Supplement Suggestions

I wrote the article "Starter Supplements" (see side bar for link to article).  While this might help get you started on what you want there are many other questions that go along with this: Where should I buy them?  What brand should I buy?  Are any of them really that different?

In my own experience there are companies that set themselves apart and put out a truly high quality product and there are also outlets that sell them at the most competitive process.  My hope with this post is to set some confusion straight and offer any assistance possible.

Where to buy?
I have given up on any supplement store (i.e. GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Complete Nutrition).  Even if a special is being run or you are signed up for their rewards program they are rarely (if ever) cheaper than shopping online. These two online stores are the ones I have found the best deals even after including the shipping.

Body Bulding.com Store
Mass Nutrition

See recommended brands for each of my five starter supplements after the jump...



Protein:  Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Protein.  Often seen as the gold standard for protein it has been a multi-year award winner for best over all protein.  I have used this personally and seen terrific results.  BSN's Syntha-6 (official protein of the UFC is also very high quality)

Multivitamin: Most multi-vitamins do not vary in amount and dosages of ingredients.  You do however want to look for a formula specific to your gender and your activity level.  The one a day Centrum may not be enough to keep you going if you are training six days a week.

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA): Optimum Nutrition.  A great brand all around but be sure to check the label for the amount of Leucine and Iso-Leucine as these are essential for muscle growth.

Fish Oil: Carlson Very Finest Fish Oil: Liquid. When compared to capsule form this liquid version gives you a higher amount of omega-3 and omega-6 and also has a higher rate of absorption when compared to capsules.

Creatine: BSN Cell Mass. A solid product by a solid company.  Check sugar content to determine if needed to mix with fruit juice.  8-Ball Creatine powder.  Officially cleared by the NCAA this is good product without as many bells and whistles.

Generally for any type of supplements Optimum Nutrition and BSN provide quality products with a long history and competitive price.  Happy supplementing.