Mention bodybuilding and many people think of muscles. Mention supplements and many people will think of muscle building or pregnancy. Supplements for muscle bound pregnant women - maybe not, but then again...
Supplements for all, not just the bodybuilder and athlete
It is not just pregnancy and bodybuilding that demands supplements. An athlete may train in a manner that requires supplements to their dietary intake. Protein is considered to be a prime requirement for muscle growth. What many don’t realise is that it is important for muscle repair as much as that initial muscle growth.
A balanced dietary plan can provide much of the protein and vitamins required by an athlete or bodybuilder - either growing, repairing or maintaining their muscle. However, intense training might require an intake of nutrition by volume that may become prohibitively expensive and time consuming - both in its preparation and eating.
Dietary balance through good eating and choice of supplements
The bodybuilder will need their protein. Comic books will have you believe their dietary requirements are satisfied by eating 20oz steaks morning, day and night. More usually it will come via dedicated protein supplements such as protein powders that can be made up into protein shakes. The intake of glutamine is said to maintain the immune system of bodybuilders and long distance runners. However, glutamine appears to have no direct effect on muscle strength or lean muscle mass. Saying that, muscle building or athletic training is hampered if in bed ill!
Bodybuilding and lots of protein is good, but glutamine helps keep it good
The athlete or bodybuilder has to be aware of the nutrition levels and dietary value of all the food they eat. They will be aware that the food readily available to them may lack the necessary vitamins along with protein and glutamine levels critical to their continued efficient and healthy development.
Adequate nutrition depends on a healthy dietary intake. If the dietary intake can’t provide enough of the vitamins or protein required due to extreme training then it makes sense to the bodybuilding individual or athlete use dietary supplements.
Would a bodybuilding athlete need more supplements?
Bodybuilding and the athlete: whether a long distance runner or a huge powerlifter, the need is there for dietary supplements to bolster the levels of required vitamins, protein and glutamine. Skip them and the athlete or bodybuilder will run down rather than build up their performance or bulk.
Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition - location is immaterial - are there enough vitamins and protein?
However, I’m not sure the pregnant woman would want to bulk up using supplements - she might just be looking to ensure a good nutrition balance and not allow herself to affect her baby by running down. Unless it is the aforementioned muscle bound pregnant woman previously mentioned...
