Bodybuilding Supplements Side Effects

Bodybuilding supplements are usually consumed by athletes and those who wish to increase their muscle mass. These supplements also improves their performance in sports. It is necessary to do a bit of research before opting for any supplement. These supplements increase the muscle mass drastically in a very short span of time, which might prove to be either futile or harmful to us. Some of the supplements are obtained from natural products which do not cause much harm to our body, if taken in small quantities. However, excessive consumption harms our system as the body cannot get rid of the excess oil-based vitamins present in these supplements. One must remember that every supplement has its own side effects. The fact is that if we follow a proper diet, exercise regularly and take rest, we do not require these body building supplements.

Side Effects of Bodybuilding Supplements

Creatine Supplements: It is believed to be the most popular supplement, ever since it came into the market eight years ago. Creatine is mostly taken by bodybuilders and sports persons. It is available in both powdered and capsule forms. The dosage of creatine prescribed to a healthy person is 5-20 grams per day.

Side Effects
Creatine is an organic acid which is already present in our muscle cells. Creatine absorbs water from different organs of our body and deposits into the muscle cells. As a result, there is a lack of water supply to other body organs and they suffer from dehydration, thereby causing muscle cramps. One of the creatine dangers is the piling up of extra calories. Creatine increases the muscle energy and the body starts gaining weight at an unhealthy rate. Another side effect of creatine is that it causes kidney problems. It has been noted that long term use of creatine transforms kidney stones to ulcer. Other complications of the kidney have also been seen in people consuming more creatine. If you are already suffering from nephritic problems, you should consult a doctor before taking this particular supplement. Creatine also causes stomach cramps, nausea and other such problems. It also increases the reproducible rate of tumor cells.

Caffeine Supplements: Caffeine is a stimulant. The dosage of caffeine is ideally 300mg per day and is considered to be a comparatively safe supplement, when consumed in moderate amounts.

Side Effects
Bodybuilders take large doses of caffeine in order to obtain more energy for a rigorous workout regime. Some of the caffeine side effects are heart palpitation, nervousness and diarrhea. Too much consumption of caffeine may also cause acute dehydration, insomnia and restlessness.

Andro Supplements: Andro hormones are converted to testosterone in our body which influence the growth of muscles. These are taken by the athletes for muscle building. The dosage recommended for andro supplements is 200mg per day.

Side Effects
Some of the side effects are baldness, facial hair growth and sometimes breast cancer. Sexual dysfunction is also a side-effect of noted as a result of testosterone boosting. Andro supplements cause reduced sex drive in men and increased sex hormones in females. It can interrupt the menstrual cycle in females.

Glutamine Supplements: Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid which is innately present in our muscles. It aids in building the muscle tissue. Dosage for glutamine consumption for athletes is 5-15 grams per day.

Glutamine Side Effects
Excess consumption of glutamine may result in manic depression, stomach upset, nausea, lack of concentration, body ache and it often affects the brain as well.

Nitric Oxide Supplements: Nitric oxide is the naturally occurring compound present in our body. It increases the muscle growth by providing more nutrients to the skeletal muscles. It is taken by professional bodybuilders and sports persons. It is better to consult a physician before taking any dosage of nitric oxide.

Side Effects
Overdose of nitric oxide causes nausea, headache and migraine. Harmful side effects include severe breathing problems, asthma and weakness. Another nitric oxide side effect is rapid heart rate palpitation and severe health problems.

Thermogenic supplements, whey protein, multivitamin and mineral supplements can also be taken to increase muscle mass. Higher dose of thermogenic supplements leads to heart palpitation, nervousness and behavioral changes. Whey protein side effects include allergic reactions, liver damage and kidney stones. Excess dose of multivitamins causes headaches, muscle ache and dehydration. High dosage of minerals may lead to stomach upset, muscle weakness, constipation and so on.

Bodybuilders should be cautious about the side effects. The components present in protein supplements are aspartame, saccharin, fructose, and artificial colors. These supplements are sweetened with chemicals rather than natural sweeteners and the chemicals are not good for our health. Aspartame on breaking down, produces formic acid and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde damages the nerve cells. Long term use of whey protein damages the liver and also causes renal problems.

The side effects of these supplements may differ from person to person. It is therefore, always better to consult a doctor before consuming any supplement. If at all required, it is always better to find out all the positives and negatives of the supplement and then consume it, that too in prescribed doses. After all, health is the greatest wealth.