Transparent Labs VitalityvsNugenix Total-T

Vitality does not contain testosterone; instead it stacks plant extracts and minerals thought to support the body's own production. KSM-66 ashwagandha is an adaptogen that may lower cortisol and stress signaling, which can indirectly favor testosterone. Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia, LJ100) is theorized to free up bound testosterone and support luteinizing hormone. PrimaVie shilajit and its fulvic acid have been associated with higher total and free testosterone in one trial. Zinc and boron are cofactors involved in testosterone metabolism, while DIM and quercetin are included to support estrogen metabolism, and BioPerine (black pepper extract) is added to improve absorption of the other ingredients. Note these are proposed mechanisms from individual-ingredient research, not effects demonstrated for the combined product.

Total-T is a daily capsule blend that aims to nudge your body's own testosterone rather than supply any hormone. Boron (10 mg) may raise free, usable testosterone mainly by lowering sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG), the protein that binds testosterone and keeps it inactive; a small 2011 study found 10 mg/day for one week lowered SHBG and estradiol and raised free testosterone, though it was tiny (8 men) and needs larger replication. Tesnor (a branded pomegranate-peel and cocoa-seed extract, 400 mg) has small manufacturer-linked trials suggesting modest free-testosterone or strength changes. The formula also includes Eurycoma longifolia (100 mg), L-citrulline malate (1,125 mg, which targets nitric oxide and blood flow), plus zinc, vitamin B6, and B12, which support normal hormone and energy metabolism. It contains no testosterone, steroids, or other hormones. Note Total-T does not contain fenugreek; that is the basis of the separate original Nugenix Free Testosterone product.

Evidence is for the individual ingredients at these doses, not the finished blend (no published trial tests Vitality itself). In Pandit et al. 2016 (Andrologia), 250 mg of PrimaVie shilajit twice daily for 90 days raised total testosterone about 20%, free testosterone about 19%, and DHEA-S about 31% versus placebo in healthy men aged 45-55. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis in Medicina (Leisegang et al.) found Eurycoma longifolia significantly increased serum total testosterone across randomized trials (a large but statistically heterogeneous pooled effect), with benefits noted in both healthy and hypogonadal men. An ashwagandha trial in aging, overweight men aged 40-70 (Lopresti et al. 2019, American Journal of Men's Health, using a 21 mg/day withanolide-glycoside extract) found a 14.7% greater rise in salivary testosterone and an 18% greater rise in DHEA-S versus placebo, though it found no significant improvement in fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being. Real-world results are modest and highly individual; some users report energy or libido benefits, others little change.

Evidence is mixed and modest, and it rests on individual ingredients rather than the finished product. Boron at 10 mg has small short-term data suggesting it can raise free testosterone by lowering SHBG, but the key study was tiny (8 men, 7 days). The branded Tesnor extract (400 mg) has small, manufacturer-linked trials reporting free-testosterone and grip-strength changes. A 2023 systematic review in the International Journal of Impotence Research examined 27 proposed boosters (including Eurycoma longifolia, an ingredient in Total-T) and found inconsistent, mostly weak evidence that they raise serum total testosterone. A 2020 World Journal of Men's Health analysis of 50 'T-boosters' found 90% claimed to raise testosterone but only about 24.8% had supporting data, and roughly 10% contained ingredients shown to lower it. For context on related plant extracts, a 2024 PLOS One RCT of fenugreek (an ingredient not in Total-T) found a significant free-testosterone-index rise only at 1,800 mg and a saliva-testosterone increase versus placebo, while plasma total testosterone did not rise significantly versus placebo. No independent trial proves Total-T's specific full formula raises testosterone.

Most users tolerate Vitality well at the recommended dose. Common, usually mild effects can include digestive upset, drowsiness or sedation from ashwagandha, headache, and occasional GI discomfort from zinc or DIM (DIM can also harmlessly tint urine). More serious but rare concerns center on ashwagandha and tongkat ali: the NIH LiverTox database rates ashwagandha a probable cause of clinically apparent liver injury, with documented case reports of jaundice and cholestatic hepatitis (rare cases have required hospitalization or transplant), and ashwagandha may alter thyroid hormone levels (Denmark banned it in food supplements in 2020 over thyroid, sex-hormone, and reproductive concerns, though industry groups dispute that assessment). Tongkat ali has been associated with raised liver enzymes in some reports. Stop use and see a doctor if you develop jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or a rapid heartbeat. As a dietary supplement, Vitality is not reviewed by the FDA for safety and efficacy the way prescription drugs are.

Most users tolerate it well; the most common complaints are mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or a 'stomach burn,' especially early on or when taken on an empty stomach. Because the 10 mg boron is half the 20 mg adult tolerable upper intake level, stacking it with high-boron foods or other supplements could push intake higher and contribute to nausea or headache, with kidney strain reported only at far higher intakes. Theoretical hormone shifts mean men with prostate or other hormone-sensitive conditions should be cautious. Stop and seek care if you notice rash, swelling, trouble breathing, chest symptoms, or other signs of an allergic reaction. Dietary supplements are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy before they are sold.

As of 2026, a 60-capsule bottle (30 servings, roughly a one-month supply) runs about $46-$55 depending on retailer (about $46-$47 direct from Transparent Labs, around $54.99 at Amazon and Vitamin Shoppe), or roughly $1.55-$1.85 per serving. Subscribe and save typically takes about $6 off plus free shipping, dropping the direct price to around $41. As a dietary supplement it is not covered by insurance; FSA/HSA cards may apply at some retailers. Buying the generic single ingredients separately is cheaper but sacrifices the matched dosing and third-party testing. Prices vary by retailer and promotion, so confirm the current price at checkout.

As of 2026, expect roughly $60-$70 for a 30-day (90-capsule) bottle at full price from GNC, Amazon, or Nugenix.com (GNC commonly lists it around $69.99), working out to about $2.00-$2.50 per day. Nugenix heavily promotes a 'free trial' or 'complimentary bottle' (you pay shipping) that auto-enrolls you into recurring monthly billing of about $69.99 plus shipping; this practice has drawn hundreds of consumer complaints, so read the autoship terms and cancel before the trial ends if you do not want it. Multi-bottle bundles and subscriptions lower the per-bottle cost. Insurance and HSA/FSA generally do not cover dietary supplements.

Best suited for healthy adult men (often 30+) noticing fatigue, low drive, high stress, or sluggish recovery who want natural hormone support alongside diet, sleep, and resistance training. It is NOT for women, anyone under 18, or men seeking treatment for diagnosed hypogonadism (that requires a physician). Avoid or consult a doctor first if you have liver disease, thyroid disorders, are on thyroid, blood-pressure, sedative, or blood-sugar medication, have a hormone-sensitive condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ashwagandha has documented case reports of liver injury and may affect thyroid hormone levels, and tongkat ali has been linked to raised liver enzymes in some reports. As with any supplement, discuss it with your clinician before starting, especially if you take prescription drugs.

Aimed at adult men (often marketed to those 40+) with normal-but-declining testosterone who want general support for energy, libido, strength, or workout performance. It is not for women, anyone under 18, or men seeking treatment for diagnosed hypogonadism. Avoid or consult a doctor first if you have kidney disease, hormone-sensitive cancer (e.g., prostate), or if you take blood-pressure, blood-thinner, or diabetes medication, or are on prescription testosterone. The 10 mg boron is half the 20 mg adult daily tolerable upper intake level, so account for boron from diet and any other supplements.