Shomen Bose, 21, from Calcutta is all set to register his name at a model hunt contest. Bose is a regular at the local gym and works out religiously. Nothing unusual about this, except that every two months he spends about Rs 3,000 on body supplements. Says Bose, “My body has a tendency to absorb carbohydrates, converting them into starch. So I spend money on carb-blocker supplements ? apart from my regular protein mixes.”

Body-building supplements are fast becoming an integral part of the fitness regimen followed by gym addicts. Agrees Dipak Naz, owner of Castlewood, a fitness equipment store, “While such supplements are common in Mumbai and Delhi, Calcuttans have just begun to take an interest in such products. In fact, over the last few months, there’s been a 150 per cent increase in the sales of these products.”

Certified strength and conditioning specialist Ranadip Moitra feels that body supplements have, for long, been mistaken for steroids or similar banned substances. But with stars like Shilpa Shetty and Shamita Shetty advertising their brand of protein shakes and online access to research papers on such supplements, there is an increasing awareness among people. Another reason people want to try them out is because of their ready availability over the counter at supermarkets and fitness stores.

Moitra explains that the human body is a mix of many compounds, which help in various metabolic processes. For example, creatine phosphate ? a combination of three amino acids ?is a substance found in our body. Creatine energises one’s muscles for movements. The process of recovering creatine is time consuming. It’s because of this that one feels tired after a workout or strenuous activity. Likewise, glutamine is the most common amino acid found in one’s body muscles. As much as 61 per cent of skeletal muscles contain it. Glutamine contains 19 per cent nitrogen that makes it the primary transponder of nitrogen in human cells, playing a key role in protein synthesis. During intensive training, glutamine levels get depleted and these take as many as six days to replenish. This is where body supplements play a role.

If one takes protein powder containing creatine phosphate, it helps expedite the process of creatine recovery. This, in turn, enables one to work out for a longer period of time. Likewise, a glutamine supplement helps recover the consumed acid at a quicker pace. These are usually taken along with milk or water.

Says Gagan Sachdev, director of Body Line Fitness, “These supplements are made of food products and are also known as nutritional food supplements.” This is why, perhaps, fitness exponents like Moitra don’t hesitate to recommend some of these supplements to their clients. But then, it is equally important to remember that just taking such supplements wouldn’t suffice if you wish to have a body like Hrithik Roshan’s. As Aditya Naz, a regular gym goer, points out, “It is a misconception that body supplements alone can take care of everything. The body needs a regular workout. The wear and tear that the body goes through is repaired by the supplements only when one is resting.”

So, if you’re dying to have a body like Hrithik Roshan’s, go for a combo that is inclusive of both supplements and exercise.

spoilt for choice

Take your pick from the wide range on offer: Note that buying supplements is not like buying any food product. The supplements come in a wide range ? starting from protein bars and powders to cans or bottles. There are more than 150 supplements with new ones being introduced off and on. There are muscle builders, carb busters, supplements for biceps and triceps and even weight busters. Brands include both Indian and foreign. Among the Indian ones are brands like ANS (Applied Nutrition Sciences) and Nutramen ? targeted at gym goers and even sportsmen.

Price range

The prices of the Indian brand of supplements range from Rs 300 to Rs 700. But the popular ones seem to be the foreign ones. The brands range from Muscle Tech, Dymatize to Joe Wieder, EAS and BSN. The prices of these products begin at Rs 500 and can go up to Rs 2,000. However, though most supplements contain food products, some of them may have side effects in the long run. So make sure you consult your fitness instructor before opting for such supplements.