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25 top sports supplements


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PROTEIN

Protein is the most imporant nutrient you need to boost athletic performance. If you exercise regularly, you need a bit more protein than if you’re sedentary. There are many excellent sources of protein, and each has specific pros and cons.

Whey ProteinBody-Builder_01-03-17.jpg

Muscle-building, dieting, immunity

Whey is 20% of the protein in milk, consisting of several complex peptides (ß-lactoglobulin, a-lactalbumin, glycomacro-peptide, etc.). It contains all the essential amino acids, and is especially rich in essential amino acids, BCAAs, leucine (10-14g per 100g of protein), and cysteine (3-fold higher levels than casein).

Digestion Rate: Rapid — due to water solubility of protein at a low pH.

Timing/Dose: Consume 10-30g at least 30 minutes pre-workout. Consume 10-30g immediately post-workout.

Ideal Use: Its high levels of BCAAs and fast digestion rate supports the development of lean body mass. Whey is ideal for pre- and post-workout, or between meals. High leucine levels provide an efficient anabolic stimulus with fewer calories, so it’s ideal for dieters. High cysteine levels boost glutathione production and antioxidant capacity. It supports a healthy immune system, and it promotes satiety, making it ideal for curbing hunger and assisting in weight loss.

 

Protein%20container%20shaker%20man_09-16-16.jpgCasein Protein

Long-lasting protein

Casein is the principal protein found in cow’s milk (80% of total protein). It contains all the essential amino acids, and is especially rich in tyrosine and proline.

Digestion Rate: Slow — due to formation of micelles (cluster of casein molecules) in the stomach at a low pH.

Timing/Dose: Not advised to take pre-workout since it stays in the stomach. Consume 10-30g within 1 hour post-workout.

Ideal Use: Extended anabolic effects make it ideal when frequent protein ingestion is not possible or meals are skipped. Its slow amino acid release makes it ideal before bed. Casein provides long-lasting protein and is usually found in meal replacements, so it’s ideal if you only eat one or two actual meals per day.

 

Egg White Protein

Dairy-free, high-quality protein

Egg whites contain over 40 proteins — the most prominent being albumen. Yolks also have some protein, but whole egg powders are less common than egg white. Both contain all the essential amino acids.

Digestion Rate: Medium-fast — due to the increase in plasma essential amino acids, but lagging slightly behind whey, peaking between 45-60 minutes after ingestion.

Timing/Dose: Consume 10-30g at least 45 minutes pre-workout. Consume 10-30g immediately post-workout.

Ideal Use: Excellent choice for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk or soy protein. Egg white protein provides many of the same benefits of whey, so it makes for a great alternative. It’s also a good choice if you don't want to prepare or like the taste of whole eggs.

 

Soy Protein

Vegetarian source of protein

Soy protein contains all the essential amino acids including twice the arginine and glutamine of milk-based proteins.

Digestion Rate: Intermediate — between whey and casein.

Timing/Dose: Consume 10-30g at least 45 minutes pre-workout. Consume 10-30g immediately post-workout.

Ideal Use: Soy is the highest quality plant-derived protein source, so it’s ideal for vegetarians. Some research supports a positive impact on cardiovascular health and bone health. High arginine promotes nitric oxide production and healthy vascular function, and high glutamine supports a healthy immune system. It’s an excellent choice for those allergic to milk or egg proteins.
 

AMINO ACIDS 
 

Amino acids are important for bodybuilders and strength trainers since they support protein synthesis and muscle building. There are many free-form amino acids, which can be used singly or in combination with other amino acids.

 

BCAAs / Leucine

Reduce muscle soreness

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine and valine, are unique because they are the only amino acids used directly by muscle as energy during exercise. Thus, they can become depleted quickly. Leucine also acts more like a hormone in that it activates muscle protein synthesis directly. One recent study showed that compared to placebo, daily intake of 20g of BCAAs (10g in the morning and evening) for one week prior to a damaging bout of exercise decreased muscle soreness by 30%, decreased markers of muscle damage by 22%, and improved muscle performance during recovery. 1

Timing/Dose: Studies indicate that consuming at least 2.5g of leucine per meal 4 times per day promotes greater weight loss, greater fat loss and better preservation of lean body mass. In these studies, the high leucine diets also resulted in better glucose control. 2

Ideal Use: BCAA powders are convenient to add to a pre-workout shake. They can also be taken alone if you don’t want to digest a full shake, allowing for something lighter on your stomach when working out.

