Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis of Athletic and Exercise Aids
Athletic and exercise aids refer to supplements, nutrients, and strategies designed to enhance physical performance, improve endurance, support muscle growth and repair, and reduce recovery time. These aids can be used by both recreational exercisers and competitive athletes to optimize energy, strength, focus, and recovery.
Exercise creates physical stress on the body, leading to muscle breakdown, oxidative stress, and nutrient depletion. Proper nutritional support helps fuel workouts, minimize injury risk, and promote adaptation to training. Some aids focus on immediate energy production (pre-workout), while others help restore nutrients and repair tissues (post-workout).
Types:
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Pre-workout aids: Enhance energy, endurance, and focus (e.g., caffeine, beta-alanine).
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Intra-workout aids: Support hydration and sustained energy (e.g., electrolytes, branched-chain amino acids).
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Post-workout aids: Promote muscle recovery and reduce soreness (e.g., protein, creatine).
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Adaptogenic aids: Support stress response and endurance (e.g., ashwagandha, rhodiola).
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Anti-inflammatory aids: Reduce exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress (e.g., curcumin, omega-3s).
Common Causes (Why They Are Used):
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Enhance energy and endurance: Increase physical performance during workouts.
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Support muscle growth and repair: Provide protein and nutrients for recovery.
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Reduce muscle soreness and inflammation: Aid in quicker recovery.
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Improve focus and motivation: Especially for demanding workouts.
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Hydration and electrolyte balance: Prevent cramps and dehydration.
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Stress resilience: Support hormonal balance and reduce fatigue.
More Severe Causes (Overuse Complications):
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Overstimulation: From excessive caffeine or stimulant use, leading to jitteriness, anxiety, or insomnia.
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Kidney or liver strain: From high doses of certain supplements (e.g., protein, creatine) without proper hydration.
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Electrolyte imbalances: From improper hydration or supplementation.
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Gastrointestinal issues: Some aids (e.g., BCAAs, creatine) may cause bloating or cramping.
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Dependency on stimulants: Reduced natural energy without supplementation.
When to See a Doctor or Specialist:
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Experiencing heart palpitations, dizziness, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms after using athletic aids
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Existing cardiovascular, kidney, or liver conditions before starting supplements
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Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals considering performance supplements
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Experiencing unexplained fatigue or overtraining symptoms despite using aids
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Considering high doses or multiple supplements at once
Natural remedies for Athletic and Exercise Aids
Balanced Macronutrient Intake (Carbs, Protein, Healthy Fats): Fuel energy needs, support muscle repair, and optimize hormonal balance. Include whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3-rich fats.
Hydration with Electrolytes: Prevents cramps, supports endurance, and maintains fluid balance. Use coconut water or electrolyte blends.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Reduce inflammation, promote joint health, and support recovery. Include fish oil or flaxseed supplements.
Creatine Monohydrate: Supports ATP production for short bursts of energy and improves muscle strength and recovery. Supplement daily under guidance.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Reduce muscle breakdown during exercise and support recovery. Take before or during workouts.
Beta-Alanine: Buffers lactic acid buildup, improving endurance in high-intensity workouts. Use in pre-workout blends.
Adaptogenic Herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola): Support endurance, reduce fatigue, and balance cortisol. Take regularly for best results.
Curcumin (Turmeric): Reduces post-exercise inflammation and oxidative stress. Consume in food or as supplements with black pepper.
