I have put together the most in-detail supplement guide you can find. I only put the BEST supplements PROVEN to give you huge ripped muscles.

 

 

CREATINE MONOHYDRATE

 

Creatine is bodybuilding's ultimate supplement, and for good reason. For one thing, creatine can significantly increase lean muscle mass in just two weeks. It is also responsible for improving performance in high-intensity exercise, increasing energy levels, and speeding up recovery rates. It’s no wonder athletes who use it have such of an edge over those who do not. Soon nearly every athlete who competes will use it (if they don't already). Creatine's ability to enhance energy reserves in muscles comes from its muscle protein synthesizing action, while minimizing protein breakdown. This occurs because creatine has the awesome effect of super-hydrating muscle cells with water. It enhances muscles' growth too-making muscle fibers bigger and stronger.

Quite a few studies have been done on creatine to figure out why and how it works so well. There have been over twenty double blind (meaning neither the researchers nor the subjects knew who was getting what), placebo-controlled studies conducted on creatine in the past five years. They proved that creatine increased energy levels, resulting in increased strength, endurance levels, and recovery rates. Another unexpected benefit attributed to creatine was discovered as well: creatine accelerates fat loss, while building lean body mass!
GLUTAMINE

Glutamine is highly in demand throughout the body. It is used in the gut and immune system extensively to maintain optimal performance. 60% of free-form amino acids floating in skeletal muscles is L-glutamine. L-glutamine plays a very important role in protein metabolism, and it appears to be a very important nutrient for body builders. When supplemented, it may help body builders reduce the amount of muscle deterioration that occurs because other tissues that need glutamine will not rob the glutamine stored in the muscle cells.

Research shows that after intensely working out, glutamine levels in the body are reduced by as much as 50%. Since the body relies on glutamine as cellular fuel for the immune system, scientific studies have shown that glutamine supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve protein metabolism. Its effects on replenishing the body after stress or trauma have been shown in Europe where it is commonly given to patients in hospitals. Glutamine's cell-volumizing effects have also been shown in several studies. No conclusive studies have been done to evaluate the effects of L-glutamine supplementation on weight-training adults; however, a recent study showed up to a 400% increase in growth-hormone levels when as little as 2 grams of free-form L-glutamine supplement was consumed!

AMNO ACIDS

 

Amino acids are essential to the human body. Bodybuilders can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue. The body, through assimilation of amino acids, produces over 50,000 proteins and over 15,000 enzymes. Amino acids are not only responsible for the production of all the body's enzymes (including digestive enzymes), but they also play a key role in normalizing moods, concentration, aggression, attention and sleep,  After protein is consumed, it is broken down into amino acids. Then, individual amino acids are used to create necessary body proteins and enzymes. Digestive enzymes break down the proteins a person consumes into amino acids.
Scientists, experts, and medical professionals agree that getting enough amino acids in one's diet is an important factor in maintaining good nutrition.

WHEY PROTIEN

Whey protein (the highest quality and best form of protein) is incredible stuff. It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue. Whoa! Nearly every bodybuilder knows the importance of protein supplementation. Studies have been conducted that compare whey protein to other sources. They have found that whey protein contains the perfect combination of overall amino acid makeup... and in just the right concentrations for optimal performance in the body. Both hormonal and cellular responses seem to be greatly enhanced with supplementation of whey protein, too! Not to mention the benefits whey protein has on the body's immune system according to documented scientific research. Whey protein also plays a role as an antioxidant and an immune system builder. Most importantly, consistent whey protein intake coupled with exercise will result in consistent muscle building

NITRIC OXIDE

 

Despite the claims of some in the supplement industry, there exists ample scientific literature to substantiate the efficacy of Nitric Oxide products. The following was written in May 1996 in a document prepared for the Royal Society and Association of British Science Writers:

 

"Summary research papers continue to flood the scientific journals and insights into the biological activity and potential clinical uses of nitric oxide (NO): a gas controlling a seemingly limitless range of functions in the body. Each revelation adds to nitric oxide's already lengthy resume in controlling the circulation of the blood, regulating activities of the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach and other organs.

The molecule governs blood pressure through a recently recognized process that contradicts textbook wisdom. It causes penile erection by dilating blood vessels and controls the action of almost every orifice from swallowing to defecation. The immune system uses nitric oxide in fighting viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, and tumors. Nitric oxide transmits messages between nerve cells and is associated with the process of learning, memory, sleeping, feeling pain, and, probably depression. It is a mediator in inflammation and rheumatism."

Since the above was written in 1996, Nitric Oxide containing products have continued to be touted by those in the medical profession, as well as by athletes looking to add muscle to their frames.

The above quotation states that Nitric Oxide controls the circulation of blood, transmits messages between nerve cells, and is a mediator of inflammation and is associated with the process of feeling pain. The popular erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil citrate (Viagra) contains nitric oxide and is responsible for increasing blood flow to the penis.

The fact that nitric oxide increases blood flow should make it of interest to bodybuilders, as increased blood flow will serve to deliver more nutrients to muscles, thus helping muscles become larger when subject to stress. The fact that Nitric Oxide acts to reduce inflammation should also make it of interest to bodybuilders as it has the potential to reduce the pain associated with subjecting muscles to extreme stress.

Nitric oxide also affects the endocrine system. It affects the release of gonadotroptin releasing hormone, as well as the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla.

