Although exercise alone is enough to promote significant changes in your body composition, you may find the use of supplements to be beneficial for accelerating your progress. Two popular forms of supplements for those engaging in resistance training and high-intensity sports include creatine and protein powder. While creatine comes in a generic form, numerous protein powders are available, such as MuscleTech's Nitrotech. Consult a doctor prior to using any supplements.
Creatine Overview
Creatine is an amino acid that is present in meat and that is also produced by your body. Creatine plays a role in providing cellular energy, so it can aid in exercise by fueling muscular contractions. While creatine is popular among bodybuilders and power lifters, it can be beneficial for a range of sports.
NitroTech Overview
NitroTech is a powdered supplement manufactured by MuscleTech, a supplement company that produces protein, preworkout supplements and diet pills, among other products. NitroTech is rich in protein and contains minimal carbohydrates and fat. Each serving of NitroTech contains 130 calories, with 25 g of protein, 3 g of carbohydrates and 1.5 g of fat.
Creatine Benefits
Creatine is inexpensive and widely available, which has led to a lot of scientific research on its effects. A research review from the Finnish physiology journal "Duodecim" indicates that creatine can help produce significant increases in muscular strength, size and force production.
NitroTech Benefits
NitroTech contains whey protein, a type of protein made from dairy products that can aid in changing your body composition. Research from the June 2011 issue of the journal "Nutrition & Metabolism" suggests that whey protein can improve muscular recovery and aid in promoting muscle growth. Additionally, a study from the October 2010 edition of "The British Journal of Nutrition" suggests that whey protein is more filling and can reduce food intake more than other types of protein, making it effective weight loss.
Creatine Drawbacks
While creatine can be effective for improving strength, it may also cause some side effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that creatine may cause unwanted weight gain, upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, kidney and liver damage.
NitroTech Drawbacks
NitroTech contains some creatine -- MuscleTech does not disclose the exact amount -- so the supplement may cause similar side effects to creatine. Additionally, NitroTech may cause stomach discomfort, bloating and diarrhea in those with lactose intolerance, as whey protein does contain lactose.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Creatine; June 2009
- MuscleTech: NitroTech Supplement Facts
- "Duodecim"; Whey Protein and Creatine as Nutritional Supplements; J. Sundell, J. Hulmi, J. Rossi; July 2011
- "Nutrition & Metabolism"; Effect of Protein/Essential Amino Acids and Resistance Training on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: A Case for Whey Protein; J.J. Hulmi, C.M. Lockwood, J.R. Stout; June 2010
- "The British Journal of Nutrition"; The Acute Effects of Four Protein Meals On Insulin, Glucose, Appetite and Energy Intake in Lean Men; S. Pal, V. Ellis; October 2010
- PubMed Health; Lactose Intolerance; July 2010
Member Comments