Supplement Definitions | TheMuscleProgram.com

Supplement	Definition and Purpose	Best Times to Take
ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid)	ALA is a fatty acid that acts as an antioxident and is used to produce energy.	With meals
Amino Acids	Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are critical to life and metabolism.	before, during, post workout, throughout the day, before bed
Arginine	Arginine is an amino acid that is used to make nitric oxide which helps increase blood flow (vasodilation). This can help enhance 'pumps' in the gym. It is also used to make compounds such as creatine, glutamine and proline and will convert into glucose/glycogen if needed.	before and during workout
BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids)	BCAA's consist of the three essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine.	before, during, post workout, throughout the day, before bed
Beta-Alanine	Beta-Alanine is a nonessential amino acid that promotes high levels of energy and muscular endurance.	before, during, post workout
Carnitine	Carnitine is an amino acid and helps utilize food as energy.	Before workout, throughout the day
Casein Protein	Casein protein is a slow digesting source of protein which makes it perfect for before bed or any time that you may not have another meal for a long period of time.	Between meals, before bed
Chromium Picolinate	Chromium is a mineal essential to producing insulin and improves the uptake of glucose, thus helping burn fat and produce energy.	throughout the day with meals
Cissus (Cissus Quadrangularis)	Cissus quadrangularis is a plant from India and is used to aid recovery and improve joint health.	morning and before bed
Citrulline Malate	Citrulline is a nonessential amino acid that aids in regulating nitric oxide, reduces lactic acid and increases ATP (adenosine-5'-triphosphate; tranports chemical energy throughout cells for metabolism).	before, during, post workout
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)	CLA is a fatty acid that assists in reducing fat and improving overall health.	With meals
COQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)	COQ10 is an antioxident that helps convert food into energy.	throughout the day/any time
Creatine	Creatine is made up of the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. Our bodies naturally produce this compound in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. It is transported through the bloodstream to supply energy to the muscles. Many sources of meats contains small amount of creatine. Although there are many forms of creatine, creatine monohydrate is the most popular form and considered to be the most proven and effective for building muscle. It's probably safe to say that creatine is the most effective muscle builder in the supplement industry.	before, during, post workout
DHEA (Dehydroepiandosterone)	DHEA is the most abundant hormone in the human body and is used to improve health, the immune system, and overall well being. DHEA levels decrease as we age. DHEA is also known to be used as an anti-aging and natural testosterone boosting supplement.	With meals
Flaxseed Oil/Fish Oil	Fish oil is derived from fish in order to grant a source of omega-3 essential fatty acids which has numerous health benefits in regards to heart health, the liver, lowering cholesterol, and also helps the body burn fat.	With meals
GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid)	An amino acid classified as a nearuotransmitter impacting the nervous system known to stimulate production of growth hormone levels. GABA is known to naturally increase growth hormone levels, which stimulates muscle growth and fat loss. It also promotes quality sleep needed for recovery.	Before bed
Glucosamine	Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage. Supplementing with glucosamine helps repair cartilage and joints. Glucosamine supplements are often combined with chondroitin and MSN to enhance its effects.	throughout the day/any time
Glutamine	The most abundant amino acid in muscle cells. Glutamine promotes recovery, modulates protein synthesis, fights ctabolic effects of cortisol, and plays a role in proper functioning of the immune system. It is also a precursor to GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid).	before, during, post workout, before bed
HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate)	HMB is produced in the metabolism of leucine. HMB decreases the breakdown of protein caused by intense workouts and increases protein synthesis.	morning, post workout, before bed
Melatonin	Our body naturally produces melatonin but the production can decrease as we age. Melatonin helps regulate sleep patterns and imporves the quality of sleep, which is vital to muscle recovery and growth hormone levels.	Before bed
Multi-vitamin	Multi-vitamins are supplements that contain vitamins and other nutritional componants to ensure one gets enough nutrients. More than likely, a person will not get all of the vitamins and nutrients needed through diet alone. If one trains intensely, they may need more of these nutrients.	throughout the day/any time
NO (Nitric Oxide)	Nitric Oxide is a free form gas that the body produces to communicate with other cells within the body. Most all nitric oxide products contain the amino acid arginine as the main ingredient, which produces this gas when broken down.	before and during workout
Tribulus Terrestris	Tribulus is extracted from a plant and contains steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and flavanoids and is used as a natural testosterone booster.	throughout the day/any time
Valerian Root	Valerian root is a natural herb that has a calming effect as it relaxes the central nervous system. Valerian root is used as a sleep aid. Quality sleep is important for muscle recovery and growth hormone levels.	before bed
Whey Protein	Whey protein is said by many experts to be the best source of protein because of its superior quality to other protein sources and its amino acid profile. Whey absorbs quickly making it perfect for pre and post workout meals.	morning, pre workout, post workout, between meals
ZMA	ZMA is a precise combination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6 used to increase natural testosterone levels.	before bed