Whey, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), creatine, psyllium husks, caffeine and other non-food items that athletes add to their diet to improve training and recovery. Questions are about which supplements are appropriate in which circumstances, and the details of using them.

learn more… | top users | synonyms

4
votes
1answer
30 views

Does the body process food and supplements the same way?

I am currently progressing through 'Mad Cow' system and I have upped my calorie intake over the past 1 to 2 months. I have a question that I wondered if anyone could shed some light on. I take about ...
0
votes
0answers
14 views

All round complete supplement [closed]

I am newbie to the supplements game but I take multivitamins and fish oil capsules on a daily basis (recommended amount). I am looking for recommendations on the best all round products (that ...
0
votes
1answer
533 views

Will Musclecore x and Androsolve help bootstrap my fitness routine to lose weight?

Intro/Disclaimer: I'm quite ignorant about fitness. I don't have a sharp body with 6 packs but I'm not horribly fat, just some belly (1.75m, 72 kg, male, 25yo). I'd like to have a sharper body and ...
-1
votes
0answers
11 views

How much zinc gluconate should I take per day? [closed]

I heard its good for acne and blocking testosterone from turning into estrogen. So I bought some. I want to pretty much OD on it but not die. wutdo?
0
votes
0answers
47 views

What are the benefits/side effects of taking CLA for weight loss? [closed]

I saw a supplement CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) for weight loss. What are the benefits? What are the side Effects? Do the benefits out weigh the risks? Would you recommend it?
0
votes
0answers
39 views

Need advise on weight gaining [duplicate]

I have very less weight compare to my height. My Gym coach is suggesting me to purchase Weight Gainer & Supplement. Please advise if using weight gainer/supplement is good for health ? (Suggest ...
2
votes
2answers
83 views

How do I promote connective tissue health/strength?

Muscles can be trained and grown. Stretching can prevent injury to muscles, joints, and connective tissue. But can connective tissues (tendons, ligaments) be trained and strengthened like muscles ...
3
votes
0answers
68 views

Protein supplementation when doing conditioning on caloric deficit

BACKGROUND For about four months now I have been on a low carb diet, and during that time I went from 93 to 78kg. I have been lifting some weights (some squats, overhead pushes, bent over rows) at a ...
2
votes
2answers
117 views

Is my mass gainer supplement ideal?

Let me describe myself: I have been weightlifting since I graduated (2010). Before graduation I weighed close to 120lbs, now I weigh (on a good day) 163lbs (I'm 5' 11"). I have plenty of definition ...
1
vote
1answer
130 views

Should I take protein supplements with my regimen and, if so, how often?

I started going to the gym over a month ago, twice a week, to try and build some strength and muscle definition with weight training. I also have tae kwon do training every Monday and Wednesday ...
5
votes
1answer
240 views

Do the effects of creatine wear off as you are using it?

I've been trying to get through a whole round of P90x for just about the entire summer with out a lot of luck. I always feel very fatigued and tired during my workout. While, I'm not following the ...
3
votes
2answers
121 views

What are the optimum foods and supplements for beginning runners?

I plan to start a running routine using the program listed here to improve my overall fitness. What foods and – if applicable – supplements would be recommended for beginning runners? I.e. a ...
-2
votes
1answer
258 views

Taking Protein Shake with BCAA tablets? [closed]

Is it okay to take this together with green tea and caffeine?
1
vote
1answer
31 views

How can one determine their body's Omega Fatty Acid balance?

I just read a great article on internal inflammation and Omega-3/Omega-6 levels. It states they should be closer to 1-to-1 than the typical 15-1 ratio of modern diets. I'm willing to supplement ...
1
vote
1answer
146 views

What should be my first goals and supplements when starting a bodybuilding program?

