The vast majority of athletes prefer to train in a natural way, namely, without the use of steroids, and in order to improve the quality and speed of recovery after training, they use only some relatively harmless drugs that are not related to doping, including creatine, protein, amino acids, gainers, free sold in specialized sports nutrition stores. For the same purposes, athletes widely use a number of medicines that are available in ordinary pharmacies and dispensed without a prescription.
But, nevertheless, despite the relative harmlessness and availability of such pharmaceutical preparations, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the instructions attached to them and it is advisable to consult a doctor about their use before taking them. This article provides an overview of the main drugs used in bodybuilding, discusses their significance and effect on the athlete's body, contraindications and possible side effects.
Being a stimulant of biochemical processes, it is able to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system of an athlete. The drug increases the strength of heart contractions, increasing stroke volume and coronary blood supply, has anabolic and antiarrhythmic effects. Riboxin improves blood supply to muscle tissues, normalizes energy metabolism, activates metabolic processes in the myocardium, as well as a number of enzymes. In addition to a positive effect on the heart, Riboxin improves the regeneration of muscle tissue. But for effective recovery after heavy loads, Riboxin alone is not enough, so it is recommended to take it in combination with potassium orotate.
Riboxin can replace ATP. The drug is effective in combination with potassium orotate. It is taken for 1-3 months according to the scheme 0.2 g 3-4 times a day.
The drug is a stimulator of endogenous biochemical processes, belongs to the metabolism. Produced mainly in tablet form, dispensed in a pharmacy without a prescription. The average dosage for an athlete is 1.5-2 g per day. In fact, potassium orotate is a common mineral salt found in the tissues of any living organism. The drug helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system and has an anabolic effect, allowing the athlete to recover faster after training. The drug enhances diuresis and improves appetite. For a noticeable progress of a bodybuilder, the drug is not particularly effective, but, nevertheless, in general, it is useful for the body, is well tolerated by the athlete and does not side effects.
The drug is taken according to the scheme: one hour before meals, 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. The duration of the treatment course is 21-24 days.
Mildronate
Mildronate is classified as a cardioprotector. The drug is designed to increase the athlete's performance, compensating for the manifestations of the syndrome of mental and physical overwork. Mildronate normalizes metabolic processes and regulates cellular immunity. As a rule, mildronate is prescribed at the rate of 15-20 mg per kilogram of weight. The drug is taken according to the doctor's prescription, so it is recommended to consult before you start taking it.
The daily dosage of the drug is determined at the rate of 15-20 mg / kg of body weight, which averages 1-2 g, taken in 4 doses. The duration of the course is 14 days with a repeat in 2-3 weeks.
Agapurin is available in tablet form and is relatively inexpensive. Preparations based on a similar active substance are trental and pentoxifylline. Agapurine is taken separately from other drugs. It increases vascular tone, reduces blood viscosity and increases blood flow velocity, which is important for an athlete who feels the maximum pumping of working muscles. The drug is used mainly by experienced bodybuilders - agapurine should be taken carefully, following the instructions, in order to avoid side effects of the drug.
In bodybuilding, Agapurin is taken according to the scheme:
- on training days 3 times 2 tablets;
- on rest days 3 times 1 tablet.
Duration of the course Agapurin - 20 days. After a 4-week break, the course is repeated. Tablets are washed down with a large volume of water. To avoid side effects, it is forbidden to take the drug without the consent of the doctor.
The plant grows in the western and eastern parts of Siberia, in the highlands of Altai and in Central Asia. It contains phytoexidons - substances identical to steroid compounds with a pronounced anabolic effect. activates protein synthesis and its accumulation in muscle tissue, heart, liver and kidneys. The drug helps to increase physical endurance and intellectual performance. Long-term use of leuzea strengthens the vascular bed and thereby improves overall blood circulation. The drug reduces the heart rate. Leuzea is part of a dietary supplement called Leuzea-P. One tablet of the supplement contains about 0.85 mg of the active ingredient - ecdysten, the cost of supplements in sports stores varies between 700-1800 rubles.
The drug is capable of causing hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar levels) and is superior in effectiveness to individual RA-adaptogens. Since the release of somatotropic hormone is observed due to hypoglycemia, the intake of Manchurian aralia contributes to the achievement of a high anabolic effect - the athlete improves his appetite and increases body weight. The drug is classified as an anabolic stimulant. Aralia tincture is sold in every pharmacy. Take it at a dose of 20-30 drops in the morning on an empty stomach and an hour before training.
As for vitamins taken separately:
Thiamine (B1) participates in the activity of the main body systems: cardiovascular, nervous and digestion. Influences growth and energy balance. Lack of vitamin B1 causes irritability, lack of appetite, increased fatigue and related health disorders.
Cyanocobalamin (B12) increases protein synthesis and its accumulation in tissues, is an effective anabolic agent.
Pyridoxine (B6) plays an important role in metabolism and the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Ascorbic acid (C)- antioxidant and reducing agent involved in metabolic processes.
Vitamins of group B are produced in injectable form, as a rule, an ampoule contains 1 ml of a substance of 5% concentration. It is unacceptable to administer all vitamins at the same time on one day - each vitamin is administered sequentially on a separate day, adhering to the cycle. Injections are made intramuscularly, the introduction of B1 and B6 can be somewhat painful.
Diabeton MB is a pharmaceutical drug sold freely. One of the strongest anabolics. As a drug, it is used as a pancreatic stimulant in the complex treatment of diabetes mellitus. Bodybuilders use this drug to maintain a high level of anabolism in the offseason. In terms of effectiveness, it is close to insulin injections, and in terms of overall action, to methandrostenolone. The drug allows the athlete to quickly gain weight.
