Update 1/1/24. “If you’re a man over 35 you could be losing the benefits of free testosterone, which could make you less of a man than you used to be.” Or at least that’s what's said in the TV commercial for Nugenix, a product that—according to its TV commercial — is “a powerful all-natural man-boosting breakthrough, with a unique combination of ingredients that have been clinically proven to invigorate a man's body to increase his libido.” Those are some pretty powerful words! I first heard about Nugenix while watching the manly channel, ESPN. Fancy words aside, let's review Nugenix and see if it's right for you.
Nugenix Ingredients
According to Nugenix.com, these are the ingredients in the product:
- Testofen (fenugreek)
- L-Citrulline Malate
- Zinc: 5 mg (6.68% of Daily Value)
- Vitamin B6: 2 mg (100% of Daily Value)
- Vitamin B12: 50 micrograms (850% Daily Value)
Click the links for more info on these ingredients
Update: The product has been reformulated and now there are 3 different versions of Nugenix. The 3 different types are:
- Nugenix Free Testosterone
- Nugenix PM with ZMA
- Nugenix Ultimate (review)
The following table compares the ingredients
| Nugenix Free Testosterone Booster | Nugenix PM With ZMA | Nugenix Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Serving size: 3 capsules | Serving size: 4 capsuels | Serving size 4 capsules |
| Servings per bottle: 30 | Servings per bottle: 30 | Servings per bottle 30 |
| Vitamin B6 2 mg (100% DV) | Vitamin B6 10.5 mg (525% DV) from ZMA | D-Aspartic Acid 3000 mg |
| Vitamin B12 50 mcg (833% DV) | Magnesium Aspartate (from ZMA) 450 mg (112% DV) | Fenugreek Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum/ 50% saponins) 700 mg |
| Zinc 1 mg (7% DV) | Zinc (from ZMA) 30 mg (200% DV) | Boron 10 mg |
| Nugenix Free Testosterone Complex 2103 mg. Composed of the following: | ZMA 2400 mg | Epimedium grandiflorum 650 mg |
| L-Citrulline Malate | Tribulus Terrestris 750 mg (from fruit. 40% saponins) | Mucuna Pruriens Extract (Mucuna pruriens/ 20% L-Dopa) 250 mg |
| Testofen Fenugreek Seed Extract (50% Fenuside) | Melatonin 2 mg | Maca Root (lepidium meyenii) PWD 250 mg |
| Tribulus Terrestris (fruit) | Other ingredients: | Stinging Nettle Extract (Urtica diocia) (root) 360 mg |
| Other ingredients: | Gelatin | Tongkat Ali 100:1 Extract (Eurycoma longifolia jack) (root) 200 mg |
| Gelatin | Magnesium Stearate | Other ingredients: |
| Magnesium Stearate | Gelatin | |
| Magnesium Stearate | ||
Each of the 3 versions of Nugenix contains different ingredients.
For example, Testofen, originally touted as the main active ingredient in Nugenix now only the “free testosterone booster version.” Testofen is a trademarked name for the herb fenugreek. This form of fenugreek is said to concentrate what some think are the active ingredients in the herb. These active ingredients are called Fenusides. Testofen is said to contain 50% Fenusides (pronounced phen-u-sides).
Interestingly, Nugenix Ultimate does not contain Testofen, but rather Fenugreek extract. Testofen comes from fenugreek. Is fenugreek extract better than Testofen? I'm honestly not sure as I'm not aware of any head-to-head comparisons.
Also, see my review of Prolongz for more information.
On the Nugenix Supplement Facts label, Testofen is combined with L-Citrulline malate and Tribulus Terrestris to form what they call the “Nugenix Testosterone Complex.”
On the Nugenix company website, they say that one serving size of Nugenix is 3 capsules. Every 3 capsules contains 2013 mg of the proprietary testosterone complex. The product website also indicates that 600 mg of this complex is composed of Testofen.
How much of the Nugenix testosterone complex is composed of Tribulus or Citruline malate? They don't tell us. I called Nugenix customer support and they could not tell me either.