I'm 20 years old. I am 85 kg (about 187 pounds), and my height is 179 centimeters. I don't really have any muscle. I have belly fat. I was a swimmer 4 years ago, but I haven't done any sports for 4 ...
0
votes
1answer
328 views

Using lactose-free whey protein for bodybuilding

I'm planning on bodybuilding for a few months, and I want to start using whey protein. I'm lactose intolerant and experience serious stomachaches whenever I drink milk. I see "lactose free" label on ...
1
vote
0answers
51 views

Ginseng supplement recommendation [closed]

I have tried many different ginseng supplements for increased energy and focus and the main problem with all of them was side effects related with going to the bathroom (I will spare details here). ...
2
votes
1answer
366 views

Is Amino Acid Supplementation Necessary When Taking Whey Protein

L-Tyrosine and Beta Alanine have Will Brink's endorsement as worthwhile supplements. My question is: are these really necessary with protein supplementation as Tyrosine and Alanine will ultimately be ...
1
vote
3answers
120 views

Are quick recovery supplements worth using?

I've seen a lot of drinks which seem to be protein shakes with extra carbs and probably some other bits in them specifcially designed for quick recovery after cardio. Do these actually work or is it ...
0
votes
0answers
131 views

USN 100% Whey Protein? [closed]

Just wondering if anyone has tried or know about USN's 100% whey protein? It is relatively cheap but i dont know what the quality is like. Cheers
1
vote
2answers
227 views

What is an optimal amount for protein intake?

What exactly is a safe limit for taking whey protein? Different websites recommend different amounts of protein intake. The most common one that I see is around 0.8g of protein for every kilograms of ...
2
votes
2answers
977 views

Is taking whey protein before a workout bad?

Friends have told me that I should consume whey protein shake before and after workout. They said this would be effective for building up muscles. However, I have read from a website that I should ...
0
votes
2answers
175 views

Will taking Vitamin D supplements harm my bodies ability to produce it itself?

It is known that the human body can produce vitamin D itself when exposed to enough sunlight. But will the body downregulate this natural production of vitamin D, if I take a vitamin D supplement? And ...
1
vote
1answer
340 views

Taking BCAAs before workouts - carbs or no carbs?

I'm seeing conflicting information on using BCAAs before a workout. One resource says to take them before a workout with carbs to help get the BCAAs into the muscles due to the insulin boost. Another ...
0
votes
0answers
74 views

Should I pay for brand or quality for vitamins? [closed]

In my country Solgar is the most promoted manufacturer of vitamins. Their vitamins are also very expensive, and their promotions are very qualitative. I found it very difficult to find an e-commerce ...
2
votes
2answers
233 views

Is supplementation counter productive when your goal is getting a six pack/lean mass?

I try hit the gym about 3-5 times a week (using a 3 day split program), and take something similar to Supplements SA Ganic-F Insane as pre-workout, and I've got protein shake that i use as a snack ...
10
votes
2answers
342 views

Any way to help muscles grow during rest, besides food (protein etc.)?

Since muscles grow when they are resting, has anyone got any tips, supplements or anything at all that will help my muscles grow more effectively during resting period?
2
votes
2answers
500 views

How to determine the highest quality fish oil? [closed]

I've read many, many articles recently about how great fish oil is for you. Awesome. I'm in. The hard part - which fish oil should I take? There are so many of them. What attributes make a ...
5
votes
4answers
960 views

Gymming without supplements

I have been working out for about 2 and half years. Though I have seen improvements in my body, it seems to have plateaued for a long time. I work in the IT industry and my work schedule is not ...
5
votes
2answers
588 views

Should I consume BCAA pills to stay alert or not?

I think the title may be a bit misleading, so let me explain. I have been using a pre and post workout drink for the past 6 months or so with great result. I had been using BCAA before that, but the ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views

Which protein shake I should take as a beginner?

I have been going to the gym for the last four months, previously I went three times a wekk but right now I am going 1/2 of the days in a week. But I am not gaining muscle but I can lift more weight ...
1
vote
1answer
187 views

Will calcium supplements affect my strength gain?

I've just started taking calcium supplements, 1 tablet each day with each tablet containing 650mg of calcium. This is to try and negate the effects soda can have on on making it hard for bones to ...
5
votes
1answer
133 views

How does a muscle grow step-by-step?

I am trying to understand how a muscle such as the bicep grows step-by-step. For example (but not limited to): How nutrients line up? Which are essentials? What exactly do they do? It's hard to ...
3
votes
1answer
62 views

How do nutritional supplement companies come up with the recommended dosage?