Protein (Whey, Plant-Based): Supports muscle repair and growth after exercise. Consume post-workout within 30–60 minutes.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods (Berries, Leafy Greens): Combat oxidative stress from intense training. Incorporate daily into meals.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha lipoic acid
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
biotin
black tea
bovine
bovine collagen
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
citrus oil
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gamma oryzanol
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-cystine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-methionine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pea and rice protein blend (proprietary)
pea protein
peppermint oil
pineapple
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vanadyl sulfate
vitamin C
vitamin E
watermelon
whey protein
yeast
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
yohimbe
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
19-NorAndrost-4ene-3b-ol,17-one
19-Nor-DHEA
17 beta-hydroxy 2 alpha,17beta-dimethyl 5 alpha-androstan 3-one azine
1,3-DMAA
1,3-DMAA
DMPX
17 alpha methyl 17 beta hydroxy 5 alpha androst 2 ene
1-androsterone
11-hydroxy yohimbine
17b-hydroxy-2a,17b-dimethyl-5a-androstan-3-one-azine
17a-Methyl-1,4-androstadiene-3b, 17b-diol
1-Androstenedione
17beta-[{1-Ketoethyl}-androsta-1, 4-diene-3-one,17a-ol]
17beta-hydroxy 2alpha,17alpha-dimethyl 5alpha-androstan 3-one azine
19-Norandrostenediol
17a-di methyl-bol
13-Ethyl-3-Methoxy-Gona-2,5(10)-Diene-17-One
1,4-Dimethylpentylamine
17 beta-[1-ketoethyl]-androstane-3-one,17a-ol
19-Norandrosta-drol
17beta-(1-ketoethyl)-androstane-3-one, 17a-ol
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
11-Ketotestosterone
2a, 17a -dimethyl-5a androstan, 17b-ol 3, 3-azine
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
26-diol, 5 alpha-furostan-12-one-3 beta, 22, 26-triol
2a 17a -dimethyl 17a hydroxy, 5a etiocholan 3-one
2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
3b-Enanthoxyandrost-1-en-17-one
3,7-keto-DHEA
3a-Enanthoxy-5a-Androstan-17-one
3b-hydroxy-androsta-4,6-diene-17-one
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
4-androsterone
5a-hydroxy laxogenin
5-alpha-furost-20(22)-en-12-one-3 beta, 26-diol
5-alpha-furostan-12-one-3 beta, 22, 26-triol
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide
5-androsten-3beta-ol-17-one
5-Alpha-Hydroxy Laxogenin
7-oxo-DHEA
7-Beta-Hydroxy-DHEA
7-Methoxyflavone
7-KETO-DHEA
7a-alpha-methyl-estra-4-en-3,17-dione
Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Alcohol
Alpha-Alanine
Astragalus
Arginine
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Alpha polylactate
Adenosine monophosphate
Animal Tissue
Aloe Polysaccharide
Alpinia
Antler
Aliphatic alcohol
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Androstenedione
Arachidonic Acid
Aspartic Acid
Amino Acid Chelate
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Antler horn
Adenosine diphosphate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha ketoglutarate
Arginine orotate
Algae (unspecified)
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
Ajuga turkestanica
Acetyl L-Tyrosine
Adrenergic amines
Arginine silicate inositol
Agmatine sulfate
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Alkyl (unspecified)
Alpha-GPC
Androstenedione
Arginine-L-malate
Algae
Amino Acid (unspecified)
Alanine
American Ginseng
Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Agmatine Silicate
Amylopectin
Apple Acid (unspecified)
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Arginine hydroxymethylbutyrate
Algae protein
Algal protein
Astaxanthin
Amino Acid Blend/Complex
alkaloid
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Alpha-GPC
Acetylated Monoglyceride
Adenosine triphosphate
Antler Horn
Argan nut oil
Aloe macroclada
Acetyl-L-Carnitine-L-Arginine
Arginine
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine silicate
Betaine
Blend (Combination)
Beta Phenethylalamine
Brown Rice Protein
Baker's Yeast
Bovine Collagen
Betaine Nitrate
Bee Pollen
Bee Pollen
Biopeptide
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
Bicarbonate
Bitter orange
Beef Protein
Blue-Green Algae
Betaine Anhydrous
Beta methoxyphenethylamine
Beta phenethylamine
Blend (Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical)
Bovine Protein
Black Tea
Bulbine natalensis
Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Bicarbonate (mixed)
Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake)
Ba Ji Tian
Blend (Fatty Acid or Fat/Oil Supplement)
Butea superba
Beadlets
Beta Methylphenethylalamine
Boron Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Brewer's Yeast
Blend (combination)
blend (herb/botanical)
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
B. brevia
Beet
Beta-Alanine
BCAA
Beta-Methylphenylethylamine
