Bodybuilding Supplement: ZMA: Zinc Magnesium Aspartate


ZMA (zinc and magnesium formulation)
Rating:****
Categories: Recovery, Testosterone Support
Explanation: ZMA is a patent pending combination of zinc and magnesium
aspartate plus vitamin B6 that is supported by strong clinical research data
involving trained athletes. Scientific evidence has demonstrated ZMA's
effectiveness in increasing anabolic hormone levels, including free testosterone
and growth factor (IGF-I), hormones that may otherwise be suppressed in hard
training athletes. ZMA also improves the quality of sleep.
Bodybuilding Benefit: ZMA is perhaps the best natural testosterone booster
currently available. The need for zinc and magnesium supplementation for
athletes is not in question, but the best method of delivery is. The clinical success
and effectiveness of ZMA highlights the importance of delivering these minerals
on an empty stomach, at a specific time of the day (before bedtime), which
maximizes absorption and utilization. The ultimate benefits of ZMA
supplementation may be improved recovery due to enhanced sleep efficiency and
increased anabolic hormone levels, as well as greater gains in muscle strength
and power.
There is a large body of scientific evidence supportive of ZMA. Zinc and
Magnesium are commonly depleted from your body. Studies have shown that
supplementing with 30mg of Zinc and 450mg of Magnesium per day can elevate
testosterone levels up to 30%!
Dosage: The recommended dosage is 11 mg of B6, 400-450 mg of magnesium,
and 30 mg of zinc. This combination is found in one serving of most of the quality
brands of ZMA supplements. Take on an empty stomach before bedtime, as it can
induce drowsiness. Follow label recommendations.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is an essential mineral. Zinc has antioxidant properties and is stored in
muscle, blood cells, retina, skin, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and prostate gland in
men. Zinc can be found in many foods such as fish, oysters, shellfish, poultry, red
meat, cheese, legumes, whole grains, tofu and green beans.
Zinc is a requirement for a healthy immune system, and proper regulation of
appetite, stress level, taste and smell. Zinc is also important for growth and
reproduction in males and females. The antioxidant properties of zinc help
neutralize free radicals that are damaging to the body caused by pollutants and
toxins in the environment.
Health Benefits
If zinc is deficient in the diet, it can be associated with health conditions such as:
diabetes, eating disorders, low fertility (male), attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) in children, diarrhea in infants, alcoholism, HIV disease,
pregnancy and an increased risk of contracting tuberculosis.
Zinc is an essential part of a properly functioning immune system. Studies have
shown that zinc may be instrumental in shortening the intensity/duration of the
common cold (it is not a cure), and may also expedite wound healing. Those with
sickle cell anemia, HIV disease, and the elderly may also experience improved
immunity to infections with proper supplementation of zinc.
Also, according to another study, proper zinc intake may help protect against
osteoporosis by preserving bone mass and increasing the production of bone.
Usage Indications
Suggested for… Recommended Daily Dose
Adult males 19+ 15 mg
Adult females 19+ 12 mg
Pregnancy 15 mg
Lactation- 1st 6 months 19 mg
Lactation- 2nd 6 months 16 mg
You must consult your physician before using any dietary supplements if you are
currently taking any medications, as zinc may interact with other medications or
drugs you are taking.
Zma Fuel
By K. Perry
Zma is a unique combination of vitamins and minerals that impact positively on
athletic performance. Zma is available in supplement form, and zma is readily
absorbed by the system. Zma fuel utilizes zinc monomethionine, magnesium
aspartate and B6 combined. Zma is an anabolic mineral formula scientifically
designed, and zma contains only natural products.
The synergistic combination of zinc and magnesium in zma is proven to enhance
healthy hormone production, resulting in increased strength and muscle power.
Clinical tests reveal that the ingredients in zma fuel can increase endurance and
testosterone levels, as well as promote a restful sleep which is important for
athletes. Zma can be taken before bedtime, resulting in a deeper and more
peaceful sleep. With zma intake the muscle cramping usually associated with
sport is reduced considerably, when supplementing the diet with zma fuel.
A study conducted on a group of college football players which monitored the
effects of zma on the system, proved very interesting.
The football players taking zma fuel supplements combined with magnesium
aspartate showed an increase of free testosterone levels by 43% more than the
group on placebos! The muscle power of the players using zma increased 250%
more than those who didn't use a zma fuel supplement. There is impressive
scientific evidence behind zma fuel and scores of clinical tests have been
conducted on zma. Results show that zma really does work and zma fuel lives up
to its claims.
Zinc is a micro mineral which is involved with hormone actions including growth
hormones, estrogen, insulin and testosterone. The zinc found in zma is necessary
for many enzymatic actions. Those involved in physical fitness have a greater
need for zinc and can replenish it with zma fuel. As it can be taken by men or
women and has no adverse side effects, zma can benefit all athletes including
beginners.
The B6 vitamin (pyridoxine) present in zma is involved with protein synthesis. In
coenzyme form, the B6 vitamin in zma is involved with many enzymes as well as
the metabolism of amino acids. Zma with B6 can free up carbohydrate energies
and zma will also lessen the actions of cortisol and other catabolic steroids. The
testosterone to cortisol ratio is boosted by zma fuel's B6, resulting in increased
muscle strength.
Because zinc and magnesium are easily depleted from the body, supplementing
with zma can elevate these testosterone levels. Athletic studies show that many
athletes have a zinc deficiency, which can be corrected by taking zma. After
participating in regular and intense exercise, zinc and magnesium levels decrease
considerably. This deficiency results in a loss of strength and libido, easily
replaced with zma.
Copyright 2005 Health-Focus
Further resources offering Zma Fuel information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K._Perry
Articles on the Bodybuilding supplement: ZMA
When to take ZMA
The timing of your is ZMA supplementation is crucial to obtaining the maximum
benefits. Clinical research has confirmed that the optimum time to take his ZMA is
60 minutes before going to bed for the night. Research shows that this will allow
for maximum utilization and uptake of the supplement.
How much ZMA should I take?
The proper dose is ZMA is also critical. The correct dose is as follows: 30 mg of
zinc, 450 mg of magnesium aspartate, and 10.5 mg of vitamin B6. This
combination and dose, again is critical. When purchasing a ZMA supplement,
read the label and be sure that the three components are provided in these
amounts. Most quality supplement companies stay with this critical formula,
however I had seen several brands that offers ZMA supplements that do not.
Can I just take a zinc supplement and and magnesium supplement and
get the same benefit?
Taking separate supplements will most likely not give you the benefit as the
patented ZMA supplement. This is primarily because the zinc and magnesium
used in his ZMA supplement are in a form known as zinc and magnesium
aspartate which helps to minimize interference in the uptake of these minerals.
Also it may be more difficult to get zinc magnesium and B6 in the proper amounts
when taking supplements separately.
Take ZMA on an empty stomach
It can be a little tricky, but you must take ZMA supplements on an empty stomach!
Unlike most other supplements zinc and magnesium will not be properly absorbed
if taken with food. Take ZMA one to two hours after eating in the evening, 60
minutes before going to bed. You can still take your bedtime protein shake or
protein snack immediately before going to sleep.