Nugenix Testosterone Research
I searched the Nugenix website but did not see any published peer-reviewed research on Nugenix itself. Likewise, clinical research databases did not reveal any peer-reviewed research on this supplement either.
Therefore, I conclude that Nugenix —itself— seems to have no published peer-reviewed evidence as proof that this supplement raises testosterone, improves sex drive, or improves low energy levels.
But, that doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t work.
Let's now look at the research on the ingredients in Nugenix. Here is a breakdown of the relevant research:
Testofen
This is a trademarked version of the herb fenugreek. Testofen is made by a company called Gencor Pacific. I've reviewed Testofen before. It is the principal ingredient in products I've already looked at such as:
- Ageless Male (300 mg Testofen)
- Mdrive (unknown amount of Testofen)
- Syntheriod (300 mg Testofen)
Looking at these other supplements, we see that Nugenix (600 mg of Testofen) has twice the amount of Testofen that Ageless Male or Syntheroid has. But does that mean that it works or works better?
As far as I can tell, most of the hype about Testofen seems to stem from a study published in 2011 in a Journal called Phytotherapy Research. In that study, men taking 600 mg of Testofen a day for 6 weeks reported that they felt more sexual urges, strength, etc.
As I see it, the BIG PROBLEM with this study is that the men reported —in questionnaires —how they felt. Also, testosterone levels did not change. So in this study, Testofen didn’t raise testosterone levels!
As an aside, in my own little “experiment”, I tried 600 mg of fenugreek for 6 weeks. I didn’t measure my testosterone levels but I didn’t feel significantly different, like the guys in this study said they felt. Could it be because I used Fenugreek instead of the trademarked, Testofen? Maybe?
In 2016 another Testofen study was published. Its title is: Testofen, a specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomized clinical study.
This study involved 120 mg (43-70 years) and followed them for 3 months. The men were randomly divied into a placebo group and a group that too 600 mg of Testofen per day. Men who got Testofen reported – on a questionnaire – that they experienced significantly better sexual function, more sex and morning erections.
The authors also state that testosterone levels rose too however they did not say testosterone levels were significantly higher.
“Significant' means statistical significance and is something scientists are always looking for. By not specifically saying testosterone rose significantly might mean it went up but that it might not be clinically relevant.
Still, reports of having more sex might be the most interesting outcome of this study, regardless of testosterone levels.
The research supporting Testofen appears to be:
1. A human study where men essentially said they felt better after taking Testofen for six weeks. This study didn’t find that Testofen raised testosterone levels. Another human study where men reported more sex and more erections.
2. A rat study.
3. An unpublished study from 2006 noting that Testofen works. I discount unpublished studies because they have not been verified or reproduced by other competent researchers. If this study was completed in 2006, why hasn’t it been published yet?
In the Ageless Male review, I summarize in a table all the research for Testofen. Do take a look at it.
L-Citrulline Malate
This is an amino acid that we make naturally in our bodies. Other products just call this stuff “L-Citrulline.” Citrulline sometimes shows up in male sex supplements because it helps us make a gas called nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide (NO) causes an expansion of blood vessels. This is technically called vasodilatation.
The idea here is that raising nitric oxide levels might expand blood vessels “downstairs” leading to erections. This idea is not new.
One problem with trying to elevate nitric oxide levels is that the gas dissipates pretty fast. In other words, it doesn’t work for very long. For more on L Citrulline see my reviews of:
See my review of SuperBeets for more on nitric oxide
Tribulus Terrestris
There are a LOT of websites saying that Tribulus is a testosterone booster, but to all of them I ask:
“Where's the proof?”
When I look at the Tribulus research, I see mostly rat studies. In my opinion, the Tribulus studies that did incorporate people are pretty unimpressive.
I already reviewed the research on Tribulus on this site as well as in my book about supplements so I'll let you look at the evidence and decide for yourself. I'll just say that based on the research I've seen, I am utterly unimpressed with Tribulus as a testosterone booster or sex supplement.
My review of RegiMen, a Low T supplement has additional information.
