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Affordable Supplements: The Definitive Buyer’s Guide
10/09/2016share
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With the health and fitness industry booming, and our ego-centric need to attain physical perfection at a peak level (the vanity of instagram’s self-proclaimed “fitness models” springs to mind), the plethora of companies vying for your hard-earned cash is vast.
The best part?
All of this adds to the ongoing confusion of what are the most effective and affordable supplements to take.
In a bid to cut through the noise, I’ve strung together a complete no-frills guide that will surely answer your most pressing questions.
What You Will Learn
You will discover almost all aspects of training which can be better maximised from supplements all the while keeping costs to a minimum.
Pre, intra, post-workouts, general recovery and optimisation – You’re covered!
I’ll be taking you through the basics and avoiding all of the fluff with full-proof scientific (apparently) backed claims.
So:
Do you want to know where to begin? What the options are? Or simply what’s worth spending your money on?
Just click the following links to read the section you want more information about: otherwise – sit back, relax and enjoy this supplement bonanza:
Getting ahead of the game: This section will demystify the different types of protein available and what might be the best option for you.
Whey Concentrate
Whey Isolate
Whey Hydrolysate
Micellar Casein
Egg Albumin
Soy Protein
Hemp Protein
Brown Rice Protein
Getting the best out of your workout: Here I’ll take a look into what supplements you can use to maximise your gym session without breaking the bank.
Creatine Monohydrate
BCAAs
L-Glutamine
Caffeine
Dropping those pounds: Struggling with weight loss or stubborn belly fat? This section has you covered.
Green Tea Extract
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Greater returns on your investment:Discover how you can optimise your health and fitness endeavours in this section
Affordable Supplements for Superior Results
Whey Protein
Whey protein is hands down the best go-to affordable supplement due to its relatively inexpensive filtering process (which is passed on to you, the consumer) and its high protein content.
Simply put, whey protein is the liquid part of milk (whey) that is extracted from curd when cheese is made.
As a result, you have a product that is broken down and easily absorbed for rapid repair through the stimulation of muscle-building protein synthesis. Perfect for post-workout.
Commercially, whey comes in three different forms.
This includes:
- Concentrate
- Isolate
- Hydrolysate
Each one will be covered in greater detail to get a better understanding of what the differences are between each.
This is the most basic form of whey to emerge from the filtration process.
Whey concentrate is commonly found in many protein supplement pouches and tubs stacked on the shelves of sports nutrition companies.
Want to know the best part?
It is also the least processed and includes naturally occurring compounds such as lactose and fat (the good kind).
This means that whey concentrate can contain anywhere between 30% – 80% of pure (yes, pure) protein.
For the noobs who may be reading, more protein means more gains!
But here’s the kicker:
Digestibility is a prime disadvantage.
Most of us do not have, or produce enough of, the enzyme lactase to break down the lactose found in whey concentrate which is reduced from the time we were slurping down the boob juice from our mother.
This can lead to feeling bloated and farting like crazy which may prompt you to throw your money at a different form of whey protein.
Recommendation:
Arguably the UK’s number one affordable whey protein concentrate formula.
Myprotein’s Impact Whey Protein is the gold standard in high quality protein supplementation in terms of taste, effectiveness and cost (starting from £12.00)
Whether you’re bulking or cutting, this protein supports all goals. Get a Myprotein discount code here to save some extra money.
Whey Isolate
When whey concentrate is further processed and filtered (known as cross-flow micro-filtration), it is converted into what is known as ‘whey isolate’.
The bottom line?
Fat, cholesterol and lactose from the protein is removed which leaves a much ‘purer’ form compared to concentrate, constituting to roughly 90% of protein by weight.
That’s not all…
Whey isolate is also one of the most fast-absorbing forms of whey protein and is primarily a better option for those who may be lactose intolerant.
The downside is that it is generally more expensive than whey concentrate due to the additional manufacturing process.
