ZMA

WHAT IS ZMA?
ZMA is the only non steroidal, all natural dietary supplement clinically proven to increase free testosterone levels and strength in training athletes. It is a combination product of Zinc L-Monomethionine, zinc/magnesium aspartate and Vitamin B6 and is a compound proven and backed by science to increase free testosterone levels. It is a supplement designed to give extra strength and muscle size gains to the user along with greater endurance, faster recovery and healing.

HOW DOES ZMA WORK?
Zinc is an anabolic mineral required for the production of growth hormone and testosterone, which promote tissue repair, healing and growth. In addition Zinc reduces fatigue by minimizing the build up of lactic acid in muscles tissue, while magnesium aids in the transport of oxygen to muscle tissue, which promotes strength, endurance and relaxation. Magnesium also activates enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. Unfortunately zinc and magnesium deficiencies are prevalent, especially among athletes.

This is often due to the diet being a poor source of these minerals, but not only that, exercise and stress result in a significant loss of zinc and magnesium from the body. ZMA was designed to optimise absoprtion and availability of zinc and magnesium during peak times of muscle growth and repair. Both the zinc monomethionine and the zinc/magnesium aspartate forms are unigue and highly absorbable bioavailable forms of these minerals. The zinc l-monomethionine is absorbed in the front part of the small intestine at the mineral receptor sites, while the zinc/magnesium aspartate is absorbed in the back of the small intestine via an active transport mechanism. In addition, the zinc/magnesium aspartate in ZMA consists of a unique covalently bound complex of zinc,magnesium and aspartic acid, which enables the magnesium and zinc to reach the blood stream at the same time so that the desired synergistic effect can be obtained. When combined with vitamin B6 which many supplement brands do cause the zinc and magnesium to be furthermore absorbed more efficiently.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FORM SUPPLEMENTING WITH ZMA?
Increased testosterone levels, increases in Insulin Like Growth Factor 1, Increases in muscular strength, physical endurance and can aid with relaxtion and improved sleep. There have been other medical reports of a decrease in muscle cramping and strains, faster healing from injuries, improved mental concentration and alertness, and a decrease in water retention.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM ZMA USE?
There are only positive benefits associated with ZMA use.

HOW MUCH AND WHEN?
The normal dose of ZMA is 30mg of Zinc, 450mg Magnesium to around 10.5mg of Vit B6, often taken directly before bed time or alternatively the dose is split half before a workout and half directly after. Technically this supplement must be taken away from any calcium based foods or calcium containing protein powders or they may cancel out the absorption - however some reputable supplement companies do stress that bound to an amino acid such as monomethionine the absorbability of this mineral is hundreds of times greater that regular zinc.