By Dwayne Jackson, Ph.D.

Being a bodybuilder or strength athlete today puts you at an extreme advantage over those who were on an equal quest for size in days gone by. Instead of relying on crude protein concoctions and severe overeating to gain mass, like they did in the old days, we now have a remarkable array of mass building compounds to choose from. As good as this is, however, it also creates more possibilities to go in the wrong direction. We need to be smart about our choices, not fall for the hype, and look for science-based ingredients from reputable companies to be sure you are getting only the best. Some compounds are pure garbage, some show potential but are unproven, some are fairly effective, and a handful are enormously effective mass-building powerhouses. This article separates the meat from the potatoes, by highlighting in great detail what most experts consider to be the top 5 science-based muscle-building compounds our industry has to offer. They appear in no particular order, but starting out with the most potent protein source out there seems like a good start.

WHEY PROTEIN
HYDROLYSATE

The number one supplement to have in your arsenal is high quality whey protein. You may be saying, “wow tell me something I don’t know”, however, you would not believe the number of bodybuilding newbies who would rather buy some new and expensive “miracle formula,” when whey protein has been proven time and time again as a no-fail anabolic support agent. The importance of high quality protein in bodybuilding cannot be overstated.

As we know, whey protein is available in a number of different forms (e.g., whey concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate, etc.). There’s no sense going into each of these because my main focus is the extremely anabolic benefits of Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH). Whey protein hydrolysate is commonly processed from another very potent protein, whey protein isolate (WPI), whereby enzymatic degradation (hydrolysis) of the WPI is carried out to “pre-digest” the protein so that it contains peptide fractions (short chains of amino acids). The result is a product that contains a large number of low molecular weight (MW) peptide fractions. High-quality products have been well hydrolyzed and have an average MW of around 500 Daltons. It should be noted that these di- and tri-peptides make for very rapid absorption and have scientifically proven to shunt more water into muscle cells (cell volumizing effect), speed recovery, support anabolism, and support immune function. Users of high quality hydrolyzed whey protein report almost immediate muscle hardness, a result of the powerful cell volumizing effect that is unique to this form of protein.

The di- and tri-peptides in WPH makes it more readily absorbed than free-form amino acids and non-hydrolyzed proteins. Whey is an ideal starter protein for hydrolysis because it is a concentrated source of essential amino acids. This results in a superior profile of di- and tri-peptides, producing the greatest hyperaminoacidaemia, which means a rapid increase in branched-chain amino acids into the blood, scientifically proven to augment protein synthesis and recovery. The remarkably greater rate of absorption of di- and tri-peptides compared to amino acid cocktails is a unique result of the body being a better transporter of small peptides than an amino acid carrier system, thus minimizing competition between substrates. It is well established that the ingestion of hydrolyzed whey protein immediately after exercise results in the highest levels of blood amino acids, which are associated with augmented nitrogen utilization and elevated anabolic state.

Additionally, when whey protein hydrolysate is ingested along with high-glycemic (i.e., fast) carbohydrates, the result is a synergistic increase in the rate of insulin release, again augmenting the anabolic cascade. A recent study investigated whether the hormonal response to feeding with protein solutions is influenced by the nature and degree of protein fractionation, and examined insulin and glucagon responses after intake of protein solutions containing the same amount of nitrogen in human subjects. They observed that peptide hydrolysates elicited a peak insulin response that was two and four times greater than that evoked by milk protein and glucose solutions respectively. Furthermore, the insulin response correlated to how fast the amino acids entered the blood, especially leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine and arginine. Thus, whey protein hydrolysate-based supplements with high amounts of these amino acids are superior anabolic activators.

It should be stressed that timing is key when using WPH supplements. Being the fastest absorbed protein product available, whey protein hydrolysate ingestion results in the most abundant increase in circulating amino acids over a two-hour window compared to “intact proteins”. Thus, drink 25-30 grams of high-quality WPH as soon as you finish your workout, this will enable you to immediately take advantage of the post-exercise anabolic environment and truly maximize muscle growth.

BCAA’s

The essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine share a unique branched chain structure, and thus, are transported and metabolized by common means. One of the key properties of BCAAs is their catabolism by skeletal muscle after bouts of heavy exercise. Based on this fact alone, it becomes apparent why BCAA supplementation is beneficial to bodybuilders.

In skeletal muscle, leucine is key in turning protein synthesis into overdrive through a number of different mechanisms. First, leucine is scientifically proven to increase highly anabolic insulin secretion. At the molecular level, recovery from resistance and endurance exercise primarily relies on supplemental dietary leucine in order to increase the (much needed) intracellular leucine concentration, which activates mTOR and the initiation factors eIF4E and eIF4G. Protein synthesis is dependent on the activation of these molecular factors.

Applied research supports supplementation of BCAA’s. For example, during prolonged aerobic exercise, leucine is at the mercy of oxidation and there is solid evidence that leucine supplementation promotes anabolism in skeletal muscle long after exercise is completed. In a recent placebo controlled study it was found that six weeks of dietary leucine supplementation significantly improved endurance performance and upper body power in athletes.

Recently, there have been numerous reported benefits to BCAA supplementation in bodybuilders. For example, the effect of BCAA supplementation on muscle soreness and fatigue has been recently investigated, whereby, squatting exercise (7 sets of 20 reps) was used to induce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in males and females. On training day, the subjects ingested either a BCAA cocktail or a placebo approximately 15 min prior to exercise. The authors reported that 5 grams of BCAAs (Ile:Leu:Val = 1:2.3:1.2) significantly reduced the duration and severity of DOMS and fatigue in both males and females for days after exercise. Molecular level support comes from a recent study that illustrated BCAAs ability to activate the anabolic signaling pathways via mTOR and p70 S6 kinase in human muscle in the recovery period after exercise. So it is obvious that BCAAs are not only food for muscles, but also important “switches” for turning on anabolism.

In a supporting applied study, investigators observed increases in physical performance in strength athletes due to decreases in muscle damage during training and increases in skeletal muscle protein synthesis. Thus, BCAAs appear to be integral in the modulation of peripheral fatigue. Some very intriguing research has recently illustrated a role for BCAAs in the regulation of central fatigue. Of particular interest, a significant decrease in the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) with leucine supplementation has been reported in strength and endurance athletes. Supporting evidence comes from a recent report that showed increases in the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), which plays a role in fatigue (5-HT affects mood, arousal, and sleepiness). During exercise BCAAs are metabolized (as discussed above) and plasma levels decrease. As exercise progresses, plasma free fatty acids become elevated which promotes increases in free tryptophan (they both competitively bind to plasma albumin). This throws off the free tryptophan to BCAA ratio and enables enhanced tryptophan uptake into the brain. 5-HT synthesis is very sensitive to changes in plasma tryptophan levels and the transport of tryptophan across the blood-brain barrier. It has been hypothesized that ingestion of BCAAs balance the increased levels of tryptophan, thus, decrease the transport across the blood-brain barrier, and subsequently decrease 5-HT synthesis leading to delayed fatigue. This general hypothesis is supported by a study where BCAA supplementation was given during 60 min of heavy cycling exercise. The plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan to BCAAs increased by 45% during exercise and by 150% 5 min after exercise in the placebo trial but remained unchanged or even decreased when BCAAs were ingested. Subjects reported 7% lower ratings of perceived exertion and 15% lower ratings of mental fatigue at a given work rate, compared to placebo. From these data it should be clear that BCAA supplementation is well supported as a true muscle-builder with major benefits during and post-exercise.