Recommendation:
With prices starting from as little as £11.99, Bulk Powders Pure Whey Isolate is a real bargain.
Not only do you get a market-leading 27g of protein from a 30g serving, this protein has virtually zero carbs and zero fat allowing you to get superior results from your workouts.
Be sure to get more bang for your buck by nabbing yourself a Bulk Powders discount code offer here.
Unlike whey concentrate and isolate which are proteins that are intact, whey hydrolysate has been partially broken down (hydrolysed) through exposure to heat.
Why does this matter?
The broken amino acid bonds from the protein can now be enzymatically pre-digested which means an even faster absorption rate (compared to isolate).
Now:
Because whey hyrdolysate has been, well, hydrolysed it has a slightly bitter taste but is a small price to pay for rapid muscular repair.
So why not just have whey hydrolysate compared to others?
The answer: cost
The intense manufacturing of whey hydrolysate mean it is the most expensive form of whey protein.
It is void of any nutrients found in concentrate which means there are far less additional health benefits to reap.
Recommendation:
Bodybuilding Warehouse’s Pure Whey Hydrolysed Protein is the cheapest on the market starting from £15.99, rising up to £24.99 for 1kg.
From my research, this was still the most affordable in the market compared to other major players like Myprotein, GoNutrition and The Protein Works.
Don’t forget to get a Bodybuilding Warehouse voucher code to offset the high cost!
Casein is essentially whey protein’s polar opposite.
Unlike whey which is generally considered a ‘fast-digesting’ protein, casein is a slow digesting protein.
You might be wondering:
Why would I purchase a slow digesting protein compared to a faster one?
Well, it comes down to timing.
You see, casein stimulates the release of muscle-friendly amino acids in the body over a longer period of time. This helps to keep you in an anabolic (muscle growing) state compared to being catabolic.
Thus, casein is very beneficial before bed or even as a meal replacement for a constant supply of protein throughout the day.
Be warned: this stuff is thick, gooey and messy but is still one of the most affordable supplements around.
Recommendation:
Myprotein’s Micellar Casein offers the greatest value for money with 1kg starting from £17.99.
Although I found Bulk Powder’s Casein to come in at the same price point and quantity, Myprotein typically offer more frequent discounts compared to Bulk Powders on Micellar Casein.
Also, with the additional Vanilla flavour option, Bulk Powders unfortunately plays second fiddle.
An old-school classic for any serious lifter.
Chugging back raw eggs will make you grow more chest hair and have you sparring with dead animal parts in a butcher shop freezer.
Kidding aside, while egg albumin won’t turn you into Rocky Balboa, it is a real lean source of protein which is a staple for all muscle-building diets.
Once again, for those noobs who are reading, egg albumin is the protein sourced from the white bit of eggs (where the yolk is avoided due to the cholesterol and fat).
How can you actually use this?
Egg whites can be found in either liquid or powder form from any decent sports nutrition retailer.
It can be consumed by whipping up an omlette, scrambling eggs or added to your normal protein shake.
Accessible, convenient and certainly one of the best affordable supplements.
Recommendation:
GoNutrition’s Liquid Egg Whites is definitely the stuff of champions.
With 1 bottle for £4.49 and 6 for £19.99, these are great for making gains on the go with 16 egg whites to be found per bottle.
Whilst you can purchase this for slightly cheaper on Amazon, there is still a delivery fee to cover as it is not fulfilled by Amazon Prime.
Thus, going direct to GoNutrition is your best bet. Get a GoNutrition discount code here!
One for the vegetarians, soy protein has good mixability and digestability.
The best part?
Soy protein does not cause any bloating or gas which is commonly experienced in whey consumption.
Now:
With anything in nutrition, soy protein is a controversial topic with strong arguments on both sides for it being a beneficial source of protein or a cause for concern.
The biggest observation is that it supposedly lowers testosterone levels due to its isoflavones producing endocrine disruptors that hinder hormone pathways.
