The use of bodybuilding supplements remains an important issue for many people in the industry because so many questions exist regarding their safety. You should never take a supplement unless you know exactly what it contains, as not all of these products disclose all of their ingredients. Research all weight gain and bodybuilding supplements before you consume them --- and consult your doctor --- and you will give yourself the best chance of finding products that will not compromise your health.
Function
People take bodybuilding supplements because they want to see increased performance and weight gain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the weight gain supplement creatine can improve strength and increase the amount of lean muscle mass that a user accumulates, which provides benefits during exercises like lifting weights. Other supplements offer similar functions, as they allow users to lift more weight and work out for longer periods.
Types
Supplements come in many different forms, so users have the chance to experiment and find the product that works the best. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that many people use chromium, DHEA, creatine and vanadium supplements, although the efficiency of these products varies.
Considerations
Some over-the-counter supplements contain substances that certain athletic associations have banned. Princeton University reports that as many as 15 percent of all supplements contain illegal substances, even if the manufacturer does not make these illegal items. In many cases, manufacturers use these substances as a selling feature for the casual user, as they give the impression that the supplement works better.
Warning
People who use supplements that contain steroids or products with a similar makeup to steroids can face potentially serious health problems. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, such products can cause liver damage, kidney failure, stroke and a blockage of the arteries in the lungs. These problems have appeared in healthy men between the ages of 22 and 25, so there appear to be no age limitations to the dangers of such supplements.
Prevention
Be aware of the effects of any supplements on your body, and look for dangerous symptoms when using any bodybuilding or weight gain supplement. The FDA reports that symptoms like weakness, fatigue, nausea, chest pains, stomach pains, shortness of breath and brown urine can affect users of various supplements; report these symptoms to a doctor immediately. You should also make sure that you know all of the product's ingredients, as manufacturers do not report certain dangerous ingredients that can cause these problems.
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