We examine the critical active ingredients in various sports supplements. We award high marks to those with existing supportive data, real-world results and innovation in formulation. Here we put the new OMNI MX HARDCORE™ under the microscope.
BETA ALANINE
An amino acid that combines with histadine to form carno-sine. Beta alanine inhibits lactic acid build-up in the body. Lactic acid is a fatigue-producing compound that rises with training. In this sense beta alanine can exert an ‘anti-lactic acid’ effect. It also breaks down to acetic acid which can support glycogen formation.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Research and athletes. Research shows that it prevents the detrimental effects of lactic acid while also exhibiting the ability to lower ammonia levels. Athletes report greater stamina.
MCT Oil
A short chain fat that is immediately used as energy and rarely stored as fat. When used after training, it can support recovery and enhance the formation of muscle glycogen from glucose and help facilitate the transport of amino acids into muscle tissue.
Grade: 4 STARS
Reason: Although effective, it becomes even more important in dieting situations where it would gain a 5-star rating.
MALTODEXTRIN
A concentrated source of carbohydrate derived from corn. Maltodextrin can aid training by supporting glycogen levels and by increasing the secretion of insulin, an anabolic hormone that shuts down muscle catabolism and stimulates protein synthesis.
Grade: 4 STARS
Reason: Provides energy to muscles for growth and indirectly supports anabolism via insulin secretion.
TAURINE
An amino acid that becomes depleted with training. Low levels are associated with fatigue. In addition, supplemental taurine seems to increase water retention inside muscle cells which, along with supplemental creatine, can create a stretching of water sensitive receptors in the muscle fibres that, in turn, support an anabolic state.
Grade: 4 STARS
Reason: Water hydration in cells impacts on growth and recovery.
AMINOGEN
A natural enzyme that increases the breakdown, usage and absorption of amino acids found in protein foods including powders.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Greater absorption translates into better nitrogen retention
ZMA
A combination of zinc and magnesium aspartate. It has been shown to increase total testosterone levels and insulinlike growth factor (IGF) which affects muscle repair and growth. Hard-training bodybuilders are often deficient in both zinc and magnesium.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Confirmed studies show ZMA to be an effective supporter of both testosterone and IGF
AVENA SATIVA
Is derived from oats and there are anecdotal reports that it can increase testosterone levels. It’s supposed to work by freeing up testosterone from sex hormone binding globulin. This in turn allows more muscle-supporting testosterone to reach muscle tissue.
Grade: 3 STARS
Reason: Not much in the way of research on humans to show it boosts testosterone.
BCAAS (BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS)
Are three amino acids called leucine, isoleucine and valine. With hard training, the body can burn up muscle tissue as fuel.Supplementing with BCAAs has been shown to protect against muscle damage and loss and also support and keep testosterone levels from falling. BCAAs can also inhibit fatigue.
Grade: 4 STARS
Reason: Numerous researchers have shown BCAAs to be helpful in growth and tissue repair.
CHROMIUM
A trace mineral that makes receptors for insulin located on muscle tissue more friendly. When insulin receptors are more friendly or active, it becomes easier for the body to deliver both amino acids from protein and glucose from carbohydrates into muscles where they can influence growth and repair.
Grade: 4 STARS
Reason: Chromium has been shown in several studies to improve insulin-binding on muscle tissue.
NETTLE ROOT
A herbal extract that displaces testosterone from sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and may be effective at delivering more testosterone to the muscles. SHBG carries testosterone through the blood stream and when testosterone is allowed to free itself from SHBG, it attaches to muscles to influence growth.
Grade: 4 STARS
Reason: Research does exist showing nettle root can influence testosterone levels.
ARGININE ALPHA KETOGLUTARATE
A form of the amino acid arginine that offers several benefits. It can support growth hormone release which stimulates fat cell breakdown, it increases nitric oxide production which facilitates a muscle pump and it can, independent of carbohydrates, increase insulin secretion which exerts an anticatabolic effect. The alpha ketoglutarate form can absorb ammonia, which leads to greater training stamina.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Better pump, a rise in GH release and anticatabolic action distinguish it as a proven pre-training ingredient.
CREATINE MONOHYDRATE
The original form of creatine that has the longest proven track record in terms of concrete and positive scientific studies. Creatine is used to power the initial few reps of a set and also plays a primary role in building ATP levels in the body which energises the muscles. Creatine has been shown to increase strength, size and can mildly increase the metabolism.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Impossible to find anyone who will disagree that creatine is very effective.
HMB
A by-product of the amino acid leucine. HMB can increase insulin secretion which drives amino acids into the muscles and signals anabolic pathways to become activated. Unlike many amino acids, HMB does not produce ammonia, a by-product of protein that can interfere with muscle contraction.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Research. The research continues to come in positive showing it to be very helpful in muscle growth.
WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE
A source of amino acids. Whey tends to digest fast which means it can provide a concentrated source of aminos for immediate tissue repair.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Quality protein that is also naturally high in branched chain amino acids.
GLUTAMINE
A multi-functional amino acid. It lowers levels of ammonia, the by-product of training that can interfere with muscle growth. It also can block the uptake of cortisol by muscle tissue. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone that’s released during training and can cause muscle damage. Glutamine can maintain adequate levels of branched chain amino acids which are extremely important in muscle recovery and growth. Studies have also shown it can help the body store glucose as muscle glycogen which can enhance training intensity and support recovery.
Grade: 5 STARS
Reason: Its versatility makes it an important part of muscle recovery. FLEX