CREATINE

You may think that the benefits of creatine supplementation were formed from a 20th century postulate. Amazingly, it has been a known and studied compound as far back as the 1830’s. By the early 1900’s, scientists began extracting creatine from meat and investigating its potential as a performance enhancing aid. The Soviets were investigating creatine’s potential as early as the 1970s, but the real scientific explosion occurred in the 1990’s, when creatine monohydrate was introduced to the commercial markets in the US and Great Britain.

Creatine is a non-essential substance that is produced by the body and taken in from dietary meat sources. It is synthesized from arginine, methionine, and glycine in two-steps and our predominant creatine pool is in skeletal muscle, where about 40% is free creatine and where phosphocreatine makes up the other fraction. The average 150 lb person has a pool of about 120-140g of creatine on board and loses about 2g of creatine through urination per day. There are reams of well-documented science to back up creatine’s muscle building potential, which comes as no surprise because it has been one of the few true powerhouse mass builders used for years now. Here is a more scientific perspective of its actions. First, creatine monohydrate ingestion increases phosphocreatine stores in skeletal muscle, which provides support to rapidly phosphorylate ADP to ATP under repeated powerful and short (<10 sec) duration contractions. This results in better performance with shorter rest periods, an effect that is of primary benefit to bodybuilders and power athletes. Second, creatine monohydrate supplementation leads to increased phosphocreatine stores. The phosphorylation of ADP requires phosphocreatine and stimulates phosphofructokinase (rate limiting enzyme for glycolysis); this increases the rate of glycolysis and more ATP (i.e., energy) is produced. This effect is beneficial for athletic performances that last from 10 seconds to over 2 minutes. Creatine augments the ability for high-energy phosphate to diffuse between mitochondria and myosin heads, thus enhancing cross-bridge cycling and tension production. Creatine supplementation is associated with skeletal muscle hypertrophy and increased protein synthesis, based on its ability to create an osmotic gradient, whereby water is shunted into muscle cells (which is a signal for anabolism). At this point, you should be convinced that if you are not currently using creatine monohydrtate, then you should start. Creatine comes in many forms, but the tested and true “gold standard” is high-quality pharmaceutical grade micronized creatine monohydrate. Based on current data, the best way to supplement creatine monohydrate is by including a one-week loading phase at approximately 0.3g/kg (body weight) per day followed by maintenance at approximately 0.1g/kg (body weight) per day. During the loading phase, split the daily dose into approximately 5g servings to be ingested throughout the day, making certain that one dose is ingested 30 minutes before your workout and another 4-6 hours after post-workout. During the maintenance phase, ingest one serving prior to- and post-workout. As with all supplements make sure you use a high quality creatine monohydrate product (preferably German pharmaceutical grade.) If you want to completely exploit the benefits of creatine supplementation, then look for products that contain maltodextrin, and arginine AKG to increase creatine transport into muscle cells.

Standardized Bulgarian
TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS

Since the prohormone ban, supplement scientists have worked day and night to find compounds that naturally augment testosterone production. Natural testosterone boosters have been around for centuries, but their primary use was to increase libido and virility. One of the most effective herbal formulations comes from extracts of Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris (not to be confused with the crude non-standardized forms of this herb). The steroidal saponins derived from Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) are considered to be the factor responsible for the biological activity of most value to bodybuilders. This activity depends on the concentration and the composition of active saponins. For our purposes, building mass etc, the most important saponin is called protodioscin.

Protodioscin, which is classified as a furostanol saponin, is the active ingredient extracted from Tribulus terrestris that is responsible for its testosterone boosting potential. Research has shown that administration of Tribulus terrestris to humans and animals improves libido and spermatogenesis. More importantly, protodioscin has been shown to augment the levels of testosterone, leutinizing hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Although research has been somewhat conflicting in the area of Tribulus and its hormone boosting potential, the main issue seems to be a discrepancy in the potencies of Tribulus across studies, and not its androgen boosting capability.

In other words, the studies that have shown the most impressive anabolic potential were the ones that used legitimate bio-active tribulus with high concentrations of protodioscin. The importance of the standardization of the tribulus simply can not be understated. A tribulus formula with less than 15% protodioscin and 40% total steroidal saponins, just does not have enough bioactive potency to deliver meaningful results. Recent studies really seem to underscore this fact. Recently, a double-blind trial was conducted on ProSource’s own AndroTest which is generally considered the most potent tribulus product on the market and the results were nothing short of remarkable. In this study, subjects using AndroTest experienced increases in total testosterone as high as 275% and increases in free testosterone as high as 218% over baseline. This means that some subjects experienced nearly a three fold increase in testosterone levels. To put this in perspective, increases of this magnitude exceed what is seen using straight pharmaceutical testosterone at therapeutic dosages. Equally impressive is the fact that the increased testosterone levels after two weeks use were maintained at the subsequent measurement points of the study. This is especially important because it is sustained increases in testosterone that can lead to increased muscle gains.

Much like virtually all herbal supplements, the key to the effectiveness of tribulus clearly lies within the geographical region it’s grown in and the standardization level it is processed to. Unfortunately the vast majority of tribulus products on the market are not standardized, are grown in the wrong regions, and yield negligible active steroidal saponins and thus have little to no effect. The cost of using highly standardized Bulgarian tribulus for manufacturers can be up to 10 times the cost of using the cheaper crude forms of the herb. However, the difference in the end result is truly night and day. A true highly active Bulgarian tribulus such as that used in AndroTest represents one of the most effective natural compounds available today for increasing test levels.

BETA ALANINE

Beta-alanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning that it is “non-protein-building”. In meat eaters its presence is speculated to occur from the hydrolysis of di-peptides in the diet. It is also synthesized in the liver as the final metabolite of uracil and thymine degradation. Beta-alanine is one precursor (the other is histidine) to carnosine synthesis, and is said to be rate limiting. Thus, it has garnered much research interest based on its potential to elevate skeletal muscle carnosine levels. Elevating carnosine has been hypothesized as beneficial to performance based on: 1) animals who have a great capacity for prolonged high intensity exercise have high intramuscular carnosine levels; and 2) carnosine levels are relatively higher in fast-twitch versus slow twitch muscle fibers. These two factors bolster the role of carnosine in maintaining normal pH. In fact, the di-peptide carnosine has been unequivocally shown to buffer skeletal muscle pH.