Available in the form of tablets of 30 mg. They start with a dose of 30 mg per day, which, if necessary, can be increased to 60 mg in the next course (the course lasts one and a half to two months). Diabeton MB should not be taken with other drugs. Take it with breakfast once a day. The anabolic effect of diabetone is to stimulate the production of one of the anabolic hormones - insulin. For the effective action of the drug, at least six meals a day with a small amount of fat and an increased amount of protein are recommended. While taking diabetone, low-calorie diets are prohibited in order to avoid the development of side effects of the drug, in particular, hypoglycemia.
Tamoxifen is classified as an antiestrogen. The drug is used by bodybuilders to increase the level of testosterone in the body, blocking estrogen. Tamoxifen is used in combination with other drugs for the most effective exposure to long-term courses, for at least 6-8 weeks. Tamoxifen becomes especially popular with bodybuilders during cutting, as it speeds up and enhances fat burning processes. In cases where an athlete has a tendency to water retention against the background of the use of anabolic steroids, tamoxifen becomes mandatory. The drug in bodybuilding is also valuable in that it allows the bodybuilder to effectively increase muscle density. Like any highly effective drug, tamoxifen has many side effects and contraindications, so it should be taken strictly as prescribed by a sports doctor.
Indications for taking glycerophosphate as a drug are overwork, dystrophy, rickets. For a bodybuilder, the drug is valuable in that it accelerates the absorption of protein and improves metabolism. Calcium glycerophosphate also helps to increase appetite. While taking the drug in the diet, it is necessary to limit fats, replacing them with proteins. It is recommended to take the drug in courses. There are no analogues of calcium glycerophosphate. The approximate daily dose of the drug is calculated based on the ratio of 100 mg for every 8 kilograms of weight. The daily dosage of Calcium Glycerophosphate is 1000 mg with a weight of 80 kg. It is divided into 5 doses of one tablet (200 mg). Time of taking the drug: morning 2 hours before training. The mass course lasts 1.5-2 months.
In terms of action, trimetazidine is close to the well-known mildronate, but much cheaper than the latter. The drug contributes to a greater delivery of oxygen to the cells, preserves the intracellular potential, counteracts the formation of free radicals, and increases the athlete's endurance. Taking the drug can significantly increase the load and intensity of training. Trimetazidine can be replaced with a similar agent containing, which, however, will not be an equivalent replacement in terms of effectiveness. It is possible to combine the drug with other drugs.
Vinpocetine is a drug that corrects cerebral circulation disorders. The active substance of the drug is apovincaminate. Vinpocetine has a direct effect on metabolic processes in the brain tissue. It has a vasodilating effect and improves the blood supply to the brain tissues. Vinpocetine increases the resistance of tissues to hypoxia, activates the utilization of glucose and the exchange of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain tissue. The drug prevents platelet aggregation, thereby reducing blood viscosity. Vinpocetine has a positive effect not only on the brain, but also on muscle tissues, contributing to their better supply of oxygen and nutrients. The drug is usually taken in a dose of 5 to 30 mg 30 minutes - an hour before training. Vinpocetine does not side effects classic "energy" in the form of insomnia or hand tremors.
The mechanism of action of metformin is based on its ability to suppress gluconeogenesis in the liver, prevent glucose absorption in the intestine and better utilize it in muscle tissues. Accelerates the process of transition of glucose into glycogen. Reduces appetite, thereby reducing or stabilizing weight. It does not have a hypoglycemic effect. Before use, the athlete should consult a doctor, as the drug has many contraindications and may have side effects.
A professional athlete not only needs to spend a lot of time in the gym to keep in top shape. In addition, it is important to eat right. It is a complete diet in conjunction with physical activity contributes to the establishment of many processes, including weight loss and weight gain.
Despite all the arguments of experts on healthy eating, with food a person does not receive the proper amount of trace elements and nutrients. Today we will talk about what vitamins for muscles are needed in the first place.
special diet
What causes muscle growth? We are accustomed to think that this is the merit of only physical effort. In fact, when the load increases, the muscles experience stress, and the fibers are torn. The resulting microtraumas are restored due to the protein that enters the body with food. And for the proper assimilation of protein, vitamins for muscles are necessary. Therefore, today we decided to talk in detail about which of them are most needed and important in order to get relief muscles.
Leading fitness trainers fully agree that in order to meet the daily requirement during intense loads, vitamins for muscles must be taken in the form of special balanced complexes. Otherwise, the effectiveness of classes will noticeably decrease as fatigue accumulates. Let's look at the main groups and the features of their application.
Reception features
Despite their apparent harmlessness, muscle vitamins can also harm the body, especially if consumed in too large quantities. Therefore, without an individual appointment, it is not recommended to use them. And to get maximum benefit from their reception, it is necessary to have certain knowledge. It will not be superfluous to get acquainted with the following classification:
- Water-soluble vitamins are B and C. Once in the body, they are instantly absorbed, and unclaimed residues are excreted. Therefore, even synthetic substances of this group do not threaten overdose. But the consumption of these elements is large, so the sources of these vitamins in the diet should be daily in excess.
- fat soluble vitamins. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that they can accumulate. On the one hand, this is a big plus, because the created reserve can be spent for quite a long time. On the other hand, there is a risk of overdose.
Let's now take a closer look at all the necessary vitamins for muscles.
Vitamin A
As the alphabet begins with this letter, so we also want to start our list with retinol. And how else, because vitamins A and E are the most important substances for growth. And our muscle tissue obeys the same laws as the entire body as a whole.
Basic A is protein synthesis. But that's not all. In the presence of a sufficient amount of this element in the diet, the production of glycogen is accelerated. As you know, this is a source of energy that the body consumes during the period of maximum physical exertion.
