One of the most common questions I find asked around bodybuilding forums on the web is “what supplements are the best for skinny guys?”. Supplements are much more important for skinny guys (ectomorphs) because their genetics make it harder for them to build muscle, hence the term “hard gainer”. So what are the best supplements recommended for skinny guys? Here’s our list:

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What are amino acids? Most people don’t know. There are 2 types of amino acids, essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body, thus it is “essential” to get them through diet (and if necessarily supplementation).

Below I have listed each amino acid (both essential and non-essential) and explained what their role is. If you have any questions about amino acids please leave them in the comments and the bottom of the page and I’ll answer them.

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How much vitamin C you need, where you can get it from, and what it will do for you.

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The most people hear about vitamin D is when they see it on a milk jug at the grocery store. Today we’ll give you a brief summary on what vitamin D is and what it can do for you.

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Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, simply meaning that your body can produce it. While you can consume glutamine from food sources like milk protein, meats, etc., the body mainly relies on the consumption of gluatamic acid (glutamate) and having it convert into glutamine. The conversion happens in the liver where glutamate combines with ammonia.

A diet that is healthy can supply the body with the capability to produce anywhere between 3.5 and 8 grams a day. It becomes and is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and muscle tissue. You can find it present in at least some levels in all organs of the body aiding in their function.

Glutamine is particularly important in the overall immune system and function of the gastrointestinal. If you’re not getting enough glutamine, you can always add more to your diet with glutamine supplements.

Today it’s time to learn a bit more about whey protein! Whey protein is the most popular supplement used amongst athletes, and some would argue the most important. Let’s have a look at some of the facts about whey protein:

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Today we’ll start with the basics of weight gaining. We’ll cover the question — what exactly are weight gainers?

Weight gainers are basically meal replacement supplements with higher amounts of calories. Much like meal replacements, it’s pretty easy to find those that contain a mix of good quality protein, carbs, and acceptable fat content. The most popular weight gainers today are those that when mixed with 16 ox of water give you near 1,000 calories per serving.

You should be aware of some weight gainers. Much like the old days, there are still supplements going around that are composed completely of sugar and fat contents. Read labels so you can be sure of what you’re purchasing.

Everywhere I look I’m seeing bad advice when it comes to post workout nutrition for bodybuilders and weight trainers. So I’m going to explain what I consider to be the best combination of supplements for post workout.

A simple protein shake is NOT enough. Here’s what I recommend:

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Nitric oxide is a free form of gas that your body produces. It’s used by your body to communicate between cells. It’s produced by enzymes in your body breaking down the amino acid Arginine. It can also be inserted into your body through nitric oxide supplements.

Nitric oxide does two major things. For starters, it increases the blood flow that your body delivers and allows more nutrients to reach the muscle cells. This allows them grow during and after workouts (recovery phase).

The next major thing is Nitrix Oxide’s ability to help reduce the inflammation that sore muscles may have. The soreness can derive from normal everyday activities, or strenuous exercises. Regardless, it cuts down on recovery time and allows you to get back in the gym faster, without feeling the effects as much after each workout.

I just came across another positive review of optimum nutrition whey protein. I have been using ON whey for years now and it’s good to see some other people have found it and are liking the results. I tried at least 10 different protein powders until I settled for this one. Not one of them ticked every box. They either didn’t taste good, were full of ingredients I didn’t want (ie fat or sugar), too expensive etc.

If you’re looking for a top protein powder at the right price I suggest you check it out. Optimum Nutrition make loads of other solid products too. I have tried their ZMA (not currently taking it, but have cycled it for 2 years), creatine (both monohydrate and ethyl ester) and their amino pills. It’s good to see a company taking the lead in quality and not slapping us with prices 50% higher than they should be.

Nice one.