ZMA is here
Hurrah, we have a new product in the range!
What is fascinating is that it is not so new in the end, more an old friend, who is again in the focus in times of the corona crisis: ZMA . But it gets really exciting when you look at the details, because not everything that is sold in the market as ZMA is ZMA.
What is ZMA?
ZMA stands for zinc monomethionine aspartate. This is a special form of zinc that, unlike standard zinc compounds, contains additional amino acids.
In order to get the effect of ZMA, it is essential to have this zinc complex. In addition, our ZMA contains magnesium and vitamin B6. Any mixture of zinc and magnesium salts is not ZMA and then of course does not work accordingly. In addition, ZMA does not harm the absorption of copper, another important trace element.
The optimal absorption (bioavailability) of zinc is related to the chelating bond to the amino acid methionine. Magnesium as magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide provides an excellent mixture for the acute and longer-lasting magnesium supply. Magnesium and zinc activate over 300 enzymes (biocatalysts) and together with vitamin B6 are indispensable for numerous bodily functions.
If you train hard, you need ZMA
Genuine ZMA products can bring a number of benefits for performance-oriented athletes: the positive influence on the nervous system and muscles as well as the glycogen and protein metabolism support the body in the regeneration after hard workouts.
The particularly good working zinc in the ZMA also supports normal testosterone levels in the blood as well as the normal metabolism of fatty acids. Especially hard-training strength athletes or extremely endurance athletes can benefit from this. The sex hormone testosterone is one of the most important hormones for muscle building. Optimized testosterone levels are also associated with improved regeneration, fat loss, and increased sexual desire, drive, stamina and strength.
Athletes who have a deficiency in the substances contained in ZMA can therefore expect a noticeable improvement in physical performance. Experience with ZMA products also shows this on a regular basis.
Research has shown that athletes and people who exercise regularly can often have lower levels of zinc and magnesium. This makes supplementing with ZMA then as described above particularly effective. The loss of these minerals is due to sweat and urine as well as the increased need for regeneration and protein synthesis. Reduced intake of these minerals may also occur when eating refined sugar and white flour products or alcohol.
The ideal recovery formula
Some other zinc products actually add other minerals to the formula. Two common minerals are copper and calcium. However, this is not beneficial, as calcium, like copper, can affect zinc intake. As important as these minerals are, you should take them at different times of the day, not together with ZMA.
To further enhance the regeneration, L-Tyhrosin was added. An important amino acid for neurotransmitters in the body. Rainer has formulated ZMA in exactly the same way to optimize the body’s absorption and use of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. Therefore, a separate transport matrix has been added. Research suggests that this can improve the absorption of some nutrients by the body.
Studies
A study of football players showed that free testosterone – the biologically effective testosterone – increased by 33.5 percent after eight weeks of ingestion! In contrast, testosterone levels in the control group (the individuals in this group did not receive ZMA) fell by 10 percent. ZMA also stabilized IGF-1 (Insulinlike Growth Factor) levels, which increased by 3.5 percent in the ZMA group, while they fell by 21.5 percent in the control group. This should be enough to attract the attention of most competitive athletes.
As a rule, the blood levels of the mentioned hormones decrease after a few weeks of hard training. However, ZMA was able to counteract this trend. Those taking a placebo had a decrease in testosterone levels and a decrease in IGF-1 levels. In addition to the improvements in their anabolic hormone levels, the athletes supplemented with ZMA achieved significantly greater increases in strength and strength in the above study and achieved better sleep quality. Better sleep quality is also known to promote muscle regeneration after hard workouts.
Benefits of ZMA
- boosts testosterone naturally
- promotes the building of muscle mass
- reduces the formation of gynecomastie
- increases strength and endurance
- prevents muscle spasms
- reduces water storage
Timing for taking ZMA
ZMA is commonly taken before bedtime to promote better sleep and muscle regeneration. It is an effective way for athletes to get enough zinc and magnesium to promote the results of their workouts. Many studies show that many athletes lack both zinc and magnesium. This may be due to various factors that increase the loss of these important minerals and also reduce their intake from food.
Functionality of zinc and vitamin B6
Zinc is an essential trace element that our body uses for various enzymes and processes in the body. It plays a particularly important role in the metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat and protein), protein synthesis, growth and wound healing.
The role of zinc in testosterone levels should be highlighted. Thus, zinc has been shown to contribute to normal testosterone levels in the blood, which is unfortunately not the rule in intensive athletes. Zinc is supported by vitamin B6, which also has a regulating functionality in terms of hormonal activity. In this context, it is not surprising that zinc promotes normal fertility and reproduction.
Zinc is also important for the immune system and, together with vitamin B6, contributes to normal immune function and cell protection against oxidative stress. Therefore zinc is often taken in case of a harmed immune system. Zinc is also known because it has a positive effect on the maintenance of normal skin and vision as well as normal bones, hair and nails.
The importance of zinc is also reflected in the fact that it supports a normal DNA synthesis,i.e. the carrier substance of the genetic material, and – like magnesium – has a function in cell division. Zinc is also involved in maintaining normal cognitive functions. Metabolic processes that zinc can optimize or normalize include: carbohydrate, fatty acid, acid base and vitamin A metabolism.
Unfortunately, zinc is not stored very well in the body, so we have to consume it on a daily basis, via our daily diet or a dietary supplement.
Functionality of magnesium and vitamin B6
The vital mineral magnesium, together with vitamin B6, contributes to a normal energy metabolism and thus also to a reduction in fatigue. In addition, it is helpful for normal muscle function,which is why magnesium is one of the most popular supplements after an intense workout. Positive support for the balance of electrolytes or minerals and the regulation of the water balance should also be highlighted.
Together with zinc, magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis,a basic condition for muscle building. Magnesium and vitamin B6 are important for the nervous system and its normal function. Like zinc, magnesium has a positive effect on normal bones and additionally normal teeth and, like vitamin B6, can normalize mental functions. Therefore, magnesium is also popularly referred to as “salt of inner peace”.
In addition to the functionalities mentioned – in particular with regard to energy metabolism and the nervous system – vitamin B6 contributes to a normal cysteine synthesis as well as to a normal protein, glycogen and homocysteine metabolism. It should be noted that vitamin B6 is an important factor in the normal formation of red blood cells.