We all know that there are a lot of health and fitness supplements out there. To describe it as a crowded marketplace would be an understatement. But it is also true that there are a lot of supplements on the market that are sub-par. It is so easy to make big claims on packaging and use the kind of buzzwords that are associated with fitness and a good diet. It is much harder to put together a product that not only does what it says it will but will be something that people genuinely enjoy.
If you are thinking of launching a health and fitness supplement product, then it is crucial that you understand the basic building blocks as well as what makes the difference for a truly great product. And if you are someone looking for the best supplement on the market, it is just as important to know what you should be looking for. Here are a few of the most important elements on everyone’s checklist.
Iron
Iron is one of the most important elements for keeping our bodies healthy. There are so many different parts of our systems that rely on iron, from our brains to our muscles. Iron can be found in plenty of vegetables (such as spinach, beets, and green cabbage) and beans and nuts. If you are a meat-eater, then you can also get it from red meat and seafood. You may not find iron advertised on some fitness supplements, but it is so important to make sure that you are getting enough iron if you are pregnant, if you are someone who experiences heavy bleeding while menstruating, or if you donate blood on a regular basis.
Protein
Protein is one of the most common building blocks of most workout supplements. If you are exercising regularly, you will need to make sure that you are supplementing your diet with plenty of protein to keep those muscles growing and healthy. It is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans, as one of the easiest ways to get protein is by eating meat. However, giving your body as much protein as it needs is not as simple as packing your supplement full of it. We are learning so much more about how our bodies absorb protein, and whey protein is one of the most popular options. Ingredient Optimized has developed ioWhey Protein, which is more easily absorbed by the body and reduces stomach discomfort. Find out more about their game-changing proteins at their website.
Vitamin B
A lot of the mineral and workout supplements on the market offer their users something along the lines of a quick fix. It is easy enough to understand why this is a popular choice. Some people are simply looking for something that will give them a burst of energy for the duration of their workout routine (which we will come to in just a moment). However, people who are serious about their health and fitness will be looking for something that will help them build up good health over the long term, and that is where Vitamin B comes in. There are different types of B vitamins, but in general, they offer both an energy boost and a helping hand to keep your cholesterol production in check.
Amino Acids
You will often find amino acids on the list of ingredients for health and fitness supplements. Now, there are many kinds of amino acids, and they will often be named instead of simply labeled by their group. Valine is a popular choice, as are isoleucine and leucine. The health benefits of these ingredients are far-ranging, and they are generally featured in supplements because they can help reduce soreness in your muscles and help you fight exhaustion a little longer. They are popular with people looking to pack on some muscle mass as they have been shown to help with growth and even help with your liver. The important thing is that you do your research and understand exactly what it is that the specific amino acids in question can offer you.
Caffeine
A lot of exercise supplements will contain caffeine. The reason for this is obvious, as it gives us an energy boost when we most need it. Caffeine can get your blood pumping and give you a little more endurance, so it is a popular choice for supplements focused on helping people push their limits.
However, it is important to note that it will obviously not be the right fit for every supplement. We all need to remember that we should stay within the RDA for caffeine, so make sure that you are not drinking too many caffeinated beverages alongside any supplement that contains it. You risk nausea, headaches, and high blood pressure if you take on too much.