VITAMIN C (Ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C assists overall body functions. It helps heal wounds and broken bones and aids in the treatment of heart disease, blood clots, cancer, cholesterol, allergies, and arthritis. It contributes to hemoglobin and red-blood-cell production in bone marrow. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which builds up the body’s immune system to make it stronger against colds and viruses. People taking at least 200 mg daily have a 30% reduced risk of bronchitis. Some studies show that taking Vitamin C in doses of 1000 mg per day reduces the secretion of cortisol, allowing muscles to grow and you to lift better. Vitamin C will keep testosterone levels high by making the ratio of cortisol to testosterone decrease which helps your body keep up that level of performance you demand.

Good natural sources of Vitamin C include Citrus Fruits and juices, Strawberries, Green Vegetables, Onions, Tomatoes, Radishes and Rose Hips. The human body is unable to manufacture its own Vitamin C so it should be replenished in a steady, fresh supply every day. Vitamin C is not stored appreciably in the body and excess amounts are eliminated rapidly through the urine. It is suggested that you take either a timed release Vitamin C tablet, or spread your intake throughout the day. Vitamin C works best in conjunction with bioflavanoids, calcium and magnesium and Vitamin C tablets often contain one or more of these.

ALL IN ONE SUPPLEMENTS
All in one supplements are becoming very fashionable at the moment. They are essentially a variety of different supplements mixed together for convience. It is often worth comparing the price of the individual supplements against the price of the all in one alternative.

FINAL COMMENTS:
In summary, no supplement is 100% neccessary. They are only aids to your workout and diet, I cannot stress the importance of this. Supplements, despite the advertising and marketing claims, are pretty much the same from company to company. Read the adverts, remember they are adverts and decide for yourself. For example, most people choose protein shakes on taste, cost and mixibility rather than any special ingredients it contains. Supplements such as Creatine Monohydrate and L-Glutamine are identical from company to company (assuming they are a reputable source).

There are other supplements not listed here, this article is intended to be a beginners guide to the most popular supplements currently on the UK market. If you require further help, talk to, or e-mail, the store owners, they can help and recommend supplements for you. If you want independant and unbiased advice, try posting a message on one of the weightlifting of sports newsgroups. The uk.rec.bodybuilding newsgroup is a UK based newsgroup which I would particularly recommend. It is regularly frequented by all kinds of people from regular gym users to supplement company owners and personal trainers.

Remember, there are no quick answers in bodybuilding, weight training or any other sport for that matter. Supplements will help you if used correctly, in conjunction with a carefully structured and properly administered training and diet regimen. Sports Supplements are not the easy answer!, you will still have to do all the hard work, but used correctly they can complement your training and accellerate your progress.