Anabolic complexes are a collective group of supplements and sports nutrition that have the supposed 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 products use the term “anabolic complex” for commercial purposes, attributing to this group supplements that have nothing to do with it.
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 is anabolism, so formally we can say that a loaf of bread is also an anabolic complex.
Effective anabolic products are generally 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.
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 does not have a single side effect.
Efficacy Analysis
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, commonly used is:
- Eurycoma longifolia is effective. Increases testosterone production and increases libido.
- 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.
- Protodioscin – the active ingredient of the plant Tribulus terrestris. Efficacy in humans has not been proven.
- Ecdisterone – effectiveness is questionable.
- Forskolin – effectiveness is questionable.
- D-aspartic acid – ineffective
- Methoxyisoflavone – ineffective
- Maca Peruviana – ineffective
- Avena Sativa (oats) – ineffective
- Phytosterones – ineffective
- Sitosterol – ineffective
- Humulus lupulus – ineffective
- Valerian derivatives – ineffective
- Macuna Pruriens – ineffective, but can increase libido by affecting the dopamine system.
- Griffonia simplicifolia – ineffective
- Fenugreek (Fenugreek) – ineffective (recent studies have only proven effects on libido).
- Kudzu (Pueraria lobota) – 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.
Effective anabolic complexes
Composition analysis and feedback allowed to select the most effective anabolic complexes:
- T-Bomb II from MHP
- HyperTEST from Axis Labs
- T-911 from Legal Gear
- Stenandiol 3.0 from German American Technologies
- Animal M-Stak from Universal Nutrition
- Axis-HT by BSN
- Vitrix by Nutrex
