TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – According to a poll by Forbes Health, nearly half of people surveyed on their 2024 resolutions said they wanted to improve their physical health. In that process, many may turn to fitness supplements for help.
For gym-goers like Zaylon Walker, getting to the physique he now has taken time, dedication and some supplements. Protein powder, creatine and pre-workout making up a few.
“You feel a euphoria almost throughout your workout. Gives you energy to keep going,” Walker said.
A store manager at Supplement Warehouse, Garry Duckett, said that for those looking to lose weight and build muscle, he recommends this.
“It would be a protein source for creatine, depending on how they hold caffeine. Maybe give them some pre-workout,” Duckett said.
Recent reports by the National Institute of Health show that among dietary supplements for exercise, common ingredients included protein, creatine, and caffeine. Garrett shares the most common uses for them.
“We’re keeping the protein in there. So that’s always help with rebuilding, repairing the muscle,” Garrett said. “Recruiting monohydrate, more specifically, is going to help build up muscle mass.”
However, Senior Medical Director at Oak Street Health, Dr. Anna Poulos advises consumers to be cautious, especially with energy supplements like pre-workout.
“Anybody out there is considering it please check with your doctor first,” Poulos said. “The ingredients are variable. There’s typically a lot of caffeine in most of these.”
The Food and Drug Administration cites that it is safe for adults to consume about 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. However, caffeine in powder form is much more concentrated and even if taken in small doses, if not regulated, could lead to dangerous effects.
Dr. Poulos shares overconsuming can lead to people experiencing these side effects.
“That can cause increased anxiety, depression, sleeplessness,” she said.
For people just trying to build a healthy routine, Dr. Poulos expresses supplements are not necessary.
“Eat healthy, get a good night’s sleep, and incorporate daily exercise into your routine,” Poulos said.
Workout and dietary supplements are not screened by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
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