Bodybuilding supplement

Bodybuilding supplements are substances taken by bodybuilders - people attempting to add muscle mass. The industry producing supplements is big business and this has lead to a number of companies promoting false claims about their products. It has also lead to difficulties in consumers obtaining reliable information due to most bodybuilding magazines and websites being owned or heavily sponsored by supplement companies.

Food

Due to the large amount of food bodybuilders need to consume, the majority choose to consume some as a supplement (often in liquid form) as this is more convenient.

Protein

Bodybuilders often take protein, the essential building blocks for muscles, as a supplement as it is necessary to consume large quantities and protein shakes are convenient. The most commonly consumed type is whey protein since it is a naturally complete protein and is a rich source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), containing the highest known levels of any natural food source. It is also very quickly absorbed by the body and metabolized.

Meal Replacement

Meal replacement products (in the form of a drink or bar) contain sufficient nutrients (protein and carbs) that a bodybuilder could take them in place of a normal meal. There is controversy over certain products that, in order to increase the calorie count and reduce costs, include a large amount of simple sugars.

Hormones

Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids are hormones that promote cell growth and division, in the form of muscular hypertrophy. They are illegal for recreational use in most countries, but can be prescribed for various conditions in countries such as Canada.

Prohormones

Prohormones are precursors to hormones - most typically sold to bodybuilders as a precursor to the natural hormone testosterone. There are currently many kinds of pro-hormones available, 1-AD , DHEA 19-Nordiol, and Androstenedione are examples. Prohormones suppress the body's Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testicular axis (HPTA), so they cannot be used on a continuous basis, but rather must be cycled on and off. They are currently illegal in the United States and many European countries.

Their use remains quite controversial and side effects are not uncommon. They are the precursors of testosterone, but some can also convert readily to DHT and estrogen. To date most prohormone products have not been thoroughly studied, and the health effects of prolonged use are mostly unknown.

Human Growth Hormone

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a protein hormone synthesized in the human body that stimulates growth and cell reproduction. It can be produced synthetically and is often taken by large bodybuilders.

Amino Acids

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid used in the immune system and muscle cells. A deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system and wasting of muscle tissue. Others argue that gluatamine also causes a larger insulin response (see insulin section for effects).

BCAAs

Amino acids are the building blocks for protein - the body breaks consumed protein into these in the stomach and intestines. Branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) are the specific aminos leucine, isoleucine, and valine which are metabolized in the muscles (rather than the liver).

Other

Creatine

Creatine is an organic acid naturally occurring in the body that supplies energy to muscle cells for short burst of energy (such as lifting weights). A number of studies have been conducted into its usage and most conclude an increase in body mass. However, a number of people argue this is purely due to water retention. See creatine article for more information.

Insulin

The effects of insulin on the body are well known and include increases in cellular intake of glucose, protein synthesis, amino acid uptake, and blood flow. These effects are seen as beneficial to bodybuilders, especially right after a work out. This can be achieved by consuming a drink containing simple sugars (e.g. glucose) which causes the body to increase insulin levels to deal with the sugar.

Some bodybuilders inject insulin directly into the blood stream. However this is extremely dangerous and possibly fatal if an incorrect dosage is taken.

Natural Testosterone Boosters

Naturally occurring plants and vitamins that studies have shown can produce an increase in testosterone levels. However, the usefulness for those with healthy levels is debated but they may help older bodybuilders or those with naturally low testosterone levels. The most commonly taken supplements are ZMA and tribulus terrestris.

Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) relaxes smooth muscle in the body - like those in the arteries. This decreases blood pressure, increases blood flow to the muscles. Promoters argue this allows more nutrients to be delivered - aiding muscle growth. However supplements do not actually contain nitric oxide but the amino acid arginine - which the body uses to synthesize NO. It is not known whether increased arginine actually increases NO levels in the body.