Myprotein - A Guide to Sports Supplements

Discussion in 'Health and Fitness' started by MyProtein, Apr 22, 2009.

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  1. [align=center]Myprotein - A Guide to Sports Supplements[/align]


    Sports supplements are nutritional products designed to enhance your normal daily diet and encourage greater athletic potential by fast tracking the physical effects of exercise. Sports supplements can come in a variety of forms including powders, tablets, liquids and even snack bars.

    Sports supplements provide a convenient and often condensed source of nutrients that can be added to a structured diet to enhance physical gains and recovery. The popularity of sports supplements has grown dramatically over the last decade as scientists and nutritionists begin to understand the influence diet and nutrition can have on health and physical performance.

    The sheer range of sports supplements available on todayâs market can often be confusing and overwhelming, which is why Myprotein have put together this quick guide to some of the more popular supplements and how they can benefit your training routine.


    Protein is a part of every cell and tissue in your body and is needed for the growth and formation of new tissue. From an athletic perspective, Protein helps to support and stimulate muscle growth through its high concentration of amino acids. When you train, at high intensities, muscle tissue is generally broken down to provide energy. Consuming sufficient protein can spare the muscle wasting effects of exercise and will actually promote muscle growth. There are various forms of protein including milk, soy and whey which all come in powder form to be added to milk or water.
    Fast absorbing protein such as Impact Whey Protein, Impact Whey Isolate and True Whey are all ideal for consumption before, during and after exercise as they are absorbed rapidly and provide an instant supply of protein to the working muscles.

    Slower absorbing protein such as Instant Milk Protein and Impact Milk Isolate are better suited for consumption in-between meals and before bedtime as they provide a more sustained release of protein which is ideal for consumption when you may go a long time without food.


    Carbohydrates are needed to fuel almost every type of activity. Much like a car needs fuel to work, the body needs carbohydrates to move. When stored levels of carbohydrates drop, physical performance will be compromised, therefore it is important for anyone who exercises to consume sufficient levels of carbohydrates. Carbohydrate supplements often come in the form of a powder that can be easily mixed in to a liquid such as water or fruit juice. Used before, during and after exercise carbohydrate drinks will increase energy levels and promote a more effective training routine.

    Before, during and after exercise, it is best to consume a fast absorbing or 'high GI' carbohydrate such as Dextrose, Vitargo or Waxy Maize Starch. These types of carbohydrates will offer your body an instant supply of carbohydrates and ultimately energy!

    During any other stage of the day, it is more advisable to consume a slower absorbing or 'low GI' carbohydrate such as Palatinose or Ultra Fine Scottish Oats. As these carbohydrates take longer to pass through your system, they are less likely to settle as fat and will also provide a more sustained supply of energy.


    Creatine is stored in the muscle and is used to regenerate the bodyâs most potent form of energy ATP. ATP is used every time you perform a high intensity or explosive movement such as sprinting or lifting weights, but stores only last for around 10 seconds. Creatine helps replenish ATP stores, creating more energy in the muscle. This can result in an enhanced potential to train and may lead to greater physical gains such as strength, muscle size and power. The most popular form of creatine used in sports supplementation is Creatine Monohydrate. However, other creatine supplements such as Creatine Ethyl Ester are becoming more popular as they minimise stomach bloating and can also work more effectively.

    There are a number of other products that can enhance specific aspects of your training routine and encourage specific physical gains. Some of the more popular products include:

    HMB to minimize muscle breakdown during intense training

    Tribulus Terrestris which can increase testosterone levels and promote gains in strength

    ZMA to enhance recovery and testosterone levels

    Glutamine which can aid recovery and promote gains in strength

    Remember, sports supplements are called supplements for a reason; they are intended to add something to an existing healthy diet, and not replace any aspect of that healthy diet. No sports supplement in the world will do the hard work for you; you will always need to train hard to achieve good results.

    For more details on all of our products click here.