There are a variety of dietary supplements that bodybuilders and athletes can take, including creatine, electrolytes, peptides, and herbal concoctions. But the question remains: What are these supplements, and why do some bodybuilders and athletes take them? To answer that question, we will look at a few examples. Let’s start with alpha-linolenic acid, which is found in flaxseed oil. Other good sources of this amino acid include walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
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Electrolytes
In addition to aiding in recovery, electrolytes play a critical role in hydration, as they carry electrical charges throughout the body. They are crucial for normal heart, brain, and kidney function, as well as for muscle contraction. In fact, serious lifters and bodybuilders strive to get the best muscle contractions on every single set. So, it makes sense to supplement with electrolytes during intense workouts.
Creatine
The effects of creatine dietary supplements are not yet completely understood. However, some studies have found that this amino acid can improve muscle function and help with the prevention of muscular injuries. Creatine is an essential amino acid in the body and some bodybuilders and athletes take it in dietary supplements. Research has shown that creatine can help with the prevention of bone fractures, improve the recovery process after intense exercise, and may help in the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Peptides
While bodybuilding is a sport in which a person takes physical supplements, some people do not. Many people take dietary supplements for reasons other than boosting their athletic performance. Research has indicated that bodybuilders may be under-utilizing their nutritionists’ advice. The most common reason bodybuilders and athletes take supplements is to increase muscle mass and enhance their immune systems. Most bodybuilders and athletes have access to a nutritionist, but they tend to underutilize this resource.
Herbal concoctions
Herbal supplements are a popular choice for some bodybuilders and athletes. Although not clinically tested, some herbal ingredients are effective. For example, compounds from full grown gold leaf strain may offer immune-modulating properties similar to echinacea. It also contains antioxidants that may interfere with influenza’s ability to attach to human cells. Elderberries may also lower lactate levels during exercise. This herb is gaining popularity as a dietary supplement.
Hormones
Bodybuilders and athletes sometimes take hormone dietary supplements. Hormones are chemicals that are found naturally in the body, and some may be beneficial for muscle growth. HMB is produced when the body breaks down leucine. This supplement may increase strength, improve aerobic capacity, and promote lean body mass. However, it is unclear whether this supplement will increase overall body composition. It may help restore minerals and electrolytes lost during intense workouts.
Regulation by the Food and Drug Administration
Many dietary supplements made for bodybuilders and athletes contain substances that are not approved by the FDA. This means that you need to talk to your doctor before starting a bodybuilding or exercise regimen. These supplements can have harmful side effects if taken in excess or for long periods of time. The FDA prohibits the sale of supplements that are unsafe and don’t meet its standardized GMPs.