 

Protein (Amino Acid) Tablets

Convenient protein

Amino acid tablets are usually derived from quality sources of protein like whey and contain approximately 1g of protein per tablet. They are a convenient way to meet your protein requirements without having to worry about mixing a shake or preparing a meal.

 

Glutamine

For workout recovery

Glutamine is an amino acid, and it accounts for more than 60% of the free amino acids in muscle. Catabolic states (when muscle is being torn down), like during high-intensity workouts, are associated with reductions in muscle glutamine. Several clinical studies indicate that glutamine supplementation by catabolic patients improve nitrogen balance and recovery. Immune cells use glutamine as an energy source, and studies support glutamine as an immune enhancer. It’s also been shown to enhance glycogen levels.

In one recent study, researchers infused a chemical that caused inflammation and reduced muscle force production by approximately 33%. When the same chemical was infused together with glutamine, force production was completely restored to normal. This reinforces the critical role of maintaining adequate glutamine levels not just for immune function and nitrogen balance, but also for preserving acute force production capabilities.3

Timing/Dose: One problem with taking glutamine is that it has trouble getting absorbed because the intestinal cells use it as energy source. Thus, 2-5g of glutamine per day are required.

 

Taurine

Important for metabolism function

Taurine is an amino acid that’s included in many pre-workout formulas (made famous being featured in Red Bull). It’s abundant in skeletal muscle and is claimed to help increase cell volume. There is little confirmation to support that claim, but there is evidence that taurine may increase insulin sensitivity and decrease oxidative stress.

Dose: Doses greater than 1g are likely needed to have any impact on cell function.
 

PERFORMANCE ENHANCERSMan-in-gym-3.22.16.jpg


Improve performance, get stronger faster and decrease muscle breakdown.

 

Creatine

Increase power and strength

Creatine is a supplement you should definitely consider if you are a serious athlete who wants to ensure maximum intensity workouts and optimal gains in muscle size and strength.

Creatine supplementation works by increasing the creatine content of skeletal muscles, which in turn extends the time muscles can exert maximal power. This is beneficial for just about any athlete because it translates into performing more reps in the weight room, sprinting faster, jumping higher, throwing harder, etc. Numerous studies have also reported that creatine supplementation augments muscle size and strength gains to resistance training.

Dose: When first using creatine, it’s best to take 15-25g per day for 5 days. After this loading period, 3-5g per day is recommended for a maintenance dose.

 

Beta-Alanine

Reduce acid build-up and fatigue

New research shows athletes undergoing intense, anaerobic exercise can blunt the effects of acid build-up in the muscles by supplementing with beta-alanine, which causes muscles to accumulate carnosine. According to several studies, higher muscle carnosine levels decrease fatigue and increase the total work capacity.

When beta-alanine (3.2g) is used along with creatine (10.5g) during 10 weeks of resistance training, there may be an additive effect producing better gains in lean body mass than with either supplement alone.1

Dose: The largest increases in muscle carnosine have been observed with a dose of 6.4g per day, but increases can also be achieved with amounts as low as 3.2g per day. Results occur after about 4 weeks of use.

 

D-Ribose

Fuel energy for high intensity workouts

D-ribose is a precursor for ATP (energy) synthesis. ATP fuels all body functions, including muscle contraction. Thus, the assumption is that ribose supplementation can either prevent ATP loss or speed the re-synthesis of ATP during recovery.

Some studies have provided evidence that ribose supplementation can enhance ATP levels and performance during consecutive days of very high-intensity exercise. Thus, ribose may be useful for athletes during very high volume and intensity periods of training.

Dose: 5-10g per day.

 

HMB

Decreases muscle breakdown

HMB, a metabolite of leucine, has been shown to decrease muscle damage and have anti-catabolic effects that could translate into greater gains in lean body mass and muscular adaptations to resistance training.

