subject: Bodybuilding Tips Nutritional Supplements For Bodybuilders [print this page] Athletes and bodybuilders use nutritional substances in an effort to gain a legal edge over fellow competitors. The use of nutritional supplements has not been outlawed by the major sporting organisations. This does not mean that they are safe, appropriate or without side effects. The potential lethal side effects of iron and vitamin supplements are well known.The newer nutritional supplements such as Creatine which have been available since the early 90's can pose an even greater risk.Creatine is a crystalline nitrogenous compound synthesised in the liver, kidney and pancreas from the amino acids glycine, arginine and methionine. It is also absorbed in the diet from fish and meat. It is stored in skeletal muscle as creatine phosphate. This acts as a precursor to ATP which is the immediate source of energy for acute muscle contraction.Marketing claims that this supplement has three beneficial roles in the body:1. As an energy source for explosive muscle movement2. As a metabolic buffer3. As an intermediary which carries energy from mitochondria to the muscles.To date only the first claim has been backed by scientific evidence. Research has suggested that creatine induced muscle development is probably due to the 1-2 per cent increase in body water.It is known that creatine supplementation may interfere with the muscle contraction/ relaxation mechanism. The muscles may contract when they are supposed to relax or vice versa. This results in tetanic muscle cramping and muscle strains which are regularly reported in athletes who use this supplement.Creatine supplementation may also cause electrolyte imbalance which predisposes athletes and bodybuilders to dehydration and heat illness.This article was published by Mick Hart - Hardcore bodybuilder, author of two anabolic steroid best selling books, steroids and bodybuilding magazine publisher. Follow his Steroid Training Advice to develop SAFE huge muscles, and you will never encounter any long term health condition due to takinging steroids the wrong way.
Bodybuilding Tips Nutritional Supplements For Bodybuilders
