In this eye-opening episode, Eric and Steve do a deep dive on the risks of testing new supplements, how you can help ensure the supplements you take are high-quality, and the supplements they use and recommend. Along with discussing the effectiveness of various supplements, the coaches go through the research showing just how common supplement contamination really is. How beneficial are supplements? Why is there a risk of harm when testing new supplements? How are supplements regulated by the FDA? What is third-party testing? Is all third-party testing legit? How has Eric's mindset around supplement usage changed? What does the research say on beta-alanine, citrulline malate, creatine, caffeine, and BCAAS in regard to their effect on hypertrophy and strength? What supplements do Eric and Steve use and recommend? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:00- Steve's training on the use and role of supplements in our diet 6:57- What's the harm of testing supplements? 16:49- How supplements are or aren't regulated 19:57- Third-party-tested supplements 27:26- Does the supplement improve the specific outcome you care about 36:31- What are licensed ingredients? 39:30- The supplements Eric and Steve take and recommend 45:22- Mercury poisoning 48:42- BCAAs 54:55- Supplements are marketed as more important than they really are 1:01:59- Protein spiking Selected Links From This Episode The Physique Photo Guide (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/physique-photo-guide 3DMJ Podcast Episode #158: Plant-Based Nutrition for Lifters- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jDGAxY0APM Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass Dietary Supplement and Food Contaminations and Their Implications for Doping Controls- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7466328/ Dietary Supplements as a Major Cause of Anti-doping Rule Violations- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8990797/ Steve's Website- http://stevetaylorrd.com Steve's Instagram- @stevetaylorRD Steve's YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfVYx4ck3pY275XlkiumGQ Steve's Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/stevetaylorRD Steve's Mailing List & Newsletter- http://eepurl.com/diZ6Gz Thanks for listening to The 3D Muscle Journey Podcast SIGN UP FOR ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SERVICES – https://3dmusclejourney.com/coaching/ TAKE OUR VIDEO COURSES FOR SERIOUS LIFTERS –