We recently tested the effects of a supplement containing 1.5g of HMB and a blend of amino acids on adaptations to 12 weeks of heavy resistance training.2 The HMB-amino acid group had significantly greater increases in lean body mass (10 pounds more than the control group) and measures of muscle strength.

Dose: Between 1.5-3g per day.
 

NITRIC OXIDE

 

There are a variety of pre-exercise nitric oxide formulas that claim to promote vasodilation and better muscle pumps during exercise. Most contain the amino acid arginine which is involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a substance that is made and released by the cells that line your blood vessels. When released, NO causes a potent dilation of blood vessels, which translates into increased blood flow. Some studies have shown better blood vessel function after arginine supplementation in people with impaired vascular function, but positive effects in young healthy athletes are less clear. High doses are required to impact NO, probably above 3 grams.

Other common ingredients claimed to augment vasodilation include Arginine AKG, Arginine Nitrate, Agmatin, L-Citrulline, L-Norvalline, and L-Tyrosine.

Dose: high doses are required to impact NO, probably above 3 grams. 

 

Arginine

For nitric oxide and growth hormone

Arginine is classified as a non-essential amino acid since our bodies can produce it. But, because it becomes limiting in many circumstances, it’s usually referred to as conditionally dispensable. Arginine is the rate limiting amino acid in the synthesis of NO. Increasing the bioavailability of NO improves dilation of blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Emerging evidence suggests exercise efficiency and performance may benefit as well.For nitric oxide and growth hormoneArginine is classified as a non-essential amino acid since our bodies can produce it. But, because it becomes limiting in many circumstances, it’s usually referred to as conditionally dispensable.

Arginine is the rate limiting amino acid in the synthesis of NO. Increasing the bioavailability of NO improves dilation of blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Emerging evidence suggests exercise efficiency and performance may benefit as well. In one study, healthy men who consumed 6g of arginine reduced the amount of oxygen required (i.e., increased efficiency) to perform exercise, and increased time to exhaustion by 26% during high intensity cycling. 4   Some studies have shown better blood vessel function in people with impaired vascular function after arginine supplementation, but positive effects in young healthy athletes are less clear.

In another study, a combination formula consisting of arginine (7g), HMB (1.5g), glutamine (7g) plus taurine (3g) resulted in striking improvements in body composition.8 Compared to a control group who received a placebo, healthy young men who supplemented with the arginine combo formula during 12 weeks of heavy resistance training showed a 10-pound greater increase in lean body mass.

Dose: High doses are required to impact NO, probably above 3g. Arginine infusion is used clinically as a diagnostic test when growth hormone (GH) deficiency is suspected. The dose of oral arginine needed to increase GH levels appears to be at least 5g, with larger responses shown with 9g. 5-7 
 

TESTOSTERONE SUPPORT

 

Testosterone benefits cardiovascular health, mood, energy, immune function, cognitive function and protects against osteoporosis.

Tribulus

Works via luteinizing hormone

Several hormones stimulate the body’s own production of testosterone. The most important and potent stimulator of testosterone secretion is luteinizing hormone (LH), which is secreted from the pituitary gland. Tribulus terrestris is reported to increase testosterone levels by increasing LH levels. This mechanism of testosterone release by tribulus is due to the natural presence of biologically active saponins, especially protodioscin.

Dose: Look for products that are standardized to a high content of protodioscin (minimum 20%).

 

ZMA

Zinc and magnesium aspartate

ZMA is a combination of two essential minerals, zinc and magnesium, as well as vitamin B6. These micronutrients are involved in countless metabolic reactions in the body, including the body’s use of energy and its production of hormones and other vital tissues. Zinc and magnesium levels are notoriously low in the American diet. Athletes are at even more risk of developing mineral deficiencies due to loss through urine and sweat, increased metabolism and stress caused by strenuous exercise. Among many functions, zinc is involved in normal production of testosterone. In fact, studies have shown that even small deficiencies in zinc can lead to reductions in testosterone. Supplementing with zinc may bring levels back to normal.

Dose: Standard ZMA formulas include per serving 10.6 mg vitamin B6, 450 mg of magnesium and 30 mg of zinc.