Is there a standard or guideline to this? For instance, is there a prototypical person with an average weight they design dosage parameters for?
5
votes
3answers
887 views

Am I taking too many vitamins and supplements?

I'm hoping to get some insight on the vitamins and supplements I'm taking. I'm afraid I'm taking too many or taking them incorrectly. Am I doing myself good or harming my body? First off, I am 21, ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views

Insomnia caused by Glutamine or other Supplements?

I am currently using MRM All Naturall Gainer (image of ingredients) at noon and L-Glutamine 500% DV. in the morning as a supplement for my workout and am experiencing insomnia. I am not sure though if ...
0
votes
2answers
188 views

How do I avoid secondary carnitine deficiency related to Valproate Acid treatment? [closed]

I am on a regimen of 2500mg daily of Depakote ER, a Valproic Acid (VPA) derivative, and on a vegan diet. Previously I attempted to put the two together with the resulting fatigue and nausea (likely ...
5
votes
2answers
895 views

Conceptually, why does creatine increase muscle size?

Muscle contractions are powered by ATP losing a phosphate and becoming ADP. Creatine can give away one phosphate to convert ADP back to ATP. With more ATP, muscles are more powerful. How is any of ...
-2
votes
1answer
168 views

Ephedra diet pill availability [closed]

A while back I used to take a pill called Stacker 2 a herbal supplement with ephedra. I found it gave me a lot of energy and helped me lose a significant amount of weight. There was a while after a ...
0
votes
2answers
445 views

Can I take all 3 tablets of Magnesium at one time or should I take 1 tablet after each meal [closed]

I cannot take Calcium as it forms Kidney Stones, I have been told by my doctor that I have early signs of Osteoporosis. I was told that I could take Magnesium, the bottle states 3 tablets a day with ...
9
votes
5answers
11k views

What are the best vitamins to take when working out [closed]

I see all types of claims for every supplement and vitamin under the sun. What are the basic vitamins that one should take when actively working out (cardio and weights) to help stay healthy. ...
0
votes
1answer
113 views

supplements for building muscle with low level training

Say I just to a little bit of exercise (enough to have some gain), what would be the supplements I should take to maximize gain and minimize pain. I would think Creatine, Glutamine and ALC - Acetyl ...
8
votes
5answers
8k views

What is the best pre-workout supplement for long distance running?

I recently came across a blog post called the Top 10 Rated Pre Workout Supplements of 2011, which compares a bunch of concoctions made of "stimulants, nitric oxide, creatine, and amino acids." There ...
2
votes
1answer
59 views

Purity of Herbal Supplements

There is plenty of debate about the efficacy of most herbal supplements, but that's not my question. I just want to know if there is a reliable/standard source of verification for the active ...
4
votes
1answer
140 views

Best timing for consuming supplements relative to excercise

I've been on an introductory fitness routine for several months to slim down. I've managed to lose 30lb (down to 180 from 210, I'm 6' 1" so this puts me to the upper limit of my BMI), and I've ...
1
vote
1answer
708 views

Why does the skin tingle after consuming beta alanine?

Many people notice a skin-tingling effect after consuming beta alanine, but I found no explanation on why the skin is tingling and why the effect starts at the head first. Perhaps someone can shed ...
1
vote
1answer
91 views

Supplements taken with a healthy diet and exercise regimine

Starting a 3 day a week exercises routine and I am wondering what supplements I should be taking. If you have been following my posts you can see I have posted several time already today. I am really ...
6
votes
1answer
4k views

Do protein supplements have any side-effects?

I need some help in taking the decision to use the supplement. I am trying to build my body but couldn't get a better result even after 6 months of continuous training, when asked my fellow trainer he ...
7
votes
1answer
762 views

What should I eat or drink before jogging?

I'm planning to run at least 5 times a week with the aim to lose weight and improve my overall health. Now I want to know how should prepare myself with regards to eating and drinking to get the most ...
4
votes
3answers
300 views

How to deal with gas all day from nitric oxide?

I've started taking supplements that contain L-Arginine. The results so far have been amazing, except for the fact that the days I take the supplement I have gas all day and need to excuse myself ...

1 2