Athletes need to consume vitamins A and E in sufficiently large quantities, since physical activity significantly impairs its absorption. This is especially true for retinol. Most of the vitamin A that enters the body is excreted unchanged. It is important to know that there are also natural sources, of which there are quite a lot. These are milk and tomatoes, fish and melon, as well as all fresh herbs.
Fountain of youth and activity
Speaking of vitamins for muscle building, we must not forget about tocopherol. Vitamin E is the main element of beauty and activity. Without it you won't get required amount energy. If you decide to build muscle at an accelerated pace, then you definitely can’t do without it. It is tocopherol that regulates muscle activity. Moreover, it is a source of strength and energy, so necessary for athletes. Another one important function- this is the protection of cell membranes, which are also damaged during intense training. This is what muscle growth will depend on. However, you should not rely only on vitamins, you have a difficult and long work on each muscle group.
The main sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils. It is necessary to eat only unrefined product made by cold pressing. Additionally, you need to enrich your diet with peanuts and almonds, cereals and avocados, as well as leafy vegetables.
Sun's gift
In the summer, vitamin D is produced in our body by itself under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Its main function in the process of muscle growth is the normalization of the absorption of phosphorus and calcium. It is thanks to these elements that muscle contractions occur. The duration of strength training depends on their intensity.
Without a sufficient amount of vitamin D, muscle growth is significantly slowed down. In addition, the severe stress that the body is subjected to in the gym, significantly increase the risk of injury. Vitamins for strengthening muscles promote their growth and speedy recovery, and calcium strengthens the bone tissues that hold these muscles. In other words, in order to withstand increasing loads, the body needs more calcium, the absorption of which is much more efficient in combination with vitamin D.
To fully obtain vitamin D, you need to eat fatty fish, liver, eggs and mushrooms. And on sunny days, it is extremely important to be more in the fresh air.
B vitamins
When considering vitamins for muscle recovery, you need to Special attention be given to this particular water-soluble group. B vitamins have an extremely positive effect on all metabolic processes, including muscle growth. It is a key element for protein digestion and muscle building. Fitness trainers agree that it is best vitamins for muscles. It is they who take part in the production of energy, increase muscle excitability, accelerate the intensity of muscle contractions and help in building muscle mass.
Vitamin C
We finish listing the vitamins needed for muscles. And the list of the most useful substances includes ordinary ascorbic acid. It has a multifaceted effect on the body and is directly involved in the process of building muscle. It is thanks to vitamin C that the assimilation of protein that enters the body occurs. But that's not all. Ascorbic acid is involved in the formation of collagen, which strengthens connective tissue and restores joints that suffer from heavy loads. Vitamin C is found in almost all fruits and vegetables.
Choosing the right complex
Vitamins necessary for muscles must be supplied to our body daily along with the main food. However, under extreme loads, conventional power is not enough. Therefore, you have to supplement your diet with special complexes. And the very first in this group are zinc preparations. You can often find testosterone stimulants, or ZMAs, in sports stores. They include zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. But their price is inadequately high.
Alternatively, you can choose "Zincteral" One tablet provides the body with 45 mg of elemental zinc. And all other components of ZMA can be obtained from conventional vitamin-mineral complexes.
Sports nutrition at an affordable price
In specialized stores, everything is really very expensive. Therefore, learn to choose vitamins for muscles in a pharmacy. And the best of the modern complexes is "Elevit Pronatal". Yes, it is intended for pregnant women. That is why it contains a lot of macro and microelements, so necessary for growth. "Elevit Pronatal" contains macro and micronutrients that are important for muscle growth and development, such as pyridoxine hydrochloride, ascorbic acid, vitamin D, calcium and magnesium, iron and zinc. Athletes at high physical activity may take two tablets per day.
Universal drug "Vitrum"
As a rule, popular pharmacy complexes are not very suitable for athletes, as they are intended for people with normal physical activity. A pleasant exception is the relatively inexpensive and balanced Vitrum. It contains all the vitamins necessary for muscle growth, as well as an amazing set of minerals. The body with one tablet receives calcium and magnesium, potassium and iron, copper and zinc, chromium and manganese, tin and nickel, silicon and vanadium, phosphorus and molybdenum, selenium and iodine. The only drawback of this complex is the lack of iron. Athletes are advised to take two tablets per day at once, at lunch and dinner.
Alternative in today's market
If the complexes recommended above are not sold in neighboring pharmacies, or you do not have enough money to constantly take them, then you can choose more common and popular ones. This is the Russian Complivit. Good quality and the Czech drug "Duovit". However, he did not receive wide popularity among athletes because the tablets are very large, and they need to be taken two at a time.
Instead of a conclusion
If you choose the path of a professional athlete, then the issue of nutrition will be very acute for you. Only with a balanced diet is it possible to achieve the planned heights. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to buy expensive complexes in specialized departments. It is enough to maintain a varied menu, as well as take good vitamin and mineral complexes. And in your free time, sign up for the sports section and start working on your body. Very soon you will get the first results. They will be even higher if the program is developed by a professional trainer who can adequately assess the capabilities of your body and help you increase the load gradually, without unnecessary stress.
Pharmaceutical preparations for gaining muscle mass are used, paradoxically, quite often. Despite their low popularity in general in training practice, advanced athletes resort to their use almost everywhere. Even despite the fact that pharmaceutical preparations act exclusively as aids in weight gain, this in no way negates or reduces the effect of their intake, due to which, over time, their popularity in sports only grows.
Most athletes prefer to train naturally, namely, without the use of anabolic steroids. To increase the effectiveness of training and accelerate recovery processes, they often resort to the use of various sports supplements. For the same purpose, a number of medicines are widely used, which can be purchased at a regular pharmacy, and which are sold mainly without a prescription. But again, despite the fact that pharmaceutical preparations are relatively harmless and very affordable, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for use. And before you start taking it, consult your doctor about their use.
