Bodybuilding supplements are nutritional products used by those involved in bodybuilding, weightlifting and mixed martial arts to increase muscle mass and overall athletic performance. Common supplements used include protein powders, pre-workout blends, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), creatine and vitamins.
These supplements should not replace a healthy diet and exercise program; however, when taken responsibly they can enhance performance and help accelerate muscle growth and recovery.
Fish oil
Bodybuilders often undergo strenuous training regimes that put a great deal of strain on their muscles, yet there are ways to protect muscle mass and speed recovery faster. Fish oil supplements are one such supplement which help bodybuilders build lean muscle mass faster while also shedding body fat quicker.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which help reduce inflammation caused by intense workouts. Furthermore, research shows that omega-3s may also shorten recovery times after exercise – known as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS.
If you don’t enjoy eating fish, omega-3 fatty acids can still be obtained in other sources like pine nuts and flax seeds; however, these provide only a less potency form called alpha-linolenic acid which won’t show results as quickly. Therefore, we highly suggest giving Life & Soul’s clinical strength fish oil supplements a try to achieve rapid results!
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
Bodybuilders often highlight branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) as muscle builders. BCAAs consist of leucine, isoleucine and valine; essential amino acids which the muscles can utilize as fuel during workouts and recovery periods. Their name derives from their structure which looks similar to a branch.
BCAAs differ from other amino acids by not needing an enzyme to be broken down by your body, making them an excellent source of energy and anabolic signaling stimulator for muscle tissues.
However, studies conducted on athletes showed that BCAA supplementation did not significantly enhance exercise performance or body composition in resistance and endurance athletes. Consuming enough protein is more effective at stimulating muscle growth than taking BCAAs alone.
Creatine
Creatine is a compound composed of three amino acids – methionine, glycine and arginine – found naturally within muscles and brain tissue, acting as an energy source that aids cells in creating Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), providing energy during exercise. Your liver, pancreas and kidneys produce creatine while being stored as phosphocreatine by your body for use during physical exertion. Many athletes take creatine supplements in order to enhance athletic performance, increase strength or build lean muscle mass.
Creatine may help your muscles recover faster after intense exercise. It does this by increasing satellite cell activity, helping repair micro-tears in muscle fibers after exercise and helping repair micro-tears in muscle fibers after workouts. Furthermore, creatine could potentially boost water content within muscle cells to aid with protein and carb metabolism during and post workout.
Though creatine has been shown to be relatively safe, its long-term safety remains unknown and may cause digestive issues in certain individuals. For this reason, it’s wise to consult your physician before beginning taking it.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are nutrients your body requires in small doses for proper functioning. Most people should be able to meet all their vitamin and mineral needs through eating a well-rounded, healthy diet; however, some individuals may require additional supplements in order to achieve fitness goals.
Vitamin A can play an integral part in maintaining cell health and protecting vision. It’s found in foods like carrots and leafy green vegetables, while its fat-soluble nature means it can be stored by liver tissues for later use.
Minerals such as calcium are essential in bone development and maintenance. Some minerals, like calcium, are water-soluble – meaning that their bodies dissolve them when in contact with fluids – and must be replenished on a regular basis; others, like iron and copper are only needed in trace amounts; some even exist only within food; bodybuilding supplements provide these and other necessary nutrients in powder or capsule form to be taken with a glass of water or as directed by their manufacturers.
