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Protein Supplements

Protein supplements are popular in bodybuilding, and also in sports such as wrestling where weight is a key factor in success. The theory is that by taking an increased amount of protein a bodybuilder can increase the amount of muscle they put on in a workout session. This area of medicine is not well regulated, and misinformation abounds. Urban myths surround certain substances that have little if any empirical background, and are sometimes empirically demonstrated to be false.

In their most common form protein supplements are a powder that body builders mix with water or milk and drink before or during a workout. Proteins are the only substances a body can metabolize and turn into muscle mass. The body does this by breaking down proteins found in animals and plants into their base amino acid form. These amino acids are sent to the muscles where are they recombined to form the human muscle proteins.

The myths surrounding protein supplements are partially due to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy regarding anabolic steroid use in sports. For instance, Lance Armstrong has avoided being banned from professional cycling because he was not informed by his sports doctor that he was administering illegal steroids to the cycler. While Armstrong could have been fully aware of what was likely being done, as long as it wasn’t spelled out for him he was not knowingly taking steroids, and so could exploit that loophole. Other sports do not have the loophole that professional cycling does, but the culture surrounding bodybuilding and muscle gain is not one of open dialogue. This is why it is important to carefully examine any protein supplement before using it.

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