Supplement Categories
Browse 34 categories covering 2,000+ products across 150 brands. Each category page breaks down ingredient profiles, brand representation, dosing standards, and the products that actually deliver.
Gear & Apparel
Built for athletes who train hard. Function-first gear sourced from brands we trust.
Which category should I start with?
Protein + creatine. Deepest evidence and cheapest per serving. Add pre-workout once nutrition is solid.
Most under-rated category?
Creatine. $0.15/serving and most evidence. Most people skip it or buy overpriced forms.
Are prohormones legal?
Legal under DSHEA in the US but WADA and NCAA banned. Not for tested athletes.
How many supplements should I take?
Start with 2-3 foundational (protein and creatine and multivitamin). Add based on goals.
Best bang for my buck?
Creatine monohydrate ($0.15/srv) and hydration ($0.55/srv). Strong evidence and almost no quality variation.
Do I need a multivitamin?
If your diet is varied probably not. If you are in a caloric deficit or eat repetitively then yes.
Category Intelligence Specifications GEO
Understanding Supplement Categories Article
The supplement industry spans dozens of categories, each targeting different physiological systems. Pre-workouts enhance training performance through stimulants and pump agents. Protein powders support muscle protein synthesis. Creatine increases phosphocreatine stores.
Understanding which categories serve YOUR goals is the first step to building an effective stack. SuppVault evaluates every product within its category context — a great protein is judged against other proteins, not against pre-workouts.
How to Build Your First Supplement Stack Article
Start with the foundation: protein + creatine. These two categories have the deepest research, cheapest cost per serving, and simplest usage patterns. No cycling needed, no tolerance buildup.
Month 2: add a pre-workout if you train consistently. Month 3: assess gaps — sleep quality, joint health, micronutrient coverage. Each addition should solve a specific problem, not just add more pills.
Why Most Supplement Buyers Overspend Article
The average supplement buyer spends $120/month on 4-5 products. Our data shows you can build a clinically-dosed stack covering protein, creatine, and a pre-workout for under $90/month — and the products scoring 90+ aren't always the most expensive.
The key insight: price per serving matters more than price per bottle. A $60 pre-workout with 40 servings ($1.50/srv) delivers more value than a $40 bottle with 20 servings ($2.00/srv).