ADVICE. You can get acquainted with the main sports supplements that are used in sports in our article "". In it, for each supplement you will find a link to an extended article, and you will be able to get acquainted in more detail with what this or that sports supplement is. We also strongly recommend that you study the articles "" and "". And we generally recommend that you start reading this article after having previously studied the material "", since nutrition plays a primary role in this process, and sports supplements and pharmaceutical preparations fade into the background.
Since our task today is to consider pharmaceutical preparations under the prism of gaining muscle mass, this article will list only those that somehow affect its growth, regardless of the mechanism of action. Directly the principle of action and the nature of the effect on the body will be given for each drug in the appropriate paragraph. Also, according to all the traditions of describing pharmaceuticals, we will give contraindications, side effects, composition, form of release, and of course, we will pay attention first of all to the benefits and harms of pharmaceutical preparations.
IMPORTANT. This article is formed on the basis of materials from the book of the author Davidenko F. Yu. “ ANABOLISM PROFILES» .
diabeton
Among the drugs that are freely available, Diabeton has the strongest anabolic properties. In medicine, it is used to stimulate the pancreas during the treatment of diabetes. In sports, this pharmacy drug is used to maintain high level anabolism and muscle gain. This effect on the body is explained by the activation of the production of insulin, which is one of the main anabolic hormones. The power of its influence on the body is equal to the power of insulin injections. The overall effect is comparable to that of methandrostenolone (anabolic steroid). The drug is well suited for those who want to gain weight in a short time. On the course of taking Diabeton, appetite increases significantly, for this reason, the consumption of fatty foods should be minimized. The diet during this period should include as many protein-containing foods as possible.
Pharmacological group: oral antidiabetic drugs.
Active substance: gliclazide (English: Gliclazide).
Pharmachologic effect: activates the production of insulin, increases the sensitivity to insulin of target cells (liver, adipose tissue and muscles).
Tasks in sports: drug for active weight gain.
Compound: gliclazide - 30 mg or 60 mg. Additional components: maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, silicon dioxide.
Indications: Type II diabetes mellitus (insulin independent).
Contraindications: Type I diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent), lactation, severe infections, kidney and liver failure (severe degree).
Side effects: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, hypoglycemia, allergic reactions.
Interaction: enhance the effect of gliclazide: clofibrate, salicylates, phenylbutazone. Reduce the hypoglycemic effect of Diabeton: diuretics, progestogens, difenin.
Mode of application: orally.
Overdose: clinical manifestation - hypoglycemic coma.
Release form: tablets 30 mg and 60 mg, 15 pieces in a blister, 2 blisters in a pack.
Analogues: Glidab MR, Gliclazide MR.
Manufacturers:"Les Laboratoires Servier" (France), LLC "Serdiks" (Russia).
Shelf life: 3 years.
Storage conditions: store in a dry place, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
Summary. Like it or not, for all its positive qualities, the drug has one rather significant disadvantage. This is the risk of falling into a hypoglycemic coma, which, by the way, occurs only in the case of thoughtless use of the drug. On the one hand, if you follow all the prescribed recommendations, eat often and follow the duration of the course, no side effects occur. On the other hand, poor nutrition, overdosing or overdosing increases the likelihood of them occurring. As a rule, you can often find recommendations that you need to eat sweets at night during the intake courses so that hypoglycemia does not overtake you in your sleep. But do not be afraid, a critical condition occurs only when the dosage is significantly exceeded, which an experienced athlete, or at least a sane person, of course, will not allow. In addition, six meals a day and a uniform intake of carbohydrates create the most favorable conditions for the body during the course of taking the drug, and due to its anabolic properties, it is the best pharmacy drug in bodybuilding for building mass.
calcium glycerophosphate
In medicine, this drug is used in the treatment of dystrophy and excessive fatigue. It increases the degree of protein absorption and speeds up metabolism. During the period of taking this remedy, the appetite increases significantly, which means that the consumption of fatty, fried and starchy foods should be reduced. As many protein sources as possible should be added to the diet. As you already understood, in relation to sports, this pharmacy drug helps to gain muscle mass, which has earned it popularity, including among bodybuilders.
Pharmacological group: macro- and microelements.
Active substance: calcium glycerophosphate (English: Calcium glycerophosphate).
Pharmachologic effect: the drug enhances anabolic processes(protein synthesis), has a tonic effect, compensates for calcium deficiency.
Tasks in sports: the drug is used to gain muscle mass.
Compound: 1 tablet contains 0.2 or 0.5 g of the substance.
Indications: as a tonic and tonic (increasing the activity of the body) remedy for poor nutrition, overwork, exhaustion.
Contraindications: not identified.
Side effects: not identified.
Interaction: often prescribed with drugs - sources of iron.
Mode of application: orally.
Overdose: no cases were observed.
Release form: tablets of 0.5 g, in a blister of 10 pieces, in a pack of 2 blisters.
Analogues: not identified.
Manufacturers: JSC "Lugansk CPP" (Ukraine).
Shelf life: 5 years.
Storage conditions: in a dry place, out of the reach of children, at room temperature.
Summary. A unique product of its kind. Possessing an anabolic ability to enhance protein synthesis, firstly, it has no contraindications or side effects, and secondly, it has no analogues. And since calcium is almost of paramount importance in bodybuilding among other minerals, since it is the main mineral that carries out muscle contraction, it is apparently for this reason that calcium glycerophosphate has gained high popularity and is one of the best pharmaceutical preparations for muscle growth. in bodybuilding.
