Place | Name | Characteristics in the rating |
The Best Vitamins for Male Athletes |
1 | Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men | The most popular and effective |
2 | Orthomol Sport | The choice of the "Olympians" |
3 | VPLab ZMA | Increases testosterone levels |
4 | VPLab Ultra Men's Sport Multivitamin Formula | The best ratio of price and quality |
The Best Vitamins for Female Athletes |
1 | Optimum Nutrition Opti-Women | The best complex according to female athletes |
2 | Maxler USA VitaWomen | Restore natural beauty and strength |
3 | Lady's formula Energy-Tonic energy tonic | The best remedy for mobilizing internal energy |
4 | BioTech USA Multivitamin For Women | Most affordable price |
The Best Vitamins for Teen Athletes |
1 | Alphabet Teen | The best vitamins with separate composition |
2 | Complivit Active | Highly effective medicinal product |
3 | Nature's Plus Animal Parade Gold | Rich composition. Large packaging. Good feedback |
4 | Selmevit | Perfect compatibility of components. Affordable price |
People who are professionally involved in sports are required to monitor their diet much more strictly in order to provide the body with all the necessary nutrients under conditions of increased stress. At the same time, it is not enough to maintain an optimal balance of proteins and carbohydrates; it is important to ensure that a sufficient amount of vitamins and microelements enters the blood. Moreover, a lack of organic compounds of one or more groups can lead to serious negative consequences - muscle atrophy, decreased visual acuity, loss of immunity, frequent colds and other health problems.
The role of vitamins and minerals in sports is enormous, so we decided to compile the most complete list of the best multicomplexes for athletes, dividing it into 3 categories: vitamins for men, for women and for teenage athletes. Our rating includes only proven drugs that can support the body during grueling workouts. However, it is worth remembering that there are no universal remedies that are suitable for everyone without exception, so before using any dietary supplements you should consult your doctor or personal trainer.
There are contraindications. Consult your doctor.
The Best Vitamins for Female Athletes
The characteristics of the female body determine a slightly different approach to the composition and amount of vitamins consumed. So, when choosing the best dietary supplements for female athletes, you should pay attention to the balanced combination of retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and B vitamins present in the drug. In addition to general support during active fitness activities, a properly selected vitamin complex allows you to adjust hormonal levels and maintain reproductive function, which is especially important for young girls.
Selection rules
Before purchasing vitamin preparations, be sure to consult with a personal trainer or nutritionist; they will be able to correctly assess the condition of the body and the degree of strength loads in order to select the drug. It is advisable to get tested for deficiency of certain vitamins. Modern sports supplements are created taking into account the different needs of the body.
By composition
There are two types of vitamins:
- Fat-soluble - K, A, E, D. They are stored by the body and deposited in the liver or adipose tissue. When taking them, it is important to strictly follow the dosage.
- Water-soluble - C, B. They do not accumulate in tissues; excess is excreted from the body in the urine. In case of accidental overdose, side effects will be minimal and will quickly disappear on their own.
B vitamins increase the body's endurance and the intensity of strength training. If they are deficient, the athlete feels a lack of strength, and his muscle growth and metabolism slow down. Vitamin C is responsible for immunity, helps resist infections, and E protects cells from damage. It is important that the complex includes other vitamins, as well as amino acids and minerals: calcium, iron, selenium, chromium, zinc.
By purpose
The higher the sports load, the greater the body's need for nutrients. This rule must be taken into account when choosing drugs. Beginners can take simple vitamin complexes, such as Alphabet or Multi-tabs. For professional athletes, dietary supplements for strength, joints, and heart.
The Best Vitamins for Teen Athletes
It is no secret that the consumption of minerals and vitamins in children involved in any sport significantly exceeds the same figure in ordinary schoolchildren. When choosing the best dietary supplements for teenagers, you must adhere to the main rule - uncontrolled use of any drugs can lead to unpredictable results and cause irreversible consequences in a fragile body. Young athletes are allowed to take only proven pharmaceutical multicomplexes strictly under the supervision of a specialist.
