That's a very true and depressing piece of science there Alexandra - even natural lifters powering away on a good diet and steady progressive overload are absolutely no match for a guy doing absolutely nothing but sit on a couch & injecting steroids as far as muscle growth goes; it is a truly remarkable hormone. I still prefer to get my body to some degree of fitness naturally, perhaps some misguided view that a natural route will result in a prolonged ability to enjoy sports with my son (5) which is my simple ambition, not living forever. Certainly some of these guys with huge muscles can't lift weights that a coal miner that never went to a gym wouldn't think twice about picking up in one hand- and that's all ok too; some folks want to be strong AF, some just want to look good in a mirror - some just like to drink beer among other vices!
Re: the vegan protein powder, I have to say it is a whole lot more satiating than the usual whey stuff (although its crap for mixing with oats) - I use both on & off, depends on if I'm getting enough food for the day/week or not; real food can't honestly be substituted when aspiring for growth. The only essential supplement I'd say has seriously good physical impact and no downside is creatine. Above all, consistency is the key - and that ultimately is a lifestyle change, not some fitness program, fad diet, bone broth, keto, zumba or whatever; what you do must be part of your life & enjoyable, not a chore. (I still drink & never do jogging - boring AF!)
None of these supplements or diets really do anything like a shot of T; the only reason I've not tried it out is because just about every guy I know that has been on it, has struggled to get off it - I'm sure it must be hard to watch your body go from Greek God to "Mr. Muscle" (* the UK one, not the Asian one!

); perhaps professional bodybuilders such as Dorian Yates are better pre-disposed to this as their aim is to become Mr. Olympia, and nothing else - once achieved, they can revert to their old selves; akin to Beyonce & her "Sasha Fierce" alter-ego. For the man in the street there isn't such a clear distinction.
For the dudes that take T simply to get some level of libido & confidence back, you have my sympathy - still only 40-odd here. I'm sure the medical reasons for T will come knocking one day & blokes probably should not be ashamed of needing it to enjoy a fuller life at older age. Kevin Levrone's comeback to the Olympia stage at 50+ is probably something quite inspiring in that regard... I've got time!
