6 Best Supplements for Bodybuilding

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Best Supplements for Bodybuilding

Best Supplements for Bodybuilding | Frequently Asked Questions

Bodybuilding is a great way to get in shape and improve your overall health. However, it can be difficult to know where to start.

There are so many different muscle growth supplements on the market that it can be hard to decide which ones are right for you.

In this blog post, we will discuss 6 of the best dietary supplements for bodybuilding. We’ll talk about what each one does and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals!

Please keep in mind supplements are lightly regulated by the FDA. Their stated claims have no guarantee. They aren’t cures or treatments for any diseases.

Food is your best source of nutrition, especially for muscle mass! Please check with your doctor before starting any supplement program.

Please note we include items that we trust will be useful to our visitors. If you click one of the links on our site, we may get a commission.

If you want more muscle building then keep on reading!

Best Body Building Supplements

  1. Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine – Nitro Surge
  2. Best for Branched Chain Amino Acids – Bulk Supplements
  3. Best Tasting Muscle Blend – Beverly International
  4. Best BCAA Alternative – Life Extension
  5. Best for Creatine – Optimum Nutrition
  6. Best for Essential Amino Acids – Brickhouse Nutrition

1 – Best Pre-Workout Without Creatine – Nitro Surge

  • Price = $25.19
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.83
  • Product Reviews = 4.4/5 (16,245 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 scoop
  • Taste / Absorption = Cherry limeade powder
  • Labeled Effect = Experience explosive energy, instant strength gains, laser-sharp focus, endless endurance, and powerful pumps
  • Food Allergens = None
  • Pros = #1 Amazon bestseller for category “Sports Nutrition Endurance & Energy Powders”, no food fillers or dyes
  • Cons = no creatine (if you want creatine)

About Nitro Surge

This pre-workout supplement without creatine delivers everything you need for energy during workouts.

It contains L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Beta Alanine, Caffeine, L Theanine, and there is no creatine in the formula.

Lastly, it has no food fillers or dyes.

If you’re looking for a bodybuilding supplement without creatine, this is a great choice.

Made By Jacked Factory:

According to ReviewMeta.com, Jacked Factory gets 4.2/5 average adjusted rating 2,318 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2015
  • Revenue = $5 Million
  • Employees = 25
  • Mission = A new era of supplements made to perform and fuel those dedicated to challenging themselves at every corner was our mission.
  • Third Party Certifications = cGMP Certified
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.2/5 average adjusted rating 2,318 verified reviews

2 – Best for Branched Chain Amino Acids – Bulk Supplements

  • Price = $13.96
  • # of Servings = 50
  • Price per Serving = $0.27
  • Product Reviews = 4.8/5 (5,452 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 2000 milligrams
  • Taste / Absorption = Unflavored powder
  • Labeled Effect = Help build muscle strength and endurance
  • Food Allergens = None
  • Pros = High quality BCAA powder, competitive pricing
  • Cons = No other vitamins, minerals or herbs, similar to other products on market

About Branched Chain Amino Acids

BCAA powders are a favorite sports and body-building product among athletes and bodybuilders.

Why so popular? BCAAs, such as leucine and other essential BCAAs, can be added to your diet alongside protein to help build strength, aid with muscular recovery after tough workouts, and increase muscle endurance.

Furthermore, the addition of BCAAs to a healthy diet and exercise routine may aid in the maintenance of good blood sugar levels in those who already have them, help with weight management when coupled with a nutritious diet and exercise, and assist the liver.

The only downside is there are many BCAA supplements out there.

However, Branched Chain Amino Acids made by Bulk Supplements has a competitive price so if you’re looking for a supplement that can help support your workout this is a great choice.

Made By Bulk Supplements:

Bulk Supplements started in 2011 and is based in Nevada. Its main manufacturing facility is FDA registered. They keep costs low by producing supplements in bulk without fancy packaging. According to ReviewMeta.com, Bulk Supplement’s average adjusted rating is 4.4/5 from 39,370 verified reviews.

