Supplements For Building Muscle But Not Gaining Weight

Obesity affects up to 40 percent of the Mexican population, including 17 percent of children, according to a 2010 survey in "Gaceta Medica de Mexico." Similar results have been shown for the U.S. population. Resistance exercises and dietary changes can address this problem. Yet, substances that increase muscle mass without increasing body weight remain an ideal solution. Such supplements exist, but consult a physician before using them, as they may cause side effects.

Amino Acids

Amino acids like arginine play an important role in human health. The diet provides about half of the 22 essential amino acids, and the body manufactures the others. These substances trigger muscle growth and facilitate tissue recovery. They may therefore be useful in building muscle and losing weight. A report published in the April 2008 edition of "Clinical Nutrition" looked at the impact of essential amino acids on body composition. Older men with diabetic symptoms received an elixir daily for 16 weeks. The amino acids enhanced lean body mass without affecting body weight. The effect peaked 12 weeks into the study. Supplementation did not change physical activity, but it did increase strength and speed.

Chitosan

Chitosan is a polymer found in the shells of crustaceans. Sold as a "fat binder," this sugar decreases body weight and has minimal side effects. Adding chitosan to medical remedies for tissue repair improves rebuilding. The latter finding suggests that chitosan may contribute to anabolic processes. An article presented in the October 2006 issue of "JACN" tested this hypothesis in overweight adults. Healthy men and women received six daily capsules of chitosan or placebo for eight weeks. Chitosan intake reduced body weight, fat mass and fat percentage relative to placebo. It also increased lean body mass. Activity levels remained unchanged throughout the study, and the subjects did not report untoward reactions.

Bovine Colostrum

Bovine colostrum is the first type of milk made by cows following the birth of their calves. It has a unique nutrient profile laden with substances like IGL-I, which bolster the immune system. The latter chemical also has anabolic properties, so bovine colostrum may facilitate muscle growth. A paper offered in the March 2001 edition of "Nutrition" evaluated the impact of bovine colostrum in active men and women. Participants received either the milk or a placebo for eight weeks. Bovine colostrum increased lean body mass, but it did not increase body weight relative to placebo. The supplement appeared safe, as no adverse events were reported, but the long-term impact of bovine colostrum remains unknown.

Macronutrients and Micronutrients

Essential nutrients can be classified as macronutrients and micronutrients. A diet containing a complete array of these substances allows proper development and healing. Many people fail to include enough nutrients in their diets, causing a deficiency. Correcting this deficiency may increase muscle mass. A study described in the January 2000 issue of "European Journal of Clinical Investigation" assessed the effect of macronutrients and micronutrients on body weight and muscle mass. Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus received either the nutrients or no dietary aid for 12 weeks. Supplement use increased lean mass and decreased body fat, yet it had no effect on body weight. The prevention of protein breakdown appeared responsible for these effects.