In today’s health and fitness world, fitness supplements seem to be the order of the day. Almost every fitness influencer knows about an amazing supplement that will help you transform your body. And if you are like most people, you may be unsure if fitness supplements are the way to go. Let’s find out:

What’s the Deal with Fitness Supplements?

Our diets should provide us with all the nutrients we need. In my article about balancing macronutrients, I talked about the need to incorporate fats, carbs, and proteins in your diet for a health boost. And for many people, that is enough. However, people use supplements to reach their goals faster. They come in the following forms:

1. Fitness supplements: These are integral to boosting fat loss or muscle growth. A good example would be whey powder which many people use to improve muscle recovery time and growth.
2. Health supplements: These come in handy to people who want to better their health overall. For example, many people use vitamin supplements to supplement their diets. For example, many people supplement vitamin C to boost their immunity.

The idea behind supplements is to cover a deficit in the diet or boost your macros to improve your overall fitness performance.

Do You Need Supplements?

The hype about supplements can make you think that you, too, should be taking something to boost your health. I have had clients come to me for consultations about all kinds of supplements, including collagen. Here is the thing, though. Supplements are not necessary. If you want to take them, consider the following:

1. Your fitness goals: Most people who want to build muscle often need supplements to boost muscle growth. If taking supplements will help you reach these goals, then using them should be okay. However, you should do a lot of research before introducing anything to your diet.
2. Your health: Taking supplements to account for a deficit in your diet is a good idea if your doctor okays it. Generally, a doctor will start by suggesting blood tests which will reveal any deficiencies. Afterwards, they will suggest a supplement and guide you on how much to take.

Below are some common supplements that are generally okay to use:

• Creatine,
• Protein powders,
• Fish oil, and
• Multivitamins.

If venturing beyond these, do a lot of research to understand how the supplement works and its suitability for your goals.

Are Fitness Supplements Safe?

Many people talk about the positive effects of supplementing a diet but do not touch on the possible adverse effects of using supplements. The truth is that supplements are not equal. Let’s consider this in two ways:

1. Fitness supplements: Most supplements are safe when used at the recommended dosage. But when you exceed the threshold, side effects can get to you. A good example is caffeine. It helps you build your strength and endurance. But the same stimulant can result in insomnia, anxiety, and other negative effects when used in large amounts.
2. Health supplements: One would assume that using these supplements would be a walk in the park. But harmless as they may seem, they can be dangerous. Take vitamin E as an example. This vitamin carries a risk of overdosing and yet is easily available.

Toeing the line between supplementing and overdosing is not always easy. I advise you to get a health assessment before introducing any supplements to your diet. Additionally, you should research any fitness supplements before using them as some may not have the effects you desire.

A good diet is important, regardless of whether you use supplements, as supplements cannot replace meals. If you need help with your diet to meet your calorie and macros goals, you can reach me at dee@deemanded.com.