  • Start = 2011
  • Revenue = $10 million
  • Employees = 50
  • Third Party Certifications = NSF, cGMP
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.4/5 from 39,370 verified reviews

3 – Best Tasting Muscle Blend – Beverly International

  • Price = $39.95
  • # of Servings = 29
  • Price per Serving = $1.37
  • Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (32 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 scoop
  • Serving Size = 2000 milligrams
  • Taste / Absorption = Chocolate
  • Labeled Effect = Supports the building of muscle
  • Food Allergens = Milk, soy and eggs
  • Pros = Satisfying flavors, contains BCAAs, whey proteins
  • Cons = Higher price per serving

About UMP-Ultimate Muscle Protein

Many comments talk about the great flavor to UMP.

In addition to good taste, UMP is a high quality blend of whey protein, BCAAs, and other ingredients.

If you’re looking for a good-tasting multipurpose muscle blend, this is a great choice to try.

It’s only downside is a higher price per serving.

Made By Beverly International:

Began in 1967, now in Kentucky. According to ReviewMeta.com, Beverly International’s average adjusted rating is 4.4 from 680 verified reviews. 

  • Start = 1967
  • Revenue = less than $5 million
  • Employees = less than 25
  • Mission = if you are looking to be leaner, fitter and stronger, we have what you are looking for
  • Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating is 4.4 from 680 reviews

4 – Best BCAA Alternative – Life Extension

  • Price = $27.00
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.90
  • Product Reviews = 4.4/5 (39 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 1 scoop
  • Taste / Absorption = Unflavored powder
  • Labeled Effect = Sustains muscle health and growth
  • Food Allergens = None
  • Pros = Alternative to BCAAs, high quality ingredients
  • Cons = Higher price per serving

About Wellness Code Muscle Strength & Restore

Wellness Code Muscle Strength & Restore Formula contains HMB instead of BCAAs.

Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) powder is a form of a substance that the body naturally creates and aids in the growth of muscles.

Like BCAAs, HMB is a supplement that many body builders and athletes take.

As BCAAs are very common for muscle recovery and exercise, if you’re looking a BCAA alternative this a great option to try.

Made By Life Extension

Life Extension began in 1980 and is still going 40 years later. In 2021 ConsumerLab.com voted Life Extension as #1 Rated Catalog/Internet Merchant. According to ReviewMeta.com, Life Extension’s average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 verified reviews. 

  • Start = 1980
  • Revenue = $168 million
  • Employees = 500
  • Mission = Achieve your goals with the best nutritional products that science can offer
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, Non-GMO
  • Third Party Reviews = average adjusted rating of 4.1/5 from 24,224 reviews

5 – Best for Creatine – Optimum Nutrition

  • Price = $10.99
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $0.36
  • Product Reviews = 4.5/5 (185 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 5 grams
  • Taste / Absorption = Unflavored powder
  • Labeled Effect = Support in muscle size, strength & performance
  • Food Allergens = None
  • Pros = Pure 100% creatine
  • Cons = No vitamins, minerals, herbs, caffeine or proteins

About Micronized Creatine Powder

Creatine is the most popular ingredient for bodybuilders and athletes. There is a mountain of scientific evidence supporting creatine’s use in muscle size, protein synthesis and strength.

Micronized Creatine Powder made by Optimum Nutrition contains 5 grams of pure creatine monohydrate per serving.

With a competitive price per serving, if you are looking for a pure premium Creatine powder this is a great choice.

Made by Optimum Nutrition

Made and trusted by athletes, Optimum Nutrition has decades experience. According to ReviewMeta.com, Optimum Nutrition receives a 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews.

  • Start = 1986
  • Revenue = $21 million
  • Employees = 112
  • Mission = helping performance focused athletes achieve their goals
  • Third Party Certifications = GMP, NSF
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.1/5 average adjusted rating from 67,776 verified reviews

6 – Best for Essential Amino Acids – Brickhouse Nutrition

  • Price = $44.95
  • # of Servings = 30
  • Price per Serving = $1.49
  • Product Reviews = 4.9/5 (193 reviews)
  • Serving Size = 11.2g (Approximately 1 scoop)
  • Taste / Absorption = Unflavored powder
  • Labeled Effect = Providing eight amino acids to body for developing muscle 
  • Food Allergens = None
  • Pros = Contains 8 essential amino acids, high quality
  • Cons = Higher price per serving

About Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids are the fundamental components of protein and are required for muscle development and immune function.

