Does anyone use training supplements?
There are SO many out there and I know the specialists partake in these things to complement their training regimes. Worries me that some could be dangerous health wise or even just a fad.
Anyone got any thoughts or recommendations?

That being said, why do people use muscle supplements? The reason is that some of them actually do work.

what is our UK equivalent of walmart? I currently use reflex instant whey protein, then take additional l-glutamine. Was considering BCAA's as they are on special offer at the mo

Asda ...

Millions of people take dietary supplements hoping for a range of health benefits, from weight loss to muscle building. A lot of people turn it into a business and supply them illegally and they can be very harmful. With training supplements it all really depends on what results you are aiming for, for example if you are looking to improve your physique you may want supplements that can enhance muscle growth and this will be combined with the exercises you imply such as weightlifting or you may also be looking to control your appetite when your trying to lose weight, as part of a bodybuilding diet.

My simple advice if your looking to take protein supplements

A simple change in foods (such as Greek yoghurt in the morning with muesli and fruit, rather than plain breakfast cereal and milk) will help enhance the protein content of a meal. After you've taken this step, fill in the gaps with a “reputable” brand of protein supplement. Always read the label carefully, take the recommended serving size and don't be tempted to take far more than is necessary, as this is not supported by the current evidence. I highly advice you not to make the mistake most people make mistakenly viewing supplements as a quick fix to achieve their goals. There is this tendency that people think there is a magic powder or supplement that will give you the physique of your dreams, but there is no substitute for hard work and commitment. So with training supplements it all varies down to the research you put into it before purchasing, as it is obvious that some are extremely dangerous, but others are quite beneficial.

I'd agree with odry2015 in suggesting that supplements are not a quick fix towards achieving goals. Granted, they can assist, but the fact remains that they're supplements, not replacements.

With the vast array of protein powders currently available, for example, one truly does have to be astute when it comes to considering which one will best support their goals.

As such, no amount of supplementation can completely replace the benefit of eating a balanced and varied diet, something that allows the body to absorb naturally occurring vitamins and minerals from food sources it digests.

Moreover, a huge number of supplements currently available are synthetically manufactured. Although they may be cheaper to purchase, they don't contain the same nutritional value as those that are extracted from natural sources.

Equally, if one doesn't already possess knowledge of the ingredients contained within a product that they intend to take, conduct thorough research into its benefits/side effects before purchasing.

I certainly do not mean to criticise, but given that l'glutamine is a naturally occurring amino acid (non-essential), one that can also be obtained from consumption of lean cuts of meat, eggs and dairy products, does the OP understand why they are supplementing with l'glutamine?