Additional support for the importance of carnosine in fast twitch fibers comes from data showing that the carnosine content in vastus lateralis is elevated in resistance-trained bodybuilders. Dietary supplementation with beta-alanine for 2-4 weeks has been shown to increase vastus lateralis carnosine concentration by more than 60%. In a recent performance based study, male subjects underwent periodic cycling capacity (max) tests with either beta-alanine supplementation or a placebo. It was found that muscle carnosine increased 58.8% after 4 weeks and 80.1% after 10 weeks of supplementation. No increase was observed in the control group. Total work completed was 13% greater with 4 weeks beta-alanine ingestion and 16% greater after 10 weeks supplementation. There was no change in total work completed in the control group. The increase in total work done correlated with the increase in vastus lateralis carnosine levels. More support comes from a study illustrating that 4 weeks of beta-alanine supplementation improves power output at lactate threshold.

Recent evidence clearly shows that combining creatine and beta-alanine results in significant increases in strength and lean body mass and decreases in body fat percentage. We hope that this brief update on the current muscle-building supplements aids you in your choices. You should note that we have chosen supplements that stack very well together and provide synergistic benefits when taken simultaneously throughout the day. If you follow the very simple guidelines given herein you will definitely maximize your anabolic potential and get closer to your ultimate goal.

Scientific References

Bemben MG & Lamont HS (2005). Creatine supplementation and exercise performance: recent findings. Sports Med 35, 107-125.
Blomstrand E (2006). A role for branched-chain amino acids in reducing central fatigue. J Nutr 136, 544S-547S.
Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, & Kohnke R (2006). Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. J Nutr 136, 269S-273S.
Blomstrand E, Hassmen P, Ek S, Ekblom B, & Newsholme EA (1997). Influence of ingesting a solution of branched-chain amino acids on perceived exertion during exercise. Acta Physiol Scand 159, 41-49.
Borsheim E, Tipton KD, Wolf SE, & Wolfe RR (2002). Essential amino acids and muscle protein recovery from resistance exercise. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 283, E648-E657.
Crowe MJ, Weatherson JN, & Bowden BF (2006). Effects of dietary leucine supplementation on exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol 97, 664-672.
Curzon G, Friedel J, & Knott PJ (1973). The effect of fatty acids on the binding of tryptophan to plasma protein. Nature 242, 198-200.
Demant TW & Rhodes EC (1999). Effects of creatine supplementation on exercise performance. Sports Med 28, 49-60.
Dincheva D, Jandab B, Evstatievac L, Oleszekb W, Aslanid MR & Kostova I. Distribution of steroidal saponins in Tribulus terrestris from different geographical regions. Phytochemistry. 2007 Aug 22; Epub ahead of print.
Gautsch TA, Anthony JC, Kimball SR, Paul GL, Layman DK, & Jefferson LS (1998). Availability of eIF4E regulates skeletal muscle protein synthesis during recovery from exercise. Am J Physiol 274, C406-C414.
Haussinger D, Roth E, Lang F, & Gerok W (1993). Cellular hydration state: an important determinant of protein catabolism in health and disease. Lancet 341, 1330-1332.
Harris RC, Tallon MJ, Dunnett M, Boobis L, Coakley J, Kim HJ, Fallowfield JL, Hill CA, Sale C, & Wise JA (2006). The absorption of orally supplied beta-alanine and its effect on muscle carnosine synthesis in human vastus lateralis. Amino Acids 30, 279-289.
Henderson SA, Black AL, & Brooks GA (1985). Leucine turnover and oxidation in trained rats during exercise. Am J Physiol 249, E137-E144.
Hill CA, Harris RC, Kim HJ, Harris BD, Sale C, Boobis LH, Kim CK, & Wise JA (2006). Influence of beta-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. Amino Acids.
Hoffman J, Ratamess N, Kang J, Mangine G, Faigenbaum A, Stout J. Effect of creatine and B-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes. International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 16, pp. 430-446, 2006.
Layman DK (2002). Role of leucine in protein metabolism during exercise and recovery. Can J Appl Physiol 27, 646-663.
Mesa JL, Ruiz JR, Gonzalez-Gross MM, Gutierrez SA, & Castillo Garzon MJ (2002). Oral creatine supplementation and skeletal muscle metabolism in physical exercise. Sports Med 32, 903-944.
Norton LE & Layman DK (2006). Leucine regulates translation initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise. J Nutr 136, 533S-537S.
Shimomura Y, Yamamoto Y, Bajotto G, Sato J, Murakami T, Shimomura N, Kobayashi H, & Mawatari K (2006). Nutraceutical effects of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle. J Nutr 136, 529S-532S.
Tallon MJ, Harris RC, Boobis LH, Fallowfield JL, & Wise JA (2005). The carnosine content of vastus lateralis is elevated in resistance-trained bodybuilders. J Strength Cond Res 19, 725-729.
Tipton KD, Ferrando AA, Phillips SM, Doyle D, Jr., & Wolfe RR (1999). Postexercise net protein synthesis in human muscle from orally administered amino acids. Am J Physiol 276, E628-E634.
Zoeller RF, Stout JR, O’kroy JA, Torok DJ, & Mielke M (2006). Effects of 28 days of beta-alanine and creatine monohydrate supplementation on aerobic power, ventilatory and lactate thresholds, and time to exhaustion. Amino Acids.

Get the inside scoop on these major contributors to the industry, plus an honorable mention for 9 more.

For every reputable sports supplement on the market, there are many more that are pure junk. Unfortunately, far too many companies have placed greed and profit over quality and performance. This article is designed to reveal what we consider to be some of the best companies in the industry. This list of the Top 10 is in no particular order and also includes an honorable mention section for further reference. Your favorite brand may or may not be included here. And of course, these results can be debated. But one thing is for certain, each of these companies, at one time or another, have made significant contributions to the extraordinary world of bodybuilding, either in one or two specific categories or in the industry as a whole. And for that, every athlete and supplement user can be thankful!

MAXIMUM HUMAN PERFORMANCE (MHP) (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1997

MHP was born of a fortuitous friendship between Gerard Dente “world-class competitive bodybuilder” and Vincent Giampapa, MD, a renowned expert on hormone supplementation for athletic performance and founder of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).

The company’s first product was Secretagogue-One, a clinically proven formula that continues to be one of the top HGH-boosters in the nation. The success of Secretagogue-One was followed by further innovations and accomplishments that cover a full array of sports nutrition categories.

MHP now celebrates its 10-year anniversary and rise to the top as “The Breakthrough Brand of the Year” in this year’s 2008 Buyer’s Guide.

Giampa’s staff of top-flight sports science researchers and physicians, working closely with Dente, has made MHP one of the most dynamic forces in the sports nutrition industry. As President, Dente directs MHP’s entire operation toward technologic superiority, quality, service and value. Dente was featured on the cover of ProSource’s 1999 Performance Nutrition Buyers Guide, and MHP now celebrates its 10-year anniversary and rise to the top as “The Breakthrough Brand of the Year” in this year’s 2008 Buyers Guide.

Dente’s personal passion for bodybuilding and nutrition has driven the company to the heights it now commands. He is continually seeking new ways to enhance muscle development and athletic performance. Even though he no longer competes, Dente is still a bodybuilder at heart, and having just turned 40, he depends more than ever on high-tech supplementation to keep in shape. His product ideas are often triggered by a desire to maximize his own performance and physique.

