Supplements are designed for a wide-range of purposes and are intended to supply additional nutrition that complements diet and food. Bodybuilding supplements are supplements that are designed specifically to gain muscle size, mass and strength. Nutrition supplements for bodybuilding provide the nutrients necessary to promote muscle and tissue growth and regeneration.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is one of the most popular nutrition supplements, and bodybuilders use the additional protein for muscle growth and repair. David Tolson from BulkNutrition.com says that whey protein allows bodybuilders to meet the high protein demands throughout the day. Whey protein is derived from milk and is typically available in a powder that can be added to water, milk or juice. Other types of protein include egg protein, casein and soy protein.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that is commonly found in protein supplements, beans, meat and dairy, but L-glutamine supplements are commonly used by bodybuilders. Glutamine is responsible for protein metabolism and will help the body absorb and utilize protein to repair tissue and build muscle. CriticalBench.com recommends taking a glutamine supplement before and after strength training workouts to promote recovery.
Meal Replacements
For bodybuilders on-the-go and requiring additional calories, meal replacement supplements can be used that supplies a balance of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Bodybuilders will commonly require five to six meals throughout the day, and meal replacement supplements provide a nutritious balanced meal. Meal replacement supplements are available in pre-packaged powders or ready-to-drink shakes. Most meal replacement supplements are also fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Creatine
Will Brink from BodyBuilding.com says that creatine has several benefits, but bodybuilding can use creatine to maximize cell volume that increases muscle size and mass. Creatine is found naturally in skeletal muscle tissue, but a creatine supplement provides additional creatine that the body can use during strength training workouts. Common forms of creatine include serums, capsules or powders. Some creatine supplements are also added to protein powders or other supplements for an all-in-one bodybuilding supplement.
Thermogenics
Thermogenics use stimulants such as caffeine to promote fat loss and provide additional energy during a workout. The goal of thermogenics is to increase body temperature and metabolism so the body burns extra fat for energy. According to BodyBuilding.com, caffeine is a vasodilator and increases the flow of oxygen and nutrient to the brain and also helps to increase heart rate efficiency.
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