The Best Supplements For Combat Sports Athletes (2023 Top-Rated)

If there's one thing in common among the champions in combat sports, it is that they are in excellent physical condition. To maintain that level of shape, these fighters take the best supplements for combat sports athletes. 

In combat sports, no matter what discipline you are under, there will always be a challenge to exert force and energy during training or a contest. Boxing requires you to punch fast and strong, Wrestling demands continuous pace of raw strength, and in Muay Thai you’ll always be throwing kicks.

Not only this, but when a fighter seek to perform at a more competitive level, there are factors like weight, hydration, and nutrition that will be needed to sustain and be looked after. In order to keep being at elite condition, fighters will be needing the aid of supplements.

Are you looking for a supplement that can help you boost your performance during training? If this is what’s on your mind, then you have come to the right place! In this review, I will provide you a list of some of the essential supplements a combat sports athlete should take before and after their training.

You might also be interested in the other reviews I’ve done in the past that include anything about combat sports. Some examples include Best Grappling Dummies for BJJ and MMA, Best Boxing Gloves for Training, Everlast Boxing Shoes for Women, just to name a few of them.

Do Combat Sports Athletes Need Supplements?

The most obvious reason why combat sports athletes have to take some kind of supplements is because they deplete muscles rapidly during training. This is especially true if they undergo high-intensity workouts.

There are actually many different supplements available in the market. These legal supplements provide various benefits to the user. It is all up to a fighter's nutritionist what supplements they would take depending on whether they have a fight or not. However, there are some that can also be taken even outside of your training regime like Vitamin B-complex and Fish Oil.

Taking supplements is only one way to nourish their body and protect themselves from certain health conditions or prevent injuries from occurring. In addition to this, they also provide other beneficial effects like enhanced cognitive ability, boosts energy levels, improved cardiovascular health, etc.

In general, fighters do take supplements as part of their daily diet, so that they will always maintain tip-top conditioning. Having a conditioned body also helps them prevent from being injured. The following below are the most common supplements that fighters take pre or post workout.

The Best Supplements For Combat Sports Athletes

1. Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine is a natural compound that is found in the muscle cells, and it is synthesized through methionine and glycine. Taking up creating monohydrate increases the level of phosphocreatine being stored in your muscle and therefore helps support ATP recycling for explosive movements.

Creatine is a popular supplement, especially for athletes in the field of football, gymnast, hockey, basketball, combat sports, etc. It is so because it is believed to support muscle building, recovery, performance, strength and power when used daily, over time and combined with exercise.

This supplement may help combat sports athletes have better muscle endurance and achieve bursts of energy during the highly intense activities that are done both in sparring or in an actual match

Currently in the market, the best creatine monohydrate products are the following: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder, Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate Micronized Powder, Cellucor Cor-Performance Creatine Monohydrate, and many more. To find what is best suited for your body, it is best to try out the products in small quantities so you may be able to compare them.

2. BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)

Branched-Chain Amino Acids or simply BCAAs, as we commonly know it, is a group of essential amino acids comprised of isoleucine, leucine, and valine. They are referred to as essential amino acids because the human body doesn’t produce, and we need to consume them from foods or dietary supplements for us to benefit from them.

Isoleucine and valine are especially critical in boosting your energy level. And then, it also helps in regulating your blood sugar levels. On the other hand, leucine is important for the development of our muscles.

Now, these are also the reasons why they are preferred before and after workouts. Since leucine is especially beneficial for muscles, it helps muscle tissues to recover after workouts. And then, isoleucine and valine apparently improve your energy before you train and help you combat fatigue after workouts.

So in summary, BCAA supplements have been shown to build muscle, decrease muscle fatigue and alleviate muscle soreness. If you’re looking for the best BCAA supplement that can help you in your training, then consider the Thorne Amino Complex – BCAA Powder for Pre or Post Workout.

The Thorn Amino Complex have received multiple certifications and ratings from the NSF, TGA, and cGMP. The product have successfully proved to be effective and being the best BCAA supplement as of today.

3. Vitamin B-complex

I believe Vitamin B-complex is a no brainer because you might be taking them at some point in your life to help you boost your energy in school or work.