Apart from his duties as President, Dente is an accomplished author, writing authoritative articles in numerous fitness magazines. He recently completed his magnum opus titled Macrobolic Nutrition, which is a distillation of Dente’s life experience and knowledge in sport and nutrition supplementation. MHP has sponsored numerous physique and power sport champions, such as Victor Martinez, Joe Mazza, Brian Siders, Ryan Kennelly, Rob Luyando, and Phil Pfister (now World’s Strongest Man). Notably, in most instances these stars were taken-on before they had reached their zenith. MHP literally helps guide them to the top. As Dente remarks, “we take great pride in helping build our champions, not buying them.”

MHP is best-known for its outstanding contributions to two product categories: nitric oxide (NO) boosters, and testosterone boosters.

In 1999, the company introduced TRAC: the very first product to reliably increase peripheral NO levels for circulatory and anabolic enhancement. The product was far ahead of its time, employing a patented time-release delivery technology. TRAC literally led the entire field into the (now-huge) NO category.
This success was followed by the release, in 2001, of T-BOMB, the first of its kind in this important subcategory.

As if that were not enough, MHP bested itself in 2004 with the release of T-BOMB II , a 5-stage testosterone optimizer and complete male hormone metabolic enhancer. T-BOMB II includes an incredible array of natural and powerful compounds that optimize the body’s entire sex steroid balance.

See MHP products

Unsatisfied with its own accomplishment in the NO category, MHP went on in 2005 to develop TRAC Extreme-NO, a product that experts have acclaimed as achieving “mastery of the nitric oxide pathway”. TRAC Extreme-NO contains the exclusive nitric oxide synthetic catalyst Biofolin, for an NO boost unseen with any competing product.
Last year, MHP introduced two new muscle-building breakthroughs: SARM-X and Cyclin-GF. SARM-X is the first of a new class of designer androgenic/anabolic steroid-memetic compounds called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), which are engineered to exert powerful anabolic effects without being diverted to androgen receptor-bearing tissues elsewhere.

Cyclin-GF is the first to target Muscle Precursor Cells (MPCs) in muscle tissue, which is premised on the theory of activating them to initiate new muscle growth cycles and achieve muscle fiber maturity.
The company recently released a stunning new addition to the post workout category, called Dark Matter, a creatine-based formula that employs a new Nano-Physics absorption technology called Precision Nutrient Infusion for powerful anabolic synergy. This elite mass builder combines a carbohydrate matrix of waxy maize, glucose polymers and dextrose to spike up insulin, along with multi-phase creatine and a protein synthesizer matrix of key amino acids for faster and greater anabolic effectiveness.
All the way around from the TRACs, to the T-BOMBs, to SARM-X and Dark Matter, and beyond—MHP stands as one of the few companies on the forefront of real innovation. Clearly, MHP’s advanced new product entries have earned them “The Breakthrough Brand of the Year.”

---

Top

UNIVERSAL NUTRITION (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1982

One of the “grandfathers” of the sports nutrition industry, Universal Nutrition has been at it for over a quarter century, bringing quality formulations and solid value to a growing crowd of loyal consumers. With over 200 products, Universal also boasts one of the most complete lines in the field, with something for virtually every specialized need.
Over the years, this company has developed an integrated operation, featuring R&D, manufacturing, quality control lab, and virtually everything else in-house, under one (150,000 square-foot) roof. And everything Universal produces is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Universal’s core is its very popular “Animal” line. The bold black and white imagery of “Animal” stood in stark contrast to the technicolor glitz and hype of the competition. These are products with a primal attitude, and they are supported with the extensive training and nutrition information resource Animalpak.com.

The Animal line includes:

• ANIMAL TEST: billed as “the ultimate hypertrophic test pack”, combining a patented arachidonic acid with natural testosterone boosters and anti-estrogen compounds.
• ANIMAL PUMP: a preworkout creatine/nitric-oxide matrix, containing creatine, volumizers and NO-enhancers, all shoe-horned into a convenient dose pack.
• ANIMAL FLEX: a joint support formula for hardcore lifters, providing an array of joint lubricators and chondro-protective compounds.
• ANIMAL PAK: THE definitive, comprehensive multivitamin/mineral pack used by bodybuilders and powerlifters for more than two decades.

Special mention goes to the latter: Animal Paks. This category may seem boring, but it is really one of the most important single things you can take. It builds a “base of operation” for other supplements, and your whole training program. Each Pak contains the full spectrum of basic vitamins, minerals, lipotropics, digestive enzymes, and performance enhancers, further enhanced with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, PAK, IGF colostrum, nucleotides, L-arginine, Protogen A, eleuthero, and more—55 elements in total in 11 pills per pack.

Universal’s core is its very popular “Animal” line

See Universal Nutrition products

Yes, it takes that many. You can only squeeze so much into a single tablet. The company describes it bluntly, in Animal fashion: “It’s a multivitamin. It’s an amino supplement. It ’s an EFA supplement. It’s a digestive aid. It’s a performance enhancer. It’s a boatload of things all wrapped up into one pack.”

Universal also offers more-exotic products, such as Torrent—a postworkout formula with multiple creatines, cell volumizers, whey protein hydrolysate, and an anti-catabolic leucine complex. Also Storm—the cell-volumizer and mass-builder.

---

Top

CYTOSPORT (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1999

CytoSport is a family-owned business especially devoted to the needs of endurance athletes. President/CEO Greg Pickett, himself an athlete, is a 30-year veteran in the industry, with a background as a professional race car driver.

CytoSport’s consulting scientist is Dr George Brooks, a world-class exercise physiologist and sports nutrition expert at UC Berkeley. Dr Brooks was responsible for developing the breakthrough compound polylactate (more on that below), and provides input on CytoSport formulations. Since its founding in 1999, Pickett and staff have guided CytoSport to become one of the top performance nutrition manufacturers in America.

CytoSport’s most popular formulation, with many devoted users, is Muscle Milk—a ready-to-drink with an unusual nutritional profile

CytoSport’s most popular formulation, with many devoted users, is Muscle Milk—a ready-to-drink with an unusual nutritional profile, patterned after human mother’s milk, which is nature’s ultimate anabolic food. The formula is built around EvoPro, CytoSport’s proprietary protein-amino blend that mimics the complex of alpha and beta micellar caseins, alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, peptides and amino acids in human milk. Combined with EvoPro is emulsified MCT oil: a special “fatless fat” that does not get stored as body-fat, but instead gets burned for muscle energy while promoting positive nitrogen balance.

Another unique ingredient that shows up exclusively in CytoSport products is called polylactate: a patented compound that lowers blood lactate during exercise, and reduces muscle cramping, burning and soreness both during and after intense workouts. The benefits were demonstrated in a double-blind trial of male cyclists; this stuff really works! Look for it in CytoSport products such as Muscle Energy and Cytomax Recovery. Another favorite by CytoSport is called CytoGainer: a calorie-dense formula with complex carbs, glutamine, branched-chain aminos and partially pre-digested whey proteins. This is a solid “fast protein” source for immediately pre-workout, during-workout or after-workout feeding.

