Lack of zinc and magnesium is widespread in the broad population. It is even more frequent in athletes and very active people because these minerals are lost during workouts. The impact this has on physical performance is unknown. In 1998, the mineral status of over 250 NFL players was tested to demonstrate this point. Over 70% of the players were either depleted or lacking in both zinc and magnesium.
For this reasonbodybuilders and athletes use the supplement ZMA(Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate), a mix of zinc, magnesium andVitamin B6developed by Victor Conte. Studies have suggested that it lifts testosterone and IGF-1 levels, thus helping to increase muscle mass and strength.
The male body's chief steroidal hormone is testosterone, as any hard-core bodybuilder knows. Testosterone gives a lot of benefits to the male body. It adds to sex drive and sexual function, speeds up recuperation periods, intensifies mental focus, augments vigor and enthusiasm, increases metabolism and burns up fat. TakingZMAsupplements results in an instant rush of testosterone followed by a constant increase throughout the day.
In another study involving football players at Western Washington University, in eight weeks, the ZMA group increased free and total testosterone levels by 30%, while the placebo group showed a decrease of 10%. The ZMA group also had a slight increase in IGF-1 levels compared to a 20% decrease in the placebo group. Besides rising anabolic-hormone levels, the ZMA group added 2.5 times more muscle and practical power over the placebo group.
ZMA, with its synergistic mixture of zinc and magnesium, is calculated to maximize absorption and help you heal from the rigors of your training. Zinc has a vital function in the regulation of cellular development and the mending of tissues, as well as the preservation of a strong immune system. Magnesium is necessary for the safeguarding of electrolyte stability, energy creation and regular neuro-muscular function.
ZMA improves strength, endurance, recovery and growth.This scientifically designed mineral formula can radically add to normal levels of anabolic hormones and muscle strength, and perk up physical performance in well-trained sportspeople.
Establishing the ideal anabolic situation has always been the name of the game in the supplement business.
Why is Zinc so Important?
So what's the big deal with zinc? It is an important mineral and an antioxidant, and you need it to recuperate from hard training, although hard training and certain strict diets are what frequently reduce blood levels of zinc in the first place. Because zinc is an antioxidant, absence of it can cause over training symptoms and increased vulnerability to colds and the flu, as well as disturbance to the equilibrium and levels of hormones that encourage muscle enlargement.
Zinc is a component of more than 100 enzymes and plays a key part in reproductive function, immune function, and the conveyance ofVitamin A. Lack of zinc is linked to poorer testosterone levels and elevated estrogen levels.
Most bodybuilders have known about the importance of zinc for ages. Sadly, the body prioritizes calcium over zinc and when the two go into the bloodstream at the same time the zinc is not absorbed. Most supplements contain calcium because it is the cheapest thing to hold pills and caps together.
ZMA supplements use a process called chelation to fuse the zinc, methionine and aspartic acid together, socalciumis unnecessary. University research has established that the zinc and magnesium contained inZMAare absorbed far better than other supplements. One of the best ways to boost zinc absorption in any form is to consume it with a large quantity of meat orwhey protein.
Stacking ZMA
When two or more supplements are united to generate one gigantic explosion of dietary firepower, the result is called a "stack." Since bodybuilders tend to be experimental, and the science of supplemental nutrition has become more accurate, we know that stacking ZMA with potassium bicarbonate is highly beneficial. Potassium bicarbonate, which can be found in baking powder, helps you to put on lean mass.
ZMA Reviews
Derek Charlebois, in his supplemental review for TeenBodybuilding.com, says that the first week he took ZMA, he fell asleep fast and remained sleeping all through the night. As for acne, he says he only got a few pimples on his back, and that vanished after the first week. His lifts have been increasing every week, and he thinksZMAis a fine product.
Dave Grey of Affordable Supplements decided to try ZMA after reading an article about increasing testosterone levels without usingprohormones. When he started he weighed an even 200 pounds and was at 9.8% bodyfat. Later that week, he says he seemed to have more strength and energy during his workouts. After 10 days, he weighed in at 205 lbs and was at 9.7% bodyfat.
ZMA is well accepted by a large amount of highly allergic persons, as it is free of the most widespread allergens such as corn, soy, yeast, rice, barley, wheat, lactose (milk sugar) and all milk, citrus, fish and egg products. It also has no additional flavorings, sugars, salts, artificial sweeteners, colorings, preservatives or salocylates.
ZMA has no recognized side effects but it must be taken in the correct amounts to the precise proportions used in most studies – that is 11 mg of Vitamin B-6, 450 mg of magnesium and 30 mg of zinc.