According to a study from the Natural Products Foundation, the dietary supplement industry in America accounts for $61 billion in national revenue annually, meaning there is no shortage of muscle-building products available. However, there is little independent regulation in the supplement industry, so not all mass-gaining products are guaranteed to work as promised. Before using any supplements, you should check reviews and research ingredients. In addition, speak with a medical professional about safety and efficacy.
Xtreme Formulations Ultra Peptide
According to fitness website Ask The Trainer, whey protein is the top muscle building supplement. The reason is simple: muscles are made of amino acids, which are contained in protein. Whey is a rapidly absorbed protein source, which makes it suitable for post-workout needs. However, whey digests very quickly and can't provide a sustained release of amino acids, so you may want to mix it with a slower digesting source such as micellar casein. But instead of purchasing them separately, you can find both protein sources in Xtreme Formulations Ultra Peptide. This protein powder contains 23 g of protein per serving with just 1.5 g fat and 2.5 g carbohydrates. The fast and slow protein sources make it suitable for use any time of day.
AllMax Nutrition AminoCore
AllMax Nutrition's AminoCore is a supplement that provides branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs. The branched-chain amino acids are leucine, isoleucine and valine, and AminoCore has a 45:30:25 ratio of the BCAAs, which AllMax claims is ideal. BCAA products such as AminoCore enhance muscle mass gain because they provide benefits for muscle recovery. According to research from the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, BCAAs may reduce muscle damage and protein breakdown. In addition, BCAAs can increase creation of protein in muscles and prevent muscle soreness.
Biotivia Bioforge
Bioforge is a testosterone-boosting supplement. This category of supplements is considered an effective solution for building muscle mass because testosterone is a hormone involved in muscle development. Bioforge includes a number of ingredients intended to promote the production of testosterone, including forskolin and icariin. A study from the December 2005 issue of the Asian Journal of Andrology found that icariin alone could significantly increase testosterone levels and smooth muscle in rats.
VPX Stealth
The main requirement in building muscle is being in a caloric surplus—you need to eat more calories than you burn each day. If you're working out intensely, this can be difficult. A high-calorie weight gain product can be of assistance.
One of the best is VPX Stealth, which offers 545 calories per serving, with 78 g carbohydrates and 47 g protein. Like Ultra Peptide, Stealth offers a blend of proteins for sustained release of amino acids. In addition, Stealth contains creatine. The combination of protein and creatine can be effective for gaining mass, according to research from the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. In the journal's September 2001 issue, a study found combining whey protein and creatine led to larger gains in muscle mass and strength than protein alone.
References
- Natural Products Foundation: Dietary Supplement Industry Contributes More than $60 Billion to National Economy
- Ask The Trainer: Best Muscle Building Supplement
- "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness"; Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system; M. Negro et al; September 2008
- "Asian Journal of Andrology"; Effects of icariin on erectile function and expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in castrated rats; WJ Liu et al; December 2005
- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; The effect of whey protein supplementation with and without creatine monohydrate combined with resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscle strength; DG Burke et al; September 2001
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