Supplements Reviews

Reviews of Some of the Best Dietary Supplements

Supplements Reviews Overview

Supplements are called supplements for a reason. They are to be used as supplements to your food intake. The primary use of dietary supplements should be to fill the void left by any nutrient deficiency which may exist in your diet.

Keep in mind that proper nutrition is far more important than your intake of dietary supplements. Before you can choose a dietary supplement which is right for you, you should have a balanced and healthy diet, because if you practice poor nutrition, the effects of your dietary supplements will not be as effective.

A naysayer of dietary supplements will tell you that you can get all the nutrients you need from your diet or even that supplements are simply “expensive urine.” This is absolutely false in my opinion. Firstly, the nutrient requirements of active individuals is vastly different from their sedentary counterparts, and secondly, not everybody is interested in just getting by.

So while supplements are not magic pills that will solve all your problems, proper supplementation can help you achieve your specific fitness goals faster and more efficiently.

A Quick Word About our Supplements Reviews & Ratings

Since all supplements are goal specific, you may see a supplement get a high rating and a low rating. For example, diet pills are great for weight loss, but for muscle building, they are not. Pick your primary goal and focus your training, nutrition, and supplementation to get the best, quickest, and longest lasting results.

Honest Supplement Reviews, Recommendations, and Ratings From a Real Professional Personal Fitness Trainer

Lasting Results from Proven Supplements!

The personal trainers on AskTheTrainer.com have been involved with the fitness industry their entire professional career, constantly preaching the importance of proper nutrition and training first, with the use of dietary supplements for a synergistic effect.

I personally refuse to succumb to the hyped marketing of many dietary supplements, which include fast results. Unless noted, we only recommend scientifically proven supplements as they are best for your long term health and performance.

After you’ve checked out the supplements reviewed on this page, if you still have some questions about which supplement is right for you and your health & fitness goals, you may also want to check out the Ask The Trainer Supplements Questions and Answers page for some Q&A and for links to other key supplement resources on AskTheTrainer.

Want to know more about how our supplement ratings are broken down? Click Here to Learn About the Supplement Ratings

Supplements Selection Menu – Select A Supplement Type

| Weight Loss | Muscle Building | Pre-Workout / Performance |

| General Health | Joint Health | Post Workout | Hardcore |

Weight Loss Supplements Reviews / Ratings

Lipo-6 Fat Burner

Who Should Take it
Lipo-6 is one of the most popular fat burners on the market for 1 reason and 1 reason only. It combines all the ingredients which stimulate the metabolism, energize the body, and suppress the appetite to accelerate fat burning. If you have tried exercise and diet alone with no results or have a specific time frame to lose some weight or tone up, you mat want to try Lipo-6.

Who Should Not Take it
Lipo-6 is heavily depends on stimulants to achieve its effects. Anyone who is sensitive to stimulants should avoid any of these thermogenic fat burner products. Sedentary people with a poor diet should avoid any diet pills if they do not exercise. Athletes who perform high intensity cardio exercise should not take lipo-6 near their workout times.

What to Expect
Lipo-6 gives you a very large energy boost due to its caffeine and other stimulant content. If you are not sensitive to caffeine you can look forward to increase energy throughout the day due to its time-release mechanism along with decreased appetite. Do not take this product for extended periods of time and read the label thoroughly before use.

Online Vendor	Lipo-6 Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Lipo-6	A+

Myoplex RTD Carb Sense

Who Should Take it
Anyone who is looking to add extra protein, vitamins and minerals to their diet should consider Myoplex RTD Carb control. If your diet already has sufficient carbohydrates, Myoplex RTD carb control is a great way to get your protein without added calories from carbohydrates. Anyone who is looking to add very convenient protein to their diet as you can drink the shake without any messy shakers or blenders. RTD means Ready To Drink so if you don’t have time to mix a shake this is perfect for you.

Who Should Not Take it
Anyone not looking to reduce carb intake.

