ZMA

What is ZMA?

ZMA is a special mineral amino acid compound. It is a combination of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. The special mineral form (zinc monomethionine aspartate and magnesium aspartate) is what makes this combo effective. Just as important as the right zinc/magnesium mixture is the dosage and the time of intake of ZMA. All these factors were tested and included in the development of ZMA.

Who should use ZMA?

ZMA is suitable for men of all ages who want to increase their testosterone levels in a completely natural way. However, it is also ideal for competitive bodybuilders who have blocked the body's own testosterone production with steroids and want to increase it again as quickly as possible after a cure. In addition, ZMA should also be taken by these athletes during the cure in order to prevent the formation of gynecomastia as far as possible. Studies show that a zinc deficiency leads to a 40% reduction in androgen receptors with a simultaneous 60% increase in oestrogen receptors. This means that both endogenous testosterone and artificially administered steroids need optimal amounts of zinc in order to be effective in the body. The conversion of testosterone to oestrogen in the liver is also significantly increased if there is a zinc deficiency. Increased estrogen levels can promote breast tissue growth as well as fat gain and tissue water retention. It is therefore easy to understand why ZMA is so important for those looking to build hard muscle mass. It provides zinc in its most powerful form, thus optimally supplying the body with this important mineral. ZMA could actually be the missing key to rapid muscle growth. It boosts testosterone, enhances its effects and blocks the negative effects of oestrogen. All this without any side effects.

How should ZMA be used?

To ensure the optimal absorption and effect of ZMA, it should not be taken with other vitamins and minerals or protein drinks. As the ingredients of ZMA are also involved in the production and release of growth hormone, the simultaneous intake of free L-glutamine is recommended. This not only produces the body's own testosterone in larger quantities, but also stimulates the natural release of growth hormone.

Studies

A study on football players showed that free testosterone - the biologically active testosterone - increased by 33.5 percent after eight weeks of supplementation. In contrast, the testosterone level in the control group (the people in this group did not receive ZMA) fell by 10 percent. ZMA also stabilized IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) levels, which rose by 3.5 percent in the ZMA group, whereas they fell by 21.5 percent in the control group. This should be enough to get the attention of most bodybuilders. As a rule, the blood levels of the hormones mentioned drop after a few weeks of hard training. However, ZMA was able to counteract this trend. The aforementioned study also showed that the ZMA group recorded greater strength gains in the leg biceps and quadriceps. This leads to the assumption that the effects are not only of a temporary nature, but are apparently reflected in physiological changes.

Advantages of ZMA

• increases testosterone in a natural way
• promotes the build-up of muscle mass
• reduces the formation of gynecomastia
• increases strength and endurance
• prevents muscle cramps
• reduces water retention

Dosage

The dosage and proportion are very important. Please do not take multivitamin supplements while taking ZMA to get these results. Most successful ZMA products have: Vitamin B6: 11mg, Mg: 450mg, Zinc: 30mg. These products are completely natural and therefore there are no known side effects. It is safe for both men and women. ZMA should be taken before bedtime. Since magnesium is highly osmotic (it causes water to diffuse from the bloodstream into the intestines), you should drink plenty of water with it. ZMA should be taken in the evening, as this is when the body can derive the greatest benefits from increased hormone levels. ZMA has also been reported to improve sleep and stimulate growth hormone release. If ZMA is taken together with standard nutritional concentrates such as protein powder, creatine and glutamine, a positive effect on muscle growth can be expected.