Watch CytoSport for novel formulations that might be your personal ticket to substantial muscle gains and improved workout performance.

---

Top

GASPARI NUTRITION (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1997

See Gaspari Nutrition products

Rich Gaspari, the company’s founder and namesake, came to the sports nutrition industry with unique credentials. As a former Mr Universe, Arnold Classic winner, and 3-time runner-up in the Mr. Olympia, few individuals have had more insight on what it takes to win than Rich. After retiring from professional bodybuilding in 1996, he had the itch to build on his passion for the sport, and to pass along his knowledge of training and sports nutrition. The result was Gaspari Nutrition: a company devoted exclusively to personal performance.

As a former Mr Universe, Arnold Classic winner, and 3-time runner-up in the Mr. Olympia, few individuals have had more insight on what it takes to win than Rich.

The company’s most popular product is the pre-workout powerhouse SuperPump 250. It is more than just an NO-releaser. It appears to boost endurance and mental focus, while promoting muscle growth. Billed as “Way Beyond Nitric Oxide”, SuperPump 250 has the makings of a very fine contribution to the pre-workout/NO category.

Since its release, sales of SuperPump 250 and customer loyalty have multiplied. Users notice not only a physical effect in terms of muscle pump and growth, but a mental effect that translates into longer, harder workouts. Gaspari claims that SuperPump 250 is “the first supplement ever to cause people to end their workouts as a conscious, intellectual decision, and not as a result of physical exhaustion”. This statement may seem a bit glowing but Super Pump’s quality and effectiveness has earned it a coveted second place in the Pre-Workout category in this ProSource Buyer’s Guide, so it certainly offers real value for the bodybuilder.

Other products currently being offered by Gaspari include Intra-Pro, a whey concentrate and isolate blend, Size On, a creatine-based intra- and post-workout formula and the thermogenic called CytoLean. Look for Gaspari to out-do itself once again with an all-new product soon to be released “PlasmaJet” which is destined, they say, to “totally redefine the entire nitric oxide segment”.

---

Top

NUTREX RESEARCH (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 2002

Nutrex Research was founded by Jens Ingenohl and Jeff McCarrell; a dynamic team with decades of experience in sports nutrition and bodybuilding. Hailing from Germany, Jens is a prolific author with great depth of knowledge about performance enhancing substances. He is best known for publishing, in 1996, the World Anabolic Review, a journal of advanced sports enhancement strategies, authored under the pen name of Manfred Bachmann. Jens still owns a successful sports nutrition company (BMS) and runs a nutrition and training magazine in Germany. Jeff McCarrell has been involved in the sports nutrition industry for 20 years, working with such notables as EAS and MET-Rx. With broad experience in sales, marketing, and product development, as well as being a successful competitive bodybuilder himself, Jeff has been a powerful force in building and assuring Nutrex’ success.

Nutrex has committed itself to the needs of hardcore bodybuilders, and expresses this commitment by sponsoring several top IFBB pros: Markus Ruhl, Mark Dugdale, Troy Alves, Armin Scholz and Dennis Wolf.

Of this company’s most notable products is their popular fat burner called Lipo-6. It is a solid caffeine and synephrine stack, teamed with yohimbine and guggulsterones for metabolic stimulation and fat mobilization. The new Lipo-6X builds on that success by adding thyroid-stimulating trace amines, and the body repartitioning CLA, to the formulation.

Best of all, Nutrex has developed a unique liquid multi-phase capsule formulation system; the first in the industry. Acting like two capsules in one, multi-phase capsules deliver a fast-acting liquid outer capsule and a sustained-release inner capsule. Several Nutrex products, including Lipo-6X, Ignite and Anabol-5, are now available as multi-phase capsules.

See Nutrex Research products

Vitargo CGL is Nutrex’s contribution in the creatine category. It features a uniquely high-glycemic carbohydrate, in combination with creatine, for superior uptake and muscle hydration. They also produce a quality testosterone-booster “Vitrix” which packs a load of tribulus and other ingredients into a liquid capsule.

Nutrex’s most recent release is Mass XXplosion, which the company claims will allow athletes to actually build muscle while they train by providing critical anabolic agents during the period when blood flow is maxxed-out. An interesting strategy.

---

Top

PROSOURCE (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1996

When ProSource Performance Products, Inc. first opened its doors in 1996, it was a far simpler entity than it is today. Back then, ProSource was primarily a small supplement distributor, which specialized in a select line of genuine pharmaceutical-quality supplements, most notably its ultra-pure German creatine monohydrate, which is still one of the leaders in the category today. The ProSource marketing strategy was simple—offer only the absolute best quality supplements and eliminate the middle-men to keep the price as low as possible. As a result, consumers were able to buy truly superior-quality supplements for prices comparable to, and in some cases, even lower than the cost of the inferior-grade products sold in retail stores. Word of this tremendous value spread like wildfire throughout the bodybuilding community, and as a result, ProSource quickly emerged as the leading company for true premium-grade supplements.

ProSource’s pricing and quality strategies had a tremendous impact. But aggressive cost-cutting and enhanced quality weren’t the only innovations they introduced to the industry. Unlike its competitors, ProSource diligently investigated and analyzed every product it sold under the ProSource brand. This was unheard of in a marketplace where companies were accustomed to selling anything they could get their hands on regardless of whether a product had merit or not.

“Right from the very beginning,” ProSource Chief Scientific Advisor Jeff Volek, PhD. said, “there were highly hyped products out there that ProSource simply refused to carry. These were supplements that didn’t do what their manufacturers claimed they did, but yet, were in high demand because of marketing hype. Needless to say, this adherence to high standards of quality control ruffled some feathers. They made a few manufacturers unhappy by exposing some of the hype,” continued Volek. “But they had a commitment to their customers, which was apparently unwavering. ProSource has demonstrated that they are simply not willing to sell a product unless there is evidence of a legitimate performance benefit.”

This meticulous attention to detail carried over to ProSource’s landmark annual Buyer’s Guides and Performance Nutrition Catalogs. Rather than a shotgun approach to merchandising, ProSource has always been extremely selective with the product lines and brands it carries.

“In preparation for each issue of our annual Buyer’s Guide, we analyze thousands of products, review volumes of scientific studies and technical data, and in many cases, even “field test” the products with members of our product testing team”, said Jeff Orr, Senior Product Tester at ProSource. “This information is instrumental in creating the informative product reviews that competitive bodybuilders have come to rely on for optimally effective supplement strategies”, said Jeff.

The ProSource Buyer’s Guides also became famous for their insightful articles, invaluable advice on training and supplementation, Q&A features, and other cutting-edge research content. Those catalogs have since been augmented and reinforced with Prosource.net, the industry’s most informative and user-friendly shopping and information website, and one of the top online bodybuilding destinations.

