Bodybuilding supplements consists of various substances including proteins and amino acids, mineral replacement products, prohormones, testosterone boosters and are taken by body builders and sports persons to help with building muscle or to accelerate fat loss. Bodybuilding supplements are also used for improving sports performance.

Do you really need supplements though?

In most cases the answer is Yes. Supplements are necessary if you want gain bigger muscles faster or improve you health and fitness.

Why? Because today's diet is generally poor and not enough to support an active lifestyle. So you will probably not be getting enough essential nutrients through your normal meals. That is the why you need supplementation.

What supplements do you need?

1. Protein: this is the most important supplement for muscle growth

Without protein, you will never gain muscles. Protein is the fundamental supplement for every bodybuilder. You need 1 gram of protein for every pound of your bodyweight per day to promote faster muscle growth. This is a lot of protein and most people will never get enough from their meals alone.

Kinds of protein

Amino acids & Branched chain amino:

Although you can supplement individual amino acids for most people a complete protein powder is sufficient. Protein which is consumed metabolizes into amino acids. If you do wish to try individual Amino Acids the ones bodybuilders prefer most commonly are leucine, isoleucine and valine. These branched chain amino acids are assumed to promote resistance to muscle breakdown.

Soy protein, a naturally occurring complete protein may sometime exhibit estrogenic activity and is therefore avoided by many of the bodybuilders, however egg protein is preferred as it is also a complete protein. Casein, a rich protein source of the amino acid glutamine is preferred as it contains casomorphine additionally, which releases amino acids at regular intervals.

Protein powders are available online from store such as Bulk Nutrition. They are an essential part in your routine for building muscles, after all muscles are primarily made of protein. Protein also helps us in repairing and growth of muscles. Bodybuilders usually prefer to take their protein just after exercise or as a replacement for a meal.

In addition to protein you may wish to also take these:

2. Creatine Supplements - this can significantly increase muscle volume. Creatine will also raise your energy levels so that your workouts are more intensive - and this provides for greater muscle gain

3. Glutamine Supplements - Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, which makes up to 60% of the amino acids in the muscles. Glutamine helps in your muscle recovery after your workouts and also prevents muscle lost due to muscle catabolism.

4. Multi Vitamins / Minerals Supplement - you need many vitamins and minerals , especially if you are exercising heavily. These help in muscle recovery by removing free radicals which are made after your muscles are stressed out and damaged during your gym workouts.

And that's it. Unless you are considering becoming a competitive bodybuilding! Then you'll need a few more things