Supplement Benefits & Side Effects

Since I always like to know as much as possible about the substances I’m ingesting, I decided to refresh my knowledge of supplement benefits and side effects and create some supplement fact sheets.  The nice part for you is I’m also writing up what I find with references so you can make your own informed decision on what supplements you decide to use.

One thing to remember about almost any supplement… Every person is unique and all supplements can effect each person in different ways.  Also, just when you find one scientific study stating a benefit or side effect, you’ll find another stating the results are inconclusive.

The problem is that most supplements have not undergone extensive research and testing.  Even supplements like creatine monohydrate that have had a lot of research, still do not have long term research on side effects or benefits.

So the moral here is, use your brain and always talk to your physician before using supplements.

Travis Hlavka (9 Posts)

I may act like a 12yr old a lot of the time, but that's because I have a genetic defect that will not allow me grow up. HOWEVER, I do take strength training and fitness very seriously and I love using what I know to help others reach their fitness goals and avoid the bazillion mistakes I've made in my 25+ yrs of training. Since I don't know everything, I never stop learning. Note: I am no longer a "certified" trainer, but I truly understand more about fitness and health now than I ever did with that official piece of paper.