Now my question, can I be taking too many supplements? Should I drop any of this stuff? Oh I forgot I also take a fish oil pill every morning too. LOL Anyways, opinions...
Hey there. I don't know if taking "too many supplements" is an issue, more so than taking supplements that if taken together have some type of (dangerous) interaction effect. I have not seen any reports as such that indicate taking "A" at the same time as "B" is potential issue, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. I am no expert, and not one to give advice with regard to health related issues, but I can speak from my own experience.
In general, I have heard that if you are taking vitamins, don't take too much of the fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins D, A, K, and E) as they can build up to a toxic level.
Many years ago, I knew one guy who took way too much "Vanadyl Sulfate" (allegedly mimics insulin and forces carbohydrates into the blood to be stored in muscle tissue) and ended up exhibiting diabetic like symptoms, such as weakness when blood sugar was low, etc.
I have been lifting for 20 years, and eaten my bodyweight in protein powder. It is the only supplement I have ever used with any consistency, as it helps keep your protein intake where it needs to be when trying to build/maintain mass, and allows you to keep your fat and carbohydrate intake in check.
About 6 months ago my former trainer, and very good friend told me to check out the BSN line of supplements. I have used them on and off since and am very pleased with the results they have delivered. Essentially their line of supplements, if taken according to the recommended schedule, loads you with several types of creatine, nitirc oxide, glutamine, and really tricky carbs to utilize while performing extended or intense training. The three products of theirs I am using right now are:
NO-Xplode (Pre-Workout):
NO-XPLODE GRAPE 50 SERVINGS - Supplement | Massnutrition.com
Volumaize (During WOrkout):
VOLUMAIZE BOX SET GRAPE 2.6LB - Supplement | Massnutrition.com
and
Cell Mass (After Workout):
CELLMASS GRAPE 50 SERVINGS - Supplement | Massnutrition.com
The results in me are as follows. I have been dieting down and doing alot of cardio to try and get into shape for summer. I started at a weight of 225 pounds (6'1" tall) and about 2 weeks later was 235 and with a noticeably leaner mid-section. My vascularity improved, and my endurance has been very consistent, no matter what type of workout I throw myself into, 1 hour of cardio + 30 minutes of weights, or an all out 1 hour long powerlifting workout.
Notice all the links I provided are for the GRAPE flavor. It is good, the others are kind of nasty, IMHO, but the grape is yummy.
Also, none of these products are pro-hormones or other substances that mimic products of your endocrine system, so from what I can tell, they are safe assuming you are in overall good health and been OK'd for training as such by your MD.
I will note that if you do try these out, one of the labels says to limit your intake of GLUTAMINE supplements. So, keep that in mind.
Best of luck to you!
-Alex