Whilst this a big “no no” in bodybuilding, there are a lack of studies confirming this with soy purporting to show the opposite.
Classic science or what?
Aside from the conflicting sides of soy, there is no disputing its affordability and effectiveness with as much as 36 – 40% of pure protein to glean from a soy bean alone!
Recommendation:
Bodybuilding Warehouse’s Pure Soy Protein Isolate is one of the most affordable supplements on the market for soy.
With 1kg costing £9.99, I found it was marginally cheaper than the competition.
It is a high quality protein supplement which is low in fat and free from gluten and lactose without an extortionate price.
Simple, clean and effective! Be sure to grab a Bodybuiding Warehouse voucher here
Another one for grass lovers.
Hemp protein isn’t one of the most affordable supplements you’ll come across (don’t rule it out just yet) but it is very effective.
Hemp protein comes from the hemp plant which is part of the cannabis family.
This means you can get both jacked and high at the same time.
What’s the real story?
While you would need to smoke a blunt the size of a lamp post to get high off hemp, hemp contains essential proteins and fats that offer great health benefits.
Hemp protein contains all 9 essential amino acids the body cannot produce which means your muscles will have the right fuel for optimal growth.
We’re not through yet:
Hemp is also a rich source of vital vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron and zinc and is also known to require less pesticides for growth which means a more organic source of protein.
1 scoop of this bad boy will provide roughly 15g of protein.
Although this is not as much as other affordable supplements you can find on the market, the added health benefits definitely make hemp protein a great fitness aid.
Recommendation:
Amazon’s RealFoodSource Hemp Protein Powder is the most premium grade variety you can get for a modest £9.99 for 1kg.
It is gluten, wheat and dairy free with no GMOs and preservatives.
You can also buy a decent 1kg Hemp Protein from Bodybuilding Warehouse for £11.99 (which you can get a discount on) but contains less protein.
Despite the £2.99 delivery fee, it is a small price to pay to get 50g of protein per 100g.
Brown Rice Protein
There are few foods that are as mundane as brown rice.
It can be difficult to summon up the enthusiasm to eat brown rice day in day out without either: going insane and going even more insane.
Having said that, any serious lifter eats for gains rather than taste right?
Lo and behold the next affordable supplement: brown rice protein.
Here’s the deal:
Like whey protein, brown rice goes through a filtration and enzymatic process which isolates both the protein and fibre from the whole rice grain.
This leaves the whole grain rice sprouted which is then used to be further broken down into an easy-to-digest powder.
What’s the bottom line?
A premium grade source of protein which boasts over 80% of protein by weight with a complete amino-acid profile (similar to that of hemp).
It gets better:
Brown rice protein is hypoallergenic and is a great protein supplement for anyone with allergies to dairy, wheat, eggs, gluten and soy. Luvvly jubbly!
Recommendation:
RealFoodSource’s Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder on Amazon offers the best value for your cash with 1kg for £10.99.
This organic variety is free from gluten, wheat and dairy as well as other nasties that may be lurking about!
Despite the standard £2.99 delivery charge, RealFoodSource’s Brown Rice Protein Powder still comes in as one of the most affordable supplements available.
Affordable supplements for optimal performance
With the basics covered off, it’s time to take a closer look at those affordable supplements which will help you perform better:
You’ve probably heard all about this supplement from gym-bros heaping praise that creatine ‘makes you wedger than a potato’ or ‘shredded like shredded wheat’.
What’s even more laughable is that taking this stuff is deemed as ‘unnatural’, often compared to taking steroids or snorting coke. Complete bull.
Whilst creatine is nothing revolutionary, it does, however, work.
Let me explain:
Creatine acts as an energy reserve for your muscles.
The more you have of it stored in your muscles, the more ‘energy’ your muscles will have to work through fatigue to better optimise your workouts and increase intensity.
It is produced in small doses in the body and can be found naturally in red meat and fish.
What’s more, creatine is the most researched supplement in the sports nutrition industry and has been shown to increase your one rep max, bolster strength endurance and improve your recovery rate.
