Many teenagers seek muscle growth and development, particularly during their high school years. Athletic competition and the desire to appeal to the opposite sex can be particularly motivating for males, although many females also desire to add muscle. Many older athletes and bodybuilders use supplements to increase muscle mass. Teens may have this option, but it is important to learn about the potential drawbacks and health risks before using a supplement.
Vitamins and Sports Drinks
Vitamins and sports drinks might not seem like they directly contribute to building muscle, but the nutrients in these supplements can influence your ability to build muscle effectively, according to "Forbes" magazine. Your muscles need these nutrients to perform the processes that convert protein and other nutrients into new muscle matter. Sports drinks can also contain carbohydrates that help fuel protein digestion and new muscle synthesis.
Other Supplements
Some products are derived from natural sources and are generally regarded as safe for teenagers, particularly those 18 and older. Whey protein, for example, is naturally occurring and is derived from cow's milk -- this protein can be consumed through protein shakes to increase your dietary protein intake. Creatine is another nutrient that occurs naturally in the body and can be taken as a supplement to delay muscle fatigue during workouts. Amino acids are the base components of proteins and can be taken to fuel your body's muscle growth efforts and produce new proteins.
Warnings
Unfortunately for teenage lifters and athletes trying to build muscle, a developing body can react to different supplements in adverse ways. Many are not recommended for individuals under 18 years old, and some are not available to purchase until a teenager reaches 18. If you are looking to use supplements to build muscle, it is important to examine the possible risks of supplementation and steer clear of those that may be damaging to young bodies. You should also avoid any supplements that you are legally prohibited to use.
Considerations
In many cases, research on the effects of many supplements is minimal or nonexistent. For this reason, it is difficult in many cases to know exactly how a supplement might affect the body. You should consult a doctor prior to using any supplements to make sure they are safe. Additionally, stop taking any supplements if you experience unwanted or unexpected side effects and report them to your doctor.
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