The best vitamins for bodybuilding: which complex to choose

World experience in bodybuilding confirms that it is impossible to achieve serious progress in this sport without sufficient intake of vitamins by the body. Vitamins are absolutely necessary for athletes - with a lack of these components, it is problematic for an athlete to progress and gain muscle mass. Often, a lack of vitamins is the cause of the "plateau" effect - the lack of progress in training.

Vitamins are involved in the processes of metabolism (metabolism) in the body. Bodybuilders have a much higher metabolic rate than ordinary people, so the body consumes the resource of vitamins much more intensively. This means only one thing - the athlete must carefully monitor the regular and sufficient use of these nutritional components.

The designation of vitamins is taken in Latin letters: A, B, C, D, E, H, K, etc. Vitamins are classified based on their solubility in water or fats.

  • Group 1: water-soluble vitamins (C, P and all group B)
  • Group 2: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) or lipovitamins.

What should be included in vitamin complexes for bodybuilding - which vitamins are the most important

Vitamin A (retinol) is very important in bodybuilding, as it is involved in the creation of muscle tissue cells and helps them recover after training. It affects the intensity of glycogen formation in the body, which, in turn, determines the ability of an athlete to withstand heavy energy-intensive workouts. For bodybuilders, the requirements for this vitamin are high, so you need to enrich your diet with this component.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - the functions of this vitamin are to regulate the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and proteins, ensure the delivery of oxygen to muscle tissues, respectively, help muscle growth and slow down the aging process.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and also has the property of accelerating the conversion into the active form of vitamin B6. Supports thyroid function.

Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) from the point of view of bodybuilding has an interesting property - it dilates blood vessels, due to the visual manifestation of which the athlete looks more embossed. Also involved in the processes of metabolism of essential nutrients.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) plays an important role in metabolic processes along with other vitamins of this group. It is directly involved in the synthesis of protein, hemoglobin and other substances necessary for the functioning of the body. Regulates the amount of cholesterol and fats in the blood, improves the functionality of the heart muscles. Participates in the synthesis of serotonin (a natural antidepressant), red blood cells and antibodies. In general, it contributes to the improvement of liver function and the absorption of glucose by nerve cells.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) - is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, the creation of nerve fibers and the synthesis of certain amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins in the body. A must for bodybuilders, especially vegetarian athletes.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is perhaps the most important vitamin for bodybuilding. It is a powerful stimulant of anabolic processes in the muscles (improves the absorption of proteins, accelerates the creation of new protein compounds) and a strong anti-catabolic (prevents the destruction of muscle tissue), because. suppresses the release of the hormone cortisol.

Vitamin D - helps the process of absorption of calcium (strengthens the bone skeleton) and phosphorus (helps muscle contraction), which are the most important factors for bodybuilding. Obviously, healthy, strong bones reduce the risk of injury when lifting weights. Along with many other vitamins, it is involved in protein synthesis.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) - has an extremely important property for bodybuilding: it helps the production of testosterone, a hormone that is a powerful anabolic and absolutely necessary for muscle growth. Reduces fatigue.

Vitamin H (biotin) - is involved in the metabolic processes of amino acids and providing muscles with energy. Participates in the regulation of protein and fat metabolism. Vitamin deficiency leads to slower muscle growth. The important point is that the absorption of biotin interferes!

It is quite inconvenient to use all vitamins in addition to food and separately, therefore special complexes have been created where you can get all the necessary set of these components in one or more tablets.

What complexes and vitamins are the best to use for bodybuilding?

There are professional vitamin complexes for bodybuilding. Here are the best complexes according to Sportwiki.to:

Vitamin Rating

  1. Animal Pak from Universal Nutrition is a vitamin complex made in the USA. It is considered the leader among vitamin nutritional supplements today. The composition includes not only shock doses of vitamins, but also all the necessary amino acids in low dosages. It is considered safe for health, since vitamin dosages do not exceed the maximum allowable levels.
  2. Daily Formula by Universal Nutrition is a budget version of Animal Pak from the same manufacturer.
  3. Opti-Men by Optimum Nutrition - complex for men
  4. Opti-Women Optimum Nutrition-complex for women
  5. Activite Sport by MHP
  6. Multi Pro by AST
  7. MUSCLETECH Vitakic Hardcore

In addition to those listed above, bodybuilding.com recommends the following vitamin complexes:

  • MuscleTech Platinum Multivitamin,
  • RSP Nutrition BioVite Multivitamin,
  • JYM Vita JYM,
  • Controlled Labs Orange Triad,
  • Labrada Jamie Eason Signature Series Multi-Vitamin,
  • MusclePharm Armor V,
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger Series Iron Pack.

Undoubtedly

vitamin complexes for professionals are good, but their cost can be quite high and not all novice athletes are ready to bear such expenses.

Are there affordable vitamin complexes for successful bodybuilding?
Yes! You can buy suitable vitamin complexes in a pharmacy. These complexes are also quite effective for athletes.

Complexes of vitamins for bodybuilding in a pharmacy

Complivit (basic vitamin preparation)

Alphabet Effect

The composition is designed for people who are subjected to significant physical exertion. The complex includes natural energy: carnitine, taurine, tonic plant extracts. This complex increases physical endurance, promotes effective recovery after training, and prevents the accumulation of lactic acid.

Dynamizan

Vitrum Performance

Contains 12 vitamins and 18 minerals. Contains American ginseng extract. This unique component increases mental strength, enhances resistance and reduces the effects of overexertion of the body. Recommended for high physical activity.


Undevit

This vitamin complex is interesting for its low cost. It has an impressive set of necessary components, but it comes with a significant margin in terms of affordability. Quite popular among athletes.

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Summing up what are the best vitamins for bodybuilding, it can be noted that pharmacy vitamin complexes are inferior to specialized products from leading manufacturers, but these are quite effective means and can be used by athletes who are not ready to spend significant money on sports nutrition and nutritional supplements.