Do I Need Supplements?

1. What You Hear
  • Supplements are essential for fat loss and muscle gain.
  • Protein shakes, fat burners, and pre-workouts are magic solutions.
  • You can’t build muscle or lose fat effectively without supplements.
  • All supplements are equally effective and safe.
  • More supplement intake means faster results.
2. What The Science Says
  • Protein supplementation shows the most consistent benefit for increasing muscular strength when combined with strength training.
  • Creatine and β-alanine improve performance aspects like jump height and sprint speed but have less clear effects on muscle mass gains.
  • Many fat loss supplements show very low or mixed quality evidence; few have clinically meaningful effects.
  • Resistance training itself significantly reduces body fat and improves muscle mass without needing supplements.
  • Overall, supplements provide small additional benefits but cannot replace a solid diet and exercise foundation.
3. What Actually Matters
  • Sustained calorie deficit through diet is the primary driver of fat loss.
  • Sufficient total daily protein intake (about 1.2–2.0 g/kg body weight) supports muscle gain and maintenance.
  • Regular resistance training improves muscle strength, size, and reduces fat.
  • Combining protein supplementation with exercise enhances strength gains.
  • Supplements like creatine may improve performance and muscle strength, but effects on muscle mass are less certain.
  • Many popular fat loss supplements lack strong clinical support and should be used cautiously.
4. What This Means For You 
  • Focus first on consistent strength training and a balanced diet with enough protein.
  • Use protein supplements if you struggle to meet protein needs but prioritize whole foods.
  • Consider creatine or β-alanine if you want to improve specific performance factors.
  • Be skeptical of fat burners and other supplements with limited evidence.
  • Avoid expecting quick fixes; supplements complement but don’t replace lifestyle factors.
  • Stay patient and consistent with nutrition and training for sustainable results.
5. Where Everything You Read Above Came From
  • Gould H, et al. Effects of dietary supplements combined with strength and conditioning training on muscular strength and performance: A network meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2025 Jul; DOI:10.3389/fnut.2025.1636970.
  • Valenzuela PL, et al. Supplements with purported effects on muscle mass and strength: Evidence from clinical studies. Clin Nutr. 2019 Dec; DOI:10.1016/j.clnu.2019.11.034.
  • Wewege MA, et al. The effect of resistance training on body fat in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2022 Feb; DOI:10.1007/s40279-021-01597-7.
  • Watanabe M. Food supplements with primary impact on fat metabolism: A review of evidence and recommendations. Nutrients. 2020 Sep; DOI:10.3390/nu12092850.
  • Forbes SC, et al. Effectiveness of creatine supplementation on increasing lean mass and performance: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2021; DOI:10.1519/JSC.0000000000004060.
  • Schoenfeld BJ, et al. Protein supplementation and muscle strength outcomes: An updated meta-analysis. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2022; DOI:10.1186/s12970-021-00480-4.
  • Trexler ET, et al. Resistance training and muscle hypertrophy: Role of protein and exercise program design. Sports Med. 2017; DOI:10.1007/s40279-017-0697-2.
  • Helms ER, et al. Evidence-based recommendations for natural bodybuilding contest preparation: Nutrition and supplementation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014; DOI:10.1186/1550-2783-11-20.
  • Jagim AR, et al. Beta-alanine supplementation: Effects on performance and body composition. Nutrients. 2022; DOI:10.3390/nu14010299.
  • Kerksick CM, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Nutrient timing. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017; DOI:10.1186/s12970-017-0189-4.