These are the best muscle-building supplements, both the good and the bad.
Anabolic Steroids
Androstenedione
Caffeine
Clenbuterol
Creatine
DHEA
Ephedra/Ephedrine
GHB
hGH
HMB
L-carnitine
Protein
AnabolicSteroids
SOURCES: There are many hormone drugs that can be ordered by prescription. Bodybuilders also have the option to purchase them on the black market.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Used in conjunction with vigorous strength training, steroids can significantly increase lean muscle mass and create an “Arnold-Schwarzenegger” look.
Jean-Claude Van DAMMMMMM! You’re looking great! !
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Breast development clenbuterol for sale acne, as well as serious health issues such heart disease, liver tumors and infertility, can be caused by this substance. The NFL, NCAA, and the International Olympic Committee have banned it. There are always loopholes to the system.
Androstenedione
SOURCES
Although there are increasing pressures to change andro’s classification from a “supplement drug” to a a “medicinal medication”, health-food stores are under increasing pressure.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Similar muscle-building effects to anabolic steroids.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
International Olympic Committee, NCAA and NFL have banned the use of this method in men’s and ladies’ tennis tours. Although limited research has been done, the results show mixed results. Most studies have shown little or no effect on muscle strength. Similar health risks to steroids.
Caffeine
SOURCES
You can drink coffee, tea, and many other carbonated drinks.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
It stimulates the central nervous systems. This can cause your body to burn more calories during endurance training and spare energy for a last “kick”.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
It is relatively safe and moderately effective when taken in appropriate doses. However, high doses can cause irregular heart rhythms and tremors. High-dose consumption is prohibited by the NCAA and Olympics.
Clenbuterol
SOURCES
Asthma medication is only available with a prescription.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Research on livestock shows that these drugs can reduce fat and increase muscle mass.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Although the effectiveness of these drugs in muscle building has not been proven in humans, elite athletes believe they work. Side effects of these drugs have not been established.
Creatine
SOURCES
Natural substance found in meat, and sold as a supplement in health-food shops.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Increases strength and provides more fuel to muscles.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Fluid retention is what causes creatine to cause weight gain. There are no studies that have examined side effects of long-term Creatine use in teenagers.
DHEA
SOURCES
As an over-the counter supplement, you can also get a testosterone precursor.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
DHEA can increase the supply of testosterone in your body, which is basically what steroids do.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
DHEA does not appear to have any muscle-building effects in any study. Supplements are unnecessary for teens who have more natural DHEA that they need.
Ephedra/Ephedrine
SOURCES
This stimulant can be found in many over-the-counter products including decongestant cold remedies and the herb ma huang.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Ephedra, which is similar to caffeine, stimulates adrenaline production, increases metabolism and may help burn fat. Ephedra can sometimes be combined with aspirin and caffeine to make a fat-burning combination.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Ephedra has not been proven to be a significant benefit for sports performance. Too much Ephedra can cause irregular heartbeats, convulsions and seizures. Since its introduction, 17 people have died from an overdose of ephedrine.
GHB
SOURCES
GHB was originally developed to treat uncontrolled sleep. However, it has earned a bad reputation as both a recreational drug and as a drug that can be used for “date-rape”.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Bodybuilders believe that GHB can be used to build muscle by increasing the levels of human growth hormone.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
GHB has caused serious injuries or even death to many athletes. Phoenix Suns forward Tom Gugliotta, who took a GHB-styled supplement, fell on his team bus and nearly died in an emergency room at a Portland hospital.
hGH
SOURCES
You can get prescription drugs to treat certain developmental issues; the black market also offers human growth hormone (hGH).
CLAIMED BENEFITS
High doses of hGH can be used to build muscle and strength. In 1996, the Atlanta Olympics saw hGH be used most by strength and sprinters.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
True hGH can have a number of side effects, including the premature fusion growth plates in teens, which can cause permanent stunting of growth.
HMB
SOURCES
HMB is a protein-derived compound that can be used to increase the size of cattle. It’s also available as a supplement.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
HMB is said to build muscle and prevent protein from being broken down. It may also reduce body fat.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Numerous studies have not shown any significant side effects from this supplement.
L-carnitine
SOURCES
A form of amino acid that is sold as a supplement.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
This product is claimed to help you lose weight and increase strength. Others claim it may reduce lactic acid. Lactic acid is a side effect of exercising that can limit the intensity of your muscles’ work.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Your body can produce all the L-carnitine you need. Supplements can often be contaminated with another type of carnitine which lowers the beneficial L-carnitine levels in your body.
Protein
SOURCES
Powdered protein supplements are available.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Whey protein supplements are quick and easy sources of high quality protein that can be used to rebuild muscles damaged by strength training.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDE
It’s expensive. It’s expensive. You can get all you need from a regular diet of chicken, fish and eggs. There is no benefit to taking protein supplements unless you are replacing high-fat sources like cheeseburgers.
