Bodybuilding Supplements

Bodybuilding is a fast-growing sport that is gaining popularity among average citizens. Every day, more and more people take up the sport as they realize the countless health benefits of weight training and exercise. Thus, what was once considered a pastime in the 18^th century India became a huge sporting industry with commercial ventures not only in sporting equipment but in bodybuilding supplements as well.

The general myth is that bodybuilding supplements can help muscular development and gain. This belief has led many athletes to “stack” themselves up with bodybuilding supplements, protein drinks, and vitamins just to gain that edge that could catapult them to fame, money, and glory. The truth, however, is that many bodybuilding supplements are untested and some are proven ineffective.

However, creatine is one of the few bodybuilding supplements that have been tested and approved as an effective bodybuilding supplement. Even so, creatine only works when taken with a solid nutritional base and when the user is in a weight training program.

Other recommended nutritional bodybuilding supplements are as follows:

Multiple vitamins and minerals

This type of bodybuilding supplement is for overall intake and should be taken both in the mornings and in the evenings.

Essential fatty acids

This is an essential bodybuilding supplement for every bodybuilder. The commonest form of essential fatty acid that every bodybuilder need is omega-3.

Protein powder

Protein is, of course, the key to muscle growth and, as such, it is the most important bodybuilding supplement to have. The quality of this bodybuilding supplement is defined by yield, amino acid profile (BCAA-EAA ratio), WPI-WPC ratio, filler percentage, taste, ease of use, blending capacity, digestibility, and results.

Vitamin C

This bodybuilding supplement is already included in the multivitamin, but FYI, one to three grams per day is needed.

Vitamin E (400-800 which is inclusive of the amount taken in the multivitamin.)

Glutamine

This is an optional bodybuilding supplement, but it can be helpful since it may boost the circulation of growth hormones in some people and reinforce immune and brain function. The amino acid glutamine also aids in the synthesis of protein and has anti-catabolic properties. The recommended daily dosage would be 5–15 grams.

Acidophilus and/or Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

A bodybuilding supplement that helps improve gastrointestinal health might be compromised due to the excessive intake of protein powders.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

It is a bodybuilding supplement that functions as a blood sugar regulator and as an antioxidant.

Coenzyme Q-10

It is another bodybuilding supplement that can be used as an antioxidant. It is also good for cardiac health and the prevention of gum disease.

Green Tea Extract

A major disease-preventive agent, this bodybuilding supplement also has antioxidant and metabolic properties.

Psyllium Husks and/or Flax Seeds

This bodybuilding supplement is a great source of fiber, lignans, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.