Junk Science Watch Com Not all supplements are created equal. That’s just a fact, no matter what type of supplement is being considered. In addition, individual metabolism, age, physical activity levels, bioavailability of the particular supplement under consideration, and many other factors all influence just how effective supplementation will ultimately prove to be.
A recent review evaluating the value of several supplements in relation to gaining strength and building muscle mass, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, is a perfect example of such a study. The research team found only “weak” or “scarce” evidence of efficacy for several supplements, including glutamine and resveratrol, and “no evidence” for other supplements like a-ketoglutarate and ornithine.
Experts warn that broad findings should not be extrapolated from the research, however, since there were large differences between the studies included in the meta-analysis, and the spectrum of people included was too broad – for the purposes of the study, the needs of elderly people and young athletes were viewed as being equal. (Related: Battle mental and physical fatigue with these science-backed supplements.)