However a manufacturer wishes to dress up a food supplement - "sports supplements", "bodybuilding supplements", "diet supplements", "health supplements" - and the wonder claims associated with such supplements, you must first consider the fact that it's a supplement - something to add.
Digesting the above (like the pun!), successful supplementation will be to fulfil your nutritional requirements. Genetic differences aside, a very basic nutritional example is anyone involved within sports. This person's protein and overall calorific requirements will be greater than a sedentary individual of similar weight. Although the sports person may find it easy to increase their carbohydrate and fat intake at meals, they're unlikely to consume an extra couple of chicken breasts a day. Subsequently, although their calorie intake may have increased slightly (through largely carbohydrates and fats), their percentage of protein intake is lower, not greater. Therefore, perhaps the most common form of required supplementation is that of convenient protein shakes. Again though, this is to fulfil your nutritional requirements - to have as well as, not instead of.
In short, fulfilling your nutritional requirements with, or without, supplementation can make a huge difference to both your training and quality of life. The most important supplements will be your key nutrients, but, in certain circumstances, and depending upon your training and related goals, other supplements can be of benefit.
Although in its infancy, the Gym Professor free database includes an ever-growing A to Z of supplements (generic names & branded products), so be sure to visit the site to search for any queries you may have.
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Best Regards,
GP
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