Supplements are a “mystery” to a lot of people.
Supplements are NOT steroids.
I’ve dedicated a post to the supplements I take in the past, but wanted to do a quick update today.  Warning: this Work It Out is largely educational/exploration.  If that bores you, check out this past post on The Gun Show.  Biceps are my favorite thing to work out. 🙂
The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of SD Pharmaceuticals.
In my previous supplements post I shared my reasons for taking the following. Â I still take each of these daily*Â (though I took a break while I was recovering from surgery since I wasn’t using my body in a way that needed them).
*Note: I’ve since switched Amino brands.
You guys know by know that I don’t shy away from experimenting with my diet and routines.  When I was given the opportunity to try out some supplements from SD Pharmaceuticals, I was intrigued.
Some of the language used to describe the benefits gave me pause because I’m not on a weight loss mission. Â However, they have done some fantastic in-depth research and use the highest quality plant-based ingredients. Â The research on added benefits of these supplements to bodybuilders made me decide to give it a go.
Here’s what I was sent:
- Dendrobium 600 – Derived from orchids; used in Chinese medicine as a tonic and strengthener; may increase congition, and promotes the health of the stomach, kidney, and lungs
- Diindolylmethane – In the genus of plants that includes broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale; supports healthy estrogen metabolism and hormonal balance
- Garcinia Cambogia – Comes from a pumpkin-shaped fruit (yay pumpkin!); supports healthy serotonin levels and help reduce appetite; may impact enzymes related to fat metabolism
- Green Coffee Bean – Green coffee beans (recently made famous by Dr. Oz) are coffee beans that have not yet been roasted, thus having higher chlorogenic acid levels; that component is thought to be responsible for inhibiting fat accumulation and assisting weight loss, as well as providing healthy antioxidants
- Raspberry Ketone – From red raspberries (obv); antioxidant, may reduce fat absorption, increase calorie expenditure, and enhance fat breakdown
Supplements CAN be confusing. Â What to take, when to take it, how to combined it… that’s why I love that the company provides a downloadable stacking guide. Â I need to be hand-held sometimes.
So does it work?
I don’t think I’ve been on them long enough to have major strength gains.  I haven’t noticed a weight loss or a reduction in appetite.  Again, that’s not my goal.  I am extremely active and don’t have weight to lose, so I think my body overrides that effect.  (Others have noticed bigger changes in terms of weight loss; check out this review.)
I HAVE noticed a general mood lift, which I attribute to the Dendrobium and Garcinia.  I have more energy, but not in a caffeinated-I have-the-shakes-and-need-to-do-all-the-things way.  I also didn’t have any trouble falling asleep after beginning these.  Energy + sleep = awesome.
***
There is NO magic pill. Â These things may assist you in reaching goals, but the only sure-fire way to get/stay fit is to eat right and exercise.
Do you take vitamins/supplements?
Would you be curious to try any of these?
I take a few vitamins, like a multi, B-12, D-2, plus flax and kelp, but that’s about it. I don’t think most supplements are necessary with a healthy, whole foods diet.
I only take a handful of vitamins…like calcium, vitamin D, and omega 3 pills.
I’m always intrigued by new vitamins and supplements, but most of the time I just don’t feel it’s worth the money…unless of course my Doctor or nutritionist told me I needed them. I for sure don’t judge people for taking what they feel what works best for their body. Everyone is different and some people just may need supplements while others advocate different things. It’s all about our personal preferences, needs, and goals!
Amen to that! Applies to everything. 🙂
How insightful- with so much in the bodybuilding world regarding supplements and all that jazz- it can get really confusing!
I have a huge range of protein powders which I use more for mix ins for things, but besides that I take bcaa’s during workouts, fish oil and a multi daily! Really curious to try some of these!
I actually quit taking the fish oil because I east SO much fish. Love my BCAAs though!