Potassium orotate
A metabolic agent that regulates and stimulates the flow of biochemical processes. It is used as a drug with an anabolic effect in violation of protein metabolism. Increases appetite (which helps when working "on the mass"), increases urination (which helps to get rid of excess fluid in the body), activates tissue regeneration processes (which speeds up recovery processes). Potassium orotate is a mineral salt found in all living organisms. Each molecule of a substance consists of molecules of orotic acid and potassium. Orotic acid is a biochemical substance necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. This pharmacy drug is widely used in sports to gain weight and increase strength, even taking into account the fact that its effectiveness is relatively low.
Pharmacological group: drugs that stimulate metabolic processes.
Active substance: orotic acid (English: Orotic acid).
Pharmachologic effect: has an anabolic effect in violation of protein metabolism. It also has a diuretic and regeneration-activating effect.
Tasks in sports: general anabolic (enhancing protein synthesis) effect. The drug helps to grow muscles and recover faster after training.
Compound: 1 tablet contains 0.5 g of the substance.
Indications: diseases of the liver and biliary tract caused by intoxications other than cirrhosis with ascites. Myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, etc.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug.
Side effects: allergic dermatoses.
Mode of application: orally.
Overdose: extremely rarely there is inflammation of the renal tubules and their death. Hormonal changes are possible. Long-term use causes weakening of the heart muscle.
Release form: tablets of 0.5 g in a pack of 30 pieces.
Analogues: Dioron, Potassium orotovy, Orotsid, Oro-pur.
Manufacturers: JSC "Avexima" (Russia), JSC "Pharmstandard" (Russia), "Dalkhimfarm" (Russia), "Irbitsky chemical pharmaceutical plant" (Russia), "Akrikhin" (Russia), PFC "Renewal" (Russia), etc.
Shelf life: 4 years.
Storage conditions: store in a dry place, out of the reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius.
Summary. Numerous experiments (on rats) have shown that when combined with other drugs, Potassium Orotate does reduce recovery time, however, no anabolic effects have been identified. In this regard, there is an opinion that its use in sports is ineffective, and in bodybuilding it is practically meaningless. However, the facts speak for themselves. The drug has been very popular in sports for more than a dozen years, moreover, it is among bodybuilders. Can experiments on rats be considered comparable to the response of an athlete to a drug? Hardly. Would it be so popular if it wasn't effective? I'm sure not. The facts speak for themselves. Among pharmaceutical preparations for weight gain, Potassium orotate has secured an honorable reputation.
Asparkam
A drug that regulates metabolism. It is able to quickly replenish the deficiency of potassium and magnesium in the body, as well as stabilize the electrolyte balance. The drug facilitates the transfer of potassium and magnesium into cells, which contributes to increased efficiency, and as a result, helps to build muscle mass faster. Magnesium, which takes part in protein metabolism and supplies energy in this process, gives the athlete the opportunity to effectively build muscles during training. The versatility of this pharmaceutical preparation lies in the fact that it can be used not only for weight gain, but also for weight loss with a correctly adjusted training and nutrition regimen. In addition, Asparkam prevents the occurrence of seizures and significantly increases the endurance of the athlete.
Pharmacological group: antiarrhythmic drugs in combinations.
Active substance: potassium and magnesium aspartate (English: Potassium aspartate and magnesium aspartate).
Pharmachologic effect: the drug eliminates electrolyte imbalance, magnesium and potassium deficiency, improves myocardial metabolism and coronary blood supply.
Tasks in sports: increases efficiency and endurance, helps fight convulsions. The drug is used both for gaining muscle mass and for weight loss.
Compound: 1 tablet contains 175 mg of potassium aspartate and 175 mg of magnesium aspartate. 1 ampoule of asparkam 10 ml contains 0.45 g of potassium aspartate and 0.4 g of magnesium aspartate.
Indications: is prescribed as an aid in chronic circulatory failure, as well as heart rhythm disturbances caused by potassium and magnesium deficiency.
Contraindications: acute and chronic renal failure, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, myocardial dysfunction, severe forms of myasthenia gravis.
Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence, dry mouth, decreased pressure.
Interaction: with the simultaneous use of asparkam with potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors, the risk of developing hyperkalemia increases.
Mode of application: oral, intravenous drip, intravenous bolus, or using a dosing device such as "Infusomat".
Overdose: hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia, which is manifested by redness of the face, thirst, disorders of the neuromuscular connection, arrhythmias, convulsions.
Release form: tablets - 10 and 50 pieces per pack. Ampoules - 5 or 10 pieces (5, 10 or 20 ml) in a cardboard box. Glass bottles of 400 ml with solution for infusion.
Analogues: Panangin, Asparkam-L, Potassium and magnesium asparaginate.
Manufacturers: OJSC "Avexima" (Russia), PFC "Obnovlenie" (Russia), "Irbit Chemical Pharmaceutical Plant" (Russia), "Pharmapol-Volga" (Russia), FC "Health" (Ukraine), etc.
Shelf life: depending on the form of release, about 2 years.
Storage conditions: store in a place protected from light and out of the reach of children at room temperature.
Summary. Asparkam also contains aspartate (aspartic acid) - a carrier of potassium and magnesium ions through cell membranes. Often, athletes increase the daily dosage above 6 tablets, but this does not lead to any significant increase in results. Excess potassium ions are excreted by the kidneys in the urine. For all its versatility, the drug does not have anabolic effects. Nevertheless, this pharmacy drug is quite suitable for gaining muscle mass, but only as part of a course, in conjunction with other drugs. However, even by itself, it is quite popular both among bodybuilders and among representatives of many other sports.
