subject: Supplement For Your Body [print this page] Bodybuilding supplements are dietary supplements commonly used by those involved in bodybuilding and athletics. Bodybuilding supplements may be used to replace meals, enhance weight gain, promote weight loss or improve athletic performance. Among the most widely used are vitamin supplements, protein, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), glutamine, essential fatty acids, meal replacement products, creatine, weight loss products and testosterone boosters. Supplements are sold either as single ingredient preparations or in the form of "stacks" - proprietary blends of various supplements marketed as offering synergistic advantages. While many bodybuilding supplements are also consumed by the general public their salience and frequency of use may differ when used specifically by bodybuilders.
Bodybuilders often supplement their diets with a powdered form of protein. The powder is mixed with water, milk or juice. Protein powder is generally consumed immediately before and after exercising, or in place of a meal. Some types of protein are to be taken directly before and after a workout (whey protein), while others are to be taken before going to bed (casein protein). The theory behind this supplementation is that bodybuilders, by virtue of their unique training methods and end-goals, require higher-than-average quantities of protein to support maximal muscle growth.
Glutamine
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in human muscle and is commonly found in supplements or as a micronized, instantly soluble powder because supplement manufacturers claim the body's natural glutamine stores are depleted during anaerobic exercise. Serum glutamine is used by the body to counteract the acidosis that results from exercise; in order to replenish the loss of glutamine from the bloodstream, the body catabolises glutamine from the muscle.
Many bodybuilders, weightlifters and athletes take nutrition supplements. There are a wide variety of these products on the market. Most are designed to build muscle or increase energy for workouts. People who lift weight require more protein than the average person. However, there are some pros and cons to using these products.
Types
There are many different types of bodybuilding nutrition products. Whey, egg, and soy are some popular protein powders. Amino acid tablets can quicken the recovery and repair of muscle tissues. Creatine is an amino acid that maximizes water levels in the muscles as muscles require protein, water and energy for growth. There are also weight gainers for bodybuilders and those who want to add 10 to 25 pounds over a short period of time. Some nutrition supplements are designed specifically for ensuring a positive nitrogen balance by accelerating protein synthesis. Others provide extra complex carbohydrates to provide energy during workout.
Muscle Building Supplements
In the world of muscle-building supplements, it can be hard to distinguish which ones really work without breaking the bank. Fortunately, the few muscle-building supplements that have proven efficacy are the ones you can get for a low price due to mass production. Stay away from the niche supplements until you find large clinical trials that provide evidence that they actually work.
