hormonal support.
Caffeine + Creatine
Some early data hinted caffeine might blunt creatine's effects; evidence is mixed and any effect is likely minor.
Caffeine + Huperzine A
Both can be overstimulating; combining cholinergic and stimulant effects may increase jitteriness or restlessness in sensitive people.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best supplements for performance?
The most-researched options are Caffeine and Tongkat Ali. Each is summarised with its benefits, typical dosing, and the strength of the evidence behind it.
How were these performance supplements chosen?
These are the supplements in the Vital Matrix library most commonly used for performance, graded by the strength of human evidence. See our methodology for how we grade the research.
Can you combine supplements for performance?
Yes, several pair well. For example, Caffeine and L-Theanine: The classic nootropic stack: L-theanine smooths caffeine's jitters while preserving the focus boost.