Other Supplements

 

Several other supplements claim to increase muscle mass. These include conjugated linoleic acid, testosterone boosters, glutamine and carnitine.

However, the evidence is mixed.

• Conjugated linoleic acid
  (CLA): CLA refers to a group of omega-6 fatty
  acids that exert several effects on the body. Studies on CLA for muscle gain
  have produced mixed results, and it isn’t clear if it’s beneficial (48Trusted Source, 49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source, 51Trusted Source).
• Testosterone boosters: Testosterone-boosting supplements include
  D-aspartic acid, tribulus terrestris, fenugreek, DHEA and ashwagandha. It’s
  likely these compounds only benefit those with low testosterone (52Trusted Source, 53Trusted Source, 54Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source).
• Glutamine and carnitine: These are probably
  not effective at increasing muscle mass in young or middle-aged active
  individuals. However, studies have shown carnitine can have some
  benefits for muscle mass in the elderly (57Trusted Source, 58, 59Trusted Source, 60Trusted Source).

Summary: Many types of supplements claim to increase muscle mass,
but there is little evidence that they are effective for healthy, active
individuals.