So I've been reading up on supplements that I've used in the past to add muscle, to see if any of them have other health benefits (and at what dosage). In addition to the aforementioned Vanadyl, I've added 5g or Creatine Monohydrate and 5g of Glutamine. I take both in powder form, mixed with fresh juice and a concentrated green veggie powder - I drink this midmorning. A number of articles have been published in medical journals stating that Creatine Monohydrate is useful in the prevention of Alzheimers and improve certain neurological functions.
Here is one of the many articles easily found through any search engine : http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=3988. For more detailed and scientific articls, use Google Scholar.
Make sure to always use these supplements in powder form, they are more readily absorbed into the blood stream and easier on the liver and kidneys. Most hard-pressed pills (vitamins etc) are barely broken down, up to 70% of the pill is passed undigested out of the body.
Here is a quick list of the benefits of glutamine:
•dramatically boosts immune system (helps immune cell production, antioxidant production);
•dramatically reduces chances of infection;
•dramatically reduces liver damage from overdosing and harsh therapies (chemotherapy);
•detoxifies the body from free radicals and other dangerous poisons such as ammonia;
•prevents bacteria from entering intestine walls;
•lessens depression;
•reduces alcohol cravings;
•improves IQ and problem-solving skills;
•plays massive role in ensuring the function of the digestive system; and
•helps prevents ulcers.
Ive been taking these supplements 5 days a week for two weeks and have put on 6lbs and have felt pretty good - although I will admit that it would be hard to identify any one thing that has me feeling better, due to the fact that there has been so many variables since my surgical procedure on August 7th.
If you are looking at taking one or both of these supplements for aesthetic gains, you would be taking 3 x the servings that I do and the timing would be different. If you are looking for muscular gains it is imperative to consume 1 serving within 45 minutes of completing any form of training.
I hope that you found some of this information useful and feel free to contact me at greg@bellatorfit.com to discuss this material in more detail.