“One of the things that makes this site unique,” said Bill Kispert, ProSource Senior Editor “is that the editorial content is researched and authored by highly credentialed experts in the field. The bodybuilding world is unfortunately loaded with much misinformation due to low editorial quality control standards of many internet sites, which utilize writers who have no legitimate qualifications. In contrast, our credential requirement for writers is extremely stringent. We typically seek out the preeminent authority in a given field to author each particular article. Our objective has always been to provide reliable authoritative information on the supplements we sell. In many cases, this leads us to university researchers with volumes of published scientific work on the particular subject they are writing about.”

Inevitably, these high standards and uncompromising attention to detail yielded dramatic growth for the highly acclaimed ProSource brand. ProSource continues to purchase large volumes of the very highest-grade pharmaceutical-quality raw materials on the market; compounds like genuine CreaPure® German creatine monohydrate and Glanbia’s super potent CFM processed growth-factor-rich whey protein isolate, which enables them to stay ahead of the competition in both quality and price. In 1999, their first flagship protein, NytroWhey appeared, and the ProSource brand instantaneously became known for delivering an unprecedented level of quality.

“I’ve personally used NytroWhey long before I began working with ProSource,” said ProSource Research & Development advisor Dwayne Jackson, PhD. “As a bodybuilder and researcher, I could immediately notice the difference in quality compared to standard grade proteins. There was no bloating, the taste was excellent, it mixed easily, and most importantly, I experienced noticeably improved recovery and growth with NytroWhey. This impeccable quality is one of the things that attracted me to the company. To this day, I have yet to find another protein that even compares to the quality of the NytroWhey line”, said Dwayne. “It’s a 100% pure, growth factor-rich whey isolate of the highest quality at a cost comparable to what most customers were accustomed to paying for the crudest whey concentrates. Its not surprising that I see high-level bodybuilders who are under contract with competitive sports supplement companies using NytroWhey.”

More landmark products followed, including vital additions to the NytroWhey line, such as new NytroWhey Ultra, or the super potent, clinically-tested testosterone booster AndroTest, the ultra comprehensive super-multi MegaMax, the immensely popular maximum strength joint support formula Joint Command, the fast-acting high-powered creatine formula SynthaTrex Xtreme and many more.

The ProSource R&D team was also involved in the development of a quadruple-layer protein bar that completely revolutionized the category.

Offering the highest quality products, based on real science, with the lowest prices nationwide has helped ProSource establish the most loyal customer base in the supplement industry.

“Until Supreme Protein came along,” Jackson said, “manufacturers were content to fill their bars with crude low-quality proteins such as useless gelatin. ProSource simply applied the same high standards to the Supreme Protein bars that they have applied to the other top-selling ProSource products, like NytroWhey. The quality is impeccable and consumers apparently have been quick to recognize that.”

See ProSource products

Working with a leading team of food technologists, these visionary researchers set out to create a truly nutritious muscle-building protein snack. Powered by premium whey protein isolate, Supreme Protein has literally taken the bar category by storm. In fact, Supreme Protein has proven to be such a high performance taste treat that it has quickly become a top-seller in stores across the country.

ProSource’s unique dual capacity as both a supplement innovator and multi-line retail giant has placed it in a prime position to offer unprecedented values to its legions of satisfied customers.

“We treat our customers like they’re family,” said Operations Manager John Gordon. “We are athletes and supplement users ourselves, and in this sport, it’s kind of like a brotherhood. As an avid power-lifter myself, I know that when I need a supplement, I don’t want to wait. That’s why we stock in our own warehouses every item we distribute so that we can get it out to our customers the fastest way possible. Nothing is more satisfying to me than building long-term relationships with our customers and I have found the best way to do that is provide excellent products, great prices, and fast service”, said John.

“When we introduce a ProSource brand product, you can be sure it is of the absolute highest quality on the market”, added Jim Casagrand, Quality Control Manager at ProSource. “We tell you what’s in it, what benefits it provides, and we present the scientific data associated with its effectiveness. Many of our competitors’ approaches to selling supplements rely on over the top claims and advertising hype, which can be entertaining at times, but they’re not useful tools for judging the real worth of products. At ProSource, we place a heavy emphasis on hard science and that is what truly sets us apart.”

Offering the highest quality products, based on real science, with the lowest prices nationwide has helped ProSource establish the most loyal customer base in the supplement industry. “They deeply respect their customer’s bodybuilding and fitness goals”, said Chief Scientific Advisor Jeff Volek, PhD. “That comes through in everything they do, and that’s why more and more bodybuilders and athletes are turning to ProSource for their supplement needs.”

---

Top

MUSCLETECH (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1995

Managed by a privately held company, MuscleTech’s dynamic R&D machine is headed by Marvin Heuer, MD, the firm’s Chief Science Officer. With over three decades of medical experience, both in patient care and clinical research, Heuer has authored over 40 scientific papers and other publications. He is an expert on general fitness, heart and muscle physiology, and the science of muscle growth and performance. His background includes positions of responsibility at world-class pharmaceutical companies like Ayerst Labs and SmithKline Beecham. Heuer’s stellar credentials reflect MuscleTech’s commitment to research, scientific validation, innovation and quality.

MuscleTech has funded over 100 clinical research studies to date, including trials at Baylor University, the University of Nottingham, the University of Laval, St. Francis Xavier University, McMaster University, and the University of Toronto. These studies have been published in 66 abstracts and more than 25 full papers in scientific journals such as the International Journal of Sports

Nutrition, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, and the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. They’ve also been the basis of Iovate’s large intellectual property portfolio, including over 30 patents and 83 patents pending.

Few companies can claim this level of devotion to the sport, and willingness to put serious resources into research on the science of sport supplementation.

All this effort has resulted in relationships with some of the world’s top applied physiology and sports science research specialists. Not only does MuscleTech develop relationships with top scientists, it also gives student awards to young scientists, recognizing excellence in student research. MuscleTech also sponsors scientific symposia such as “Dietary regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism at rest and during exercise” (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology 2003). Few companies can claim this level of devotion to the sport, and willingness to put serious resources into research on the science of sport supplementation.

Several products are worthy of special note. Under the direction of Dr Heuer, MuscleTech researchers have devised a comprehensive pre-workout formula: naNO Vapor. Containing six (no less!) proprietary ingredient blends, each targeting a relevant physiological system or functional goal, naNO Vapor has lifted the bar in the pre-workout category—possibly farther than anyone else can clear. In brief, the complexes in this formula are:

• NeuroAMP: Amps-up concentration and mental focus with tyrosines, acetylcholine-boosters, and lipo-thiamine, for more intense workouts.
• Infernogen: Turns up the heat with thermogenic compounds and alpha-receptor (fat-release) stimulators.
• Vasoprime: A vasodilating NO amplification matrix proported to deliver more anabolic nutrients to working muscles.
• Anaphex: An anabolic/anti-catabolic signaling complex designed to promote protein synthesis and damp the catabolic bad-guys.
• Intravol: A creatine derivative-based muscle cell volumizing, cell-swelling and hydrating complex.
• Myo-GF: An endocrine stimulant designed to promote optimal testosterone delivery and post-workout growth hormone release.

