If you want to start training with bodybuilding and think that taking a shake or a few pills will all of a sudden make you a huge bodybuilder, then you are certainly wrong. No supplement will help you if you are not training correctly - all they will do is just give you very expensive urine. All aspects of your program have to be in order for you to get the maximum benefit from sports nutrition supplements. Using food supplements like Meal Replacement Powders and protein help to eliminate the common problem by providing you with a quick efficient way to get your required nutrients each day.

For increased strength and decreased recovery, in addition to a whey protein supplement, I recommend that everyone should be taking a multi-vitamin, plenty of vitamin C and glutamine. Creatine can also be added if you are over 18. Multi-vitamin weight training increases the body's need for many minerals like magnesium and selenium. The multi-vitamin ensures that you are not deficient in any major essential vitamin or mineral. Deficiency symptoms include muscle weakness and suppression of the immune system, muscle cramping and fatigue.

Vitamin C is essential to prevent free radical damage, which is accelerated after the heavy trauma of weight training. It is also essential is helping to repair connective tissue which helps decrease the amount of time you are sore.

Glutamine is an amino acid that is produced by our bodies, but most of the time our bodies demand so much, that it can't create enough. If you supplement your diet with glutamine, you will increase your levels of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, which helps to combat the stresses of exercise trauma, and prevent muscle protein breakdown.

Creatine Monohydrate's purpose is to supply our muscles with energy. It is also found in red meat, but you would have to eat an enormous amount of meat to get the same benefits as taking pure creatine powder. Creatine will enable you to lift heavier weights, which will stimulate more muscle growth. Many people make a big fuss over the muscle volumizing effects of creatine, because if you stop taking it, you lose that extra fluid that creatine brings into your cells. But so what! You will certainly not lose the extra muscle creatine helped you to gain. Creatine is a naturally supplement and is fully legal in all kind of sports! So remember - supplements will indeed help you gain muscle mass but they will not work for you if you do not train with weights, at least 2 - 4 times a week.

Note: Diet or exercise regimes should not be embarked on without seeking the advice of a health care professional.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Body Building