VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

BSN Gets Five Stars from Consumers

It's not surprising for BSN supplements to rate high among users. Their proprietary bodybuilding powders are packed with muscle volumizers and explosive nutrients, and products like CELLMASS and N.O.-OXPLODE are now everyday brands used in gyms across America. But why are BSN supplements more expensive than others?

You've heard the phrase "you get what you pay for." The adage applies to BSN. High-grade creatine, gainers galore and multi-functional micellar protein matrix back the power of BSN supplements and work to get your physique cut and beautiful.

Take it slow, though, and don't overindulge in the beginning. A mistake made often by athletes new to hardcore training is adopting too strong a regime of protein powders and endurance supplements in an effort to get big fast. Move forward gradually and don't substitute all the protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in diet with supplements. Pick out one or two BSN supplements that fit in nicely with your long term goals so as to avoid the irreparable catabolism and diminished immune function that can result from a short-term bodybuilding plan of attack.

Creatine Supplements for Bigger, Better Muscles

You've probably already read enough on creatine to realize that there's no guarantee as to whether or not taking a creatine supplement will actually benefit muscle mass. However, findings point to creatine giving weightlifters, runners and other athletes the short bursts of energy they need to maximize muscle performance.

Creatine acts on naturally-occurring ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) in the body, an energy-containing compound that when fueled by creatine may improve your muscles ability to contract and recover from exertion quickly. Faster muscle recovery often means less time between sets and more gains in one day.   

Does creatine make muscles bigger? It does and it doesn't. Creatine supplements draw water and fluids to muscles, making them swell and look larger. The effect is usually temporary and subsides in hours. Does creatine enhance protein synthesis? Chances are yes, as creatine is essentially a combination of amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine - building blocks of protein in the body.   

Betancourt Nutrition — Ripped Fuel of Champions

Betancourt Nutrition doesn't rely on savvy marketing campaigns to promote their line of quality nutrition supplements. It doesn't have to. Betancourt Nutrition is owned and operated by champion bodybuilder and fitness guru, Jorge Betancourt, who formulates, tests and uses every product his company produces. Betancourt Nutrition knows what bodybuilders and weight trainers need to give them the competitive edge, and they deliver it! When he was competing, Betancourt dedicated himself to becoming the best in the business, and he brings that same commitment to his Betancourt Nutrition supplements. Guaranteed to deliver outstanding quality, taste and performance, every product is laboratory tested in an FDA approved facility for purity and efficacy.

Jorge Betancourt launched his line of quality nutritional supplements in 2002 with the revolutionary fat burner, Ripped Juice. Betancourt says that his Ripped Juice has already helped thousands of men and women enjoy an incredible feeling of confidence. For muscle recovery and muscle fatigue, try Betancourt Nutrition Glutamine High-C in delicious flavors like orange, fruit punch, kiwi strawberry and sour apple. And help volumize your muscles and maximize your workouts with Betancourt Nutrition Creatine Chewies Grapelicious.

Gaspari Nutrition Helps You Get That Ripped, Lean Look

Working out can net some very positive results - including leaner body mass, improved strength and increased endurance. If you want to heighten the physiological response you get from your workout routine, why not try the safe, effective dietary supplements from Gaspari Nutrition?

The supplements from Gaspari Nutrition are specially formulated to maximize the effects of all the hard work and sweat you put out there. Developed through extensive research and independent testing, Gaspari Nutrition's SuperPump250 helps increase lean mass and muscle size, while helping you drop excess body fat! Each serving of contains a precise formulation designed to enhance anabolic signaling and nutrient delivery. Available in orange and fruit punch flavors, Gaspari Nutrition‘s SuperPump250 is the delicious, convenient and effective way to get the most out of each and every workout.

You may also want to try Gaspari Nutrition's Novedex XT. Non-anabolic and non-androgenic, it also helps you attain that prized dry and ripped look. It enhances natural testosterone production, while minimizing the production of estrogens in the body. Trust Gaspari Nutrition products to help you get the results you're after - results that can be pretty amazing…you'll see!

