Body building supplements are additions to a good and well balanced nutritional and training program for body builders. Contrary to what some people might believe, bodybuilding supplements are not the most important aspect when it comes to body building - nutrition and training are, rest and recovery follows. Body building supplements are just that - the complementary supplement to a well designed body building program. The use of body building supplements does not make up for inappropriate training or a bad quality diet. Supplements will only work if you already have a good diet and training program in place.



Supplements are not the core of your body building program; however, they are still very important. Body building supplements prevent you from developing any nutritional deficiencies. The increase in activity level brought about by your training and exercise program will surely make your body generate a bigger demand for vitamins and minerals - without the use of bodybuilding supplements, your body cannot meet these needs and you will most likely suffer from deficiencies. Deficiencies, however small, can interfere with muscle growth - if your body is deficient in nutrients, you may not be able to build muscle or burn fat well.

Not all body building supplements are the same. The supplements you will need to take may differ depending on what your body needs at the moment and they may also depend on your body building goals as well as your budget. Here are the different categories of bodybuilding supplements, some of which you will need at all times:

Basic Supplements - If you are on a budget, you may choose to only use the basic supplements.

1.Multi-Vitamins and Minerals - these are important in order for your body to operate at a maximum level of efficiency.

2.Vitamins - Vitamins are organic compounds derived from both vegetables and animals. Vitamins primarily enhance the protein's ability to cause chemical reactions such as build muscle, burn fat, and produce energy. Two types of vitamins are available - fat soluble vitamins and water soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in fat and can become toxic if taken in excessive amounts. Some examples of fat soluble vitamins are Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Water soluble vitamins on the other hand are not stored in the body. Examples of water soluble vitamins are Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C.

3.Minerals - Minerals are compounds not derived from either vegetables or animals. These are known as organic compounds and mainly functions to ensure that your brain receives the accurate signals coming from the rest of your body. Minerals also aid in the production of energy and in building bones and muscle. The two types of minerals are the bulk minerals and trace minerals. Bulk minerals are needed by the body in huge quantities; some examples are calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Trace minerals are those needed by the body in small amounts such as chromium, copper, zinc, iron, and silicon.