Pharmacy medications and how to take them
- Asparkam normalizes metabolism and hydrostatic pressure. Reduces fatigue and prevents muscle spasms.
- Potassium orotate accelerates biochemical processes, strengthens the heart, and acts as an anabolic steroid.
- Duovit is needed by active people.
- Tamoxifen increases testosterone production and interferes with the synthesis of the female hormone.
- Metformin accelerates the conversion of glucose into glycogen.
- Mildronate increases endurance and gives energy. Normalizes metabolic processes. Prevents overwork.
- Vitrum Life contains minerals and amino acids. Suitable for athletes of both sexes.
- Daily Formula is intended for weightlifters.
Take for breakfast and lunch. On days of physical activity, consume after training within 1.5 hours. No cases of overdose have been identified. However, violating the rules of administration can provoke allergic reactions or gastrointestinal disorders.
To increase training efficiency
Regular visits to the gym plus morning jogging or exercise take a lot of energy. To restore it, professional athletes add special supplements, protein shakes or multivitamins to their regimen.
The following substances help increase the effectiveness of training:
- Riboflavin (B2) – increases energy metabolism. In addition to special preparations, it can be obtained from fermented milk products and green vegetables.
- Pyridoxine (B6) – is responsible for the proper metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. A must for athletes taking steroids.
- Cyanocobalamin (B12) – is involved in fat metabolism and hematopoiesis. It can be obtained from seafood and liver.
- Levocarnitine – increases endurance, helps quickly break down fatty tissue.
Muscle Pharm "Armor-V"
The complex contains a balanced combination of omega fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins B, A, C. The drug increases muscle tone, protects against catabolism (the process of breakdown and oxidation of substances, accompanied by muscle pain). Indispensable for heavy physical activity and during weight loss. The cost of a package of 180 capsules is 3000 rubles.
Advantages:
- the capsules are small in size and smell pleasant;
- does not cause side effects;
- It really increases stamina and strengthens the immune system.
Flaws:
- high price;
- inconvenient dosage regimen – 3 capsules 2 times a day.
Animal Pak
The bioactive supplement contains all the necessary vitamins for training: A, C, D, E, group B. It contains 11 minerals (zinc, phosphorus, selenium) and 19 amino acids (lysine, arginine, glycine). The complex helps maintain performance even during very intense and difficult workouts and replenishes the body’s daily need for nutrients. The cost of 42 Animal Pak bags is about 4,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- helps to recharge your energy before training;
- tastes good.
Flaws:
- high price.
NOW Sports Energy Extreme
This supplement is formulated to support the energy and mental performance needed for intense workouts. Sport Energy contains a full range of B vitamins, coenzymes: chromium, magnesium malate, carnitine, iodine. To enhance your workout performance, take 2 capsules during or after meals. The cost of a package of 90 capsules is 1100 rubles.
Advantages:
- has no contraindications other than individual intolerance;
- can be taken not only by athletes, but also by ordinary people to replenish their supply of nutrients;
- increases the amount of energy, helps to “wake up” before training.
Flaws:
- may cause insomnia and nausea.
Precautionary measures
It is not recommended to take supplements continuously. It is necessary to take a break for 2-3 months every 30 days of use. The number of courses per year should not exceed 4 times.
Dietary supplements should be taken in the morning. If we talk about protein, then the nutritional supplement can be consumed immediately before training.
During prevention, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the body. If an athlete gets worse, they may have overdosed. And this phenomenon is much more dangerous than a shortage.
When exercising, you need to pay attention to your diet, which should be rich in vitamins and minerals.
Body-building
Vitamins are necessary for men involved in bodybuilding. This is due to the fact that all systems are stressed when performing heavy work.
To restore, they need a certain set of building materials, consisting of macro and micronutrients.
A deficiency of even one of them can provoke a deterioration in health, and with prolonged deficiency, a disease or disorder can develop.
