Started: Dec 03, 2002

Reason: A flaw in most supplement plans is that people think protein is the key to strength. To make a "simplistic" statement - protein builds bulk whereas aminos builds density. It is why you can see guys who take aminos alone will be stronger but smaller than protein only guys. YOU NEED BOTH just like you eat well rounded meals. Muscles are made of aminos - not protein - and when your body starves for energy and attacks your muscles - it is going for the aminos [which is how too much cardio reduces muscle size - including cardio from weightlifting]. Aminos also help combat illnesses as well as prevent recurrences of things like cold sores. Again, I am over simplifying to minimize typing - but aminos are very important. One interesting side effect - aminos are right at the level of caffeine when it comes to keeping you awake. Do not take it before you plan to go to bed or you will be stuck to the ceiling. It is the single most product that allows me to workout heavy and retain stamina. Buy the smallest bottles possible. The flavor changes quickly so you always want new bottles. It goes from tasting good to motor oil in about two to three weeks. :-)

natural Liquimax Multivitamin

Started: Dec 06, 2005

Reason: This is the only multivitamin I have found that tastes good [very good] and is a liquid. You can buy it at Costco and Sams'. Do not subscribe to the myth that if you take a pill with a 300% dosage you are getting more into your system than a liquid with a 100% dosage. You body has an absorption rate specific to its needs and it will likely not need a 300% dosage in a one time event. The "D" in RDA is daily and it is the allowance you need daily - not in a one time event. Also a hoard of multivitamins will hinder the absorption/digestion of vitamins. For me I take 2 or 3 swigs a day of this stuff that tastes good. In fact I mix 16oz of Amino 2222 + 16oz Utrition Glocosamine + Natural Multivitamin. I separate it into three containers and freeze the other two for later. This fruit based vitamin is good for men because it does not contain iron so women should take an iron supplement if necessary. The goal is a well rounded supplement system. The primary advantage for vitamins are not "fix" things or make you stronger but not allow the bad things to happen to you by keeping you healthy. The best vitamin is the vitamin you want to take. A flinstone chewable is better than Centrum if you are going to skip, intentionally miss, or forget doses. No one forgets anything that tastes good. http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigat e.do?catg=535&item=377941&prDeTa b =2#A

Started: Feb 06, 2007

Reason: Within 3 weeks of taking this + flax oil my joints stopped popping in my knees, ands, shoulders, etc. It allowed me to go from 130lbs dumbbell press to 150lbs (each arm) without fear of damaging my joints - like I did without the supplement. I swear by it. For a 200lb 5'9" guy I lift heavy but I also take my time. I would not go beyond 130 again or stay beyond 130 without this supplement. I only take gel tabs or liquid supplements - and I ONLY TAKE SUPPLEMENTS THAT TASTE GOOD. I could care less if it is the best. The best is something I want to take - not something I avoid to take. I support this brand.

TruNature Flaxseed Oil

Started: Feb 06, 2007

Reason: Has Flax and all of the omegas. Primarily for joints and escape injury. I do not eat well nor do I plan to ever eat well therefore I take supplements. I can eat chicken-fried-rice everyday for instance - which I did for 9 months straight while I was in Germany. I only take gel tabs or liquid supplements. I hate traditional pills. Choose a brand that works well for you.

TruNature Cranberry

Started: Feb 06, 2007

Reason: Has Flax and all of the omegas. Primarily for joints and escape injury. I do not eat well nor do I plan to ever eat well therefore I take supplements. I can eat chicken-fried-rice everyday for instance - which I did for 9 months straight while I was in Germany. I only take gel tabs or liquid supplements. I hate traditional pills. Choose a brand that works well for you. Choose a brand that works well for you.

GNC Saw Palmetto

Started: Feb 06, 2007

Reason: This is another preventive supplement [as cranberry] however Saw Palmetto addresses prostate health - a big concern as one gets older as well as amongst people of color. I have had a friend die of colon cancer [white, early 40's] and I use it as a message to myself. I also respect his death buy learning from it trying to protect my life. Another important fact: Saw Palmetto helps stop hair loss [depending on the problem] and I have seen it work on me as well as women who lose hair due to emotional or hormonal changes. It is something that I suggest taking starting early 20's if your family has a history of hair loss [men] or if you are a female that goes through hair loss phases. You must take it over time [2 or 3 months] and continue since this is a preventive measure not a fix. I only take gel tabs or liquid supplements. Choose a brand that works for you.

Started: Feb 06, 2007

Reason: Best protein by far. The only chocolate flavor I like. The only one that taste good - especially very cold. It does not turn into mud or pudding when mixed. I also prefer taking fast acting protein at intervals than slow acting protein at less intervals. Fully endorse this product.

Product Not Found

Started: Feb 06, 2007

Reason: Has produced the most significant gains to my strength as well as rapid results. Smart product in that it has its own transport for creatine which is REQUIRED for proper absorption. It also minimizes the amount of creatine necessary to consume - which I always under dose [take less than what it recommends]. Absolutely love this product.

Started: Mar 14, 2007

Reason: I wanted a NOS supplement that was an energy boost, no crashing, no jitter, and the taste was not horrible. No such product exists - well I was wrong. NOS Explode tastes like alka seltzer to me and it is like a kiddie version of NaNO Vaport. See my reviews below.