Are bodybuilding supplements harmful to the heart?

The effect of bodybuilding supplements on the heart for athletes depends on the ingredients used in making these products. One of these compounds that may have a negative effect on heart function is caffeine. Caffeine is mostly used in pre-workout sports supplements because it gives you a feeling of euphoria and energy. Caffeine is safe for heart function if consumed in moderation. According to studies, consuming about 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for adults. However, sports supplements and energy drinks often contain much more than the recommended amount of caffeine, which can be harmful to heart health. Caffeine pills are mostly used by athletes.

Does caffeine cause cardiovascular problems?

As mentioned, one of the popular bodybuilding supplements is caffeine. When caffeine enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, it causes the release of a chemical called adenosine, which has a sleepy effect. Not only does caffeine increase your energy and make you feel euphoric, but your heart rate increases, blood flow increases, and muscles contract. Now, excessive caffeine consumption caused by the consumption of energy drinks and some sports supplements before training, which do not comply with the limit and moderation of caffeine, may cause side effects. One of these side effects is increased blood pressure and is related to heart problems, which can increase the risk of heart attack and disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart.

Reducing the risk of heart attack by taking protein supplements

A study in the UK was conducted on a number of people with mild hypertension. In this study, it was found that people drinking a whey protein supplement had an 8% reduction in the risk of heart disease and stroke. Also, these people had lower blood pressure and cholesterol and healthier blood vessels after taking this supplement. Ágnes Fekete, a researcher who conducted the study at the University of Reading, said: “The results of this experiment are very exciting. This shows the positive effect of dairy proteins on blood pressure.” Long-term studies show that people who drink more milk are healthier. But more studies are needed on the effect of protein supplementation on the heart.

Research and studies have been done on protein supplements and the heart

The effect of bodybuilding supplements on the heart depends on the individual’s health conditions and the type of supplement. Another study was carried out at the University of Reading’s Hugh Sinclair Human Nutrition Unit led by Professor Julie Lovegrove and Ian Givens. In this research, people consumed 56 grams of whey protein supplement (whey) every day for 8 weeks, equivalent to the consumption of this supplement by bodybuilders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of drinking two protein shakes a day for eight weeks on a range of cardiovascular health markers, including blood pressure, arterial stiffness and cholesterol. The researchers of this study observed a significant effect on the cardiovascular health of the participants in this short period of time. However, researchers are looking to better understand the effects of proteins made from milk on other markers of cardiovascular health over a longer period of time, and studies are still ongoing.

What is creatine?

When creatine was first discovered in 1832 by the French philosopher and scientist Michel-Eugène Chevreul, it sparked many studies. Creatine is a combination of three amino acids, glycine, arginine and methionine, which is produced by our own body. Creatine makes up about 1% of the total blood volume of the human body. About 95% of creatine is stored in the skeletal muscle and about 5% in the brain. The liver, kidneys and pancreas use between 1.5 and 2% of stored creatine for daily use. Creatine enters the bloodstream and is used by skeletal muscles and the brain that need energy.
After consuming protein, kidneys and liver make creatine. Then, the creatine produced by the muscles is converted into creatine phosphate, and the produced creatine phosphate is converted into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which the body uses for explosive and high-powered movements and exercises. Creatine supplement should be consumed by athletes along with protein foods. Because creatine helps to perform explosive and powerful movements during training, and protein will restore muscles after training.

Is it safe to take creatine supplements?

Creatine supplement is completely safe and harmless in the recommended and usual amounts and is especially useful for bodybuilders. But according to researchers, although taking creatine supplements alone is not harmful to people’s health, if it is combined with drugs, it can damage the health of the liver and kidneys. This is because creatine in our body is filtered through the kidneys, and high levels in the kidneys can indicate potential kidney failure. This is the reason why the use of creatine supplements must be principled and the amount of consumption should not exceed the recommended amount.

The effect of creatine on the heart

There are concerns about the use of creatine, and some believe there is a link to increased heart rate and blood pressure. This connection is due to the fact that creatine supplementation is primarily used to increase the intensity of workouts. However, researchers have not found any direct link between creatine consumption and heart problems, but attribute it to overtraining by athletes.

What are the benefits of arginine for the heart?

Arginine is a type of amino acid that some bodybuilders use as supplements and pills. In the body, the amino acid arginine is converted into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that promotes healthy blood vessels and improves circulation.

Some evidence suggests that arginine may help improve blood flow in the heart’s arteries and improve symptoms of blocked arteries, chest pain or angina, and coronary artery disease. However, there is currently no information on how long-term use of arginine affects cholesterol or heart health. Because arginine may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, it may also help with erectile dysfunction.

final word

We said that the effect of the bodybuilding supplement on the heart completely depends on the type of supplement and the compounds used in it. Most sports supplements, if used in recommended amounts, are safe and harmless and do not cause problems for heart health. However, if you have heart problems, consult with your doctor about taking any bodybuilding supplement you are about to start, so that you don’t get any special side effects.