BSN Brand Supports Your Workout Needs

The BSN Brand of supplements is designed for those who want to take their workouts beyond the burn. BSN Brand offers the following formulations, each offering a variety of healthful benefits, available in a variety of delicious flavors.

First of all, who knew that having dessert could help you look so hot! BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake is a superior protein powder that can help you get where you want to be regarding your physique, weight or nutritional level. It comes in a wide variety of sinfully delicious flavors, including Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Coconut Candy Bar, Fresh Cinnamon Roll, Banana Cream, Banana Nut Bread and Chocolate Fudge Pudding.   

If you are interested in gaining lean muscle mass, BSN True-Mass Mass Gainer is a calorie and nutrient-dense alternative to regular foods. Available in chocolate and vanilla, it provides sustained release action and is also rich in vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients.

BSN Syntha-6 is a superior protein powder that is also specifically designed to enhance your physique, assist you with successful weight management and help you meet your nutritional goals. It is available in three delicious flavors: Chocolate Milk Shake, Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberry Milk Shake.

Known as the extreme energy and performance igniter, BSN N.O.Xplode is formulated for healthy adults aged 18 – 50 years old who want assistance in boosting energy, performance and muscle development during fitness training. It comes in Blue Raspberry, Lemonade, Orange and Fruit Punch. BSN Cellmass also supports lean mass, recovery and tissue repair after you workout or while you are sleeping. It comes in the berry delicious Arctic Berry Blast and Grape Cooler.

BSN Thermonex Fat Loss and Energy Amplifier supports weight management and appetite control, while boosting energy and performance. BSN Nitrix tablets support sustained increases in Nitric Oxide production. They enhance muscle fullness, vascularity and full-body pumps, while supporting muscle strength power, endurance and work capacity. Last, but definitely not least, BSN Axis HT Pro-Testosterone Amplifier is a designer anabolic and androgenic potentiator that promotes size, strength, hardness and libido.

Endurox Brand Helps Take Your Workouts to the Max

When you work out, you want to be able to stay hydrated, full of energy and have your muscles quickly recover so you can maintain focus and stay on schedule. If you're serious about what you do when you get out there, Endurox Brand has a line of products for you. 

Endurox Accelerade provides the body with rapid hydration and contains all-natural protein that reenergizes muscles during exercise, allowing them to quickly recover after an intense workout. Available in Orange and Lemon Lime, it is the only sports drink that contains carbohydrates and protein in a patented 4:1 ratio. A one scoop serving size provides 12 ounces of a light, truly refreshing sports drink that packs a powerful nutritional punch.

Endurox R4 Recovery Drink was developed by leading exercise physiologists. It has a patented ratio of carbohydrates to protein that is proven to speed up muscle recovery and reduce muscle damage during exercise. It also contains antioxidants, electrolytes and glutamine. Available in Tangy Orange and Fruit Punch, Endurox R4 Recovery Drink is the #1 recovery drink choice of athletes from high school through the professional leagues.

Endurox Excel is a dietary supplement that when taken as part of your training program, is guaranteed to help to reach your personal best. It contains maximum strength Endurox®, the standardized extract of the herb ciwujia and the antioxidant vitamin E. This unique combination not only builds endurance, it also raises the lactate threshold, revs up workout recovery and increases cardiac efficiency while maintaining the same level of workout intensity.

So if you want to take your work out to the max, then you must try these products from Endurox Brand and go for it.

Get ripped with NSI® TestosteRip Extreme

You work out because you love the way it makes you look, feel and function. Depending on age, this can be partly due to the increased testosterone levels in the body that promote lean muscle mass, enhanced overall strength and extra energy.

Everyday stress, aging and even the environment can reduce the body's capacity to produce testosterone, possibly depleting the body of its energy, strength, immune functionality and sex drive.