Riboxin
The drug activates biochemical processes, which, among other things, have a positive effect on the athlete's heart. It has antiarrhythmic, anabolic and other beneficial effects. By increasing the force of heart contractions, it helps to increase stroke volume. Riboxin inherently improves both the blood supply to the tissues of the whole body, and the heart in particular. While taking the drug, there is often an improvement in energy metabolism, the activity of many enzymes and metabolic processes in the myocardium. Another positive effect of its intake is the improvement of muscle tissue regeneration. But, despite all its positive qualities, Riboxin as a reducing agent is not the most the best choice, for this reason, for the purpose of building muscle mass, this pharmacy drug is recommended to be taken in combination with potassium orotate, which acts as a kind of amplifier.
Pharmacological group: drugs that affect predominantly the processes of tissue metabolism.
Active substance: inosine (English: Inosine).
Pharmachologic effect: the drug has an anabolic effect, participates in glucose metabolism and activates metabolic processes in the myocardium.
Tasks in sports: inosine is the precursor of ATP, the most important source of energy in bodybuilding. Improves blood circulation, energy metabolism, and muscle tissue regeneration.
Compound: 1 tablet of the drug contains 200 mg of inosine. Ampoules contain 20 mg / ml of the active substance - inosine.
Indications: coronary insufficiency, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, heart defects, coronary atherosclerosis, heart pathologies, cirrhosis of the liver.
Contraindications: gout, hypersensitivity to the drug, high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Side effects: in some cases, allergic reactions may occur: itching, urticaria, skin flushing. Rarely, there is an increase in the content of uric acid in the blood.
Interaction: when used as part of complex therapy, it enhances the effect of antianginal, antiarrhythmic and inotropic drugs.
Mode of application: oral, injection, intravenous (drip or jet).
Overdose: cases of drug overdose in clinical use have not been registered.
Release form: tablets of 20 mg, in a blister of 10 pieces, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 blisters in a pack. Solution for injection 2%: 10 ml of the solution contains 200 mg of inosine, in a package of 10 ampoules of 5 or 10 ml.
Analogues: Inosine, Inosine-F, Riboxin-Vero, Riboxin-Darnitsa, Riboxin-LekT, Riboxin-PNITIA, Riboxin-UVI, Ribonozin.
Manufacturers: CJSC Binnopharm (Russia), Irbitsky Chemical Pharmaceutical Plant (Russia), Dalchimpharm (Russia), Borisov Plant of Medical Preparations (Republic of Belarus).
Shelf life: depending on the form of issue, about 3 years.
Storage conditions: store in a dry place, out of the reach of children, hidden from direct sunlight, at a temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius.
Summary. Riboxin, due to its anabolic properties, is widely used in sports. Many sports supplements are also made with it. However, some clinical trials have shown that the use of Riboxin in sports does not lead to an improvement in performance and an increase in muscle mass. But again, the tests carried out do not cast doubt on the pharmacological effect of the drug, which means that if it has all the declared properties, then why should it be considered ineffective in sports? Tests are always carried out under strictly defined laboratory conditions, but in reality, the conditions of training and the factors influencing it are different for each person, and therefore the effectiveness of the reception will be different. But to say that the drug is useless in sports, I think it is not entirely correct. Of course, we will not question the results of clinical trials, just as they do not question the pharmacological effect of the drug, but I think you get the point. All you need to know is that among bodybuilders who use this drug for mass gain, Riboxin is very popular. It would hardly be possible if the drug was a dummy. Draw your own conclusions.
Fish fat
The drug is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. The main beneficial components of fish oil are Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A and D. Fish oil is of key importance in bodybuilding. Without a sufficient intake of Omega-3 in the body, it is quite difficult to achieve the desired results in gaining muscle mass and increasing strength. With a lack of essential fatty acids, the results and achievements of the athlete will always be lower than they could be with the use of fish oil. Accordingly, the course of pharmaceutical preparations for weight gain must necessarily be supplemented with sources of fish oil in any form of release.
Pharmacological group: vitamins, vitamin-like substances and drugs that mainly affect the processes of tissue metabolism.
Active substance: fish oil (English: Fish oil).
Pharmachologic effect: hypolipidemic, antiplatelet, see summary below.
Tasks in sports: accelerating the growth of lean muscle mass and reducing body fat, increasing overall tone and endurance, enhancing the production of hormones, including testosterone.
Compound: depending on the manufacturer, 1 capsule contains 100/250/500/790 or 850 mg of the active substance. Capsule shell: gelatin, glycerol, sorbitol, water.
Indications: for the prevention and treatment of hypo- and beriberi. As a general tonic, to accelerate the healing of bone fractures.
Contraindications: individual intolerance.
Side effects: gastrointestinal disorders - nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea.
Interaction: without features.
Mode of application: orally.
Overdose: indigestion.
Release form: transparent gelatin capsules, 10 pieces in a blister, 5, 7 or 10 blisters in a pack.
Analogues: fish oil from cod, pike, crucian carp, perch, catfish, haddock, blue whiting, grenadier.
Manufacturers: Teva (Israel), Teva Private Co. LTD (Hungary), Del Rios (Russia).
Shelf life: 2 years.
Storage conditions: store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius.
Summary. As we have said, Omega-3 fatty acids have a wide range of positive effects that are of fundamental importance in bodybuilding. Here are some of them: increasing the metabolic rate, accelerating the growth of muscle mass and reducing the content of adipose tissue. Increased susceptibility to insulin, improved blood circulation. The drug increases the overall tone and increases endurance, reduces catabolism and accelerates recovery. Improves brain function, improves mood. The medulla is composed of 60% fat, and especially needs Omega-3 fatty acids. It is an excellent source of energy that does not create the risk of increasing adipose tissue. It enhances the production of hormones in the body, including the most important testosterone in bodybuilding, and at the same time, prevents the secretion of harmful cortisol. Fish oil, as a drug for muscle growth, is of exceptional importance. It can rightly be called magical, and if you want a miraculous substance that is of great help in the process of building muscles.
