Extra protein more harm than good
There is a warning that gym supplements are often doing more harm than good to people using them. Dr Adam Collins, of the University of Surrey Nutrition & Metabolism department, comments: "Recent dietary surveys suggest the general population in the UK consumes far more than the recommended intake of protein, the equivalent of 50% more for men and 35% more for women. For the average exerciser this would be a very adequate amount of protein without the need for supplementation."
Dr Adam Collins added: "Despite this there remains a very strong belief that extra protein is needed, particularly for those doing strength, power or resistance type exercise, and for those wishing to 'bulk up'. Protein supplements are designed for elite strength and power athletes who have high energy and protein requirements and for whom feasibly meeting protein requirements in a training or competition environment may be difficult."