Approximately thirty years ago, you could only get your bodybuilding supplements by ordering them through the mail. You would call the number in those little ads in the muscle magazines and order whatever was available. You would eagerly await the powders that tasted like shattered sheet rock, mix them with some raw egg whites and do your best to choke down as much as possible, despite the impending gastrointestinal discomfort that was sure to come.



During the 80s and early 90s, a special trip was required to the only GNC location in town. It was here that you could discover any number of vitamins, weight gain powders, and an array of potions promising to transform your physique. Many consider this to be the Wild West period of supplements, this time contains rumors of companies spiking products to obtain better reviews, and a variety of doses from meaningless to way too much. This was a way for companies to learn what they had, how to market it, how it worked, and how they could sell it. Everything was way overpriced, as there was no competition that would keep one of the big supplement stores honest.

Things didn't start to change until the late 1990s and early 2000s. Chain stores of health food and supplement supplies were starting to show up everywhere. Even regular grocery stores started to carry muscle building and fat cutting products. Universal standards and consistency in products was starting to happen. You suddenly felt confident as you cracked open a new tub of creatine or whey. Prices went down as companies competed for your business. The demographic of people who use supplements started to expand.

These days there is plenty of demand for supplements, and many companies are stepping up to meet that demand. There are a growing number of companies in competition to sell the same products, which keeps the suppliers honest. Price is now the chief indicator for what sells. Store owners now have a huge number of products and dozens of suppliers to pick from. With all the similar companies offering near identical products, owners now can select the most inexpensive.

The price for muscle building and fat loss products has dropped considerably, and will continue to stay low as long as the demand is high. Manufacturers now pump out supplements all over the world, and the market is constantly staying fresh with new discoveries and improved product lines.

It is very beneficial for bodybuilders, investors, businessmen, and consumers to be aware of the high demand for these supplements. A portfolio might be improved with information about an industry that's only going to continue to grow. If you own a business you'll have more leverage when haggling with suppliers over price. For the bodybuilder, it means products purchased on a regular basis will just get cheaper and of better quality.