What supplements do I actually NEED?

mjbowman821

I recently started working out again and have a trainer working with me. I want to find out what I need vs what they push for quota. I have whey protein powder. Do I need a protein powder that is so broken down to where it will automatically absorb into my muscles? Do I need BCAA , fish oil and flaxseed capsules? He suggested a amino acid work out powder. He is not a fan of Muscle Milk. So I want you guys/ladies to give me the skinny so I can get skinny and fit. Thanks MJB

TitanGM

Well all you mentioned taken properly will be a boost in your workout. You have a personal trainer and very well can ask him for some advice if he has a degree in nutrition as well. Just be careful with the supplements you take. Don't buy them on a whim. Consult professionals or do a thorough research.
If I was you I would not start with supplements right away. I'd strive to gain good eating, resting, and exercising habits first then think of taking supplements.

geebusuk

You need to get an appropriate amount of protein; ideally some at some point either side of your workout.
This can be from food or a protein shake. I mostly just go for "normal food".

I believe fish oil and creatine both have decently proven benefits. Similarly, a multivitamin "won't hurt".
After that, it seems if you're getting a balanced diet and not an olympic athlete or so on, it's probably not worth worrying about.

zoeysasha37

Your doing the right thing by researching first, as some trainers try to sell anything and everything cuz they make a commission on it. I found that I can buy better quality products, for a better price, from gnc and online, rather then buying what the gym sells. I take a slue of stuff, as I have medical condition and some food issues, but protein powder and bcaa are on my list for sure

samamps88

What are your goals? And what are your stats? That should be the place to start no one can give any relevant advice without knowing that

tomcornhole

I would guess you don't need any supplements.

David_AUS

NEED - probably none. Nutrients from natural foods will always have a higher biological availability and activity. Many supplements and powders are just ways to make a profit in some cases from food sources that would have been destined for stock feed in the past so they are turning "waste product into a profit".

Looking at your profile you are looking to shed weight not gain - it is difficult to gain muscle mass and lose body fat in parallel (technically not impossible but certainly difficult - without going into the details of catabolic / anabolic pathways ) - I do not believe that Whey protein is something you need during your shedding phase. I can understand his rational around and amino acid work out powder but bear in mind that these may be seen as a ready energy source by the body and may not be utilised by your body to full advantage and actually make it harder to shed those KG. My opinion -

kelly_e_montana

I use a protein powder with BCAA's in it and also supplement with creatine. I like fish oil as well. I think everyone should take fish oil unless medically contra-indicated just because it's great for you!

I have seen huge performance gains since starting creatine. It's cheap and easy, too.

Mr_Knight

Do I need a protein powder...

No.

Do I need BCAA , fish oil and flaxseed capsules?

No, no and no.

[quote[He suggested a amino acid work out powder. [/quote]

Don't need that either.

AwesomeGuy37

geebusuk

I do not believe that Whey protein is something you need during your shedding phase.

Do you think you DO need it when 'bulking' then? It's generally accepted that you need MORE protein when on a deficit, as your body will turn to protein for energy and so on - that along with protein powder having an excellent protein/calorie ratio, I'd suggest it's more useful when cutting than bulking.