What to Expect
Myoplex carb control is a protein and low carb meal supplement. Don’t expect any miraculous energy boosts. What you can expect is a very convenient and healthy way to curb cravings and supplement your diet with the protein which lacking. Protein is the most satiating nutrient so your appetite will naturally decrease when you supplement with Myoplex carb control.

Online Vendor	Myoplex Low Carb RTD Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Myoplex RTD	A+

Myoplex Original Packets

Who Should Take it
Anyone who has an active lifestyle and is trying to lose weight should consider Myoplex original. If you find it hard to create time for a balanced healthy, high protein and nutrient meals throughout the day, Myoplex original is the perfect solution as each packet is like consuming a healthy meal with a multivitamin.

Who Should Not Take it
Myoplex original packet contains over 270 calories. If you already eat 5-6 small nutritious, balanced meals per day Myoplex may be simply extra calories. If you are sedentary, Myoplex original is not for you.

What to Expect
Since Myoplex original is a meal replacement, don’t expect any fast energy kick or miraculous weight loss. What you can expect is a very satiating meal replacement with all the nutrients you need. Taking 2-3 Myoplex shakes a day will definitely decrease the chances of binging later at night and overeating in meals which will help you lose weight the proper way so you will not gain it back.

Online Vendor	Myoplex Original Packets Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Myoplex Original Packets	A+

Myoplex Lite Packets

Who Should Take it
Anyone who is looking for a convenient meal replacement. Myoplex lite packets contain around 200 calories which is perfect for anyone looking to add high quality nutrition without excess calories. Myoplex lite is also great for a post workout recovery.

Who Should Not Take it
If you already consume 4-6 small nutritious, balanced meals and snacks per day you have no need for excess calories.

What to Expect
The CE2 package makes some seriously outlandish claims. While you may not experience exactly what the label says you will definitely feel an energy and strength boost for any exercises under 30 seconds.

Online Vendor	MyoPlex Lite Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Myoplex Lite Packets	A+

alli

Who Should Take it
Alli is the only over-the-counter FDA approved weight loss supplement. Alli is designed for people who are significantly over weight. If you are more than 20 pounds overweight and have had trouble losing weight in the past, alli may be the supplement which puts you over the hump.

Who Should Not Take it
If you have not attempted to lose weight in the past with proper diet and exercise, alli is NOT the first thing you should try.

What to Expect
Alli does not work by giving you an energy boost or suppressing your appetite. When you are on alli, you will eat your normal diet but will not absorb all your fat calories. If you still consume high amounts of fat while taking alli, you may experience unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects so make sure you read about the product carefully before considering starting alli.

Online Vendor	Alli Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Various Packs of alli	A+

Muscle Building Supplements Reviews / Ratings

BSN Syntha-6

Who Should Take it
Syntha-6 is great for anyone who wants to add protein in their diet. It is especially designed for people who are on low calorie diets because it consists of multiple time released proteins. It is also great to take before bedtime because it will break down slowly over night and help you maintain your muscle mass and metabolic rate.

Who Should Not Take it
Syntha-6 is not designed for post-workout energy consumption. If you are getting a protein supplement for post-workout recovery consumption check out After Max or other post-workout supplements.

What to Expect
Like all protein supplements you can expect solid results in time if you use Syntha-6 properly. Use it as part of a complete diet and exercise program and you will get results. Syntha-6 is designed to satiate you so when you supplement a meal/snack with it, expect to not be hungry anytime soon, which will help control overeating while giving you a solid boost to your protein intake.

Online Vendor	Syntha-6 Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein Powder	A+

Creatine CE2 Hi-Def

Who Should Take it
Anyone who is looking to increase their maximal strength should consider taking Creatine Ethyl Ester (CEE) products. MRI was the original company to produce a CEE product and this product will not disappoint anyone who uses it as directed which also includes taking too many supplements at one time.