To support your body's natural production of testosterone, NSI® TestosteRip Extreme combines three potent, natural testosterone stimulators that help boost testosterone levels. NSI® TestosteRip Extreme contains:

Testofen™ – an extract of fenugreek seed, standardized to 50% fenuside. It contains saponins and sapogenins, which are compounds that boost testosterone, enhance libido and help to increase muscle mass.

ForsLean® Coleus Forskohlii Extract – a standardized extract of the Coleus Forskohlii plant featuring the herb's active ingredient, Forskhlin. This ingredient is reported to stimulate the enzyme adenylate cyclase, leading to the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which plays a part in a number of cell-signaling pathways, including those involved in testosterone production. ForsLean® promotes lean body mass and enhances weight loss.

Tribulus Terrestris – a non-hormonal herb that supports testosterone production by increasing the amount of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) produced by the body's pituitary gland. LH stimulates the testes to secrete testosterone. Tribulus Terrestris promotes improved muscle mass, strength and libido. 

So make sure that you are getting the most form your workouts and take NSI® TestosteRip Extreme – the natural way to boost your body's testosterone levels.

NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose helps boost energy levels after a workout

If you workout or engage in other intense physical activity for more than three or more times a week, your body may not have the "recovery" time it needs between sessions for heart and energy reserves to return to normal levels.

D-ribose – also known as ribose – is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar found in (and used by) every cell in the body. D-ribose serves as the foundation for many important compounds, including DNA, RNA and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides energy to cells during physical exertion. When ATP levels drop, it can take several days to restore energy levels within the body.

Research has shown that intense physical exertion can reduce ATP levels by over 50%. By using a quality D-ribose supplement such as NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose, ATP levels can be restored more quickly, shortening the time needed by heart and muscle tissues to replace energy lost through vigorous exercise.

NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose may also boost ATP levels before workouts, making additional amounts of ATP available for use during workouts. This not only improves the recovery process after exercise but also helps to maximize these workouts by allowing for increased muscle and strength gains. NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose may also provide relief from the muscle cramping and soreness that may arise soon after working out. 

So whether you are hard core about working out, simply do so on the weekend or are concerned about your cardiovascular health, taking NSI™ Bioenergy Ribose just before and just after exercise or activity may be what you need to give your body a welcome energy boost!

More Energy, Less Fat: Try MCTs

Medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, are fatty acids that are easily digested and more rapidly absorbed by the body than other fats. They function similarly to carbohydrates, supplying the body with an immediate, efficient source of "quick" energy.

MCTs are popular among athletes and bodybuilders looking to increase endurance and enhance sports performance. They're also used to promote weight loss, as they induce ketosis, a state in which the body burns stored fat for energy.

While MCTs are found in foods such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil and butter, they're also available in supplement form, usually as a liquid oil that can be taken by the spoonful or added to dressings and other foods. Due to its low smoke point, MCT oil is not recommend for cooking.

To view Vitacost.com's selection of MCT products, please click here.

Spotlight on Adrenal Support Supplements

Also known as the "stress glands," your adrenal glands are responsible for producing nearly 50 hormones essential for basic body functions such as fluid and electrolyte balance, fat storage and the regulation of energy levels.

Chronic stress, as well as lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise and smoking, can all negatively affect adrenal gland function, leading to imbalanced hormone levels and depletion of the body's energy reserves. Weakened immune health, disrupted blood sugar metabolism, poor mood, poor digestion and muscular weakness may also result.

Provide your body with adrenal support with nutrients such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), necessary for the production of adrenal hormones; B-complex vitamins, which enhances adrenal function; and vitamin C, which may alleviate the body's response to stress. Herbs such as ginseng, licorice root and rhodiola may also provide adrenal support.

To view the complete selection of adrenal support supplements available at Vitacost.com, please click here.