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Blue Green Algae
Beet nitrate
Blend (combination)
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Coffee
Calcium pyruvate
Carbon Dioxide
Colostrum
Cardarine
Casein Protein
Colostrum
Cinnamon (unspecified)
Creatinol-O-Phosphate
Calcium leucine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Capsinoids
Carnitine Silicate
Catechin gallate
Catechins (unspecified)
Cinnamic aldehyde
Citrate malate
Coenzyme A
Creatine glutamine
Creatine nitrate
Cordyceps
Citrulline
Cayenne Pepper
Colostrum peptides
Citrulline aspartate
Cordyceps
Colotsrum
Cistanche deserticola
Caffeine alpha-ketoglutarate
Capsiate
Creatine isoleucine
Creatine phosphate
Capsaicinoids
Calcium hydroxymethylbutyrate
Calcium alpha-ketoisocaproate
Chromium dinicotinate glycinate
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate
Cistanche tubulosa
Creatine
Cacao
Cistanche
Collagen Peptides
Capsaicinoid
Chromium dinicotinate
Citrulline nitrate
Citrulline silicate
Creatine gluconate
Creatine leucine
Creatine-leucine
Carbohydrate (mixed)
Carbohydrate (unspecified)
Casein Peptides
Chia Protein
Collagen (mixed)
Caffeine
Copper Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Coffee (mixed)
Carnitine
Cinnamaldehyde
Creatyl-L-glutamine
Coconut
collagen (unknown source)
Citrus Unspecified
Cystine
Citrulline malate
Chromium Polynicotinate
Creatine Orotate
Creatine alpha-ketoglutarate
Carbohydrate
Creatine Pyruvate
Creatine Malate
Capsules
capsule
Collagen
Cetyl oleate
Cistanche (unspecified)
Calcium Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Carnitine Orotate
Citrulline alpha-ketoglutarate
Creatine alpha-aminobutyrate
Creatine beta-hydroxybutyrate
Creatine leucinate
Creatine valine
Colostrum protein
Dihydrocapsaicin
DL-Phenyl-Alanine 4,2-Dimethylaminoethyl
D-Aspartic Acid
Dimethylamylamine
Diiodothyronine
Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA)
Dihydrocapsiate
Dimethylpentylamine
Dimethylphenethylamine
Deer Velvet
Dymethazine
Dextrates
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Delivery system
Dissolved Oxygen
Dimethyl phenethylamine
DMG (Dimethylglycine)
Durabolin
Dipeptide
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
Epidermal Growth Factor
Ephedra
Eurycomanone
Epistane
Enzyme (unspecified)
Eria
Exphedrine HCl
Epimedium
Eleuthero Root
Endorphin (unspecified)
Elk antler
Eleutherococcus gracilistylus
Epindrosterone
Eurycoma Longifolia
Eleuthero
Epiandrosterone
Epimedium extract
Epiandrosterone
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Epidermal Growth Factor
Ecdysterone
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Ephedrine
Epidedium
Epiandrostenolone
Eleutheroside
food additive (unspecified)
Free Form Amino Acid
Furostanols (unspecified)
Filler
Flavonoid (unspecified)
fibroblast growth factors
Fadogia agrestis
Fruit acid (unspecified)
Flavor/Color (Natural & Artificial)
fibroblast growth factor
Fruit Blend
Guanidinoacetic acid
Genseng (not specified)
Gelcap
Ginseng, Oriental
Ginsenosides
Glycyl-L-glutamine
Glutamine
Glyceride
Gamma oryzanol
Ginseng, Siberian
Glutamine alpha-ketogutarate
Growth factors
Glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate
Glycine-alanyl-l-valine
Glycine-alanyl-lysine-l-citrulline
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Ginseng
Glutamine (various)
Ginseng, American
Glutamine nitrate
Glycine-alanyl-l-lysine
Glycine-alanyl-l-methionine
Glycine-alanyl-lysine-l-glutamine
Glycoprotein isolate
Glycyl-Glutamine-L-Valine
Guaranine
Glycerol
GTCP
Glycerol
Grains of Paradise
Ginseng (unspecified)
Guayusa
Guarana
Ginsenoside
Glycine
Glycine-alanyl-l-leucine
Glycocyamine
GW501516
Ginseng, Panax
Glucuronolactone
Glutamine precursor (unspecified)
Glycerite
Glyceryl-L-glutamine
Glycine-alanyl-l-histidine
Glycine-Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Glucose polymer (unspecified)
Glucose
Higenamine
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
Horseradish
Hexadrone
Hemp Protein
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
Horny Goat Weed
Human growth hormone
Histidine alphaketoglutarate
Histidine alpha-ketoglutarate
Histidine alpha-ketoglutaric acid
Hydrolyzed beef collagen
Hordenine
Hydrolyzed protein (unspecified)
Highly branched cyclic dextrin
Isomaltulose
Inositol-stabilized arginine silicate
Isopropylnorsynephrine
Ibutamoren
isoleucine alpha-ketoglutarate
Isoleucine
Isopropyloctopamine
Ibutamoren
Inosinic acid
Inositol Citrulline Silicate
Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Iron alpha-ketoglutarate
Isomaltulose
Jiaogulan
Ketosterones (unspecified)
Kola Nut
Ketone Salts
Ketosterones
Keratin Peptides
Leucine
L-Alanine
Lecine malate
L-Cystine
L-Carnitine
L-Citrulline
Lysine alpha-ketoisocaproate
L-Cysteine
L-norvaline
L-Arginine
L-Ornithine
L-Alanyl-Glutamine
Ligandrol
L-Taurine
L-Carnitine
Leucine pyroglutamate
L-Aspartic Acid
L-Leucine