Who Should Not Take it
Creatine Ethyl Ester (CEE) is not going to help you with endurance activities. If your primary goal is to improve your performance in long duration activities MRI CE2 is not for you.

What to Expect
The CE2 package makes some seriously outlandish claims. While you may not experience exactly what the label says you will definitely feel an energy and strength boost for any weight training exercises under 30 seconds and be able to increase your maximal strength rather quickly.

Online Vendor	Creatine Ethyl Ester Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Creatine Ethyl Ester	A+

L-Glutamine Powder

Who Should Take it
L-glutamine is a supplement which as been studied extensively for a variety of uses. One of the most common uses is among bodybuilders, strength athletes and athletes who compete in weight class events for maintaining muscle mass through weight cutting diets. L-Glutamine is the most abundant free form amino acid in your muscles.

Who Should Not Take it
L-Glutamine is a supplement with few side effects. You should not take L-Glutamine if you experience any side effect which you attribute to L-Glutamine supplementation.

What to Expect
L-Glutamine is known to increase the muscle pump you get while weight training. You can also expect less loss of muscle mass during periods of intense dieting and weight cutting.

Online Vendor	Glutamine Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	L-Glutamine Powders	A+

BSN NO-Xplode

Who Should Take it
If you already have a high calorie and protein diet, NO-Xplode could help you build muscle and is definitely worth a try.

Who Should Not Take it
Anyone who is sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants should avoid NO-Xplode. Needless to say, anyone who recently ingested caffeine or drinks many caffeinated beverages per day should not take NO-Xplode. You can however purchase NO-Xplode in a caffeine free version, so you may want to check out this option if you are sensitive to caffeine.

What to Expect
NO-Xplode is a supplement which is primarily for increasing workout intensity. Granted increased workout intensity can help with muscle building NO-Xplode alone is not the best supplement to take to build muscle. You can expect intense workouts, heavier lifting, and better stamina when you ingest NO-Xplode as directed.

Online Vendor	NO-Xplode Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	NO-Xplode	A+

Optimum Whey Protein Blend

Who Should Take it
L-glutamine is a supplement which as been studied extensively for a variety of uses. One of the most common uses is among bodybuilders, strength athletes and athletes who compete in weight class events for maintaining muscle mass through weight cutting diets. L-Glutamine is the most abundant free form amino acid in your muscles.

Who Should Not Take it
L-Glutamine is a supplement with few side effects.

What to Expect
The CE2 package makes some seriously outlandish claims. While you may not experience exactly what the label says you will definitely feel an energy and strength boost for any exercises under 30 seconds.

Online Vendor	Optimum Whey Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Optimum Whey Protein Powders	A+

Myoplex Deluxe Packets

Who Should Take it
L-glutamine is a supplement which as been studied extensively for a variety of uses. One of the most common uses is among bodybuilders, strength athletes and athletes who compete in weight class events for maintaining muscle mass through weight cutting diets. L-Glutamine is the most abundant free form amino acid in your muscles.

Who Should Not Take it
L-Glutamine is a supplement with few side effects.

What to Expect
The CE2 package makes some seriously outlandish claims. While you may not experience exactly what the label says you will definitely feel an energy and strength boost for any exercises under 30 seconds

Online Vendor	Myoplex Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Myoplex Deluxe Meal Replacement Packets	A+

Pre-Workout Performance Supplements Reviews / Ratings

BSN NO-Xplode

Who Should Take it
Anyone who wants to have incredible workout intensity, stamina and strength during weight training training sessions and accepts the cons of taking NO-Xplode (below).

Who Should Not Take it
Anyone who is sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants should avoid NO-Xplode. Needless to say,anyone who recently ingested caffeine or drinks many caffeinated beverages per day should not take NO-Xplode.

What to Expect
NO-Xplode is “rocket fuel” for the human body. The first time you take it you will experience and incredible energy and strength boost. It is not uncommon to be able to increase each lift by 25% on the first try! With the positives comes many negatives. Since NO-Xplode is heavy on stimulants you will develop a tolerance to it. Stop taking it and you are likely to develop withdrawal symptoms. Some people also experience the jittery side effects of caffeine and upset stomach.

