8 Supplements to Force Muscle Growth

Can you force muscle growth through the use of supplements. Depends on which one you take – as each has a certain effect on the body that will aid your muscles to recover faster or give you more energy to perform lifts.

When training for hypertrophy, many are tempted by the appeal of shortcuts, hoping that a few pills or powders will replace the hard work in the gym. Supplements can provide an extra boost of essential nutrients that might be challenging to obtain solely from food. These helpers come in various forms, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other beneficial substances.

However, it’s crucial to understand that supplements aren’t a quick fix for achieving your fitness goals. If your lifestyle involves prolonged periods of inactivity, constant couch-surfing, and a diet dominated by junk food, no supplement from the list can perform a miraculous body transformation. The key lies in striking a balance between a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and the judicious use of supplements to complement your overall well-being.

While there’s no magic potion for instant gains, certain supplements can indeed provide a valuable edge, helping you break through plateaus and achieve your muscle-building goals more efficiently.

Source: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 8 scientifically-backed supplements that can fuel muscle growth, along with a few you might want to skip.

The ideas and information you will see below was first shared by Max Posternak. Max Posternak, the visionary behind Gravity Transformation, is dedicated to providing advice and training tips for those seeking fitness improvement and weight loss. With over 5.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, Max has become a go-to source for fitness enthusiasts.

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8 Supplements to Force Muscle Growth

1. Carnosine – The Fatigue Fighter

Carnosine, a combination of beta-alanine and histidine, combats muscle fatigue by reducing acidic build-up during workouts. Enhancing endurance, it allows you to push through more reps, a crucial factor in muscle development. Additionally, carnosine acts as an antioxidant, safeguarding muscle cells from oxidative stress.

2. Pre-Workouts – Energize and Amplify

Pre-workouts, often containing caffeine and nitric oxide boosters, provide a significant energy boost and improve focus. This aids in performing more intense workouts, lifting heavier weights, and promoting muscle growth. However, moderation is key to prevent developing a tolerance.

3. Creatine – Power and Recovery

Well-known for enhancing exercise performance, creatine increases phosphocreatine stores, aiding in short bursts of high-intensity activity. It also promotes water retention within muscle cells, leading to increased cell volume and improved hydration. Creatine stimulates muscle protein synthesis while reducing myostatin levels, contributing to muscle growth.

4. Whey Protein – Fast-Track to Amino Acids

Whey protein, a rapidly digestible source of essential amino acids, supports muscle protein synthesis. Its high bioavailability makes it an excellent post-workout option, especially when combined with carbohydrates for efficient nutrient delivery.

5. Weight Gainer Shakes – Calories for Growth

For those struggling to meet calorie needs, homemade weight gainer shakes, incorporating whey protein, oats, bananas, whole milk, and peanut butter, provide additional calories and nutrients crucial for muscle recovery.

6. Vitamin D – The Sunshine Supplement

Particularly beneficial for those in low-sunshine environments, vitamin D supports muscle strength and performance. Adequate levels can influence muscle fiber composition, promoting type two muscle fibers associated with greater force, power, and size.

Source: Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Indirect Muscle Support

While not directly influencing muscle growth, omega-3 fatty acids offer anti-inflammatory effects. They enhance muscle protein synthesis, reduce muscle protein breakdown, and improve neuromuscular function, indirectly aiding in effective workouts.

8. HMB – On the Borderline

HMB, while showing mixed results, is believed to enhance muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle damage. While not universally effective, it may benefit beginners or individuals who react positively to its effects.

Supplements to Avoid

• Testosterone Boosters: Often ineffective, over-the-counter testosterone boosters may not elevate testosterone levels significantly.
• BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids): With sufficient protein intake, additional BCAAs are usually unnecessary.
• Glutamine: Another amino acid often unnecessary with an adequate protein intake.
• DHEA: Marketed for anti-aging and muscle building, DHEA lacks scientific support and carries potential risks.

Related: 5 Signs Someone Is On Steroids

While supplements can enhance your muscle-building journey, they are not a substitute for a well-rounded diet and consistent workout plan. Understanding the science behind these supplements empowers you to make informed choices, optimizing your efforts for maximum gains. Remember, there’s no replacement for hard work, dedication, and a holistic approach to fitness.

Watch the video below for more information about the 8 supplements to force muscle growth.

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Supplements, as the name suggests, are products designed to complement and enhance a person’s diet with additional nutrients that may be lacking or difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities from food alone. They come in various forms, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other dietary substances.

While supplements can be beneficial in certain situations, it’s essential to recognize that they are meant to “supplement” a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet, not replace it. Here are a few reasons why supplements should not be overly prioritized as the primary means for building muscle or losing weight:

1. Whole Foods Provide Comprehensive Nutrition: Whole foods contain a combination of nutrients, fiber, and compounds that work together synergistically. Relying on a variety of whole foods ensures that your body gets a broad spectrum of essential nutrients, not just isolated compounds found in supplements.
2. Bioavailability: The nutrients in whole foods are often more bioavailable than those in supplements. The body is designed to absorb and utilize nutrients from food efficiently. In some cases, the form of a nutrient in a supplement may not be as readily absorbed as the form found in food.
3. Missing Co-Factors: Many nutrients work in conjunction with others to exert their full effects. Whole foods naturally provide these co-factors, ensuring that the body can use the nutrients effectively. Supplements, especially isolated nutrients, may lack these necessary co-factors.
4. Unregulated Industry: The supplement industry is not as strictly regulated as the pharmaceutical industry. This can lead to variations in the quality and potency of supplements. Some products may not contain what is listed on the label, and there may be contaminants or impurities.
5. No Magic Bullet: Despite marketing claims, there is no magic supplement that can replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. Building muscle and losing weight are complex processes that involve lifestyle factors beyond just nutrient intake.
6. Potential Risks: High doses of certain vitamins and minerals from supplements can have adverse effects and may even be harmful. It’s important to be mindful of the upper limits for these nutrients, which can be easier to exceed with supplements.

In essence, while supplements can play a role in supporting specific health and fitness goals, they should be viewed as supplementary to a well-rounded diet and lifestyle. Placing too much emphasis on supplements without addressing the foundation of a healthy lifestyle may lead to unbalanced nutrition and unrealistic expectations.

Read More: 5 Reasons to Take Supplements (and When You Never Should)