Vitamins Important for Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a sport. It takes a tremendous amount of sacrifice, hard work and discipline. Perhaps the most important element of bodybuilding is nutrition. When genetics and workouts are similar, the individual with the best nutritional program is going to win.

Benefits

• The right vitamin and supplement mix helps bodybuilders increase anaerobic and aerobic capacity, assist muscle recovery and increase growth-hormone production.

Types

• B-complex vitamins increase energy levels and have anabolic properties. Octacosanol (wheat germ) increases aerobic capacity. Creatine increases anaerobic capacity. Arginine helps increase the production of growth hormone. Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) help muscle building and recovery.

Misconceptions

• During a workout, you get your energy from carbohydrates and fats. You need to eat carbohydrates to have high energy levels during a workout.

Warning

• Consult your physician before beginning any supplement program, especially if you are currently taking any medications.

Expert Insight

• Vitamin supplements are an addition to an already healthy nutritional program. All the right vitamins in the world will not do any good if you are eating junk food and drinking alcohol on a daily basis.