Bodybuilding supplements are designed to provide extra support for bodybuilders, by making sure that their muscles have all the vitamins, energy and protein they need to grow effectively during training. Both synthesized (chemical) and natural (herbal) bodybuilding supplements are widely available on the internet and in health stores, and in recent years, the market has become very competitive.

It is extremely important that bodybuilders avoid taking or even acquiring banned and illegal bodybuilding supplements (for instance anabolic steroids and growth hormones) as not only can they lead to a competitive bodybuilder being banned from competition, these substances can also have a very detrimental effect upon those who take them. The use of anabolic steroids has been linked to tissue damage, heart failure, mental illness and reproductive dysfunction.

Bodybuilding supplements often play a crucial role in the daily routines and training of bodybuilders. They can help them to reach their full potential as bodybuilders in terms of muscle bulk, mass, tone and definition. It is therefore very important that only effective, safe and healthy supplements produced by reliable manufacturers are used. One should always consider the potential risk of taking cheaper supplements, especially those sold 'under the counter'.

Because there are so many good (and probably many more bad) supplements available, you should consider shopping around for the best products. Try asking the staff in your health-food shop or pharmacist; ask your trainer or mentor, if you have one; speak to the leaders of your gym or training center, and research online. Most of the better supplements contain the same or similar ingredients, though in different quantities and, of course, at different prices. You should therefore try to shop around for the best products offering the best value.

Try researching the various ingredients used in the different supplements to better understand the way in which each ingredient works to either promote muscle growth or retard muscle reduction. Buy only the medicines that use legal (and above all safe) ingredients that are known to aid muscle fibre growth. Only these safe and legal products can help you to get the most from your training, without risking the detrimental effects of taking banned substances. The basic supplements commonly used by bodybuilders are high-power multi-vitamin and mineral complexes. Many also take high-energy and high-protein foods to allow their bodies to stand up to often punishing work outs for longer.

The chemicals usually found in synthetic supplements include Vanadyl, Leucine, Ketoisocaporate, Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Beta-Ecdysterone, Hydroxycitric Acid and Ornithune alpha-ketoglutarate.

Natural supplements commonly contain extracts of Tribulus terrestris, Coleus forskohlii, Panax Ginseng and Avena sativa, as well as minerals and natural stimulants.

All of these products are considered to be powerful bodybuilding supplements that can be used safely, but of course, every individual may respond differently to the substances they consume. Whilst these substances have no or few reported side-effects on healthy individuals, it is always advisable to consult a health professional if you have any doubts about your ability to take them safely. Naturally, if you are allergic to any of these substances, you should never take them. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.