Hematogen
A product known to us since childhood, which many took for an ordinary delicacy. It is made from dried blood of cattle and is successfully used to prevent iron deficiency, restore metabolic processes, stimulate the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the body, and, among other things, is a source of essential amino acids, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Thanks to such a rich composition, this pharmaceutical preparation, so to speak, is excellent for gaining mass, especially since all these components are in the hematogen in a state close to the composition of our blood.
The blood that is used to prepare the hematogen is processed to exclude infections and subjected to defibration: the fibrin protein falls out in the form of fibers from the blood when it is shaken. Defibrated blood does not clot, and the erythrocytes remain suspended in the serum. To give taste, condensed milk, molasses, sucrose and vanillin are added to the product.
Pharmacological group: Dietary supplements are products of plant, animal or mineral origin.
Active substance: hematogen (English: Haematogenum).
Pharmachologic effect: the drug increases the content of hemoglobin in the blood and improves the morphological characteristics of red blood cells.
Tasks in sports: used for weight gain, as a source of fast carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and amino acids in the optimal ratio for the body.
Compound: active substance- ferrous ferrous sulphate (iron sulfate hepathydrate). Also black food albumin, condensed milk, molasses, sucrose, vanillin.
Indications: It is used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for malnutrition, low blood hemoglobin, after severe infectious diseases.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, violation of carbohydrate metabolism, diabetes, obesity, anemia.
Side effects: nausea, diarrhea.
Mode of application: orally.
Overdose: see side effects.
Release form: bars, chewable lozenge, 50 or 30 g, divided into 10 or 6 plates.
Analogues: Hematogen C (as part of vitamin C), Hematogen L (as part of lysine).
Manufacturers: Pharm-Pro (Russia), PKP Fakel-Design (Russia), Siberian Health 2000 (Russia), Gemakon (Russia), Geness LLC (Russia), Renaissance and Development (Russia) ).
Shelf life: 6 months
Storage conditions: store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Summary. This product(or pharmacy drug) is very popular in sports in general. As for its use in bodybuilding, the fact that hematogen is a source of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins, of course, indicates that in this sport, from the point of view of gaining muscle mass, it is especially relevant. Everyone will draw conclusions about the advisability of its use, but taking into account the fact that even children's forms of hematogen are produced, it is not only safe for use, but rather, on the contrary, it is strongly recommended, again, subject to all the conditions for its use.
Conclusion
In sports practice, the use of pharmaceutical drugs to improve performance is a common phenomenon. In bodybuilding, the use of pharmaceutical preparations for gaining muscle mass is the prerogative of mainly advanced athletes. Beginners in this sport, as a rule, are limited to taking sports supplements, advanced athletes supplement the intake of sports supplements with the use of pharmacy "accelerators". Professionals and performing athletes often use more potent substances, which we will discuss in a separate series of articles. Now, summing up, it is necessary to focus on the fact that pharmaceutical preparations are nothing more than “small helpers” that work exclusively in conjunction with a well-composed diet and the same well-structured training process. Under these conditions, they work for you, in any other case, they are capable of harming you. It is for this reason that their use should be taken seriously and, above all, consult a doctor.
There are several substances that the male body needs to get better.
Minerals for Weight Gain
Vitamin complexes for men
If a man set out to increase his body weight and decided to take vitamins and minerals, then it is best to choose a nominal vitamin complex. Of course, you can buy vitamins separately, but special complexes are still preferable.
This can be explained by the fact that in such preparations vitamins or minerals are selected in the correct ratio. In addition, some substances are not absorbed together with others, and in the vitamin complex all this is taken into account. Such complex additives are divided into sports nutrition and pharmacy products.
IMPORTANT! Before choosing a vitamin complex, you need to visit a doctor, as well as take a blood test and check the functioning of the kidneys and liver.
Pavel Burdenko, urologist, doctor of medical sciences, tells about the Urotrin vitamin complex:
"Hello, dear men! Vitamin complex for men Urotrin is an excellent tool for dealing with male problems: stress at work, overweight, impotence, prostatitis, premature ejaculation and many others! Remember that we have one health, and without it a man cannot can be called such. Therefore, start taking care of it before it lets you down. "Urotrin" is an excellent assistant to men's health at any age!"
Sports nutrition
The range of sports nutrition is constantly growing, which indicates the quality and effectiveness of such products. There are among such products and complexes that are aimed specifically at gaining mass. Here we will consider the most popular brands of vitamins of this kind.
IMPORTANT! The use of such funds should always be combined with proper nutrition and sports training.
Pharmacy funds
Vitamins that will help a man increase body weight can be bought not only in stores, but also in pharmacies. Moreover, most often such funds are cheaper than sports supplements.
Useful video
See more in the video about without which vitamin it is almost impossible to gain weight:
In order to gain weight, a man needs to exercise and eat right. Also, it will not be superfluous to consult an endocrinologist. But reception vitamin complexes containing the elements listed in this article will definitely not hurt a man.
Whatever type of sports activity you do - running, basketball, gymnastics or powerlifting - you will not be able to succeed without a properly composed one. Right choice products, vitamins and nutritional supplements will guarantee that the body will be supplied with the necessary and building materials for an intense workout, followed by high-quality recovery and strengthening of the entire muscle volume of your body.
Nutrition for successful workouts
Athletics, running
Be sure to eat enough amount of proteins: they will be used as building materials to restore the structure of cells, the synthesis of hormones and antibodies. If there is too little protein in the diet, this can cause the destruction of muscle tissue cells, disruption of hormone production, and a drop in performance. 