Reach Your Fitness Peak with Pinnacle Brand Products

Sure, snappy slogans and pretty packaging capture attention. But marketing can only take a product so far. Customers want safety, quality and effectiveness when it comes to nutritional supplements.

Bodyonics, Ltd., manufacturers of Pinnacle brand products, deliver all three—and more. Besides being backed by a team of top professionals, with extensive experience in every aspect of nutritional supplement manufacturing, Pinnacle brand sports and fitness products are produced in a state-of-the-art facility with a sophisticated laboratory housing some of the most advanced equipment in research, development, testing and analysis.

Sister company to Phoenix Laboratories, one of the few pharmaceutical laboratories in the U.S. that manufactures nutritional supplements, Pinnacle brand products must meet the highest standards set by the FDA. They contain the very best raw materials and are formulated to provide the greatest nutritional value and benefit for your money.

To see the full selection of Pinnacle brand products offered at Vitacost.com, please click here.

Glutamine Keeps Your Mind & Body at Peak Performance

Glutamine, also known as L-glutamine, is the most abundant and utilized amino acid in the body. Glutamine contributes to a healthy digestive tract and is the primary source of energy for the immune system, keeping it fortified and functioning properly. It also supports the repair and preservation of muscle tissue, providing particular benefit to those involved in weight lifting and intense workouts.

Taking a daily glutamine supplement is an efficient way to replace declining levels of glutamine due to exertion, keeping athletic performance at its peak. Glutamine can also be used by cells as glucose, providing metabolic energy.

Found in many high-protein foods such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products, glutamine not only does a body good, it also promotes mental alertness, clear thinking, short- and long-term memory, and a good disposition!

To be sure that you receive the right amount of this essential, multi-faceted nutrient, Vitacost.com offers a line of quality glutamine supplements at an exceptional value.

Proper Fluid Replacement Prevents Dehydration

There's nothing like working up a good sweat – just make sure to keep your body sufficiently hydrated. Proper fluid replacement is key to preventing dehydration after an intense workout or sports outing.

But sometimes, water is not enough. Luckily, there are many fluid replacement products designed to rebalance your body's electrolytes. Electrolytes are salts found in bodily fluids, tissue, and blood. They're vital for proper communication between cells and proper function of your heart, muscles and nerves. 

Keeping your system's electrolyte balance in check is easy. You can turn water into "sports water" instantly with a powder additive and dietary supplement containing potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese and chromium.

Vitacost.com offers refreshing, nutritious and great-tasting ways to obtain these vital nutrients. One example is Alacer ElectroMIX—a revitalizing, lemon-lime powder you can mix with water to obtain the electrolytes your body needs.

Click here for more information on how Vitacost.com can offer you savings on this unique sports nutrition product.

Support for the Sports-Minded: Optimum Nutrition

From energy bars, protein powders and ready-to-drink beverages to vitamins, minerals and herbs, Optimum Nutrition offers a superior selection of sports nutrition products.

Optimum Nutrition strives to produce distinctive, affordable products that meet the demands of a dynamic market. Strict quality control, lab testing and manufacturing under tightly controlled conditions allow Optimum Nutrition to manufacture premium-quality products customers can count on for safety, purity and effectiveness.

Vitacost.com carries a wide variety of Optimum Nutrition products, including flavored whey and egg protein powders, protein bars, sports drinks and more, available for a much greater value than you'll find on other sites. To see a complete product listing, please click here.

Whey Protein: Packed with Power for Best Performance

Whey protein is a high-quality, "gold standard" form of protein derived from cow's milk. During the process of making cheese, whey protein is separated from milk, then purified and dried to create a powder which can be added to foods or packaged as a supplement.

Whey protein provides 20 to 50 grams of protein per serving and is low in fat and cholesterol. It's a superior protein source often used by active individuals and athletes because of its role in building and repairing lean muscle tissue. Whey protein also serves as a source of energy and helps the body with overall cell maintenance.