Online Vendor	BSN NO-Xplode Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	NO-Xplode	A+

Cytosport Cytomax

Who Should Take it
If you are training in endurance exercise, Cytomax is a great way to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes during exercise and also post workout. If you have not eaten a proper pre-workout meal, Cytomax is a great thing to have before or during a weight training workout.

Who Should Not Take it
Cytomax is not something you should drink throughout the day. Do not take Cytomax if you are sedentary unless you are trying to get fat. If you are full when you workout, Cytomax during your competition will cause stomach distress.

What to Expect
Some Cytomax flavors contain guarana the herbal form of caffeine and you will feel an increased energy while ingesting the caffeine enriched flavors of Cytomax. The regular Cytomax is associated with increased endurance and less chance of “bonking” during activities where lack of carbohydrate may be a concern.

General Health Supplements Reviews / Ratings

Animal Pak

Who Should Take it
Anyone who trains often and maintains an active lifestyle can benefit from Animal Pak’s quality vitamins and minerals. Animal Pak has a long term following as it been around for 25 years!

Who Should Not Take it
Sedentary people and people who do not exercise.

What to Expect
Animal Pak has been around for 25 years because Universal constantly adds the effective ingredients which are discovered over time. Animal Pak can be used with weight loss or weight gain programs as it helps your body recover properly from your training program.

Opti- Men Mutivitamin

Who Should Take it
Any active men who don’t eat more than 10 servings of different fruits and vegetables at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. Opti- Men is specially formulated for men with supplement which help the male reproductive system such as saw palmetto and lycopene.

Who Should Not Take it
Women. Men who are sedentary should not take unless they want “expensive urine”. People who are not disciplined to take 3 tablets a day instead of the popular 1-a-day vitamins which are less effective.

What to Expect
Multivitamins are not glamorous. Take them and you will get the results you deserve with all your hard work in the gym and at the healthy dinner table.

Opti- Women Mutivitamin

Who Should Take it
Any active women who don’t eat more than 10 servings of different fruits and vegetables at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day, aka every active woman.

Who Should Not Take it
Men. Women who are sedentary should not take unless they want “expensive urine”. Women who are not disciplined to take 2 capsules a day instead of the popular 1-a-day vitamins which are less effective.

What to Expect
Multivitamins are not glamorous. Take them and you will get the results you deserve with all your hard work in the gym and at the healthy dinner table.

Now Super Omega 3, 6 9

Who Should Take it
Any man or woman who follows a low fat diet and does not consume fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel and flax seeds on a daily basis.

Who Should Not Take it
Anyone with problems with the blood such as blood clots or hemophilia.

What to Expect
The proper balance between essential fatty acids is associated with clearer thinking, optimal metabolism, clearer skin and a host of other benefits. Definitely worth including in any healthy lifestyle.

Myoplex Original RTD

Who Should Take it
Anyone who needs a complete meal replacement with tons of vitamins and minerals in a convenient ready to drink package. Anyone who needs a meal replacement to obtain the 4-6 small meals every day.

Who Should Not Take it
If you already have 4-6 small meals a day or are sedentary, Myoplex is simply another way to get the excess calories you don’t need. Compulsive overeaters should not get this product because it is very easy to consume too many because of the convenience.

What to Expect
If you are an active individual and consume a healthy diet, expect your exercise program to make great progress and you will get in the best shape of your life with the help of Myoplex.

Joint Health Injury Prevention Supplements Reviews / Ratings

Animal Flex

Who Should Take it
Anyone who is concerned with their joint and ligament health.

Who Should Not Take it
Anyone who has never had issues with joint and ligaments and sedentary people.

