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Q:	I'm interested in "bulking up." I'm a 15-year-old boy and have been weight lifting for the last two months. I'm currently taking a multi-vitamin to ensure I'm getting everything I need. I was wondering if I should buy a protein or weight gainer supplement, but after reading your articles, I've decided not to. Is there anything else I should do?
A:	It sounds as though you are a very well informed young man. You are correct. You should not buy a protein supplement or weight gainer supplement. There is no evidence that any of these products are beneficial and they can be expensive. High protein diets, and this would include protein supplements, may not be completely safe and indeed may be harmful. You are doing just fine. Continue your weight training, eat a well balanced diet, and try to get eight to 10 hours sleep at night and you’ll be able to achieve your maximal performance. If you’re concerned about diet you may want to consider consulting a certified nutritionist. A good place to find one is through your local hospital and not a health food store. You might also check out the American Dietetic Association. You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us. Is it helpful to take protein and vitamins before working out? Is it safe to drink sports drinks that have added proteins? I want to "bulk" up. Should I take supplements or steroids? I run track. Is there an energy drink that will improve my performance? For more information, check out these articles: Conditioning Your Body Properly The Effects of Anabolic Steroid Abuse Why You Should Have Fun with Fitness Posted 3-27-06 Do you have a question? As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full .