Teen athletes consume various supplements such as protein, pre-workout, and amino acids because of their advertised and proven results. Many teen athletes look for an edge over their opponent. Along with weight lifting, supplements can improve their training.

“It provides the essential resources in more concentrated doses,” said junior right tackle Yaroslav Seliaviski. “It also allows your body to rebuild faster and get bigger gains.”

According to Bodybuilding.com, protein shakes are a good way to restore lost amino acids in a workout to the muscle cells. Also, the liquid form of the shake allows the body to digest the protein faster.

“I drink up to four [protein] shakes a day,” said junior running back Eli Snowden. “As an athlete it allows me to continue to perform at a high level when working out consistently.”

Other workout supplements besides protein, such as pre workout and essential amino acids are proven to produce results in workouts as well. Some athletes and bodybuilders feel that it helps them get more repetitions in the weight room.  

“BCAA’s (Amino Acids) give me lots of energy during workouts, and they make me feel better after,” said junior Liam Arsenault, an amateur weightlifter. “I also see more results because of them.”

Aside from improving workouts, athletes use supplements such as creatine, which is a common ingredient in most pre-workouts, to recover from their workouts and build muscle faster.

“I take creatine to supplement weight gain and strength,” said junior CrossFit and weightlifting  champion Logan Griffith. “I take whey protein for immediate intake after workouts, and it’s sometimes even more convenient than food.”

Though supplements have more benefits than disadvantages, some health companies warn the harmful effects of supplements. For example, according to Livestrong.com, consuming protein supplements without regular weight or cardio training can lead to fat gain. Also, some of the unnatural powders can have health risks.

For those looking to either add protein into their diet or to recover from a workout, search for different variations in the protein shakes. According to truenutrition.com, vegan or plant based protein can help lower cholesterol and contain natural digestive fiber that whey does not contain.

“Powder protein shakes can affect your lungs if it isn’t mixed it all the way,” said freshman athletic trainer Emily Dixon. “Actual pre-mixed shakes are better than the powders.”