I will provide you with my experience on the usage of food supplements ….

Whey protein: simply Protein, all natural no side effects can be used as initial supplement, taken as maintenance supplement and almost for all age groups. Just buy a good brand which gives detailed description of the ingredients and the nutritional value per serving and what is the serving size. The only possible side effect I have faced is stomach upset due to overdose, which one can figure out by gradually increasing and monitoring it. Whey gainer: firstly, it’s different from whey protein, the basic idea here is to add body weight, and hence the concentration is on increased calorie intake, normally through extra carbs. Unlike whey protein where the focus is on max protein intake per serving, whey gainers and high calorie drinks hence also taste better and have more variants of flavours.

Creatine monohydrate or Ethyl ester: Normally monohydrate is easily available, haven’t come across ethyl ester form in India, though have used it in the UK. Creatine monohydrate again does not give any side effects normally, only that a break is given after 8-12 weeks of usage. Its box clearly mentions people with kidney disorders should not take it. Hence, proper usage with knowledge about ones health makes it a very useful supplement to enhance stamina and endurance.

Nitrix Oxide: Different companies promote it with names like Nitrix, NO explode etc.. Basically increasing the nitrogen intake of the body. A supplement giving brilliant results during work outs, giving classic muscle pumps, increasing pumping weights and giving overall fuller, harder muscles. Again a product with no side effects normally, however as mentioned above for Creatine, knowledge about self health is safest. Both nitrix and Creatine only need more water intake daily…which ain’t costly or difficult to achieve…Amino Acids: Again known by different names such as Amino bombs, Amimo Caps, Amino mass etc…. are basically amino acid supplements part of which are produced naturally by our body, and the rest we consume in our daily food. The basic idea is simply to increase its daily content so as to fasten muscle tear repair due to workout. Hence, a natural and very helpful supplement

P.S. all of the above supplements have been consumed by me over a period of time during workout days with absolutely no side effects during its usage or after stopping it, and all of the above is my personal point of view which can differ with individuals…

The advantage with us Indians, I would say is that most of us are very much tolerable to caffeine hence, are less likely to have any side effects from common food supplements. These supplements mentioned above are probably not the only ones used by professional body builders. They are only basic ones for daily usage to keep fit and strong and add some extra calories to your daily intake which might be missing due to busy schedule or bachelor life away form home etc….Also it is not the ultimate weigh gaining formula in 2 weeks or weight loss formula kinda thing… its just my personal experience with Food supplements and the difference in the thought process with us Indians and in UK. Belive me, I have seeing it, probably 95% of people I have worked out with in Milton Keynes (UK) or Glasgow (Scotland) take it without any hesitation…(both male and females)

The dis-advantage however, with us Indians is that most of the popular brands are not easily available, advertised and lack variety in flavours. So not much choice, mostly the chocolate flavour is the only one available, again a personal point of view that, although I love chocolates, in supplements particularly this is the WORST flavour to take. Vanilla, strawberry, cookies-n-cream being some personal favourites…

I would say, to start with it, ask the person advising you not to take it is, have you taken it and had side effects. Majority will say no I have just heard from other, lets try and stop believing blind statements, we got our brains to figure things out for us…;-)

Take care

Laters………………