Supplement Recommendations
Supplementation has advanced exponentially in recent years. Within this article, I have listed a few supplements worthy of consideration. There is also a brief FAQ located at the bottom of this page.Use the links below to quickly search each category.
Vitamins
Ortho-Core is formulated with a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients whose role in supporting optimal health is backed by scientific research. Unique features of Ortho-Core include the presence of the complete E-complex, a broad spectrum of key phytonutrients and substrates for detoxification reactions, the formulation of dosages based on published human epidemiology, and the use of superior forms of nutrients, such as Se-methylselenocysteine and Menatetrenone.
I've tried a variety of vitamins over the years. Ortho-Core is considered by many to be the best (for good reason). This product is a polar opposite to the commonly overdosed, synthetic vitamin. I also enjoy the convenience of the capsule form. It is easy to pack when traveling and easy to reduce the dosage when desired.
AOR Ortho-Core
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Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend
Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend is produced from pure, premium and unrefined certified organic botanicals. This EFA blend includes a balanced array of antioxidant and phytonutrient rich seed oils with broad nutritional properties including green tea seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, black cumin seed oil, black raspberry seed oil, blueberry seed oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, and coconut oil.
Cold-pressed without distillation, chemicals, synthetic purification agents or solvents, these oils are alkaline forming and retain their naturally complementary antioxidants and phytonutrients. The result is a balanced, full spectrum, ultra-virgin and ultra-pure oil blend with optimal nutritional properties.
Sequel Naturals Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend
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Greens and Phytonutrient formula
Magnum Performance Edge is an advanced greens and phytonutrient formula, containing over 75 pharmaceutical grade, organic ingredients. Each ingredient is organic, so it is free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. This supplement is ideal for those who do not consume enough fresh fruits and vegetables. When comparing green and phytoberry supplements, you will be hard pressed to find a better product. It also tastes surprisingly well, which is rare for many green products.
Magnum Nutraceuticals Performance Edge
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Creatine
Creatine monohydrate induces an increase in body mass while increasing muscular energy reserves. Creatine augments energy levels by increasing the availability of ATP, the organic compound that yields energy for muscular contraction.
Prolab exclusively uses a brand of creatine monohydrate called CreaPURE, where ingredients are subjected to the highest quality screening procedures before processing begins. This creatine product is reliable, pure, and inexpensive.
Prolab Creatine Monohydrate
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Protein
If you are not consuming enough protein through diet alone, Optimum 100% Natural Whey is one of the best protein supplements you will find. Each serving includes 24 grams of protein, more than 5 grams of BCAAs, and over 4 grams of Glutamine and precursors. This product is also free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors.
Optimum 100% NATURAL Whey
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Recovery
Hammer Nutrition's Recoverite supplies carbohydrates and protein in an ideal 3:1 ratio for superior glycogen synthesis and muscle tissue rebuilding.
Performance enhancement depends on training to stimulate muscular and cardiovascular adaptation followed by a recovery period in which the body rebuilds itself more fit than before. Thus, performance enhancement only occurs in the presence of adequate rest and optimal nutritional support. Carbohydrate and protein replenishment, as soon as possible upon completion of the workout, helps you get the most out of every minute you've put into training.
Recoverite is an ideal product for post-workout nutritional support.
Hammer Nutrition Recoverite
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Hydration
When it comes to endurance events and hydration, Hammer Nutrition is one of the best companies you'll find. HEED is justifiably a favorite among endurance athletes. The all-complex carbohydrate formula provides a consistent and long lasting energy supply, without putting you at risk for stomach distress. HEED also provides a complete and easily assimilated electrolyte profile, with added chromium polynicotinate to maintain blood glucose levels and l-carnosine to buffer lactic acid.
Hammer Nutrition HEED
Hammer Nutrition's Endurolytes Powder is an excellent supplement to ensure proper hydration. As a fighter, you may be forced to dry out to make weight. If you find yourself in this situation, supplementation with a proper hydrating formula is essential after the weigh-in. A mere 3% loss of body water can result in a 10% or greater decrease in cardiovascular performance. Don't fall into this trap, stay fully hydrated.
Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes
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Joint Formulas
Universal Animal Flex is a joint and ligament formula designed to help support the health of athlete's joints from the continuous wear and tear brought about by strenuous training. Each pack consists of several different complexes designed to help support healthy joints, ligaments and tendons. Animal Flex is a complete joint support supplement that requires only a single dose per day.
Universal Animal Flex
If you need more than a glucosamine based joint formula, I recommend PrimaForce Cissus. I know several athletes who have had excellent success with this supplement. As for what it is, Cissus contains a high potency extract of Cissus Quadrangularis standardized for 40% total Ketosterones and 20% 3-Ketosterone. Cissus is well known for its ability to support optimal joint health (and also is a potent antioxidant).
PrimaForce Cissus
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Pre Workout Blends
Although I've never been a huge fan (personally) of pre-workout drinks, I realize that many do find such products useful in certain situations. Two of the higher ranked products in this category include Jack3d by USP Labs and PreSurge Unleashed by Athletic Edge Nutrition.
Jack3d includes ingredients such as geranium, caffeine, beta-alanine, and creatine. More information can be found within the link below.
USPlabs Jack3d
PreSurge includes ingredients such as caffeine, L-Tyrosine, geranium, Russian tarragon, and creatine. More information can be found within the link below.
Athletic Edge Nutrition PreSurge Unleashed
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Beta Alanine
If you don't wish to purchase a prepackaged workout formula, one option is to purchase the primary ingredients in bulk form. Beta Alanine is included in most preworkout blends. A few of the associated benefits include greater muscular endurance and improved aerobic and anaerobic endurance.
Fortunately, Beta Alanine is also inexpensive. You can purchase 250 servings for less than $30. PrimaForce Beta Alanine is one of the best deals available.
PrimaForce Beta Alanine
Citrulline malate is commonly stacked with beta alanine. Citrulline malate has been shown to increase aerobic ATP production significantly. The result is a marked decrease in fatigue and a substantial increase in aerobic exercise performance.
Many supplement companies combine citrulline malate and beta alanine, but some individuals prefer to mix these two compounds on their own.
PrimaForce is one quality bulk provider with inexpensive rates.
PrimaForce Citrulline Malate
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ross, do I need to take supplements?
No.
Mother Nature is still the greatest supplement of all. Your need for supplementation will drop drastically by eating properly. Strive to eat real foods found in nature. Steer clear of the man-made, processed foods that fill most supermarket shelves.
If you are a competitive athlete however, supplements may assist in certain areas such as recovery. For general health purposes, supplementation is not a requirement, but at times does make sense and can be quite useful.
Ross, do you take all of the supplements listed on this page?
No.
I did not list each of these supplements with the hope that you would go out and purchase them all. On the contrary, I have listed several supplements that may assist you as an athlete. I no longer compete, so have little need for performance enhancement supplements.
I do however regularly take the Ortho-Core vitamin and the Sequel Naturals EFA product. I also enjoy the Magnum green product, particularly if I am traveling on the road.
Ross, do I need to take these supplements?
No.
A supplement is just what the name suggests. It is intended to supplement your nutritional plan, not replace it. If you eat well, your need for supplementation will be minimal.
When considering supplementation, start by analyzing your diet. In addition, be sure to read through the supplement reviews available on major sites such as bodybuilding.com.
In summary, certain supplements can be useful, but never view any supplement as a free pass to neglect proper nutritional habits.
Ross, do you know of any coupon codes for the products you've linked to above?
A few coupons that I have found are listed below.
$5.00 Off $100 Order - Use coupon code 5off100
$10.00 Off $200 Order -Use coupon code 10off200
$15.00 Off $250 Order - Use coupon code 15off250
$20.00 Off $300 Order - Use coupon code 20off300
