GSD - Part 1 - Supplements

Okay, so have been busy doing some research on supplements, vits, minerals, weird stuff etc and have narrowed the ball park down to what I think it useful to me... right now.

After that I had to look for the best deal so I have a quite comprehensive spreadsheet with a breakdown of each supplement, where you can buy it, price per pill, per daily dose etc


Cunjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
About: Studies show that Conjugated Linoleic Acid may encourage the reduction of body fat and promote lean body tissue.

I did want to get Maximuscle's CLA 1000 as it's a super high strength and has got some good reviews... but I just can't afford it as well as everything else!

So, after looking around I decided to get my CLA from a new site I found called Just Vitamins. Although they don't have the same amount of choice as ZipVit does, they have some pretty good deals which appeal to the savvy shopper ;-) best still, they've got a buy-one-get-one-free deal on CLA at the mo so the price per daily dose is only 29p :-)

The next best deal was MyProtein which worked out as 40p per daily dose... I'd have gone for them if the 2-for-1 deal wasn't on at Just Vitamins as they also offer a high percentage of CLA, ZipVit only unfortunately has 60% CLA

These should last me quite a while actually as I won't need to take the full dose. Maximuscle Promax Diet Bars already have 1500mg of quality CLA and the Promax Diet Milkshake has 1700mg!!!


Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
About: This antioxidant's main function is of major importance since antioxidant nutrients help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals.

A friend of mine who's so into body building that he built his own gym in his garden because his local gym was inadequate, recommended these as part of the antioxidant supplements that he takes. I've done a little research and they sound like pretty good things to take! I'm getting these from ZipVit.

Actually, looking at the info on the link I posted: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/alphalipoicacid/a/alphalipoicacid.htm, apparently it can help with Peripheral neuropathy which is something that Joe's Dad suffers from. I'll ask him if he's heard of ALA and, if not, will give him some to try.


Lycopene
About: Lycopene, found primarily in tomatoes, is a member of the carotenoid family which includes beta-carotene, and a similar compound found naturally in food and is believed to have potent anti-oxidant capabilities.

I've read lots of good stuff about this compound so thought it about time I purchased some. Although more expensive than Just Vitamins, ZipVit's Lycopene is more than twice as potent so have ordered some from there.


Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
About: CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria, the part of a cell responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP.

I've got 2 packs of 60 of these on the way from ZipVit, I didn't pay for them, got them as part of my free gifts for spending over £50


Omega 3 fish oils
About: Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to protect against heart disease, inflammation, certain types of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and macular degeneration (a leading cause of vision loss). Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for proper brain development and neurological function in developing babies, too.

I'm sure we've all heard of the benefits of eating a diet rich in Omega 3. Well I've got some already at home that I need to start taking, and have also been sent a free bag from ZipVit with my order.


Lutein
About: Lutein is concentrated in the retinas of your eyes and is necessary for good vision. A diet rich in lutein may lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Lutein may also help prevent or slow down atherosclerosis, the thickening of arteries, which is a major risk for cardiovascular disease.

This is something else I've known of for a while and always wanted to try. I had my vision corrected by laser surgery in 2004 as I saw short-sightedness as a disability which prevented me from competing in sporting events. I'm keen to keep my eyes in the best help possible :-) ZipVit do a really great supplement called Practitioner's Lutein Plus which also contains Zeaxanthin.


Spirulina
About: Spirulina is, essentially, blue-green algae that is associated with a wide range of nutritional and health benefits.
Spirulina contains high amounts of protein, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals. In short, the nutritional benefits of spirulina are pretty high.

This is a bit of a flier for me as I've not read much about it. But what I have read so far has been very positive so have ordered some from ZipVit

as Spirulina is incredibly high in protein I shall be taking it to boost my levels :-)


Calcium and Vitamin D and K
About: Helps maintain healthy bones, teeth and nails.

I've been taking this effervescent form from Boots for a while now, it's very convenient, have a few tubes at work :-)


Multi-Vitamins, Minerals and Probiotics
About: all the nutrients you would expect from a dedicated Multivitamin & Mineral formula, but with added probiotic cultures to assist your digestive system and help provide a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.

I already take Berocca every day, but I think I might stop as I think the dosages are too high to be effective or beneficial.

and finally:

Amino Acids
About: Specially formulated for athletes and body builders, this formula contains a blend of free form and peptide bond Amino acids to give you optimum utilization. Each capsule provides L-Ornithine 250mg, L-Arginine 250mg and L-Carnitine 25mg.

another flier, we'll see how I fare with these!

Right, that's enough from me for now! GSD Part 2 will either be on my eating plan, or my strength and cardio training plan for the next 12 weeks.