StrongHer Collective

Supplement Basics for Women: Protein, Creatine, and Avoiding the BS

Morganne Aaberg Season 1 Episode 13

The supplement industry is massive—worth over $60 billion in 2024 in the U.S. alone—and chances are you’ve come across it in your daily life, whether at the grocery store, on Instagram, in a doctor’s office, or even from a well-meaning mother-in-law. But with so many powders, pills, and potions out there, how do you know what’s worth your money and what’s just clever marketing?

In this episode, I break down the world of dietary supplements in a way that’s clear, evidence-based, and practical. We’ll cover:

  • What counts as a supplement (according to the Food and Drug Administration)
  • Reasons for taking a supplement—from addressing deficiencies to boosting athletic performance
  • The big problem with supplement regulation in the U.S. (and why supplement safety matters)
  • Which supplements are helpful for fitness (specifically protein powder and creatine)
  • Common gimmicks and marketing traps you can skip
  • My personal take: which supplements I actually use

You’ll walk away knowing how to spot quality supplements (hint: third-party testing is key, and NSF certification is the gold standard) and how to make smart choices without wasting money or risking your health.

Chapters

0:00 Intro
2:15 What is a supplement?
4:45 Not all supplements are created equal.
6:00 Supplement regulation in the US
8:20 Supplement marketing tactics
10:30 Protein supplement
15:47 Creatine supplement
20:58 My supplement stack

Links

Read more about supplements on the FDA website

Creatine and Protein 

NOTE: None of these are affiliate links, they are simply all NSF certified and reasonably priced. I will NEVER sell you supplements because I see it as a conflict of interest. 

Biosteel Creatine 

Bare Performance Nutrition Creatine

Biosteel Protein Powder (plant based)

Biosteel Protein Powder (whey)

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