Totally take vitamins every day and keep meaning to do a post on them. thanks for the reminder. He he. 🙂 Gotta try that bread of your from a previous post.
I am the worst person to ask for supplement advice as I don’t take anything, not even protein powder. About a month ago the owner of my gym was asking me what I take and trying to convince me to take creatine again. Luckily my coach was standing right there, so I asked what he thought. He takes nothing (again, not even protein powder!) and he has the best body I’ve ever seen, not to mention he is one of the strongest men in the UK! So no supps it is 😉
I never noticed that, but you don’t do protein powder! I love it post-workout because I’m too tired/hot/blech after lifting to eat solids.
I stopped having it about a year ago, but I used to have it twice a day. Now I usually have it once every 3 weeks or so, only if it’s after a particularly long/crazy session and when I know it’s going to be a long time before I eat. Most days I just wait about an hour to eat post-workout. I know, losing all dem gainz.
Whaaaat??? I am militant about that 30 min window. 😉
LOL #bodybuilderproblems
My gym is a 20 minute walk from my house, so by the time I get home, shower and cook, it’s usually an hour later. When I train in the mornings, I shower and then go to work, so again it’s about an hour before I eat. I’m surprised I haven’t spontaneously combusted yet 😉
The fitness world just entered into a shocked silence. LOL!
cool that these are plant-based!
Love that these are plant based. I do take supplements, but off and on. I really need to sit down and figure out which ones I need and which ones I don’t {my wallet will thank me}.
You and me both! I have started accumulating a LOT.
Thx for the honest review Laura! I was thinking of signing up for this with FF but I may not based on your review, As an older hormoned person, fat loss or assistance with that would be helpful BUT like you, I always feel that the supplement itself is never going to take the place of hard work, eating right & exercise. People expect that & it is just not so…
I used to take more but less with age & lack of money. I take a multi, calcium’mag due to my age & lactose intolerant, joint pills for this old bod, tried Delta Labs Femestra for hormone help & trying some collagen pills – both prior ones were provided free of charge so.. I wish I could afford to take them ongoing. I wrote in my post today that supplement companies need to supply AT LEAST 2 months for a decent review…
I love my collagen! They are pretty cheap on iHerb. Let me know if you need a rec when the freebies run out. 🙂
What collagen are you taking. I tried the Neocell powder quite a while back & could not handle it but I am on their chews right now &* liking them. I only got 20 days worth & getting close to finishing & will see how the pics I take of my hands compare.. 🙂 I don’t see the difference but the pics would tell more.. 🙂
Oh… I do NeoCell, but in pill form. My mom likes it too.
Which pill is it Laura – I will check it out… 20 days may not be long enough for an older lady like me.. I will take pics & compare the hands… I saw some comparison pics on their site & asked for some to try. 🙂
It’s the super collagen. I think it’s like 6000mg. Definitely need more than 20 days… I’ve been on it for a year now and you have to cut my nails with a saw. 😉
I take vitamins…and you just reminded me that I haven’t yet taken mine today!
I don’t take any vitamins or supplements, but I definitely think they’re interesting and can be beneficial if you buy a good, trusted brand. I used to take gummy vites, but I feel off the wagon haha!
I wish I could still take Flintstone vitamins!
I take vitamins and supplements every day and enjoy experimenting with them to see if I can notice any difference. Sometimes I’m convinced it’s the placebo effect, but even that’s OK! I get so frustrated with Dr. Oz trying to tell America that they can drop 200 lbs just by taking green coffee extract and raspberry ketones, so I have a gut-reaction of hating those :). But I have never heard of Dendrobium or Garcinia, and a mood lift + more energy sounds like a good thing to me … you’ve got me interested!
Dr. Oz drive me insane. Rather, the people who blindly follow him drive me insane. People are always looking for an easy way out.
The mood lift thing is no joke. I was shocked!
