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 mix is the dosage and timing of ZMA intake. All of 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 an absolutely natural way. However, it is also ideal for competitive bodybuilders who have blocked the body's own testosterone production by 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 to prevent the formation of gynecomastia as much as possible. Studies show that zinc deficiency leads to a 40% reduction in androgen receptors with a simultaneous 60% increase in estrogen receptors. This means that both endogenous testosterone and artificially supplied steroids need optimal amounts of zinc to work in the body. The conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the liver is also significantly increased when zinc deficiency is present. Elevated estrogen levels can promote breast tissue growth as well as fat gain and tissue water retention. It is therefore easy to see why ZMA is so important for those looking to build hard muscle mass. It provides zinc in its most powerful form, optimally supplying the body with this important mineral. So ZMA might actually be the missing key to building muscle fast. It increases testosterone, enhances its effects and blocks the negative effects of estrogen. All this without any side effects.

How to use ZMA?

To guarantee the optimal absorption and effect of ZMA, it should not be taken with other vitamins and minerals or protein drinks. Since 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 greater quantities, but also stimulates the natural release of growth hormone.

Studies

A study of football players showed that free testosterone - the biologically active testosterone - increased by 33.5 percent after eight weeks of intake. In contrast, testosterone levels in the control group (individuals in this group did not receive ZMA) dropped by 10 percent. ZMA also stabilized IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) levels, which increased 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, blood levels of the aforementioned hormones 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 was able to post greater strength gains in the leg biceps and quadriceps. This suggests that the effects are not just temporary, but are apparently reflected in physiological changes.

ZMA advantages

• Increases testosterone in a natural way
• promotes the development of muscle mass
• reduces the formation of gynecomastia
• Increases strength and endurance
• prevents muscle cramps
• Reduces water storage

Dosage

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