Body Building Supplements are substances taken to supplement the diet of someone that wants to build muscle mass, aid fat loss or improve athletic performance. Many athletes feel that their diet does not provide them with the right quantities of nutrients and use supplements to compliment their diet. Many believe that supplements are required to achieve the optimum diet.

The use of supplements is a controversial topic. There is much disagreement over which supplements are the most effective and whether or not they should be used at all. Critics often cite the use of supplements as a precursor to the use of anabolic steroids.

However there is a very clear distinction between the two in that supplements do not mean to change natural hormone levels. This article aims to guide you through a few of the different types of supplements that are available.

Creatine Monohydrate:
In short Creatine Monohydrate replenishes enzymes in the muscles that produce energy. It makes it possible for your muscles to produce more energy. It allows athletes to train harder and for longer.

In the past nutritionists had treated Creatine Monohydrate with scepticism but scientific research has proven conclusively that Creatine Monohydrate does help improve performance. Creatine Monohydrate is a white powder that is taken with water.

Glutamine:
Glutamine is an amino acid that said to have healing properties. Bodybuilders use it to aid the healing of their depleted muscles after training. The effectiveness of this is disputed. Nevertheless Glutamine does help the digestion system absorb more food and is a popular supplement.

Maltodextrin
What is a type of complex carbohydrate called a synthetic polysaccharide. It is primarily used to help meet the demands of high energy sports. Its chemical structure means it is open to rapid enzymatic degradation and can therefore be absorbed very quickly.

It can actually be absorbed quicker than sugar which can concern athletes that are concerned about producing too much fat. The rapid rate at which it can be absorbed means it can be beneficial to athletes looking to gain weight or replenish carbohydrate stores after exercise.

Meal Replacement Products (MRPs):
Meal Replacement Products are complete meal replacements. They are usually come in powder form and contain high protein, moderate carbohydrate, essential fatty acids and all essential vitamins and minerals. The formula is mixed with water and is often taken to replace or supplement a meal. They can be quite expensive.

Weight Gain Formulas:
Weight gain formulas help athletes that want to gain weight. There is a wide variety of formulas that cater for athletes that are looking to gain weight. Generally the moderately high calorie and high protein formulas are considered the most useful for bodybuilders. These formulas typically offer 600 calories and 50g of protein per serving and can usually be mixed with water or skimmed milk.

Whey Protein Powders:
Whey protein is a by product of cheese making process. It is semi-elemental which means it is naturally pre-digested and consequently it is very easy to digest. Bodybuilders tend to take it with water in the morning as a method of increasing their intake of protein.