Are there any safe and effective fitness/health supplements?

2015-07-12T22:04:37-04:00

I have taken weight loss and energy supplements in the past. I've been eliminating their use because even though I eat right and do my PT, I am not sure I see any real benefit from the supplents. What is your opinion?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 10:24 PM

2015-07-12T22:24:18-04:00

No....but there are plenty of safe effective urine enhancers.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 12 at 2015 11:52 PM

2015-07-12T23:52:33-04:00

Yes... I started Juice Plus about six months ago, and I believe it helps. I hope that is not the classic placebo effect... There is a lot of research on this, and many claim it is a snake oil scam.
http://supplement-geek.com/juice-plus-review-of-research/

Juice Plus Review of Research - Supplement-Geek.com

Unbiased review of Juice Plus research. Juice Plus side effects. Juice Plus and exercise, immunity, heart disease cholesterol, Homocystine

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 12:21 AM

2015-07-13T00:21:39-04:00

I just took a class to be trained by the new Army initiative, the Performance Triad. We discussed that for the most part, supplements are not the best alternative to healthy food decisions. In fact, long-term usage may negatively impact liver functions, and could lead to death in the worse case scenario. Before taking supplements, you should test to see what vitamin deficiencies you may / may not have to ensure best selection if going that route. Also, as a word of caution (as I am also a UPL), research the products to ensure there are no banned substances.

Very Respectfully,
1LT Krohn

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jul 13 at 2015 1:16 AM

2015-07-13T01:16:17-04:00

I do CrossFit, take supplements. Daily I take BCAA's, whey protein, creatine and multivitamins. I make every effort to eat "clean," and get enough rest (when I can).

I'm a believer in supplementation when your diet needs such.

BCAA's and whey are merely proteins. Multi's .... That's obvious. The creative is an amino acid found in red meat. I've read that studies don't see any short term negative effects, but there is a lack of adequate long term studies.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 1:34 AM

2015-07-13T01:34:57-04:00

If you eat right you will get all the vitamins your body needs. There are studies that supplementing with higher doses of vitamins may cause kidney problems/stones. The only "supplement" I take is Fish Oil because I am not a big fan of eating large amounts of fish.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 2:05 AM

2015-07-13T02:05:10-04:00

Yes. Vegetables!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 3:35 AM

2015-07-13T03:35:22-04:00

The majority of supplements sold are useless. There was a study a while back showing that something like 80% of items sold as "health supplements" had ZERO active ingredients. Most were essentially benign lawn clippings. I don't think even creatine actually makes it beyond the digestive process. And vitamins only do one thing - cure a vitamin deficiency. With that said, I still take a B, C, E and a multi. Doesn't hurt to take additional water soluble supplements.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 13 at 2015 5:07 AM

2015-07-13T05:07:23-04:00

Have you honestly read what is in your "weight loss and energy supplements" and then checked the ingredients against any decent medical site to see if they are actually good for anything? I would heartily recommend that you try that with the "Web MD" website page shown below. I have gone from multiple supplements to a single multivitamin thanks to information from this and other sources on the internet. Good Health to you !!
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/how-to-evaluate-vitamins-supplements

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 7:59 PM

2015-07-14T19:59:59-04:00

Glutamine and BCAAs work for me.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-07-14T21:28:46-04:00

All I take is protein, bcaa's, and vitamins. In all reality you don't need supplements to see benefits for working out. They help but that's why its called a supplement (supplement food) and everyones body is effected differently depending on what you intake. Just maybe change up your diet, workout routine or introduce a new supplement if you want. You're body always could use a good shock from doing different stuff. I take Ryno Power supplements since I can't always get the right amount of protein and carbs throughout the day. They're non GMO and all natural ingredients. I'm sure theres more out there than just them.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-07-15T16:46:32-04:00

Okay as far as as supplements go nothing will take the place of consistency, going to the gym and lifting heavy, running hard, eating good food and maintaining yourself. However a great many studies of good quality point to creatine being an effective supplement, excellent for beginner gains but the effects don't always follow. Fish oil also has a lot of good quality evidence, but stop taking it if you are about to go downrange, as it has "blood thinning" properties. I'm also a fan of BCAAs as I use that instead of coffee to wake myself up on the way to the gym/pre-lifting. But a lot of supplements are not worth your time. Just my 2 cents from years of training.

Response by CW2 Michael Berthiaume made Sep 2 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-09-02T10:40:44-04:00

Beachbody just came out with a NSF certified new Performance Supplement lineup. NSF Certified means its safe for all athletes and us Military Folks. I've use Beachbody Supplements since 2008 and it has greatly helped me get off Cholesterol Meds, Complete multiple Half Marathons and a Full and Complete Warrant Officer training. Happy to get you more info if interested sir.

Response by CW2 Michael Berthiaume made Sep 2 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-09-02T10:43:03-04:00

Beachbody has a great Supplement line up and is NSF Certified. NSF Certified ensures safe for all athletes and us military Kin. I've used Beachbody Supplements since 2008 and their main Protein Shake shakeology Prides itself in being all Natural Ingredients. Happy to get you more information sir, if interested.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 25 at 2018 10:25 PM

2018-04-25T22:25:21-04:00

Many of those are very dangerous. They have been responsible for heart attacks in otherwise healthy young people. Get an appointment with a nutritionist. You would be surprised at what a difference it can make.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 25 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-04-25T22:32:06-04:00

A well balanced diet and, maybe, a multivitamin is all you need. However, my wife is addicted to the things and I take what she throws at me. I don't know if they're effective or harmful, but they sure as hell are expensive

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2018 2:44 PM

2018-04-26T14:44:13-04:00

Unless you have a deficiency, a multivitamin daily is all you need. If you eat a balanced diet, the multi is sometimes even redundant. It just ensures you're getting the RDA in the event your diet lapses. Supplements aren't regulated and unless you buy quality you have no idea what you're getting. Not only the ingredient but the strength, purity, dosage etc. The quality vendors like GNC sell at a premium.