Tribulus Testosterone Proof
Watch on my YouTube channel
Zinc
Some evidence from the early 1990s suggests that being deficient in zinc might cause a reduction in testosterone levels. That’s nice but my question is, are you deficient in zinc?
Foods that contain zinc include meat, shellfish, fortified breakfast cereals as well as various seeds and nuts. Do you eat these foods?
The RDA for zinc for adult men is 11 mg per day, which is not much. As such, I remain unconvinced that healthy people who are not taking medications are zinc deficient.
One version of Nugenix contains a zinc-containing compound called “ZMA.” ZMA stands for zinc, magnesium, aspartate. ZMA is reputed to be a testosterone booster in some circles. A 2004 study of ZMA noted that the supplement did not raise testosterone levels or improve strength. In a 2009 study, ZMA was likewise shown to not raise testosterone levels.
ZMA Testosterone Proof
Watch on my Youtube channel
Vitamin B6
This vitamin, also called pyridoxine, is found in a LOT of foods. Because the healthy RDA is relatively low at 1mg to 2 mg per day, I don't think most healthy people are deficient this coenzyme.
Nugenix gives men 100% of their daily value of B6 but I have a feeling most men are already getting this from the foods they eat and the other supplements they take. Interestingly, some research suggests people who are depressed have low levels of B6. Depression can result in reduced libido. Some evidence also suggests vitamin B6 may anxiety and depression.
Vitamin B12
Older adults and vegetarians may be deficient in vitamin B12 as might people who take certain medications (some diabetes medications for example).
It's important to remember that even though vitamin B12 is “water soluble,” we can store several years worth of this vitamin in our bodies! It takes a long time to run out of vitamin B12.
Some people mistakenly believe that B12 gives them more energy (like caffeine). This is why there's so much B12 in energy drinks like
In reality, B12 really doesn’t provide a caffeine-energy boost unless you are anemic.
Tip. A quick blood test by your doctor will tell you if you are deficient in B6, B12, or zinc.
Who Makes Nugenix?
On the Nugenix website (Nugenix.com) is the question “Who Produces Nugenix?” The website gives this answer:
“Nugenix is created in US laboratories under strict FDA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines. Our offices are in Charlotte NC as well as Boston MA. Our laboratories are in both Florida and Utah.”
Did you notice they didn’t answer the question?
Within the Terms of Service page of the Nugenix website, I discovered that the company that owns Nugenix is Direct Digital LLC (DirectDigitalLLC.com). Direct Digital is also the company that makes the arthritis supplement, Instaflex (click to the review)
Direct Digital has offices in Boston and North Carolina.
The Better Business Bureau gave the company a rating of A+ when this review was updated. However, the company was rated with only 1 out of 5 stars.
Here is the BBB file for Direct Digital.
The Nugenix Test Your Manhood Test
The Nugenix TV commercial I saw gave men a little test to see how manly they were. The “three simple questions” they asked were:
1. “Are you losing your passion and sex drive?”
2. “Do you want to improve your performance?”
3. “How about feeling more energetic?”
Afterward, they say “Well, if you answered yes to any of these questions, you should call now to receive a complimentary bottle of Nugenix.”
Let me briefly address each of these questions to put things in perspective:
Question 1. A lot of things can cause a man to lose his sex drive. Yes, aging can play a role, but so, too, can other things like diabetes and stress.
Question 2. What “performance” are they talking about? Are they referring to sexual performance (I think they are given the nature of question #1) or exercise performance? They don't specifically tell us.
Question 3. A lot of things—such as carrying too much weight or even depression— can lead to a loss of energy.
In short, all 3 of these questions are vague. In my opinion, I believe they are stated vaguely on purpose. Asking vague questions casts the biggest net and is more likely to get the biggest response from people.
Asking specific questions—on the other hand—reduces the number of people who might respond to them.
Tip. Asking vague questions is a common marketing method used to get a lot of people to respond.
Who is Andrea Owens?