As the main energy sources it is recommended to choose carbohydrates, but remember: unutilized energy reserves (glycogen) are stored in the liver, and subsequently deposited as fat reserves. Fats, being integral part cell membranes, also perform construction and energy function.
Before training (maximum one and a half hours), you should take a serving easily digestible carbohydrates(e.g. energy bars or banana milk smoothie). Fibrous carbohydrates (vegetables, grain bread, cereals) are best consumed after a workout, or long before it, as such foods are hard on the stomach and can cause discomfort or pain when jogging.
Power training
The nutrition of an athlete during strength training should be strictly balanced and as often as possible (moderate portions every four hours). Each serving should contain complete proteins, slow carbohydrates and healthy fats. An hour and a half before the start of the workout, you can eat a serving of slow carbohydrates ( oatmeal, a sandwich from whole grain bread), after training - a protein shake (powdered, from a sports nutrition store, or prepared by yourself - milk, egg whites).
The diet of a person involved in weight training must strictly meet the set goals:
- If a person is -, then full-fledged high-quality proteins, slow carbohydrates and some unsaturated fats should prevail in his diet.
- If you are aiming to gain "mass" (increase the volume of muscle tissue) - let's say a small surplus of carbohydrates and proteins.
The goal is weight loss
Regardless of the type of training, if your first priority is to lose weight, you must strictly follow the rules below:
- Mandatory calorie deficit- there are online calculators and tables for calculating the daily calorie content of a person based on his physical parameters, frequency and severity of loads. Your task is to consume the resulting calorie value minus 10-15%, in which case you will be provided with a slow and correct weight loss without deplorable health consequences;
- Choose useful and high-quality products, get rid of the unnecessary: confectionery sweets, cakes and pastries, sausages, fatty sauces and semi-finished products, in addition to high calorie content, contain a lot of harmful components, dyes and preservatives;
- After any workout (be it a long run or a set of exercises with dumbbells), refrain from eating for a couple of hours, at which time the body will expend adipose tissue as an energy source.
Vitamins and minerals for runners
Providing the body essential substances(such as calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, vitamins A, C, E, the whole group B) has an extremely important role: it ensures good sports performance and maintains health. The best option is to get these substances from a balanced and varied diet, for this you need:
- Accompany each meal with vegetables and fruits (best seasonal);
- Do not exclude certain food groups from your diet;
- Eat a variety of foods and try different food combinations.
For runners, it is especially important to make up for the lack of the following minerals in a timely manner:
- Calcium and phosphorus are essential for bone health. Best source of these minerals- dairy products (cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt, milk), nuts, fish, leafy greens. On the recommendation of a doctor, you can also take pharmacy preparations containing vitamin and mineral complexes.
- Iron is required for the synthesis of healthy immune and blood cells (such as, for example, hemoglobin, the main oxygen carrier). Natural sources of iron- liver, egg yolk, green apples, prunes.
What complexes can runners take? Due to the specifics of the load when running, it is recommended to take such vitamin preparations how:
- Venotonics - drugs that restore the tone of venous vessels, are a means of preventing the occurrence of varicose veins, blood clots. Contain vitamin C, zinc, rutin, plant extracts of grape leaves, chestnut.
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids - a healing elixir: Omega acids are part of the intra-articular lubrication, thus, in the event of diseases associated with the destruction of cartilage, osteoporosis, inflammation of the joints, it is extremely important to take this supplement.
- Glucosamine-chondroitin complex has chondroprotective properties: it slows down the processes of destruction and degeneration of cartilage tissue, has anti-inflammatory effect, helps to restore joints after sports injuries, promotes the full deposition of calcium in bone tissues.
What vitamins are used for muscle growth
Intensive power training increase the body's need for nutrition, essential vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers of sports nutrition and nutritional supplements offer a wide range of beautiful jars with multivitamin and mineral complexes.
As a rule, such complexes have a very high cost. Is it possible to pick up vitamins for muscle growth in a regular pharmacy? It is possible, below is a list of those vitamins and minerals, which play a major role in building muscle mass.
- Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine - is important for the full metabolism of proteins and essential fatty acids, contributes to the high-quality utilization of carbohydrates. Food sources containing vitamin B6 are bananas, beef, veal, peanuts, avocados;
- Vitamin B1 or thiamine - functions as an enzyme in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates for energy production, it is also necessary for the normal transmission of nerve impulses. Found in legumes, meat, nutritional yeast;
- Vitamin B12 - cobalamin. Plays an important role in cell division by stimulating the growth of nerve cells. It is found in animal products - meat, milk, cheese;
- Antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, copper, zinc, selenium) - protect the connective tissue, maintain the elasticity of the skin and ligaments, stimulate immune processes, help the body fight free radicals that can form during exercise and start the process of oxidation and destruction of body cells. Best food sources of antioxidants: carrots, citrus fruits, egg yolk, broccoli, seafood, kiwi, nuts;
- Coenzyme Q10 is a lipid involved in the process of energy production. By improving the quality of oxygen at the cellular level, it can improve aerobic performance. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart muscle;
- Folic acid (folacin, vitamin Bc) helps in the process of cell formation for protein synthesis. Found in green leafy vegetables, grains and legumes.
Doctors recommend to always navigate to food sources: food is the best supplier of vitamins and minerals. Qualitatively verified diet with the necessary content of meat, fish, cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products - The best way achieve your sporting goals and maintain your health. If you think that your nutrition needs support, you can take additional vitamin and mineral complexes with food.
Before choosing from the many presented drugs the one that you think is right for you, you need to consult a general practitioner, if necessary, take tests to control the content of certain substances in the blood, as well as eliminate the risk of side effects.
Video. Preparations for ligaments and joints
