Types of Supplements:
When I mention the word “supplements”, some sort of powder or protein bar pops
in mind that enhances muscle growth and provides optimum performance in weightlifting
exercises, or maybe a fat burner taken when exercising. However, supplements aren’t just
limited to these types. Dietary supplements are anything that is added to the diet, whether
vitamins and minerals, amino acids/ proteins, carbohydrates, herbs/ botanicals, and other
miscellaneous items. In the United States, six out of every 10 adults take dietary
supplements daily. A recent increase in dietary supplements use by athletes has been
observed, where 59-88% most commonly use multivitamins, proteins, minerals and
energy drinks. Protein is the most common ergogenic aid/ dietary supplement used
today. Protein is made up of building blocks, called amino acids, where protein is broken
down inside the body into these blocks. Two of the most notable amino acids used in
supplements are branched chain amino acids (BCAA), and glutamine. Glutamine is the
most abundant amino acid in found in the human muscle, which is found supplements or
as a micronized instantly soluble powder, as manufacturers claim that glutamine natural
stores in the body are depleted during anaerobic exercises. There are three branched chain
amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine, where each has many impacts on different
processes in the body. BCAAs account for 33% of muscle protein. Then comes
Carbohydrates have been verified by science since the beginning of the 20th century as
the main fuel in intense exercises. Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for
normal metabolism and consequently required for normal health and physiological
functions such as growth, development, maintenance, and reproduction. Their absence
from the diet may lead to a deficiency disease. Other miscellaneous items used by
athletes may be called ergogenic aids, among them gelatin, ginseng, sodium bicarbonate
(baking soda) and wheat germ oil.
Written by: Ahmed Koptan