Supplements Explained Clearly

Which supplements may be useful, and how do the different products compare? This category features clear guides to protein powders, creatine, amino acids, pre-workout products, vitamins, minerals, omega-3, collagen and other dietary supplements.

We explain ingredients, quality indicators and the differences between product types. You will not find unrealistic promises or hype about the next supposed miracle booster. Instead, we provide honest information to help you assess products and recognise unnecessary rubbish.

What are supplements?

Supplements are products designed to complement a regular diet. This includes dietary supplements and various sports nutrition products. They cannot replace a balanced diet or consistent training.

Whether a supplement is suitable depends on your diet, training goals and personal circumstances. Not every athlete automatically needs the same products.

Which supplements are commonly used for strength training?

Protein powders, creatine, amino acids and pre-workout products are frequently used in fitness and strength training. Protein powder is a convenient way to add protein to your diet. Creatine is one of the best-known ingredients in strength sports. Amino acids are components of protein, while pre-workout products can contain a variety of ingredients depending on their formulation.

Vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and collagen products are also available. However, their composition, quality and intended use can vary considerably.

How can you recognise a good supplement?

Look for a transparent list of ingredients, clear nutritional information and an understandable formulation. A reputable product should not need unrealistic claims. What actually matters is what the product contains—not how aggressive its marketing sounds.

Dietary supplements must also comply with the applicable Swiss regulations. Products from abroad are not automatically approved or appropriately labelled for sale in Switzerland.

Do you actually need supplements?

Supplements are not essential for everyone. A balanced diet provides the foundation, while selected products may offer a practical addition depending on your individual needs. Before buying, consider your specific goal and whether the product fits your overall diet.

If you have a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or suspect a nutrient deficiency, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using supplements.

Discover Vikingstore’s supplement guides and learn more about ingredients, product differences and sports nutrition. For advice 

Collagen for Athletes: Useful or Just Expensive Protein Powder?

Collagen powder is no longer marketed exclusively as a beauty product. Today, collagen supplements are also promoted to athletes, strength trainees and combat sports enthusiasts – for joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin and even muscle growth. It almost sounds too good to be true: one powder for half the body. That is exactly why it is worth taking an honest look behind the marketing. Collagen can be an interesting supplement, but it is neither a miracle product nor a replacement for proper training, sufficient protein or a balanced diet.  

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Vivien Rolf
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Mass Gainers Explained - Everything You Need to Know

Building muscle requires more than just intense training. To gain muscle mass, your body also needs a consistent calorie surplus. This is where mass gainers come in. They combine protein, carbohydrates and, depending on the formula, additional ingredients such as creatine, vitamins or healthy fats. However, not all mass gainers are the same. Their nutritional profile can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer and the intended purpose.  

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Vivien Rolf
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Protein Types Explained - Whey, Isolate, Hydrolyzed, Casein or Vegan Protein?

If you are looking for a protein supplement, you will quickly come across terms such as Whey Protein, Whey Isolate, Casein or Vegan Protein. But what are the differences? Do you really need several protein powders, or is one enough? In this guide, we explain the most common protein types, their benefits, and which one is best suited to your goals.

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Vivien Rolf
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Electrolytes - What They Are and Why Athletes Need Them

When you exercise, you do not only lose water through sweat. Your body also loses important minerals known as electrolytes. During intense workouts, endurance training, combat sports sessions, or hot weather conditions, these losses can negatively affect performance and recovery.  

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Vivien Rolf
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Casein Protein - Why So Many Athletes Swear by the Ultimate Night-Time Protein

When people start learning about protein supplements, they quickly come across casein protein. While whey protein is often considered the go-to option after training, casein has built a strong reputation as the classic night-time protein. But what exactly is casein, and is it worth adding to your nutrition plan?  

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Vivien Rolf
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Multi-Component Protein - Smart Protein Blend or Just Marketing?

Protein is one of the most popular supplements in fitness and bodybuilding. Alongside traditional whey protein, multi-component protein powders have become increasingly popular. But what exactly are they, and who can benefit from them?

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Vivien Rolf
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295 views

Supplements We Would Love to Sell - But Can't in Switzerland

Anyone who regularly follows the sports nutrition industry has probably noticed that many supplements available in the United States, Germany, or the United Kingdom are either unavailable in Switzerland or only sold in modified versions. At Vikingstore, customers regularly ask why certain pre-workouts, amino acids, or innovative supplements are not part of our range. The answer is usually simple: demand is not the problem. Swiss regulations are.

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Vivien Rolf
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What Does Swiss Compliance Mean for Supplements?

Anyone selling food supplements in Switzerland must comply with Swiss food legislation. These regulations differ in several areas from those found in the European Union.

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Vivien Rolf
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Which Vitamins Should Be Taken With Fat?

Many people simply take their vitamins in the morning with water and never think twice about it. However, the timing and especially the combination with dietary fat can make a huge difference. Some vitamins can only be properly absorbed when fat is consumed at the same time. This is something many people forget when taking supplements. The result:You buy quality supplements, but your body may not absorb them efficiently.  

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Vivien Rolf
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The purpose of sports nutrition What supplements really do

Honest and to the point You train hard and want results. Supplements and fitness food can help you to recover faster, build muscle in a more targeted way and perform consistently in training. But only if they make sense and fit your goal. We show you clearly and without frills which sports nutrition helps when and what you should pay attention to. We are your training partner for boxing kickboxing Muay Thai MMA and strength training

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Vivien Rolf
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