What to Expect
Animal flex packets by Universal have the complete combination of supplements which are supposed to help with joints including MSM, Hyalurnonic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin. There is debate to whether these products are effective or not but you can expect to see a difference for the better in a month or so.

Post Workout Supplements Reviews / Ratings

After MAX

Who Should Take it
If you work out intensely weight training for extended periods of time, After Max is a great post workout nutrition option which will help you make gains and let your muscle recover optimally regardless if you are trying to lose weight, build muscle or just maintain.

Who Should Not Take it
If you are sedentary and do not exercise vigorously there is not point to consuming After Max.

What to Expect
After Max will help you recover from your weight training workouts more efficiently and coupled with proper diet you will be able to accomplish a variety of fitness goals with After Max supplementation for post-workout.

Online Vendor	After Max Supplement Deals	Rating
Amazon.com	Optimum After Max	A+

N-Large 2

Who Should Take it
If you workout hard for 30-90 minutes a session N-Large 2 is a perfect way to ensure your training does not go to waste by giving your muscles more than enough easily digested nutrients.

Who Should Not Take it
If you are sedentary and/or are trying to severely reduce your caloric intake, N-large 2 is not for you.

What to Expect
N-large 2 is essentially a weight gainer which means it has a ton of calories from carbohydrate and protein primarily. You can expect to properly maintain your muscle mass and make constant gains in your training while consuming N-Large 2 after your workouts.

Hardcore Stacks Supplement Ratings

Mega Weight Loss Stack

Who Should Take it
If you are a hardcore bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast who is looking to get ripped the Mega Weight Loss stack offers supplements which attack fat loss 3 different ways.

Who Should Not Take it
If you are sedentary or have just started training, the mega weight loss stack is not for you.

What to Expect
The Mega Weight Loss Stack will change how you feel because the supplements stimulate your metabolism as well as your thyroid to increase your metabolism. Expect a suppressed appetite, more energy and increased fat burning while taking this stack with a proper exercise and nutrition program.

Mega Muscle Stack

Who Should Take it
Anybody who is looking to increase muscle mass as much as possible.

Who Should Not Take it
Anyone not looking to gain weight. People who want to tone up while not building any more muscle.

What to Expect
Expect tremendous workouts and increased muscle mass along with a hyper-caloric diet and full body weight training program.

How to Make Informed Choices about Dietary Supplements?

Use High Quality Information Sources for Supplements Recommendations, Ratings & Reviews

Please don’t buy into the hype which is displayed in fitness magazines, television commercials, on advertisements at your local health food store. Learn from a professional personal trainer all about products which either can help you or will waste you hard earned money.

Overall Health & Wellness Articles

• Best Natural Vitamin Supplement
  A good multivitamin supplement can help you get all the needed micronutrients which your body needs for most metabolic processes. If you think you get 100% of the nutrients your active body needs from your diet, your mistaken.

• Best Antioxidant Supplements
  Antioxidant are very beneficial for anybody who does a lot of aerobic activities. The best supplement recommendations to fight free radicals.

• Best Calcium Supplement
  Unless you eat a lot of dairy products, the best calcium supplement will help you keep your bones and teeth healthy as well as prevent bone loss. If you think you don’t need to take a calcium supplement think again. Read why.

Weight Loss / Toning Articles

• Weight Loss Supplements
  The dietary supplement industry would be nowhere without the huge weight loss supplement market.

Muscle Building Articles

• Best Muscle Building Supplement
  Would you like to put on a few pounds of lean mass? The supersaturated market for muscle building supplements has created some products which carry incredible claims.

• Best Protein Supplement
  Protein is the most important supplement for building many different structures in the human body including hair, skin, cells and of course muscles.

Supplements Reviews Guide

All Ratings are Goal Specific

Each supplement is only as beneficial as the goal it can help you achieve. You will see the same supplement get different ratings in different categories because of this. Remember, supplements will only help you get faster, and better results if you use them as directed along with a structured exercise and nutrition regimen.

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