Whey protein is one of the most widely used nutritional supplements among bodybuilders and strength athletes for supporting muscle growth. Despite this popularity, there are "influencers" and "gurus" on social media spreading the idea that whey is a processed food that's unhealthy and should be avoided. Here's what the science actually says about whey protein and health...
Consumer Reports released their October 2025 investigation finding heavy metals in popular protein powders, and the headlines are sparking panic again. But before you toss your supplements, let's talk context. This isn't the first time we've heard this, and the science tells a more nuanced story. Learn what the analysis actually found, which products tested highest, and how to use protein powder safely without the fear-mongering
Creatine has been around for decades, but in 2025 it’s enjoying a huge resurgence. Sales are soaring, women and older adults are using it more than ever, and new debates about higher dosing are spreading across social media and the news. From strength to cognition, creatine is being talked about everywhere. But what’s hype and what’s real? In this article, Tom Venuto breaks down what’s truly new with creatine - and what still needs more research.
I've been in the health and fitness business for 35 years, and I thought I'd seen it all. But here we are in 2025 and I'm afraid the BS is more rampant than ever. I hope you're being careful out there. The ethics of the weight loss and fitness industry have fallen off a cliff. Every time I think the supplement industry can't stoop lower, it does. This one takes the cake:
An Inner Circle member who I chat with quite often asked me the other day: "Tom, how come you always seem so critical of supplements in general? I would think, since you've always been a natural bodybuilder, that if it was possible a natural supplement could increase performance or muscle gains, and be an alternative to steroids or P.E.D.s, you'd be all for it." I thought that was a fair question. This was my reply...
As a teenage bodybuilder, I latched on to the teachings of the late bodybuilding trainer/guru Vince Gironda. He was a huge fan of desiccated liver and made it sound like it was "better than steroids." This supplement has made someone of a comeback thanks to a couple things: One, the carnivore diet movement. Two, an asshat on instagram called liver king who later admitted he did not build is monstrous physique eating law river and taking supplements, he was pumped to the gills with steroids. Liver is no miracle muscle builder. Closer to the truth, it's nothing more than a protein supplement that is especially rich in Iron and B vitamins ...
Ever been curious if any fat burners are really backed by science. If so, and if you could only read one research paper to get the answer, it would be this one: “Comparing the effectiveness of fat burners and thermogenic supplements to diet and exercise for weight loss and cardiometabolic health.” This study was published in the scientific journal Nutrition And Health. (Clark et al 2021). I'll summarize it for you in 3 minutes...
Readers who have followed me for any length of time know that I've pledged to never sell supplements or associate in any way with the supplement industry. While there are a number of supplements [...]
The last time I bought a muscle magazine must have been 13 or 14 years ago. But I confess, the other day in the gym, there were three bodybuilding mags sitting on the bike, and [...]
I almost spit out my high protein oatmeal pancake all over my Macbook this morning when I saw this! I was reading my email, eating breakfast, when I came across this message from a Burn [...]
