What is the difference between anabolics and dietary supplements?

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on a healthy lifestyle and physical activity. As the number of people interested in gyms and physical exertion increases, the market for dietary supplements and other substances affecting muscle mass growth is growing at a rapid pace. Hence, anabolic steroids and dietary supplements often come to the fore among these products. Although both groups are related to improving physical performance and muscle development, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we will delve into these differences, trying to dispel any doubts and explain what really distinguishes anabolics from dietary supplements, and what effects they can have on health and training effectiveness.

Dietary Supplements — What Are They?

In simple terms, dietary supplements are food products that contain vitamins, minerals, and other types of substances intended to supplement a normal diet. More precisely, they supplement a deficiency of a specific ingredient. They are most often found in the form of tablets, capsules, ampoules, or even syrup.

It should be remembered that supplementation cannot be a way of nutrition. Moreover, as already mentioned, supplements should complement the diet, not replace it.

To ensure that supplementation is completely safe, the recommended daily intake should not be exceeded, and larger amounts than those recommended by the manufacturers should not be taken. Vitamins or other ingredients, like medicines, can be overdosed, achieving the opposite effect than intended.

Anabolics — What Are They?

Anabolics are the common name for anabolic steroids, which are derivatives of the male sex hormone—testosterone. They have both androgenic effects, which are characteristic of male hormones, i.e., muscle growth, hair growth, or maintaining a deep voice, and anabolic effects, which means the stimulation of muscle tissue formation. For this reason, they are most often used by athletes. Unfortunately, they are often abused by them because they want to increase their muscle mass or reduce body fat at any cost.

It must be kept in mind that long-term abuse of anabolics can have a very negative impact on the cardiovascular system. This can lead to stroke or even myocardial infarction. Anabolic steroids can also damage the liver and adversely affect kidney function.

Additionally, women who take anabolics may have menstrual disorders, problems with the appearance of male hair, or even the disappearance of mammary glands. In men, on the other hand, they cause testicular shrinkage, baldness, or the appearance of mammary glands.

Anabolics vs. Supplements — Differences

Anabolics and supplements are two terms often confused or used interchangeably, but in reality, they differ significantly in terms of their action, composition, and purpose of use. Both anabolics and supplements are used in the context of improving physical performance and increasing muscle mass, but their mechanisms of action and effects on the body can be completely different.

First of all, the main difference between anabolics and supplements is that anabolics are synthetic substances that can be dangerous to health when used uncontrollably, while supplements are used to supplement the diet and support physiological processes, usually without serious side effects when dosed appropriately. However, it should be remembered that in any case—before using both anabolics and supplements—consultation with a doctor or specialist is recommended.