There are 20 amino acids but only 12 your body makes naturally. This means 8 amino acids you must get through your diet and food intake.

Essential Amino Acids made by Brickhouse Nutrition contains those 8 essential amino acids in high quality and quantity.

If you’re looking to fill in the gaps of your diet with a high quality amino acid powder, this is a great choice.

The only downsize is a higher price per serving ($1.49).

Made By Brickhouse Nutrition

Founded in 2016 in Ohio. According to Judge.me, Brickhouse Nutrition gets a 4.9/5 average rating from 7,882 reviews.

  • Start = 2016
  • Revenue = less than $5 million
  • Employees = less than 25
  • Mission = Aimed at improving your health, performance, and overall life
  • Third Party Reviews = 4.9/5 average rating from 7,882 reviews

What factors do we use to rank supplements?

1 – Price: What’s the price of the supplement? What’s the cost per serving?

  • At Eating Enlightenment we value quality over price. However, all else being equal, then price comes into consideration. 

2 – Reviews: How many reviews for each product? What’s the average rating? How many third party reviews?

  • We strongly believe in third party reviews. Many supplement companies list positive reviews on their website, but third party reviews include negative comments. We always go with third party reviews.

3 – Reputation: How reputable is the brand behind the supplement? How long has the brand been around? What’s their mission? 

  • We believe that a company’s intention is highly important and should be one of your top purchasing decision factors.

4 – Taste / Absorption = What’s the taste? How quickly does your body absorb the supplement? Do reviews mention any negative side effects like an upset stomach?

5 – Perceived Therapeutic Effect = What beneficial effects or feelings does this supplement promote?

6 – Food Allergens = Does the company provide allergen info?

7 – Science / Certifications: Does the company list transparent scientific studies on their website? Do third party certifications test the company’s supplement for quality control? How many certifications does the company have?

8 – Pros/Cons: What are the pros and cons of each supplement? How is the supplement unique? For what situations is this supplement best?

Who benefits most and least from supplements for bodybuilding?

A dietary supplement can be a great addition to your diet and workout routine if you are looking to build muscle.

However, they are not necessary for everyone.

If you have a well-rounded diet, a solid exercise program, and are getting enough protein, you may not need supplements.

Additionally, if you are not working out regularly or are new to lifting weights, supplements may not be as beneficial.

You do not need these supplements if your muscle tissue already gets the nutrients it needs to grow. Remember, supplements are meant to supplement!

If your muscle cells already get the omega 3 fatty acids, whey protein, etc and all the other nutrients they need to be healthy, then you’re good!

If you aren’t sure, talk to your doctor or a certified nutritionist before starting any supplement regimen.

Risks, side effects and other precautions

Taking too many supplements can lead to nutrient imbalances and may even be harmful to your health. Additionally, some people may experience side effects from certain supplements, such as upset stomach or diarrhea.

It is always best to speak with a doctor or certified nutritionist before starting any supplementation protocol.

When should I take bodybuilding supplements?

The best time to take most supplements is either with a meal or directly after a workout. This ensures that you are getting the nutrients you need when your body needs them the most.

Some supplements, such as protein powder, can be taken at any time of day. However, it is generally recommended to time your doses with exercise to get the most benefit.

Food sources for bodybuilding

Food is the best source of nutrition for bodybuilding and muscle growth. Here are foods that bodybuilders eat frequently:

  • Protein: Chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, dairy
  • Carbs: Oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes, rice
  • Fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds
  • Supplements: Creatine, protein powder, BCAAs
  • Protein shakes

Be sure to eat a balanced diet and talk to your doctor before starting any supplement regimen. Bodybuilding supplements can be a great addition to your workout routine if you are looking to build muscle mass and increase muscle growth.

However, they are not necessary for everyone. Speak with a certified nutritionist or doctor before beginning any supplement protocol.

Best Supplement of Bodybuilding – Conclusion

Do your own research first of all.

Get the basic down first – more food, more protein, better lifts, more sleep.

Research what other bodybuilders are doing. Then, consider taking a supplement if it makes sense.

However, if you are totally new to supplements then check out this ultimate beginner’s guide to supplements. You can also search a variety of detailed supplement reviews here.

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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