See Muscletech products

That’s it in a nutshell. The full story on all the ingredients in these complexes would take pages. Suffice it to say that MuscleTech has outdone itself on this one, packing more high-tech, engineered pro-growth compounds into one product than ever before.
Adding to naNO Vapor’s efficiency is that some of the ingredients have been provided as nanoparticles—ultra-tiny particles up to 7400% smaller than the particulates of the native raw materials. This advanced technology is intended to enhance absorption and the ability of the total product to achieve effects on muscle size and strength.
Another MuscleTech research accomplishment is Cell-Tech Hardcore—a top-selling creatine-based muscle builder, and for good reason. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated Cell-Tech Hardcore’s potency for increasing mass, strength, and cell volume. Cell-Tech Hardcore employs four proprietary complexes that promote creatine uptake and delivery to muscle cells: Crea-Edge, Osmodrol, Insulodrive, and Lipoic-Tech.
Cell-Tech Hardcore also employs the patented Nanomolecular Hyperdispersion Technology delivery system which, like with naNO Vapor, harnesses the power of nanoparticulation. Other popular products by Muscle-Tech include CREAKIC, LEUKIC, Anator-p70, Mass-Tech, Nitro-Tech Hardcore, Hydroxycut Hardcore, and many more. These formulations and the science behind them help explain why Muscle-Tech holds court as one of the top purveyors of quality supplements in the bodybuilding industry.

---

Top

CYTODYNE TECHNOLOGIES (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1997

Perhaps the most noteworthy news contained in our “Top 10 Supplement Companies” review concerns a company that had assumed a lower profile in recent years. It would appear that Cytodyne’s brief period outside the limelight is coming to an end, given recent industry-rocking announcements concerning the reconstitution of Cytodyne’s original management team and the unveiling of an extensive new program of product development and marketing initiatives for 2008, including a major restoration of the Xenadrine brand.

From 1997 to 2002, Cytodyne Technologies occupied a dominant position in the industry, as its trail-blazing research and development team launched a string of revolutionary products that helped athletes establish new standards for lean muscle gain, fat loss, and peak performance. From its flagship anabolic/anti-catabolic Cytodyne AAC, to its category-leading definition formula Taraxatone, to the mass-builder Z-Mass, and on to the all-time best-selling Xenadrine line of weight-loss supplements, Cytodyne led the entire supplement industry into the 21st century with its unique combination of uncompromising quality control, cutting-edge scientific innovation, and unwavering commitment to its loyal customer base of dedicated athletes.

“Bob Chinery ran Cytodyne like it was a pharmaceutical company”, said Kelly Conklin, former VP of Sales for Cytodyne Technologies. “He hired the leading researchers, sourced the highest-quality standardized raw materials, utilized the most advanced manufacturing labs, and sponsored the most rigorous independent studies to ensure that the products were the absolute best they could be.” Consumers evidently agreed, as they demonstrated an unprecedented loyalty to the Cytodyne and Xenadrine brands that helped the company establish overall sales benchmarks that remain unsurpassed to this day.

And then, in early 2003, Cytodyne founder Bob Chinery licensed the Cytodyne/Xenadrine brand to another company called Cytodyne, LLC, and Chinery and his management team had no involvement in subsequent marketing of the brand. For many industry observers, this appeared to mark the end of a remarkably productive era in supplement history.

A handful of well-placed insiders knew, however, that something much more intriguing and exciting was unfolding behind the scenes. Chinery and his research team had no desire to rest on their laurels. Instead they had taken a bold, and previously unheard-of step. They were sequestering themselves from the distractions of marketing in order to more fully focus their energies on charting the future course of bodybuilding and weight-loss science.

When the other company licensed the brand in ‘03, Chinery and the research team began focusing their efforts toward the goal of gaining new insights into the physiologies of fat storage, metabolism regulation, and energy production. Over a span of five long years, these studies have formed the foundations for a number of new and highly promising mechanisms of fat-loss science. Though many of the details of forthcoming breakthroughs have been kept carefully under wraps as of yet, the Cytodyne team’s past track record of ground-breaking successes clearly bodes well for the immediate future.

“Cytodyne’s flagship Xenadrine RFA-1 dominated the industry,” says Cytodyne Chief Scientific Advisor Jeff Volek.

“Everyone from elite athletes to housewives were using it and getting terrific weight-loss results. Xenadrine RFA-1 established benchmarks that other companies in this industry still haven’t matched. It passed the strictest clinical tests universities and independent research facilities could subject it to. It even outperformed the prescription weight-loss drug Xenical® in a head-to-head clinical test. Now that the original Cytodyne team is back in the marketplace, you can bet that the competition is already scrambling to keep up.”

The company which was formerly known as Cytodyne LLC of Farmingdale, NY which had licensed the brand from ’03 to ’07 is no longer involved with the brand in any way and it is now exclusively back in the hands of its founder. Chinery and his original management team celebrated the arrival of 2008 by officially announcing their return to the Cytodyne helm. This is major news in the industry as it marks the return to an era of high-tech innovation and superior product quality for the thermogenic category. The launch of new Ultra-Strength Xenadrine-EFX represents the first in a series of cutting-edge new product introductions by the original Cytodyne team. “Cytodyne Technologies’ renowned commitment to superior product performance is clearly evident with this new product innovation”, says Jeff Orr, Senior Product Tester at ProSource. “Back in the heyday of Xenadrine, their products had always delivered a major edge over the competition and this new version of EFX appears to once again follow in that tradition. In fact, I’ve personally tested virtually every major product in this category and can say without hesitation that this new version of Xenadrine is far superior to anything else available. This is legitimately a product to be excited about. It not only delivers a dramatic energy boost but more importantly it targets the key mechanisms for serious fat-burning results,” says Jeff.

But our sources tell us that the excitement doesn’t stop here. Indeed we’ve received advanced word of an even more remarkable major thermogenic breakthrough on the horizon for later this year. No one associated with Cytodyne would provide any specifics, though Kelly Conklin was willing to admit, “That product is going to change the industry the way Xenadrine RFA-1 did in 1998.” New information about both products will begin to appear later this month when websites at www.cytodyne.com and www.xenadrine.com go live. Or check with our site for regular updates. Our close affiliation with the company ensures up-to-the-minute info on these exciting developments.

For anyone who remembers the exhilarating advances in bodybuilding science and supplement technology at the turn of the last century, much of it driven by the innovators at Cytodyne, the re-emergence of the genuine Cytodyne Technologies group as a major player in the supplement industry is welcome news indeed.

---

Top

OPTIMUM NUTRITION (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 1983

Focusing on value and diversity of offerings, Optimum (with its companion brand American Body Building) offers a comprehensive line of products across multiple categories—protein powders, nutritional bars and bites, ready-to-drink sports beverages, vitamins and minerals, and more.

Founded by Mike and Tony Costello, Optimum Nutrition focuses on affordability of the most-essential sports nutrition products, such as whey protein. 100% Whey Protein is Optimum’s #1 econo-whey product, and one of the category’s single best sellers.