The same is also true in helping you increase energy level any time you’re training for MMA, boxing, kickboxing, or whatever combat sports you’re engaged to.

Aside from energy levels, they’ll also provide various benefits like improved muscle tone, cardiovascular health, red blood cell levels, cognitive function, healthy appetite, and it helps regulate cholesterol levels.

Like BCAA, when we say vitamin B-complex, it also includes several nutrients like thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12).

If you’re looking for the best Vitamin B-complex supplement that can help you in your training, then consider the following product Nature’s Bounty Vitamin B-Complex with Vitamin C.

4. Glutamine

Glutamine or L-Glutamine is a type of amino acid referred to as non-essential. They are categorized as such because the body naturally produces them.

You might wonder, if the body naturally produces them, then why do I need to take them. One apparent reason is that the body depletes them at a higher rate during workouts.

Glutamine is stored in our muscles. And then, they are released into our bloodstream in the moment of physical stress. And combat sports athletes need them to prevent muscle breakdown and strengthen their immune system.

If you’re looking for the best Glutamine supplement that can help you in your training, then consider the following product Optimum Nutrition L-Glutamine Muscle Recovery Capsules.

5. Whey Protein

Combat sports athletes will commonly have a diet that requires greater protein count that the normal recommended daily allowance of the body. Protein can be naturally be absorbed from food, but in some cases where fighters want to reduce weight while maintaining muscle mass, then these supplements are best since it provides high protein in very low caloric levels.

Protein is necessary for cell repair and growth, as well as maintaining strength and preventing unintended weight and muscle loss. It is best consumed in combination with fats and fiber. This will keep your blood pressure constant, giving you more fluid energy throughout the day.

If you’re looking for the best  protein supplement that can help you in your training, then consider the following product Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder.

6. Fish Oil

Fish oil is an essential lipid that’s extracted from the fat tissues of a fish. Some of the popular fish used to extract these lipids include salmon, mackerel, tuna, halibut, anchovies, sardines, herring, etc.

It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, and its primary benefits include improving cognitive function, eyesight, cardiovascular health, and strengthen joints. This is popularly used by many gym-goers and athletes because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the benefits it provides that could help you improve your performance during training.

It may reduce muscles’ sensitivity to protein, which occurs as we age. As a result, it helps us gain more muscle mass. Also, it may reduce soreness in the muscles that especially happen during intense and long hours of training.

If you’re looking for the best fish oil supplement that can help you in your training, then consider the following product Sports Research Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil with Triglyceride EPA and DHA.

7. Arginine

L-Arginine or simply arginine is a type of amino acid referred to as “semi” or conditional essential amino acid. What this means is that our body metabolizes it but under limited quantity. And we can fill them through diet and supplements.

Amino acids are building blocks of proteins, and support many bodily functions, including digestion, energy level, growth, muscle development, and recovery from injury. Arginine is especially important because it is required in muscle metabolism. It is involved in regulating the nitrogen level in your body.

Additionally, it is also vital in weight control since it promotes fat reduction while enhancing muscle mass. With this being said, arginine primarily helps combat sports athletes by supporting tissue repair and enhancing the synthesis of proteins.

It is also involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide essential in regulating blood circulation, endurance, and muscular strength.

If you’re looking for the best arginine supplement that can help you in your training, then consider the following product Dr. Emil – L-Arginine – Nitric Oxide Supplement for Muscle Growth, Vascularity, Endurance, and Heart Health.

Final Thoughts

I hope my review of the best supplements for combat sports athletes has helped you acquire information about the different supplements that could help you in your training. Also, I hope that the recommended brands specified may serve you well.

One final advice, though, it may be advisable to contact a licensed dietician or professional trainer before you try them. This is to give you more detailed information about the supplements and ensure the prevention of any side effects or health conditions.

If you are a professional fighter or an amateur competitor, be wary of the supplements and brands you are going to take. As much as possible, read and research everything first to avoid accidentally taking banned substances which can lead to your license revoked.

Well, I guess that’s just about it! Thank you for taking time off and reading my “The Best Supplements for Combat Sports Athletes” content.

Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images