Some Knowledge

Nutritional supplements are big business.  There are lots of companies that manufacture and sell vitamins, mineral, and various other things people use to supplement their diets.  With good foods available year round, why do so many people still take these products?

Vitamins are trace compounds necessary for life.  A deficit in any vitamin will cause a deficiency syndrome.  Current health guidelines specify a daily amount of vitamins based on what is necessary to prevent deficiency.  There is little research in the effects of taking more than the minimum amount of vitamins.  In general, some people think that if a little is good, more is better.  There has been much literature published on the supposed health benefits of large doses of vitamin C in averting viral infections.  There are also studies that link high amounts of vitamin E to increased risk of lung cancer.  Information on the effects of large doses of different vitamins is hard to find.  To make sure you are getting at least a minimum amount of necessary vitamins, it is prudent to take a daily multi-vitamin.

Many people who are trying to put on muscle mass take supplemental protein.  It is hard to get large amounts of protein from a normal diet without adding large amounts of fat and cholesterol from animal foods like meat or eggs.  The best protein supplement is whey protein.  Whey is a complete protein with a good balance of essential amino acids, which are the chemical building blocks of protein.  A single scoop of whey protein powder typically contains 23 grams of protein.  A can of tuna has about 30 grams of protein, as well as a certain amount of fat from fish oil.  It is convenient to mix protein powder with milk or other liquid and take it as a shake.  Supplemental protein can help balance your diet without adding excess calories.

There are many amino acid supplements on the market.  The most important of these for bodybuilding are probably L-glutamine and L-arginine.  Glutamine helps prevent muscle loss.  Arginine supports blood flow to muscles.  These amino acids will also be present in protein supplements as constituents of the protein.  The decision to supplement with amino acids depends on your budget and the information you read.  There are many supposed benefits of the various amino acids, but they are all available from your diet with adequate intake of complete proteins.

There are many herbal supplements around.  The various herbs have different effects on the human body.  For thousands of years the main medicines used by man have been herbs.  Herbs can have profound effects on the human body.  There is a lot of information online about the different herbal products which is easily found.  Ginseng is perhaps the most famous of the tonic herbs.  It is a Chinese plant that is supposed to increase metabolism and promote health.  If you plan to supplement with herbs it is important to start with a very small dose so you can be sure you are not allergic to the herb.  Allergies to plants are very common.  Most herbs are very subtle in their action, and you may not notice any observable effect.  Some herbs, such as senna, are violent in their effects, in this case causing purging of the bowels.  Exercise caution in the use of any herb.

The decision to supplement the diet with various substances is something you will have to use your own judgment in.  Read all the information on any product you are considering using.  Read stories of other people’s experience with these products.  In general, it is best to avoid brand-name patent concoctions sold to treat some condition such as obesity.  These products cost a lot of money because the manufacturer advertises them.  Find the most economical pure supplements and buy from a reliable source.  Most products that are being hyped are usually completely useless.

Nutritional supplements can boost your energy and improve your health if consumed properly.  Use the Internet and books to find the products that are right for you.  One good source of information on nutritional supplements and exercise is Bodybuilding.com.   Read up on whatever product you are thinking of using and make informed decisions on what you put in your body.