 

Magnesium

Important for athletes

Magnesium is even more of a concern than zinc for many athletes, especially if you either sweat a lot, eat a highly refined diet, consume alcohol, or take diuretics — which all promote loss of magnesium from the body. Even a moderate depletion in magnesium can adversely affect nerve transmission, leading to disturbances in the normal way skeletal and heart muscles contract. For example, common manifestations of magnesium depletion include muscle cramps and heart palpations. It’s also hard to diagnose magnesium status with a simple blood test because cells will become depleted long before blood levels go down. The good news is that a couple weeks of magnesium supplementation often corrects these problems.

Dose: The clinicially studied ZMA dose was 30 mg of zinc and 450 mg of magnesium, taken before bed.

 

D-Aspartic Acid

Amino acid supports testosterone

D-aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role in energy metabolism and testosterone levels. In one study, healthy men who supplemented with 3g of D-aspartic acid for 12 days showed a gradual increase in testosterone of 16% after 6 days and 42% at 12 days. There was also a 33% increase in luteinizing hormone after 12 days. 3

Dose: About 3g per day.

 

L-Carnitine

Increases androgen receptors; burn fat

Testosterone binds to muscle via androgen receptors, which is necessary in order for testosterone to elicit its anabolic effects. My lab showed that supplementation with L-carnitine (L-tartrate form) increased the amount of androgen receptors in skeletal muscle.  In addition, L-carnitine has long been known as the “fat burning” supplement because it helps transport fat into the mitochondria to be burned.

In two separate studies, supplementation of L-carnitine (3g per day) for 10 days resulted in significantly higher rates of fat oxidation.5-6 This work was recently validated by yet another study that showed endurance-trained men who supplemented with 2g of L-carnitine burned more fat and spared muscle glycogen during exercise.7

Several lines of evidence support a role of carnitine in other processes beyond muscle fat burning. Much of this work has been done over the last decade in my laboratory at the University of Connecticut. We have shown that carnitine supplementation improves recovery from exercise by acting as an antioxidant and vasodilator that reduces muscle damage and markers of stress after exercise.8-10

Dose: 1-2g per day.

 

FAT BURNERS

 

Dieting and exercise are fundamental to losing weight. But if you want to burn more fat and lose weight faster, one of these ingredients might be right for you.

 

Green Tea Extract

Burn fat, increase lean muscle ratio

A large body of work exists supporting positive effects of green tea on a wide range of biological effects that improve health and weight management. Most research has focused on EGCG as the predominant active ingredient responsible for green tea’s thermogenic and fat burning effects.

In one of the first experiments, it was shown that green tea extract containing 150 mg of caffeine and 270 mg EGCG increased 24-hour metabolic rate by 80 kcal per day and caused a shift to greater fat oxidation.1 Green tea has been shown to work by increasing cellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which in turn increases metabolic rate and breakdown of fat in cells. In one long-term study, 12 weeks of green tea supplementation (containing 690 mg catechins per day) resulted in a two-fold greater weight loss (-2.4 vs -1.3 kg) and fat loss (-1.4 vs -0.7 kg) compared to placebo.2Additionally, compared to placebo, green tea had a four-fold greater effect on reductions in subcutaneous and visceral fat in the abdomen.

Dose: Take enough green tea extract to provide at least 270 mg of EGCG per day.

 

Raspberry Ketones

Promotes fat breakdown

Raspberry ketones are aromatic compounds that chemically resemble capsaicin, the “hot” substance in red peppers. Studies on capsaicin indicate it promotes thermogenesis in a dose response manner by increasing epinephrine secretion, indicating it works by enhancing sympathetic nervous system activity. In humans, several studies have reported that capsaicin acutely increases energy expenditure, reduces food intake, enhances fat oxidation and decreases body fat.  In animal experiments raspberry ketones have proven effective in preventing obesity in response to a high calorie diet. 4 Raspberry ketones specifically promoted increased norepinephrine-induced fat breakdown, enhanced thermogenesis, and inhibited absorption of dietary fat. Together these effects contributed to a profound reduction in whole body fat as well as fat in visceral adipose tissue and the liver.

Dose: Human studies are lacking, but likely at least 100 mg per day.