In addition, almost all gym goers, especially males, strive to build muscle mass. Because of this, they eat large amounts of proteins and carbohydrates, which do not contain enough vitamins.
Eating plant foods to make up for a deficiency can cause overstrain in the digestive tract. Therefore, it is better to give preference to the best vitamins for bodybuilding in concentrated form.
Manufacturers of sports nutrition produce various products designed to make training in the gym as effective as possible.
Safety
If you follow all the recommendations specified in the instructions and avoid overdose, then the vitamins are absolutely safe for the body. Therefore, the most suitable option is to choose a complex with the help of a specialist for specific purposes. A deficiency of nutrients in an athlete’s body can lead not only to a lack of progress in training, but also to health problems. Therefore, vitamins for athletes in the pharmacy are presented in a wide range.
The first thing you should do when deciding to include dietary supplements in your daily diet is to consult with a trainer, and ideally with your doctor. The instructor will recommend the most effective drugs for a specific type of load, and nutritionists and immunologists will find out which specific substances are needed to be replenished. Taking into account the data obtained, as well as gender, age and type of sport, the optimal drug will be selected.
Age
The age of the athlete is another factor that should not be neglected when choosing vitamins. The older a person is, the higher the need to replenish certain substances in the body. In addition, there are differences in sports complexes for men and women. If for the fair sex the iron content becomes an undeniable and useful advantage, then in a man this element can cause heart problems and provoke hand tremors.
It is necessary to carefully study the instructions for the drug and also check the expiration date. Such complexes normalize the balance of nutrients, help avoid health problems and do not allow muscle growth to stop.
So, what vitamins for athletes are the most popular at the pharmacy?
For gaining muscle mass
No matter how long the workout lasts, without the right set of vitamins it will be impossible to increase endurance and achieve muscle growth. There are ready-made preparations on sale in powders or capsules that promise a quick gain of muscle mass. Read the label carefully; these products should include:
- Vitamin A is responsible for the synthesis (production) of protein necessary for muscle growth. Participates in the production of glycogen, a polysaccharide important for obtaining additional energy.
- Vitamin B1 – ensures the supply of oxygen to all tissues of the body. Takes part in the formation of hemoglobin.
- Cobalamin (B12) – is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and supports the nervous system.
Vita Jym
The complex is prepared for beginner athletes and people with a low level of physical fitness. Vita Jym improves immunity, accelerates muscle growth and metabolism. Just one serving of vitamins can completely cover the loss of nutrients important for athletes. The complex includes 25 vitamins and minerals, B-complex. The cost of 60 tablets is 1450-1800 rubles.
Advantages:
- the preparation does not contain zinc, calcium and magnesium, due to which the absorption of other vitamins is improved;
- Convenient dosage regimen – 1 tablet per day.
Flaws:
- Possible side effects - nausea, headache.
Ironman, Vita Formula
Vitamins for sports include a full range of nutrients: folic and pantothenic acids, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), iron, magnesium and other elements. The drug increases energy reserves, endurance, and accelerates muscle gain. The cost differs depending on the number of tablets: 30 pcs. – 331-380 rub., 200 pcs. – 878-950 rub.
Advantages:
- small tablet size, easy to swallow;
- simple regimen - 1 pc. 1 time per day;
- acceptable price.
Flaws:
- a lot of fakes.
Controlled Labs "Orange Triad"
The group of multivitamins is designed to support heart function, improve immunity, and accelerate muscle gain. Regular use of the complex helps to spend less energy during training and get rid of pain in muscles and joints. The Orange Triad includes vitamins A, C, D, E, and minerals. Total 45 pcs. plus a complex for the digestive and immune system from herbs: blueberries, ginger, grapes, raspberries. The cost of the can is 270 pcs. – 1980 rub.
Advantages:
- helps maintain immunity - with regular use, athletes noted a decrease in the incidence of infectious diseases;
- the complex has no taste or smell;
- Vitamins have an acceptable price-quality ratio.
Flaws:
- tablet size is too large;
- inconvenient dosage regimen – 3 pcs. 2 times a day.