I take vitamins and calcium, but that’s about it. Well… I guess protein powder is a supplement, so I take that too. I think I’ll probably look into some aminos once Lil’ Man has made his appearance and I’m focusing on my post-baby body.
You’re not taking folic acid too? I thought that was a baby momma thing?
No worries, there’s a ton in my prenatals. Plus, I got the prenatals that also have DHA, which I suppose is a good thing.
Oh, it was just a question. Clearly I’m the baby-making authority… LOL!
Your previous post on supplements really helped me when I was starting out for my competition prep. thank you so much for an update on all this.
I currently take fish oil, probiotic, a mulit (still trying to find a good one, currently taking Opti Women but looking for one that supports hair/nail…), BCAA’s during and post workouts, whey protein and yohimbe which I believe is similar to the raspberry ketone…
I started taking CLA but decided to wait until I’m more in the building phase to use again since it was a bit pricey and the research is so vague on it, didn’t seem like it was enough impact on the studies yet to take.
love these posts, so informative!
Thank you so much!!! For multi, I really like Juice Plus. It’s just dehydrated fruits and veggies, so it’s really pure. For hair and nails I’ve been taking collagen and find it’s working well. I should do a post on those… lol!
I actually take the coffee bean extract, cause I have heard PHENOMENAL THINGS. Think it’s psychological? Well, maybe so… BUT WHATEVER! My mind always plays tricks on me, so I am just going to go with it.
I also take RESVERTROL EVERY SINGLE DAY OF MY LIFE – oh and QUERCETIN too… And Vitamin D… Okay, I could go on and on, I take way too many vitamins! LOL!
Somedays I take a multi – but it’s usually on days when I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off! I do use EAS Protein powder almost daily but nothing other than that – so far.
Since I already have the need to do all the things shakes at pretty much all times, I’m going to skip anything energy inducing. It’s also why I usually only have one cup of coffee in the morning. I do like the idea of a good night’s rest though. Sleep makes everything better.
I take vitamin D in the fall and winter months and an occasional C if I’m feeling sick, but that’s about it for my supplement intake. Easy-peasy.
I hear #publicbananas are energy inducing…
So I know you didn’t post about it here, but that TIRE VIDEO OMG LADY woot.
LOL! I need to post it, huh?
I think I would try the Green Coffee Bean, not only because it’s desired effects are currently up my alley, but coffee is my kryptonite anyway…
That reminds me… I still have half mine in a mug from this morning. LOL!
I am not one for extracts unless absolutely necessary but thanks for the honest review on these supplements 😀
Cheers
CCU
our mom is trying the green coffee bean and seems to be liking!
we do taking supplements, actually a lot. slowly trying to reduce our amounts, most of them our for hormones and digestion.
we do not take anything for weight or fat loss. for some those type of pills could help jump start it but really it comes down to diet and exercise.
I love how well you guys educate yourselves (and me) before taking something new. So important!
i just had to tell you that I reordered aminos yesterday (on my last bottle) and got a new brand because of you! I’m trying out this blue raspberry one, I’ll let you know! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XVJ116/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Haha! Love the name. Let me know what you think! I like the energy of the new one I tried, but it’s a pain to mix.
Oh supplements, they are so misused and misunderstood these days! I’m glad you are sharing about them and your experiences because many don’t know and take advice from people like Dr. Oz (Quackery) and end up wasting their money. I have done a few posts on my blog about them trying to inform people about those that are crap and not researched and also just to mention that supplements are just that supplementation. They are not a cure of a “I can do nothing and loose weight” pill.
I happen to take a lot of aids, I will call them, right now as I’m trying to heal my gut while also gain weight, but many of them are natural helps like maca, spirulina and other vitamins. Glutamine and BCAAs are really the only ‘fitness supplements” I take aside from a clean new Zealand whey. The more natural ones I find to actually help the most, like the energizing effects you are feeling from the herbs.
Thanks for the post!
HA – my mom will do anything Dr. Oz says. *eye roll*