Pre-workout powder

My boyfriend is into weight-lifting, and is constantly trying new things to gain muscle, maintain muscle, whatever.  I am a nursing student, who has learned a lot about nutrition and things, and it doesnt seem healthy to me.  I have access to many journal databases online, and ahve tried to look up many of the things he has tried, such as GH inhancers and amino acids, trying to find out if it's safe and works, or if it is a waste of money.  

Today he bought something called NO Shotgun. Mainly it seems to be Branch-chained amino acids, which I have found mixed reviews.  It also has what they have labeled as "Proprietary muscle volumizing, NO2, Insulinotrophic and Glutamine matrix".  Under that heading, there are many compounds. Heres a list:
Methyl Hydroxy Chalcone Polymer
Creatine Ethyl Ester HCl
Arginine Ethyl Ester HCl
L-Glutamine Ethly Ester HCl
Di-L-Arginine Malate
Citrulline Malate, and
Bis Picolinato Oxo Vanadium.

Some of the other ingredients are:
Ketoisocaproic Acid Calcium
Guanidinoprionic Acid
Creatine Magnesium Chelate
Beta-Alanine Ethly Ester HCl
Creatine Monohydrate
L-Tryosine Ethyl Ester HCl
Evodiamine
Caffeine Anhydrous, and
Vinpocatine

I have looked at forums about this stuff, and everyone says it works to build muscle quickly. Many are gaining 3-5 lbs a week, and they have a lot of energy, feeling like they could run marathons, during their workout. But a few people said they had major irritability and anger, and had to stop in order to prevent getting in a fight.  My boyfriend already has a little bit of a temper.  

The main questions I want to know,
Is this stuff a healthy way to gain muscle? Or is it healthy to have in his diet, since he also drinks protein shakes after the workout?
Should this have any negative side effects, and how likely are they?
If this is a bad thing, what should he be doing?

[concerned_1]

Oh yea, what specifically in this could be harmful? I know creatine has been linked with deaths. Is there anything else?

[JainMD]

Hi,
I am not sure but yes it is healthy way to stay fit if you are into professional sports.
This has indeed got lot of side effects including behavioral changes.
Apart from that if you are not able to handle the protein load in your diet then it could lead to Kidney damage.
You need to keep a periodic check on kidney functions.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[concerned_1]

Well he's not doing this professionally. Just on his own. he isn't trying to be a body builder, just be muscular.

[JainMD]

Hi,
I would suggest that there are lots of other ways to build body and necessarily it does not mean that you should be on supplement.
You can be taking high protein diet and protein shake, but these amino acids increases the Nitrogen content of your blood which could some times be harmful for vital organs.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[popolklkp]

Here's what I have been trying - and it really has worked for me but I have some questions.  
My preworkout stack is the Dr Max Powers Anabolic Stack, and also 30 Minutes before workout take 20g whey protein
Questions:
any good reccomendations on buying the Max Powers Anabolic Stack in bulk ? I want to use the stack for 3 months, off for three months and then on again for 3 months. Any bulk options?

thinking about adding Vitamin C also, i'm just trying to mix and match to see what my body works well with and buy it all in bulk so i can save money.
thanks for any feedback.