Body builders almost all take supplements to increase their bulk and develop lean muscle mass, but many neglect the need to balance these with other types of discount body building supplements in order to get the complete nutrition they need. In addition, they should complement their regimen with supplements that will enhance the strength and health of their joints since they are putting such a strain on them.

Fortunately, there are a variety of discount supplements to be found online that can be added to a body builder's daily intake of nutritional supplements without costing them a fortune. The important thing is to determine which ones will provide a full spectrum of what their body needs.

Joint Supplements Protect Body Builders from Injury

There is a virtual epidemic of body builders with complaints of joint pain. Some of this can be traced to improper lifting techniques or not warming up properly but it is also a result of using the body's joints so much and pushing them to their fullest potential. Investing in some inexpensive discount supplements that support joint health can lead to reduced pain or no pain after just four to eight weeks.

Some of the best body building supplements that contribute to joint health include:

* MSM, which encourages growth and maintenance of all types of connective tissue in the body. It will strengthen and help repair tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

* Shark cartilage is a natural source of calcium and chondroitin, strengthening both bones and cartilage. It reduces cartilage breakdown and inflammation of injuries.

* Hyaluronic Acid (sometimes called HA) can be purchased as a discount supplement in conjunction with MSM and adds to its effectiveness by adding its own lubricating quality to the joints. HA is a key component of the synovial fluid between joints that keep them moving freely and with less friction (key to fewer injuries).

Vitamins Help Metabolize Nutrients Properly

Body builders expend a lot of time and energy working out and taking special care with their diet in order to achieve optimal results. If they are deficient in certain key vitamins or minerals, however, they may not be getting the results they should. Most Americans simply don't get enough of the vitamins they need from even a balanced diet, so a few extra dollars for some targeted discount supplements can make a real difference.

Body builders should consider taking at least these vitamins in order to get the most from their workout and the bodybuilding supplements they may already be taking:

* Chromium, a trace mineral that helps regulate the hormone insulin, essential to metabolizing proteins, carbs and fats.

* Biotin for healthy immune function and metabolism of amino acids.

* Riboflavin (vitamin B12), which contributes to lean muscle mass.

* Vitamin E, for its importance as a powerful antioxidant. Bodybuilders are continually stressing their bodies, and antioxidants encourage cellular growth and repair.

* Thiamine (B1) is crucial in several ways - it is key to protein metabolism and muscle growth, and it contributes to production of hemoglobin, which enhances the circulation of oxygenated blood (critical to athletic performance).

You can either purchase each of these essential vitamins individually through a store that regularly sells discount supplements or you can look for a good multivitamin formula. If you choose the latter, be sure you read the label to make sure it has all of the vitamins we've mentioned to be sure you stay healthy as well as lean and muscular.