Hands down, creatine is a must if you are looking to make more gains.
You’d be hard-pressed not to purchase high quality creatine monohydrate with prices starting at around five quid.
Recommendation:
Myprotein’s Creatine Monohydrate clocks in at a dirt cheap £5.19 for 500g (unflavoured).
With over 1,000 raving reviews talking about how cheap, effective and beneficial it is, you’d be a complete mong without Myprotein’s Creatine in your supplement program.
It also comes in the most extensive flavour range ever seen on the internet from Cherry Limeade to Watermelon.
Be sure to pick up a Myprotein promo code to make some extra savings!
BCAAs
Commonly known as Branched Chain Amino Acids, BCAAs are made up of three essential amino acids – leucine, isoleucine and valine.
Amino acids prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue and stimulate protein synthesis so taking them during and after a workout is an absolute no-brainer!
But there’s a catch.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be taking BCAAs as a single supplement when starting out.
Trust me:
The idea of taking every protein-based supplement under the sun can be attributed to sports companies who’d love nothing more to part you from your hard-earned cash!
Simply getting sufficient protein in your diet will result in enough amino acids to be used for muscular repair and growth.
One thing to note is that the amino acid dosage tends to vary between pills and powders.
So, although it is an affordable supplement, be sure you know what you are getting per serving.
Otherwise, you can kiss your money goodbye!
Recommendation:
Reflex Nutrition’s BCAAs on Amazon offers the biggest bang for your buck at £11.89 for a whopping 200 capsules.
From my research, this was the biggest quantity on the market which is enough to last roughly one month (if taking up to 6 times daily).
It comes with a a strong 2:1:1 blend of leucine, isoleucine and valine and is eligble for free delivery for Amazon Prime users.
Non-Amazon Prime users should watch out for the £3.99 delivery charge!
Much like BCAAs, Glutamine minimises the breakdown of muscle tissue and enhances protein metabolism.
But wait – there’s more:
Glutamine is an anti-catabolism supplement and is the richest amino acid found in the body.
It has also been shown to naturally fuel the immune system and elevate levels of HGH (Human Growth Hormone).
High levels of this stuff helps to improve fat composition and aid new muscle growth.
Boom!
It is little wonder why this supplement alone can be found in all pro-bodybuilders cupboards.
As if that wasn’t enough…
Glutamine is one of the top affordable supplements for post-recovery and optimal performance.
Recommendation:
Bodybuilding Warehouse’s Pure L-Glutamine Powder clocks in at £5.95 for a 250g pouch.
Factoring in all costs, including VAT + shipping, you can purchase this for a total of £7.94 which was still one of the most affordable supplements I found.
If that wasn’t enough, it comes packed with 5g of glutamine per serving which is top-of-the-line compared to Myprotein.
Don’t forget to get a Bodybuilding Warehouse discount here to get an even better deal!
Ah caffeine,
Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.
With pre-workout stimulants flooding the market like cocaine from a Columbian drug lord – few, if any, pale in comparison to caffeine.
Why is this so?
Unlike all of the designer stimulants available, caffeine is a well-researched compound.
And if you ask me, I prefer things that will give me a kick to be generally known.
Caffeine works by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain which blocks a chemical called adenosine.
Adenosine is responsible for making you feel lethargic or tired and by blocking it, helps to enhance your mental and physical alertness.
Get this:
By stimulating the central nervous system (CNS) in this way, caffeine increases your pain threshold allowing you to pump out those additional few repetitions and go the extra mile in the gym.
It is also extremely cheap and can easily be consumed from a warm brew of coffee or bought as an affordable supplement in either powder form or capsules.
Either way, caffeine really works and has been clinically trialed in athletes for donkeys years so you’d be missing a big opportunity to get the most out of your workout without it.
But beware:
The biggest drawback with caffeine (as with all stimulants) is intolerance.