 

Caffeine

Makes exercise feel easier

Pre-workout formulas almost always contain caffeine. Caffeine is a central nervous stimulant and is largely responsible for making you feel alert and making intense exercise feel easier. Caffeine will also mildly elevate fat burning and metabolic rate.Studies indicate mild caffeine consumption is not only safe but may actually decrease risk for diabetes.

Dose: Research indicates 200 to 600 mg delivers an optimal dose.

 

CLA

Reduces body fat

Positive studies in animals suggesting that a special type of fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was associated with reduced body fat levels inspired a large number of researchers to test the effects in people. Subsequent human studies have shown positive effects. In one study, women who supplemented with CLA (4.2g per day) for 16 weeks had 4% lower total fat mass and 7% lower fat in the lower body compared to placebo. 11  In a separate study, women who supplemented with CLA (6.4g per day) for 16 weeks showed greater weight loss and fat loss compared to the placebo group.12

Dose: Studies indicate doses of 1.8g, 2.25g, 3.2g, 4.2g and 6.4g per day are effective at decreasing fat mass, with better response at the higher doses.

 

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Blunts glucose so more fat is burned

Both green coffee extract and its major phenolic compound, chlorogenic acid, have shown thermogenic fat-burning effects as well as other health promoting actions. In a recent lab study, green coffee extract prevented weight gain and fat accumulation in mice.13 The effect is likely due to a combination of the caffeine, chlorogenic acid and other polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activities found in green coffee extract. Chlorogenic acid appears to target fat stores in the liver. It contains ferulic acid, which has been shown to stimulate nitric oxide bioavailability and have a positive effect on vascular dilation and blood pressure.14-15

 

OMEGA-3s / EPA & DHA

 

Fish Oil

Decreases muscle soreness

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA), which have received enormous attention over the last few decades, owing to a myriad of health benefits associated with their intake. Most Americans eat significantly more omega-6 fats relative to omega-3s, and this imbalance may set them up for greater inflammation and health problems. In addition to promoting general health, omega-3 fats are important for athletes. Studies show that increasing omega-3 levels enhances insulin sensitivity and slows muscle loss.16  Omega-3 fats have also been shown to augment blood flow to muscles during exercise.17  Moreover, omega-3s in combination with exercise was recently shown to maximize fat loss and decrease muscle soreness and swelling after damaging exercise.18-19

Dose: The minimum starting dose is a total of 500 mg of EPA and DHA per day, which is equivalent to about one serving of fatty fish every other day. A more optimal dose for most people may be closer to 1g per day of EPA and DHA. If you are at high risk of heart disease, stroke or inflammatory condition, then 2g per day may result in better effects.

 

 

by Jeff S. Volek, Ph.D., R.D.

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 Imo, not going down the PED route, a good isolate protein, creatine and glutamine are the cornerstone of my supplements. A good muti vitamin, mineral and joint support round out what i consider mandatory for people who train.

 After the "basics", you can start tailoring your sups to meet your individual needs. Bcaa's and pre workouts are a step up. Want to rip down, ephedra and caffeine work. Want to bulk and gain weight, add a weight gainer. 

The good thing these days is all the info available and studies of products that have been proven to work, or not work. Back in tha day, you'd just take the word of the guy at the health food store, or the big guy at the gym.

   

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Pretty good article, however I always have a problem when people label protein as a supplement. I don’t see whey as supplementing anything, it’s a meal and/or a replacement.

Id add joint support to this list (glucosamine for example) and liver care (Tudca) considering what kind of page this is ?

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  • 2 weeks later...

I really dont see how antone woukd need 25 supplements if theyre eating clean meals even half the time.

 

Whey isolate -not necessary but convenient.  I'll incluse this one.

A well rounded multi vitamin/mineral pack designed for athletes - ALLMAX VITAPACK 100% is the best product on the market by a ton. And only requires a couple additional supplements.

Vitamin d3- athletes need A TON! 10 000+iu daily plus regular sunlight exposure

Fish oil- I like to take another 4 doses per day on top of Whats in the vitapacks

Caffeine- many many great advantages including muscle building post workout (100mg)

Electrolytes - this one is obvious but greatly overlooked.

 

 

That's about all id consider essential.

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