Available in "concentrate" (29% to 89% protein) or "isolate" (90% protein) form, whey protein supplements are easily mixed with water, juices or smoothies for quick and easy fulfillment of your daily protein requirement needs. To view NSI®'s selection, click here.

Body Builders Aren't the Only Ones To Benefit from L-Glutamine

L-glutamine is an amino acid used by athletes and body builders to help build muscle tissue—but just because you don't spend hours at the gym doesn't mean you can't benefit from this important nutrient. In fact, l-glutamine is often used to prevent muscle tissue breakdown in the elderly.

Other uses for l-glutamine include: boosting levels of human growth hormone (which is believed to play a part in aging), promoting healthy immune function (which may shorten recovery time after surgery and reduce risk of infection) and curbing cravings for sugar and carbohydrates (great for dieters!).

Although the body normally produces and maintains adequate levels of l-glutamine, increased energy output and stress may deplete stores. For a consistently-available supply, take a daily supplement of 500mg, twice a day, on an empty stomach.

“Boost” Workout Energy with CreaPure® Creatine

A popular supplement among athletes, creatine is believed to enhance performance by providing additional energy to muscles. It plays a part in the production of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is used by the body for quick bursts of energy. Creatine may be helpful for short-duration physical activities such as weightlifting or sprinting, which require “instant” fuel to complete.

Manufactured primarily by the liver, creatine can also obtained through meat, fish, and dairy products in the diet. It’s also available in supplement form. CreaPure® is one high-quality version, tested for purity and delivering 5,000 mg of creatine per one-scoop serving. Simply add CreaPure® powder to water, juice, or other foods and beverages, two to four times daily for about a week.

In addition to contributing to improved physical performance, CreaPure® creatine may help with muscle recovery after injury, as well as increase muscle strength in the elderly. Supplementation with CreaPure® has also been recently shown to have a positive effect on mental fatigue. For more information on this Japanese study, click here.

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Give Your Athletic Potential a Boost With Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid, and the most the most abundant one in the body; it’s involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid. Glutamine likely gets its name because it’s converted to glucose when more glucose is required by the body for energy. Glutamine may also help stimulate production of growth hormone, which may support lean body composition and increased energy levels.

How important is glutamine for those who work out intensely? Very. According to Sports Medicine1, intense exercising lowers blood levels of glutamine—and these levels can remain low with consistent overtraining. Immunity can also be affected with high-level workouts, and glutamine may help stimulate immunity, too.

A 1998 study2 illustrated the effects of glutamine supplementation on athletes who endured an intense, prolonged workout. The results were impressive: Athletes were given five grams of glutamine right after the workout, then again two hours later. Approximately 81% had no subsequent infections, compared with 49% in the placebo group.

1. Rowbottom DG, Keast D, Morton AR. The emerging role of glutamine as an indicator of exercise stress and overtraining. Sports Med 1996;21:80–97 [review].
2. Castell LM, Newsholme EA. Glutamine and the effects of exhaustive exercise upon the immune response. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1998;76:524–32 [review].

How to Whey Your Options

For increased athletic performance, many rely on whey protein—a mixture of certain proteins naturally found in milk. In fact, whey protein is more rapidly digested than other proteins, and may provide for faster absorption.

Protein is necessary for building and rebuilding healthy muscles—and this is especially important for bodybuilders. According to the American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, studies suggest that whey protein can increase gains in lean body mass resulting from exercise. Plus, whey protein contains the perfect combination of overall amino acids in just the right concentrations for optimal performance.

Whey protein can also be very useful for maintaining a healthy blood sugar because a good intake of protein balances blood sugar levels; carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. When the blood sugar levels stay balanced, you’re not as prone to overeating, so you’ll probably have more energy. Whey protein allows a person to control his or her diet effectively: The International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that six weeks of strength training while taking 1.2 grams of whey protein per 2.2 of pounds body weight per day resulted in greater gains in lean body mass.