Be sure to avoid a high dosage and taking it at night, otherwise you may want to consider selling your bed on eBay.
Recommendation:
A standard coffee from your local supermarket or coffee shop will work just fine.
However, for the hardcore who may be reading, Bulk Powders’ Caffeine Powder can be added to your pre-workout formula for as little as £3.49 for 100g.
It contains 100% caffeine and quite rightly deserves a place in this affordable supplements list!
Don’t forget to pinch a Bulk Powders promo code to make some extra savings.
Affordable supplements for weight loss
So you’ve got your protein sorted and your pre-workout formula at hand, but what about burning off that stubborn belly fat?
Keep reading and you’ll find out…
Used for centuries in Far East Asia, green tea has stood the test of time as a cure against most modern day diseases.
If you are looking to shed a few pounds, one or two cups of green tea a day is definitely a step in the right direction.
Here’s why:
Green tea is packed full of potent antioxidants and substances (more specifically, catechins) that boosts the metabolism.
This means that the body can use more compounds as fuel where green tea has been shown to promote more of the favourable “fat burning” hormones.
Even better:
Green tea extract is also one of the most affordable supplements you can buy for weight loss and should form an integral part of any fitness programme.
But be warned:
Green tea is a mild stimulate and diuretic with caffeine present.
Although it does not contain as much as a cup of coffee, it is best to avoid drinking green tea in the evenings if you do not want to stay up pissing all night.
Recommendation:
You can enjoy a warm brew of Clipper’s Fairtrade Green Tea for as little as £1.89 (watch out for the delivery charge).
However, if you find yourself continually on the go and unable to drink tea at your leisure, Myprotein’s Green Tea Extract is a Godsend at £5.99 for 120 tablets.
Taking 2 a day is enough to last you 2 months which is excellent value making it one of the most affordable supplements you can get.
Make sure you save even more cash by using a Myprotein discount code.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA is an essential omega-6 fatty acid found in foods such as meat and dairy.
OK, I know what you’re probably thinking:
Why is this important for weight loss?
Well, numerous animal studies have shown that CLA consumption from these food sources has a beneficial effect on fat oxidation (the breakdown of fat in fat cells).
Over time, a high intake of CLA is believed to improve lean muscle composition and aid the fat burning process.
However while CLA may be one of the most comprehensively studied weight loss supplements around, the science surrounding it is slightly hazy.
Needless to say, CLA is a good addition to your diet if you are on a cut and looking to maintain muscle mass.
So how do you supplement with CLA?
CLA is typically found in a soft gel form which can be taken as part of a meal up to 3 times daily.
The convenience of it means you don’t have to find the right time of day to take it. Just chug it back with a glass of water around your meal.
Or even better, it comes without all of the additional calories if you were to consume it from whole foods and is also dirt cheap!
How can you resist?
Recommendation:
Peak Supps’ CLA 1000mg Softgels sold on Amazon are extremely cut-throat with 60 softgels going for £4.99 including free delivery.
This is enough supply to last roughly 1 month which is most certainly a great coup.
Having said that, Peak Supps’ CLA is £3.00 cheaper than shopping with Myprotein, GoNutrition and The Protein Works who also offer 60 capsules.
Don’t be an idiot! Get your CLAs from Peak Supps’ on Amazon.
Finally… Affordable supplements for health insurance
What if you could get maximum returns on your health and fitness pursuits by taking one supplement?
Or if you could compensate (within reason) what you may be lacking from your usual routine diet?
Now you can with a high-quality multivitamin supplement.
Let me guess:
Maybe you think multivitamins are for those over 60 somethings whose joints are on the verge of rupturing before they even step out for a spot of intense gardening.
The fact is, even if you are the cleanest eater on earth, you still may not be getting in the right amount of nutrients to hit your goals.
Why do I say this?
Farming, agricultural and food processing methods have changed so dramatically over the years that it is almost impossible to reach an optimal intake of micronutrients – even from organic sources.
