subject: How Do Muscle Supplements Help With Building Muscle? [print this page] How Do Muscle Supplements Help With Building Muscle?
Muscle supplements are commonly used by bodybuilders and weight-lifters to improve performance levels, muscle strength and increase stamina. While the human body naturally produces essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins and amino acids, it is necessary to boost the intake of these to increase muscle mass and strength.One of the most essential supplements for this purpose is protein. An extra supply of protein can conveniently be taken in a powdered drink. The powders have a number of flavors and are marketed as milkshakes. A bodybuilder will often drink one before and after working out. Protein enhances muscle growth and it can also repair torn tissues.Bodybuilders usually require extra essential fatty acids. Because many bodybuilding regimes require a low-fat diet, a fat deficiency is possible. To avoid this, an essential fatty acids supplement is taken. The ingredients come from fish like salmon, mackerel, trout and tuna.Muscle supplements also contain an amino acid called glutamine. The body's own production of this is quickly depleted during anaerobic exercises such as weight-lifting. If it is not put back into the system, there could be a loss of muscle tissue and the risk of a weakened immune system.Bodybuilders also receive a lot of extra nutrition through MRPs (meal replacement products). These are packed full of nourishment and are used to substitute a meal. Like a protein milkshake, a MRP is also a powder to be mixed with water or milk. They are also available as candy-like bars. They have a high content of protein, vitamins and minerals, but very little fats and carbohydrates.Linolenic acid is also found in muscle supplements. Soybean oil is the only commercial oil that contains this. It is not found in polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower, corn, or safflower. While linolenic acid is important, a-linolenic acid is just as important. This can be obtained from walnuts, flaxseed and pumpkin seeds. Both acids are important for muscle building.The body can also produce an organic acid called creatine. However, it cannot produce a sufficient amount to supply muscle cells with enough energy for weight-lifting. Short bursts of energy are necessary during this activity.Research has shown that creatine can increase muscle mass and strength, boost energy, and even enhance brain function. Many people think that creatine is a steroid, but it is not. A supplement of this acid is obtained from meat and fish.Muscle supplements containing testosterone boosters are also frequently used by bodybuilders. This is a synthetic compound obtained from certain plants and vitamins. According to manufacturers, it acts exactly like the male hormone, testosterone. While there is no scientific confirmation of this claim, it does appear to be effective.