HMB

Many of the world’s champions and athletes are using HMB and receiving dramatic results. Specifically, HMB plays a role in the synthesis of muscle tissue. It has the ability to burn fat and build muscle consistently in response to exercise. Backed heavily by science, HMB works for NFL greats like Shannon Sharpe and Olympic medallists throughout the globe. New scientific studies are being conducted on this supplement all the time. Recently, a study showed in a control group supplementing with HMB, that after taking 3 grams of HMB per day for three weeks, those who took HMB versus the random placebo takers gained three times more muscle on their bench press! Animal studies also suggest that it may increase lean muscle mass. A study conducted on humans showed that those who supplemented with HMB experienced enhanced strength, greater endurance, and increased fat loss. It’s ability to boost endurance alone is an incredible result. A seven week long study showed a much greater gain in muscle when a group of 28 participated in a regular weight-training program. How does HMB do all this? It appears to increase the rate of protein being used to increase muscle growth, while decreasing the atrophy or tear down of muscle that occurs.

12/6/01 - A new study from two Brazilian universities included subjects with high cholesterol (12 older men, aged 50 - 72). They took either a placebo or 3 grams of HMB per day for four weeks. During that time, all the men trained five days per week with three of the days for aerobic training and two days for weight training. They found that the men taking HMB dramatically reduced their LDL, or "bad" cholesterol and had significant gains in both strength (as judged by 1RM in the leg press, lat pulldown and biceps curl) and lean mass. The placebo group experienced no changes in LDL or in lean mass although they did get stronger as a result of the training program. This proves it! HMB works for building lean mass and strength faster than if you are not taking it... and may even lower your cholesterol while you are taking it.

 

ECDYSTERONE

 

Scientists have performed over 50 studies on ecdysterone to conclude one resounding agreement: Ecdysterone is safe and it improves nearly every bodily function...without side effects. What else does it do?

Two words: Muscle Growth. Ah, what the heck, here's a few more...

Research-backed ecdysterone supplementation properties:

Ecdysterone Highlights:

• A Drastic Increase in Lean Body Mass
• Increased Endurance
• Stimulates Metabolism
• Improves Nerve Function and Enhances Erythropoiesis (the development of mature red blood cells (erythrocytes))
• Decreases Blood Sugar
• Reduces Adipose Tissue
• Improves Nearly Every Bodily Function Including Brain and Liver
• It's Safe and Effective for Men, Women, and Even Teenagers
• Prevents the Loss of Muscle Mass while Promoting Growth of Muscle Fibers

Not to mention:
It does all this with absolutely no reported side effects, making it safe beyond reproach.

• No Negative Side Effects
• No Virilization
• No Conversion Into Estrogenic Compounds
• No Liver Toxicity
• No High Blood Pressure
• No Testicular Shrinkage
• No effects on the hormonal system in mammals including humans
• Incredibly Low Toxicity Levels (Over 4,000 times that which a person should consume)

Complete List:

• Increases protein synthesis
• Improves nearly every bodily function
• Stimulates protein synthesis in nervous tissue and increases nerve function
• Increases growth anabolicly in vertebrates including humans
• Increases total protein and glycogen content in muscles
• Increases myofibrilar proteins more efficiently than the anabolic steroids Methandrostenolone, the most potent steroid, Dianabol
• Suppresses hypoglycemia while powerfully stabilizing blood sugar levels
• Perfect glycemic regulator leading to constant energy and feeling of well-being
• Stimulates incorporation of glycogen into proteinaceous tissue such as liver and muscle
• Prevents high blood sugar levels and high insulin levels thereby halting fat production
• Pushes nutrients into muscle and organ tissue yielding better muscle growth and repair
• Possesses potent cholesterol-lowering effect
• Stimulates the phospholipids that are linked to enormous health benefits when stimulated
• Lowers cholesterol having a potent hepatoprotective action
• Cell membrane stabilizing properties
• Anti-arrhythmia stabilizing properties
• Restorative action on atherosclerosis
• Analgestic properties and a potent antioxidative effect
• Powerful anti-inflammatory properties
• Works against high cortisol levels as an anti-catabolic agent by reducing/eliminating stressors such as inflammation, preventing cortisol from being released
• Positive effect on the skin improving: keratinization, differentiation and acne
• Vastly increases athletic performance by increasing work capacity, body-weight, lung capacity, and VO₂ max while also increasing exhalation of CO₂.
• Increases lean muscle tissue and reduces adipose content
• Reduces fatigue and apathy, yet increases speed and strength
• Promotes a positive nitrogen balance and maintains a greater rate of protein synthesis

Ecdysterone Goes Head-to-Head with Dianabol and Wins!

 

MULTIVITAMIN

 

Multivitamin and mineral supplements are perhaps the most important single supplement that can be consumed by bodybuilders and athletes. Creatine and Whey Protein are also very important.

For the human body to perform at its maximum potential, it must be fed a vast and complex array of vital nutrients. Becoming deficient in just one of these essential vitamins or minerals breaks down the metabolic pathway that produces optimum efficiency and performance declines. Not good! Daily consumption of a high-potency multivitamin/multimineral formula may help ensure the presence of essential cofactors necessary for thousands of metabolic reactions.

"Many people underestimate the importance of them. They think that since you can not get 10 pounds of muscle, it is useless to take them. But here is something very important. If your body is deficient in just one of the essential vitamins and minerals over a thousand chemical and enzymatic processes in your body could be impaired. Each and every vitamin and mineral is responsible for thousands of biochemical reactions, including the formation of hormones. Bottom line? If you don't use a good multivitamin and mineral formula you will never reach your fullest potential.

 

Info copied from bodybuilding.com’s supplement guide.