Fortunately, multivitamins are some of the most affordable supplements on the market which you can find in most drug stores on the high street and from online supplement providers.
Want to know a secret?
Those very basic multivitamins you may find, however, are not always true to their labels.
In fact, their doses of vitamins and minerals are usually so skewed (often lower) you may have to be popping them at least 5 – 6 times a day to get anywhere near a decent intake.
But even then, you could be over doing it.
So if you’re happy with your significant other checking you into rehab – keep on trucking.
The starting point of any multivitamin supplement programme is to ensure it contains the bare necessities of making some high-quality gains.
Like so:
Zinc
Zinc is a key compound that can be found in many enzymes in the body which is used for hormone production (testosterone for men), growth and repair and for improved immunity.
But that’s not all:
Zinc also has great anabolic benefits as it is used widely in protein synthesis and many other metabolic processes that benefits getting bigger, trimming down and improving stamina.
To reap these rewards, be on the lookout for a multivitamin that contains anywhere between 10mg – 30mg.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has long been endorsed as a cure for the common cold and for boosting the immune system.
Whilst it may have some beneficial effect on these, the evidence is not conclusive as a synergy of antioxidants is needed due to the complex biochemical mechanisms of the body.
But stay with me:
Vitamin C has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies.
As you may or may not know, stress is counterproductive for gains since it is catabolic and causes muscle breakdown.
So what does this mean?
Get as much Vitamin C as possible.
B-Complex
B-complex vitamins play a key role in converting food to fuel to support healthy energy production and to the maintenance of the nervous system.
They are water soluble meaning they cannot be stored by the body and must be consumed daily if you are to make the most of your time spent in the gym.
Here’s the thing:
Provided you are getting sufficient nutrients from a well-balanced diet, you do not need a high dosage of B-complex vitamins as it can be found in most foods such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and poultry.
Selenium
Selenium is a common trace mineral that is usually missing from standard multivitamins.
It shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities as it may result in toxic build-up but reasonable levels of selenium can help prevent cellular damage, reduce the risk of arthritis and contribute to overall well-being.
Picking weights up and putting them back down again, hill sprints, mountain climbers and combat sports… it all takes a toll.
Be sure you are getting enough of selenium particularly in conjunction with Vitamin E for maximum rewards.
So what affordable supplements in the form of multivitamins are available in the UK?
Lets take a look at some of the options:
–
Bulk Powders Complete Multivitamin
–
Bulk Powders’ Complete Multivitamin Complex is a great starting place if you’re new to multivitamins.
At just ten quid for 90 capsules (enough to last one month if you take it 3 times daily) this multivitamin has it all.
Antioxidants (including Co Enzyme Q10), minerals and probiotics. You can’t say fairer than that!
Look out for a Bulk Powders voucher code to save even more dosh!
–Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men
–
Although more costly than Bulk Powders’ Multivitamin clocking in at £15.98 – ON’s Opti-Men on Predator Nutrition offers everything you need.
It contains a high-quality balance of key vitamins and minerals which all come in sufficient doses.
Opti-Men is also a 3-a-day multivitamin but is one of the most efficient multivitamins available on the market. You can also purchase a women’s version here.
Grab a Predator Nutrition discount to make a huge saving!
–
Putting it all together
So there you have it.
You now have a better idea about the different sources of affordable supplements available to you in the UK.
Either way, if you’re able to see past the hype – this stuff is not rocket science at all.
Remember:
You can’t out-supplement a poor lifestyle.
Your diet and training should always be a prime focus with supplementation remaining just that:
Supplementing what you are already doing.
Always keep it simple and supplement what you feel might better optimise your performance.
Shopping around and reading the nutritional label is key to know where you can get the best value in price and content.
Stay tuned for a follow on to this article that will outline a few hints, trick and tips you can use that will save some extra money on your next supplement shop.
Know of any other affordable supplements worth making this list?
Have you seen any noticeable results?
Have any further questions?
Hit up the comments section below!
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