Anabolic complexes are a collective group of supplements and sports nutrition that have the alleged and often unproven ability to increase muscle mass. Anabolic complexes vary greatly in composition, they may contain plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, creatine and more. Quite often manufacturers of sports nutrition exploit the term "anabolic complex" for commercial purposes, attributing to this group supplements that have nothing to do with it.
"Warning" It should be noted that in 90% of cases, anabolic complexes are marketing profanity, not justifying even a tenth of the promises made by the manufacturer. Many anabolic complexes have no effect at all, and it has been proved by independent studies, but they are still successfully sold because customers do not have any objective information support. Be extremely vigilant when choosing an anabolic complex, carefully study the composition, checking the information on each component, collect all possible data on the supplement from independent sources and consult an expert sports nutritionist.
Even reputable brands like MHP, MuscleTech, BSN and others produce anabolic complexes that do not affect muscle mass and other athletic indicators. The term "anabolic complex" is very vague and by itself should already make the buyer wary. The fact is that even normal food has anabolic properties. The more we eat, the more predominant anabolism is, so formally we can say that a loaf of bread is also an anabolic complex.
Effective anabolic remedies are usually subject to strict controls and are not freely distributed, so manufacturers have to ferret out various plants and food components that are known to be beneficial.
"Warning" It has been empirically proven that there is no single remedy that is highly effective and at the same time has no side effects. So think before you buy a "super effective supplement" that has none of the side effects.
SportsWiki experts have identified the most popular ingredients included in anabolic complexes and analyzed their effectiveness in sports, based on independent studies, scientific literature and feedback from athletes.
Of the herbal ingredients, often used are:
Eurycoma longifolia is effective. Increases testosterone production and increases libido. [1]
Icariin - effective
Arachidonic acid - effective
Agmatine - increases gonadotropin secretion, confirmed in only one animal study
3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran - blocks sex hormone binding globulin, evidence base is fragile
Tribulus terrestris - increases libido, but does not affect testosterone levels. Currently, the circulation of Tribulus in Russia is limited.
Protodioscin - the active ingredient of the plant Tribulus terrestris. Efficacy in humans has not been proven.
Ecdysterone - effectiveness is questionable.
Forskolin - effectiveness is questionable.
D-aspartic acid - ineffective
Methoxyisoflavone - ineffective
Maca Peruviana - ineffective
Avena Sativa (oats) - ineffective
Phytosterols - ineffective
Sitosterol - ineffective
Humulus lupulus - ineffective
Valerian derivatives - ineffective
Macuna Pruriens - ineffective, but can increase libido by affecting the dopamine system. [2]
Griffonia simplicifolia - ineffective
Fenugreek (Fenugreek) - ineffective (recent studies have only proven effects on libido).
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) - ineffective
Fatty acids:
Omega-3 - effective
Arachidonic acid - effective
Phosphatidylserine - effective
Choline - effective
Others:
6-OXO - effective
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is ineffective
ZMA - ineffective
In addition, anabolic complexes often include amino acids and creatine, but it is more economical to buy them separately.
Composition analysis and reviews allowed to select the most effective anabolic complexes:
T-Bomb II from MHP
HyperTEST from Axis Labs
T-911 by Legal Gear
Stenandiol 3.0 from German American Technologies
Animal M-Stak from Universal Nutrition
Axis-HT by BSN
Vitrix by Nutrex
