Best Supplements from 2007 to 2025

Below we will show you what were considered the best supplements in 2007, but making a comparison with the best of 2025.

1. Whey Protein2007:Whey Protein was the most popular and widely used supplement for muscle gain and post-workout recovery.Mainly in the form of whey concentrate and isolate, with fewer hydrolyzed options.Focus on imported brands like Optimum Nutrition.2025:It's still one of the main supplements, but now there's a wide variety of options, including hydrolyzed whey and plant-based proteins (for vegan diets).Cleaner formulas, with fewer artificial additives and sophisticated flavor options.Expansion of national brands with excellent cost-benefit.2. Creatine2007:Considered essential for strength and performance.Creatine monohydrate was the predominant and widely used form.There were doubts and myths about safety, such as fluid retention and impact on the kidneys.2025:Creatine monohydrate still dominates, but other forms (e.g., creatine HCl) are available, although without significant evidence of superiority.It is now more accepted, even by health professionals, due to studies that prove its safety and benefits.Applied not only to athletes, but also to brain health and longevity.3. BCAAs2007:Highly promoted for muscle recovery and reduction of catabolism.Many athletes believed they were indispensable.2025:Popularity declining as studies show that isolated BCAAs have limited benefits when sufficient protein is already consumed in the diet.Replaced in many cases by EAAs (essential amino acids), which offer a wider range of benefits.4. Multivitamins2007:Generic and poorly personalized products, without segmentation by gender, age or objective.They were seen as a basic complement, but not a priority.2025:Personalized and optimized formulas, with ingredients focused on specific needs (e.g., hormonal health, energy or immunity).Raising awareness of nutrient bioactivity and bioavailability.5. Thermogenics2007:Focus on caffeine and ephedrine-based products (where permitted), promising accelerated fat burning.Many products had harsh formulas and significant side effects.2025:More balanced formulas, with natural ingredients (e.g. caffeine, green tea, capsaicin).Focus on safe thermogenics that aid energy and metabolism without causing severe adverse effects.6. Pre-workouts2007:Emerging as a category, but not very diversified.Most were based on high doses of caffeine and some basic vasodilators, such as arginine.2025:Advanced products with blends of caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline, and adaptogens for sustained energy and focus.More segmentation: stimulant and stimulant-free pre-workouts for different preferences.7. Glutamine2007:Widely used by athletes to improve muscle recovery, strengthen the immune system and reduce catabolism.Promoted as essential for those who train intensely, despite studies still limited at the time.2025:Popularity is declining in the fitness world, as supplementation for healthy individuals with a balanced diet does not demonstrate significant benefits for muscle recovery.Still used in clinical contexts, as immunological support for people with high metabolic stress (e.g., critically ill or after surgery).8. Beta-Alanine2007:Almost unknown in the supplement market.Some experimental pre-workouts were beginning to include beta-alanine, but its use was still restricted and little understood.2025:One of the most popular ingredients in pre-workouts due to its proven effectiveness in increasing muscular endurance and reducing fatigue.Studies establish clear doses and protocols, and it is widely accepted as an effective supplement for intense training.9. Protein Bars2007:Protein bars were available, but many were of poor nutritional quality, with excess sugar and artificial ingredients.They were mainly used as a substitute for fast meals, aimed more at the general public than athletes.2025:A wide variety of bars focused on different goals: low carb, vegan, high fiber or high protein.More natural ingredients and less added sugars, with formulas optimized to meet different nutritional needs.10. Hypercaloric2007:Highly popular for those looking to gain muscle mass.Formulas generally composed of maltodextrin (simple carbohydrate) and low-quality protein, with many empty calories.They often caused gastric discomfort due to their poor composition.2025:More sophisticated formulas, including complex carbohydrates (e.g., oats, waxy maize) and high-quality proteins.Added vitamins, minerals and even good fats for a more balanced nutrition.Moderate popularity, as many opt for home-cooked meals for calorie control.11. Soy Protein Isolate2007:Considered a more affordable protein alternative and used mainly by lactose intolerant or vegetarians.Some concerns about protein quality and myths about its effects on the male hormonal system.2025:Vastly improved in terms of processing and purity, with greater acceptance in the vegan and fitness market.Used in blends with other vegetable proteins (e.g. pea, rice) to offer a complete amino acid profile.Free from long-standing controversies, thanks to studies that demystified the impact on testosterone.12. Waxy Maize2007:Emerging as a popular complex carbohydrate for post-workout energy replenishment, it was promoted as an improvement over maltodextrin and dextrose.Widely used by endurance athletes and bodybuilders.2025:Still used, but with less relevance, as it has been surpassed by nutritional strategies that prioritize dietary carbohydrates or more optimized combinations.It maintains a niche among athletes seeking rapid replenishment without exaggerated glycemic spikes.13. ZMA2007:Sold as an essential supplement for increasing testosterone and improving sleep.Popular due to its combination of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6, but the benefits on testosterone were exaggerated in marketing campaigns.2025:Less focus on unrealistic claims; now positioned as a supplement to support recovery and quality sleep.Moderate relevance, but still sought after by athletes who need minerals to make up for deficiencies due to intense training.14. Liquid and capsule amino acids2007:Amino acid supplements like “Amino 44000” and other fancy numbers were highly popular, promoted as a comprehensive solution for muscle recovery and protein synthesis.These products typically contained a mixture of BCAAs and non-essential amino acids derived from protein.They often had a high dosage of total amino acids (e.g., “44000 mg”), but their composition and bioavailability were not transparent.Marketing focused on high numbers, but with questionable effectiveness due to the low absorption of some components.2025:Generic amino acid supplements have lost relevance, replaced by more specific products:Isolated BCAAs : Which has its own problems, as mentioned above.Protein powder and whole foods: Modern studies have also encouraged the direct consumption of complete proteins (whey protein and meats) rather than isolated amino acids, as they already provide many amino acids.15. Dextrose2007:The most common carbohydrate used post-workout for energy replacement and insulin boost (theoretically for protein absorption).Popular for being affordable and easy to combine with whey protein.2025:Still used in specific contexts, but has lost ground to strategies that prioritize complex or whole carbohydrates.Continuously sought after by bodybuilders in bulking or intense training phases.16. Maltodextrin2007:The most popular pre- and post-workout carbohydrate, widely used for its rapid absorption and low cost.Criticized for its high glycemic index and potential to cause blood sugar spikes.2025:Still present in the market, but facing competition from more complex carbohydrates such as oats and waxy maize.Decreasing relevance due to concern about low glycemic index diets.