Students taking supplements in order to get a quick energy fix to intensify their workouts may want to think twice next time they hit the gym.

One such supplement students are reaching for is the popular NO-Xplode.

The powder supplement is available in fruity flavors such as blue raspberry and grape, with a regular price of $64 for two pounds on General Nutrition Centers’ Web site, www.gnc.com.

The label of the supplement says it is meant to “support and enhance muscle fullness, vascularity and pumps . strength, power, endurance and work capacity.”

Jon Bunger, ISU alumnus and supplement specialist, does not recommend the use of NO-Xplode, which he said is “creatine [and] a bunch of caffeine and herbs.”

“It’s just a fancy version of Red Bull, in my opinion,” Bunger said.

Bunger admitted one may “feel energized” after taking it, but the feeling only lasts “short term.”

“I’m not seeing anyone get bigger,” Bunger said. “That’s the problem.”

Bunger said the main components of the supplement, caffeine and L-Tyrosine, cause the effect of high energy.

Bunger said NO-Xplode is “no answer to build muscles.”

“You need protein,” he said.

An alternative are extended release capsules, which Bunger said “enhance muscle growth and fat burning.”

Jody Gatewood, personal trainer and nutritionist at Ames Racquet and Fitness Center, has looked at ratings for NO-Xplode on supplement Web sites, and said it hasn’t received a high rating.

“Science doesn’t support what it says it can do,” Gatewood said. “To actually get energy, your body will use carbohydrates.”

She warned students to think about what they put into their bodies and to remember supplements aren’t regulated.

“In general, people are confused because there are so many [supplements] out there,” Gatewood said.

Gatewood said supplements are popular because of the thought of what it could do for you.

Mike Rau, senior in mechanical engineering, said he has been using NO-Xplode for four weeks. He found out about it through a friend who uses it.

“You feel the energy right away and you’re ready to go,” Rau said.

Rau said he takes two scoops of powder a half-hour before he does his workout routine of lifting and cardiovascular exercises.

The downside of NO-Xplode, Rau said, was that you crash the next day and you have a lot of energy when the workout is finished.

Despite these effects, Rau said he’ll continue to use NO-Xplode to get more out of his workout.

Rau pointed out that on the label of NO-Xplode it says after 12 weeks of use, to stop using it for four weeks and then start again.