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Ok - the olympics are on so I've got some crazy ideas I'm gonna try as far as supplementation goes. I'm really wondering if anyone has been here before me.

Vitamin E has historically been used by wind musicians for the antioxidant effect. 400 IUs seems pretty typical with some people recommending rubbing into the lips post practice.

Vitamin C is always recommended for about everything. Hmm ... not sure what it would do for brass heads but people do it.

I've read about many other fairly obvious things ...

What do people think about treating lip muscles just as major muscles are treated? How about branched chain amino acids? They are well studied and show to promote muscle recovery in major muscle groups. Athletes usually take bcaa's before and post exercise - why not brass players? Perhaps even throw some additional protein powder in to really copy the big guys ...

Hmmm .... it's not like taking HGH but it's still pretty out there I guess....

Brass players using Vitamin E and C I've heard before, and I get the sense that these are more for health of the lips and less about the musculature of the embouchure.

IMO, the muscles used in the embouchure are so small and delicate in their use that any type of protein supplementation will have very little (if any) effect on the chops. Taking BCAAs and protein for your lips is like taking the same to strengthen your pinky finger for weightlifting or gymnastics. (Yes, the pinky is important, but you don't supplement just for it.) In addition to any training, protein/BCAA supplementation is more effective on the major muscles and can translate to the outer (read: weaker) muscles through better core strength and stabilization.

All that being said, feel free to try it. If you feel that it helps, then that is worth something.

My suggestion during heavy practice sessions is to be sure to hydrate, and most importantly rest. . . that's the one thing these athletes are most definitely doing before & after training and prior to any competition.

Music is an art form and should not be approached as an athletic or endurance workout. Eat healthy, drink enough water, be reasonable with practice sessions. Bud Herseth says practice for 45 minutes and then take a brake. Aspire to that higher level: strive to be an artist.

It seems to me that the most important supplement when playing the tuba would be air. Or oxygen.