Avoiding Stacking

[ConcernedDad]

My son is a high end athlete and we want to make sure that he stays on the straight and narrow in his weight lifting. My concern is that our state is testing and I want to be sure that we are both safe from health concerns and from testing purposes. He takes cytogainer, HMB, and whey protein. Can someone let me know if this is considered stacking and is dangerous to his health or will cause him to fail a test?
Thanks
ConcernedDad

[Spinman]

Im interested to know what "stacking" is. I think its just taking a bunch of supps. at once. But if hes only taking gainer, protein, thats fine. Dont know what HMB is, but if its not illegal, then its fine on tests. Unless he competes in a sport with odd rules

[POWERJIM]

Stacking is taking supplements that will complement either other together, your son should be aware of what he can and cant take and im sure HMB and whey protein are not banned by any sports body anywhere. As for the health risks of stacking it really depends on what his stacking, however HMB and Whey wont be a problem as Whey is a dairy food source, HMB is an Amino acid which plays a part in protein synthesis.

[ConcernedDad]

Thank you for the reply. We are careful about what he uses and I know there are probably some addtional supplements that could be helpful. However, we want to error on the side of caution. I am new to this board and really appreciate the feed back. I just want to make sure the Cytogainer and HMB dont combine to cause issues.

[NiteHawk]

Those will be fine. No illegal products there. However, I recommend dropping the HMB. Its pretty much worthless. Save the money and buy him food or other things. It would be money better spent that way.

[RyanLRams]

Supplements:
100% Whey Protein (Optimum Nutrition GOLD STANDARD - $50 online for 70 servings. Best protein (Take one-two servings, in water, immediately upon waking and immediatley after WO)
Multi-Vitamin (Avoid GNC. Instead, go to a place like Super Supplements. I like Rainbow Light JUST ONCE, Mens multi. $14 for 30)
Amino Acid (Take some good BCAA's right after your workout. Will help too repair your muscles)
Fish Oil (Omega 3 fatty fish oils are very important to a strong healthy immune system and joints. I like Nordic Naturals COMPLETE OMEGA 3-6-9. Omega's 3, 6, and 9. Plus, it has a lemon flavor so your son doesn't burp up fish, but lemon)

Finally, I like to take a PRE-Workout drink to help maximize my workout. Check out Cytosports FAST TWITCH. It is pretty amazing stuff!

Everything is 100% legal.

Finally, eat a healthy diet, loaded with protein and complex carbs.


NOTE ON GNC: GNC hires any schmuck off the street. They ,most likely, have no knowledge about what they are selling you or how it will effect you. I used to go there and more times than not, whenever I asked about a supplement, they would say "this one is popular", or "this one is new". I have noticed that it is usually the most pricey one too. I picked up something up off a shelf I hadn't seen before and wanted some information on the product. When I asked for help, the guy said, "let me see that", and started to READ OFF THE LABEL TO ME! I can do that nimrod, I was looking for a little more insight. Also, they have their own product lines that are mostly garbage and they push em like it's black gold.

Super Supplements only hires CERTIFIED trainers and nutritionists. They will be able to answer questions and recommend the best products for whatever your situation is. Make sure you look around and find a good supplement place with KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF.

[ConcernedDad]

So it would be OK to add Amino acids to the HMB and Cytogainer? Why is HMB not helpful? I have read several articles both independent and connected that tout it's effectiveness.

[RyanLRams]

Bodybuilding.com - HMB Information and Product Listing! HMB FAQ!

It looks as though taking a Leucine supplement would have the same results? I don't know. I think I am taking enough supplements right now. Is it worthwhile to invest in this after I finish another supplement cycle?

[NiteHawk]

I have seen studies showing its not effective either. I just dont think its proving itself in the real world as other supplements do. I personally would save the money.

[POWERJIM]

HMB is abit like Glutamine as in some people will swear by it and others will see it as over priced junk, maybe some people respond better to it than others?