‘I feel energised and motivated!’

Athletes and fitness bunnies around the world have never-ending access to performance supplements, protein shakes and vitamins to help them meet their health goals. Performance supplements should not be seen as a replacement for proper nutrition and water intake and we should always read the label and check the ingredients before it’s too late.

While there’s no scientific explanation for how supplements affect muscle gain, performance, or energy levels, many athletes turn to supplements to attain their health goals.

If you want to take health supplements, always talk to your healthcare provider first.

The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider on queries regarding a medical condition. Any action taken by you in reliance on or in connection with this content is solely at your own risk.

1. Optimum Nutrition, Opti-Men, 90 Tablets

S$47.49 at iHerb

Opti-Men is a nutrient optimisation system that provides 75+ active ingredients in four blends specifically designed to support the nutrient needs of active men. Each 3-tablet serving provides free-form amino acids, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, essential minerals and botanical extracts in foundational amounts that can be built on by consuming a healthy, balanced diet.

One customer who trains shared: “Every time I take this vitamin, I notice a significant improvement in my mood. I feel energised and motivated, though the price per bottle is pretty high.” Another said: “I workout regularly and this supplement help me feel more energised and achieve better results.”

2. Primaforce, Beta-Alanine, 3,400 mg, 180 Capsules

S$27.60 S$30.67 at iHerb

Beta-Alanine is essential for the production of carnosine, a protein-building block that helps with anti-ageing, and supports proper muscle function and development. This amino acid is known for reducing muscle fatigue, meaning it can help your muscles work longer and harder during workouts.

Another customer who trains often shared: “The pill size is just right, so it’s easy to take, and it’s effective in helping you sweat and exercise your muscles. Since it is tasteless, there is no discomfort when eating it.”

3. Alpha Lion SuperHuman Armor, 90 Capsules

S$35.04 S$50.06 at iHerb

Boost your immunity with SuperHuman Armor – the advanced immune support formula loaded with seven of the most powerful ingredients on the planet. Don’t go another day with compromised immunity!

4. Lake Avenue Nutrition, Whey Protein + Probiotics, Chocolate

S$94.49 S$134.98 at iHerb

Lake Avenue Nutrition Whey Protein Plus Probiotics and Enzymes chocolate-flavored powder provides a simple and easy way to add protein to your diet, which can help promote muscle growth when combined with a targeted exercise routine.

5. Fitcode, Creatine, Unflavored

S$23.35 S$25.95 at iHerb

Creatine helps build muscle through multiple mechanisms including increasing protein synthesis – which is the key way muscle cells grow. It also increases the number of muscle satellite cells, which help build muscle fibres.

6. Evlution Nutrition, 100% Isolate Protein, Vanilla Ice Cream

S$100.87 S$112.08 at iHerb

Evlution Nutrition 100% Isolate is engineered to be a protein powerhouse. It’s packed with 25 grams of easy-to-digest and fast-absorbing whey isolate protein. And you’ll love the rich, vanilla milkshake taste! Just add one scoop to your smoothies for an added burst of potent protein in your daily diet.

7. Now Foods, Sports, Arginine & Ornithine, 100 Veg Capsules

S$17.94 S$19.93 at iHerb

Arginine and ornithine combines two complementary amino acids in one convenient supplement. Arginine is required for proper elimination of urea from the body, which occurs through a critical metabolic cycle that detoxifies the body of nitrogen compounds that are normal by-products of protein metabolism. Ornithine is synthesised from arginine and is a precursor of citrulline, proline and glutamic acid. Both of these amino acids are popular with athletes and other active individuals.

What is the most common sports supplement?

In no particular order: Creatine, Beta-alanine, Vitamin D and Iron (important for menstruating female athletes.

Why do people use supplements?

Some athletes use supplements as a way to speed recovery from exercise, reduce the chance of injury or even prepare their body before an exercise.