On Nugenix.com you may see a prerecorded video of an attractive woman who calls herself “Andrea Owens.” She says ” Hi my name is Andrea Owens and I've got some interesting information for you…” If you watched her video, you know she goes on and on about those three simple questions I just 
But my question is, who is she? She says her name like we're supposed to know who she is.
So, I became curious. If you hover your mouse over her picture you'll see the letters “LF” appear. By clicking the little “LF” next to her video, you are taken to a website called LiveFaceOnTheWeb.com —a marketing website that puts videos of attractive people on websites. These people are called “virtual greeters“ and are used to increase website activity and sales.
You can even pick the model you want to appear on your website. If you look at the female models, you can find Andrea. She says her real name is Andrea Helfrich. If you Google her name, you see references to Miss Philadelphia 2010. I'm not sure if this is the same person as “Andrea Owens” but they both look and sound similar to me.
Marketing stuff aside, let's now review at the science and ingredients of Nugenix and see if we can figure out what's going on.
How To Contact Nugenix?
To contact Nugenix the website says to call this number: 1-855-714-3234. This is a call center in California and not the company itself. The person I spoke with was very helpful and patient with my questions. While I was asked to try a free sample for $4.99, I didn’t feel pressured to do it.
I liked that.
The Nugenix Autoship Program
If you buy Nugenix through the Nugenix website you should read the Terms and Conditions that are listed at the bottom of the page. Here is a summary of some of the things you should know:
To get a free 14-day trial sample of Nugenix you must pay $4.99 for shipping and handling. They say it usually takes 4 days for people to get the product. So, the “end date” of your trial period will be 18 days AFTER you order your free sample. This is important.
This means that 18 days after you order the free sample, your credit card will be charged $74.98 plus tax and you will be entered into the Nugenix auto-ship program in which they will send you a 30-day supply of Nugenix every 30 days until you cancel.
To cancel the auto-ship program, people must call 1-855-714-3234 at least 1 day before the next batch of Nugenix is shipped.
Nugenix can also be found at local health food stores like Vitamin Shoppe and GNC.
How To Return Nugenix
It's stated on the product website that all Nugenix auto-shipments come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is even true if the bottle is empty. Here are the basics on how to return Nugenix:
First, call 1-855-714-3234 and request a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA number).
This RMA number must be clearly printed on the outside of the package. The package should be postmarked within 30 days of the purchase to be eligible for a refund.
Send the product to be returned to:
Nugenix
MS# 730 341 W. 6100 South Murray, UT 84107.
Nugenix will not accept any returned product that does not have an RMA number.
Make sure you get a “proof of shipment” from the post office (just in case). They do mention this tip on the Nugenix Terms and Conditions Page. They say it may take up to a month to see the refund credited to your credit card.
If you are not using the auto-ship program and want to return Nugenix, the product needs to be in its original package and not opened. As before, people must call Nugenix, get an RMA number and return the product to the company before a refund can be issued.
Nugenix Side Effects
Nugenix is likely safe in healthy people. It's been around a long time and I'm not aware of any side effects. That said, for those who are concerned, here are some potential issues that some people who may not be healthy may want to consider:
- Begin by taking less for at least the first week. Give your body time to adjust.
- Stop taking the product at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- The product is not for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- There is some animal research that Tribulus might reduce blood sugar levels.
- In theory, by elevating nitric oxide levels, citrulline might cause blood pressure to go lower.
- Testofen might reduce blood sugar levels. This may be an issue for diabetics who take blood-sugar-lowering medications.
- Fenugreek also seems to have a blood-thinning ability and may interact with blood-thinner drugs.
Bottom line. Talk to your doctor first if you are not “healthy.”
Does Nugenix Work?
I didn’t try Nugenix so I have no personal experience. I prefer to look only at the research. The big question is does Nugenix raise testosterone levels? Consider the evidence preliminary for now. If it works, its effects may be due to Testofen which comes from fenugreek. Fenugreek can be found in other supplements or purchased by itself. To know for sure if it's working, get your testosterone levels measured first. Then, test the levels again in a month or so. That's the best way to know for sure.