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
Leucine tripeptide
Lactalbumin
Laxogenin
leucine nitrate
leucine-alanine
MCT / Medium Chain Triglycerides
Methylhexaneamine
Macamides
Methoxyisoflavone
Maral Root
Mineral ascorbate (unspecified)
Magnesium Creatine
Menthol
Macadamia Oil
Magnesiium
Mushrooms
Muira Puama
Maca
METHIONINE
Milk
Manganese Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Mountain pepper (unspecified)
Methylepitiostanol
Medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
Magnesium Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine (unspecified)
Magnesium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate
MK-677
Methylliberine
Milk protein
Modified milk ingredients (unspecified)
Muscle
Mushroom (various)
Mate
Mushroom (unspecified)
Methylphenethylamine
Methylsynephrine
Macaenes
Maltodextrin
Magnesium
Methylhexanamine
Maltodextrin
Nitric Oxide
N-acetyl glutamine
Norvaline
Nonacosanol
Nitrates
N-Methyltyramine
Nitrate
N-methyl Tyramine
Nitrate
Nitrous Malate (TM) Diarginine Malate
Nitrate (unspecified)
Octodrine
Ornithine
Oxaloacetic acid
Ornithine ketoglutarate
Ostarine
Octacosanol
oyster
Oriental Ginseng
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Octopamine
Octacosanol
Phosphocreatine
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
pyridoxine-alpha-ketoglutarate (PAK)
Proprietary Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Pungent Principles
peptides (unspecified)
proline rich peptides
phenylpiracetam
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Paraxanthine
Phytoecdysteroid
Papain
Phytoplankton
Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt
Proprietary Blend (Vitamin)
Panax Ginseng
Peptide (unspecified)
Peptides (unspecified)
Phenolics (unspecified)
Phycocyanin
Potassium aspartate-citrate
Protein (vegetable)
Protein
Pyruvate
Phosphatidic Acid
Peptide
Proprietary Blend (Dietary substance used by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total diet
Potassium Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Potassium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate
Proprietary Blend (Combination)
Prostanozol
Proprietary Blend (Non-Nutrient/Non-Botanical)
Placental protein
Piper nigrum
Pineapple
Protein (unspecified)
polyphenols (various)
Palatinose
Pituitary
plant (unspecified)
Peptide (unspecified)
Ponasterone
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
peanut
Pituitary
Pea protein
Phenolic (unspecified)
Potassium malate
Pine Pollen
Papain
phenolics (various)
Phosphcreatine
Ponasterone
Potassium pyruvate
Peptides
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Quinoa Protein
Rhaponticum carthamoides
Raspberry ketone
Rhodola crenulata
Rhodiola (unspecified)
Rhodiola sacra
Raspberry Ketones
Rhodiola
Rosemary
Rice Protein
Rhaponticum
Ribose
Rauwolscine
Rhodiola crenulata
Robusta Coffee
Ribose
Softgel/ Soft gel
Serum Protein
Synephrine
Skim Milk
Sulbutiamine
Safed musli
salt
Salt (Himalayan)
Sea Salt
Suma
Spice (unspecified)
Stearoyl vanillylamide
Saturated fatty acid
Seasoning (unspecified)
Stenabolic
Somatropin
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Siberian ginseng
Sodium Nitrate
Sida cordifolia
Sterones (unspecified)
Sodium Bicarbonate
Schisandra
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
seaweed
Sodium pyruvate
S-23
Theobromine
Tea (unspecified)
Terpene
Taurine alpha-ketoglutarate
Taurine Alpha-ketoisocaproate
Taurine arginine alpha-ketoglutarate
Tetratriacontanol
Tripeptide
Tribulin
Trichilia catigua
Triterpenes
Testes
Testosterone precursor (unspecified)
Tribuloside (unspecified)
Tyrosine alpha ketoglutarate
Tyrosine alpha-ketoglutaric acid
Turkesterone
Tyrosine
Trichopus zeylanicus
Tablet
Type-A Polymers
Theacrine
Teacrine
Taurine citric acid
tripeptide (unspecified)
Tribulus
Trenavar
Triglyceride (unspecified)
testicle
Tribulus Terrestris
Taurine
Threonine alpha-hydroxyisocaproic acid
Tyrosine alpha-ketoglutarate
Testolone
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine phosphate)
Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Valine pyroglutamate
Valine-l-malate
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin B5 (unspecified)
Valine alpha-ketoglutarate
Vitamin E (alpha tocopheryl acetate)
Valine
Vegetarian Capsule
Vitamin C (unspecified)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate)
Vitamin E (mixied tocopherols and tocotrienols)
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
Vitamin C (mixed ascorbates)
Vitamin B3 (unspecified)
Velvet
Valine alpha ketoglutarate
Valine alpha-hydroxyisocaproate
Vitamin B1 (Sulbutiamine)
Whey Protein
Whey
Watermelon Protein
Watermelon
Water Pepper
Whey protin
Wheat germ
Wheat Protein
Whey
Xanthine
Xanthine (unspecified)
YK-11
Yerba Mate
Yeast (Brewer's Yeast)
yohimbine
Yohimbe
YK11
Yohimbines (unspecified)
Yeast
Zinc Picolinate
Zinc osporotate
Zinc Yeast
Zinc alpha ketoglutarate
Zinc alpha-ketoglutarate