Their commitment to value is evident throughout Optimum’s product development process. Raw material vendors are carefully vetted, and Certificates of Analysis are required. To eliminate the possibility of chemical or microbiological contamination, Optimum has established a unique Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program. Quality assurance professionals make routine checks on all storage, blending and production areas, and conduct final inspections daily.

100% Whey Protein is Optimum’s #1 econo-whey product

See Optimum products

Again, because of the large volume this company deals in, all this elaborate control work becomes cheap on a per-unit basis. That means that the customer gets the products without paying big bucks for them. Optimum is known for highly-competitive pricing of all its products. Their 100% Whey Gold Standard protein is another popular econo-whey featuring a blend of whey isolate, ion exchange isolate, whey concentrates and whey peptides.

Of course, Optimum carries numerous other formulations, such as Instant BCAA powder, Opti-Men and Opti-Women gender specific daily multiples, Vassive CE creatine ester complex, and Vassive NO nitric oxide blend, but it is the econo-whey category where they have earned their stripes.

---

Top

BIO-ENGINEERED SUPPLEMENTS & NUTRITION (BSN) (more information)

ESTABLISHED IN: 2001

Founded by Chris Ferguson and Scott James—now President/CEO, and VP, respectively, BSN has been an impressive success-story since coming out of nowhere, in 2001. Some of the buzz is due to BSN’s associations with numerous top athletes, but the other part of the growth derives from BSN’s products including such well-known names as Nitrix, Cellmass and Syntha-6.

Most notable are the company’s contributions in the nitric oxide category, including NO-Xplode and Nitrix NO-Xplode. NO-Xplode contains an array of performance-boosters, cell-volumizers, insulin sensitivity-enhancers, and more, all wrapped up in a unique delivery system.

Most notable are the company’s contributions in the nitric oxide category

Nitrix is a more “pure” NO-boosting product, featuring arginine AKG, combined with NO-enhancing cofactors like nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), L-citrulline, and a blend of essential phosphates that act to promote cellular nutrient uptake. Nitrix markedly enhances the workout pump, muscle fullness, vascularity, strength, and recuperation. BSN claims to have developed a precise “bonded ratio” of L-Arginine to AKG, which promotes NO synthesis better than competing products.

Similar to Nitrix is Endorush, a pre-workout energy/NO drink featuring arginine AKG and L-citrulline along with various nutrients, stimulants, taurine and glucuronolactone.

---

Top

BIOQUEST (more information)

BioQuest is a three-year old company that has already made a major impact on the industry, especially in the key areas of weight loss and mass building. Tetrazene Extreme, for example, is an extremely effective weight loss, appetite suppressant technology that also delivers remarkable energy support. Clearly, their flagship product has got to be MyoZene, which is a great, fast-acting post-workout anabolic breakthrough, powered by ultra-hydrolyzed whey protein. MyoZene is considered without question the most innovative and powerful mass-building product of its kind in the industry. MyoZene and the new low-carb MyoZene UltraPro have been wildly successful additions to their growing line. Also, BioQuest’s new Fusion Force is a top-quality, maximum potency pre-workout formulation of key anabolics and energy boosters that produce massively productive workouts. More great things are on the horizon so be sure to check them out.

---

Top

LABRADA (more information)

Founded by IFBB Hall-of-Famer Lee Labrada, this company sports a full line of weight-loss and energy products, protein shakes, bars, and more. Their hallmark innovation, has been the meal replacement category, where they’ve dominated with such products as Lean Body and the delicious Lean Body Breakfast, a recent culinary taste award winner.

---

Top

ErgoPharm (more information)

ErgoPharm’s biggest claim to fame, is their unique 6-OXO (androst-4-ene-3,6,
17-trione): a patent-pending compound that helps inhibit aromatase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. A recent human clinical trial showed that 6-OXO increased levels of free testosterone while reducing circulating estradiol. This is a burgeoning field of study with other technologies coming to the fore, but 6-OXO has more than earned its place in this category.

---

Top

EAS (more information)

EAS burst onto the scene many years ago with creatine—the great breakthrough sports nutrition product of the 20th century. Phosphagen HP not only provided this new and powerful compound but it also contained carbs, phosphates, magnesium and taurine. This landmark formula has recently been updated as Phosphagen Elite, a highly rated and super potent creatine formula that has garnered respect across the board. In recent years, the MyoPlex line of MRP’s has become the flagship of EAS.

---

Top

NOW Foods (more information)

NOW Foods has been offering their respected brand of dietary supplements for over 40 years. Value is the watchword here, with a products like creatine, proteins, branched-chain aminos, glutamine, and lecithin. They even carry personal care items, natural foods, green foods, vitamins, minerals and more. NOW Foods mantra is quality and selection at affordable pricing and this remarkable company delivers on all counts.

---

Top

ProLab (more information)

Prolab Nutrition has been around since 1989 and provides a decent array of products. They entered the protein category fairly early on with Pure Whey and it remains their flagship formula. Pure Whey contains a blend of whey concentrates, isolates and glutamine peptides. They’re also known for their delicious MRP Lean Mass Complex, and their popular weight gain formula N-Large.

---

Top

AST (more information)

AST Sports Science is another company that offers solid values in creatine products, protein powders, test boosters and MRP’s. They’ve got a few specialty products of note, such as GABA, a neuro-transmitter amino acid, micronized glutamine, micronized creatine, NAC 500, their popular mass-building MRP called Ny-Tro Pro-40, and their new weight gainer, Muscle XGF. They also have several thermogenics in the brand line so they offer a little something for every bodybuilder’s needs.

---

Top

NEXT Proteins (more information)

NEXT Proteins earns perennial kudos for its Designer Whey protein—a quality product at good value. Designer Whey has even won several national taste awards. Their other flagship product is, of course, the Detour protein bar and the variations of such, being one of the first bars to introduce multi-layer technology and enhanced flavor to this tasty category.

---

Top

Supreme Protein Inc (more information)

The stunning success of this newer company is attributable to the sheer superiority of its product quality. Although now its own company, Supreme Protein’s formulation was originally created with the assistance of the elite ProSource R&D team so that it could tap into their vast knowledge and expertise in the science of protein supplementation. “Clearly, in terms of protein alone, Supreme Protein is the most cutting-edge entry this category has ever seen”, said sports nutrition researcher Doug Kalman, PhD, RD. “In fact, finding a protein bar that is even remotely comparable in quality to this one seems like an impossible task.” Interestingly, the company’s only brand is this amazingly delicious premium protein bar. This success story is a testament to the adage of “do one thing and do it well”. The fact is nobody does it better in the protein bar category than Supreme Protein. From the superior quality growth-factor-rich whey isolate to the healthy flax seed oil to the amazing gourmet chocolate, every detail of this nutritional masterpiece demonstrates the company’s quest for absolute perfection. The efforts have apparently paid off as Supreme Protein has become the highest rated bar ever (by a significant margin) in this vast product category. We are told that a number of other exciting innovations for the bar category are on the horizon for Supreme Protein Inc for ‘08.