5 errors comuns en utilitzar suplements i com evitar-los: una guia per maximitzar els resultats

Hello! At La botiga de nutrició in Barcelona, we see something all the time: mistakes people make when using supplements. With so many years of selling and advising, we’ve noticed that many make the same errors repeatedly. To help you avoid them, here are the five most common mistakes when using supplements and how to fix them.

1. Not Having Clear Goals

The Mistake: Using supplements without a clear goal
Buying supplements just because they’re trendy or someone at the gym recommended them, without knowing if you actually need them.

The Solution: Define your goals before buying
Before spending money, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? Build muscle, lose fat, improve performance, or simply complement my diet? Each goal requires specific supplements. For example, taking creatina makes little sense if your priority is weight loss and toning, but it can be key if you’re aiming to increase strength.

2. Skipping Professional Consultation

The Mistake: Not seeking expert advice
Starting supplements without consulting a nutritionist, trainer, or even doing your own research.

The Solution: Seek professional guidance
While we can advise you in-store, we always recommend getting a comprehensive view of your dietary needs. A nutritionist can identify gaps in your diet and help you choose what you truly need. For instance, if you already consume enough protein, a vitamin supplement might be more important than a whey shake.

3. Thinking More Is Better

The Mistake: Taking higher doses than recommended
Believing that if one dose works, doubling it will work better.

The Solution: Stick to recommended doses
Each supplement has an optimal dosage, and exceeding it can be ineffective or even harmful. For example, taking more creatina than recommended won’t build muscle faster—it’ll just saturate your muscles and might cause digestive discomfort. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and if in doubt, consult a professional.

4. Neglecting Diet and Training

The Mistake: Relying on supplements as a magic solution
Believing supplements are a shortcut to achieving your goals while neglecting the basics: a good diet and consistent training.

The Solution: Prioritize nutrition and exercise
Supplements are tools, not shortcuts. If you’re not eating enough or training properly, no supplement will do the work for you. For example, a mass gainer can help you gain weight, but without a solid base of quality calories in your diet, you’ll be wasting your money.

5. Inconsistency

The Mistake: Using supplements sporadically
Supplements don’t work if you use them intermittently.

The Solution: Be consistent
Supplements don’t show results overnight. You need to be consistent to see progress. For instance, creatina takes a few weeks to take effect, and protein will only help if you take it regularly as part of your daily macronutrient intake. Stick to your plan, and don’t get discouraged if changes aren’t immediate.