Supplements are mostly additional substances with nutritional benefits that are consumed either by body builders, sportspersons or athletes. They can either be taken by people who actively take part in weight training, baseball, football, or any other sport that helps in the building of muscle mass or fat loss. Supplements are also taken to improve the performance in any of the sports or to recover from athletic events. These supplements are usually taken in a powdered form of protein. This is because they generally have to be taken in large quantities and hence, a protein shake is much more convenient. The commonest and widely consumed supplement is whey protein as it contains the highest known level of any natural source of food. It is also metabolised and absorbed by the body very quickly.
Well-known types of Supplements
ProhormonesPrecursors to hormones, prohormones are mostly sold to bodybuilders as a precursor to the natural hormone testosterone. It has some side effects, which are caused as the prohormones convert to estrogen and DHT. Due to its side effects, the purchases of these without prescription were made illegal in the US, in 2004 and now it's prevalent in most of the countries and sporting bodies. Till now, the prohormone products have not been thoroughly studied and the health effects of the continuous use of prohormones are not yet known.
Creatine
It is an organic acid occurring naturally in the body and it supplies energy to muscle cells for short burst of energy for such things as lifting weights. Numerous scientific studies have shown that creatine increases strength, cell volumization, muscle mass and energy in addition to reducing recovery time. It also improves recognition memory, brain function and reduces mental fatigue. Creatines are sold in a variety of forms that also include Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Malate, and Creatine Ethyl Ester.
Meal Replacement Products or MRPs
Meal Replacement Products or MRP's as they are called, are available as pre-packaged powdered drink mixes that can be mixed with juice, milk or water or also as bars that can be eaten. They are consumed instead of a whole-food meal and usually contain high amount of proteins, low amount of fat, moderate amount of carbohydrates and a wide range of minerals and vitamins. The main protein sources in MRP's are whey protein, soy protein, egg albumin and calcium caseinate.
Some famous Supplement Manufacturers Worldwide
Most of these supplements are available cheap and at discount rates. All these products are available online or at any of the sports outlets near you. If you were to buy these supplements online, you could avail of special offers or any other discounts that are currently in progress.Optimum Nutrition
Their products include 100% Whey Protein, MRP Meal Replacements, and Pro Complex. They either come in a 7 pound bag or a 20 pack.
Beverly International
They have been in the business for the last 25 years and have products like Muscle Provider, Beverly Ultimate Muscle Protein, and Ultra Size. They come in various quantities.
Labrada Nutrition
They basically have products for weight loss that include Lean Body Meal Replacements, Low Carb Bars, Low Carb Lean Body Meal Replacements and many more.
EAS Sport Nutrition
Their products include EAS Myoplex, Myoplex Deluxe, Myoplex lite powders and nutrition bars. For people with a time crunch they also manufacture ready to drinks.
MuscleTech
They manufacture products like Nitro-tech, Pump-tech, Hydroxycut, Cell-tech, and Thermogain.