Dietary Supplementation in Bodybuilding In recen

In recent years, participation in bodybuilding activities has increased considerably among both men and women. These athletes strive for a high degree of muscle mass and tone. Competitive bodybuilders are judged on various attributes including muscularity, symmetry, proportion, and visual presentation. In order to achieve their objectives, most engage in both dietary manipulation and rigorous training. These behaviors, however, may put the athletes at risk. At present, few studies have been performed on dietary supplementation practices among bodybuilders. An increased understanding of the different alternatives, however, might direct the athletes towards better health and fitness.

For the most part, bodybuilders work towards "physical perfection." They desire both maximum skeletal muscle hypertrophy and definition (3:264). In general, competitive bodybuilders train during the off-season for muscular size and refinement. This initial "bulking" stage of physical training involves the selective exercise of different muscles and muscle groups. The second phase of competitive bodybuilding occurs during the weeks or months just before a competition. It is then that athletes try to reduce their body fat. This "cutting" stage is designed to enhance both muscular and vascular definition (2:91).

Competitive bodybuilders tend to participate in multi-faceted training programs. Indeed, Kleiner et al. (1990) evaluated 27 champio

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en promoted as "growth hormone releasers." The manufacturers of these supplements claim that they will increase the physiologic release of human growth hormone and consequently cause increased weight, muscle gain, and, possibly, a reduction in body fat. Intravenous arginine hydrochloride is used clinically to evaluate hypothalamic-pituitary function. The administration of this compound has been reported to increase growth hormone levels in normal subjects. In addition, Bucci and associates (1990) studied the acute effects of 40, 100, and 170 milligrams per kilogram of l-ornithine administered orally to bodybuilders. Although these subjects reported stomach cramping and diarrhea, the highest dosage was followed by a rise in serum growth hormone 90 minutes after ingestion; lower doses tended to have lesser effects. The significance of single amino acid supplements to athletic performance remains unknown. However, the safety of large amino acid quantities in excess of those present in normal foods has not been established. Theoretically, the disproportionate consumption of certain amino acids could cause physiologic imbalances to occur. In addition, l-tryptophan ingestion has been associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrom
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