L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine Overview
L-Glutamine is a huge favourite within the world of athletics, body building, strength training and any high-intensity activity. Body builders have traditionally used L-Glutamine when preparing for a competition and embarking on a restricted-calorie diet in an attempt to restrict muscle-loss and maintain strength levels. Athletes and strength trainers similarly have used L-Glutamine in an attempt to assist recovery and compliment a healthy diet.

Who should use L-Glutamine?
In short, anyone who would benefit from increased recovery rates and quicker muscle growth. This would include bodybuilders, gym users and any athlete - particularly those where recovery rates are an important factor, such as long-distance runners or cyclists. L-Glutamine also increases growth hormone levels and promotes a better immmune system.

L-Glutamine Side Effects
Because L-Glutamine is a naturally occuring amino acid there are no side effects.

Deep Blue Recommends: Sport Sense L-Glutamine

Creatine

Creatine Overview
Creatine is a substance found naturally in your body, and provides you with energy when you do an intense workout. Naturally your body only has enough creatine to work at full intensity for around 10 seconds - increasing these levels with creatine supplements allows you to train harder - this means that if you train hard and take enough creatine then you can achieve your muscle and strength goals.

Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Ethyl Ester - Whats the Difference?
Creatine Ethyl Ester is a newer form of Creatine that is marketed as having a higher rate of absorption than regular creatine monohydrate. There is no real evidence to support this though, whereas creatine monohydrate has been extensively studied and proven to have real effects on increasing strength, energy, muscle pump and recovery. If a product is labelled as `Creatine` then it will generally be creatine monohydrate.

Who should use creatine?
Creatine is ideal for anybody involved in strength and power-based sports - this includes bodybuilders and other power athletes such as rugby players and those involved in martial arts. Creatine is also useful for regular gym users to increase size, strength and performance.

Cycling Creatine
Some people take creatine in cycles in the belief that their body `gets used to it` - this has not been proven to be any more effective than taking it continuously but it is a commonly-held belief, and you may wish to do so.
 
Creatine Side Effects
Creatine has no known side effects.
Deep Blue Recommends: Sci-MX Creatine Monohydrate

ZMA

ZMA Overview
ZMA (Zinc monomethionine aspartate and Magnesium Aspartate) is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula. It contains Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate plus Magnesium Aspartate and vitamin B-6, and is an all-natural product that clinical testing suggests may significantly increase anabolic hormone levels and muscle strength in trained athletes.

Who should use ZMA?
ZMA has been proven to have a 30% increases in free and total testosterone levels compared to 10% decreases in a placebo group - this makes it ideal for bodybuilders and those looking for increases in muscle size and tone.

ZMA Side Effects
ZMA is all-natural and there are no known side effects. It is safe for men and women.
Deep Blue Recommends: EAS ZMA Caps

HMB

HMB Overview
The key ingredient of HMB is ß-hydroxy ß-methylbutyrate, commonly known as HMB. HMB is a natural compound produced during the metabolism of the essential amino acid leucine, which occurs naturally in foods including soybeans, beef, and fish. HMB is a product that has been thoroughly researched, thoroughly proven and suitable accepted as one of the sports supplements that can support lean muscle tissue growth.

Who should use HMB?
Three grams of HMB per day may help muscles combat protein breakdown, assist in muscle repair and support increased endurance. This makes HMB ideal for all athletes, especially endurance athletes and those which require a stamina boost.

HMB Side Effects
HMB has no known side effects.

Deep Blue Recommends: PhD Pharma HMB

Orthinine Alpha-Ketoglurate (OKG)

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate or OKG as its more commonly called, is a potent anabolic food. It increases energy, endurance and muscle mass whilst inhibiting muscle breakdown, fatigue, and the build up of fat. Add to this its ability to speed up recovery time and its not hard to understand why it is such a popular choice among many sportsmen and women.

L-Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is a nutritional supplement developed to help improve the athletic performance of athletes and sports persons. Many athletes and bodybuilders have reported extremely favourable improvements in decreasing the recovery time after surgery or injury. This remarkable ingredient is producing such excellent results that it is now used in France after surgery in order to improve healing times!

Fenugreek Extract (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum)

The fenugreek herb is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It has numerous health benefits, including increased libido, elevated testosterone and increased insulin release. As with Tribulus terrestris, this herb contains a high amount of furostanolic saponins. Therefore, fenugreek extract works in a manner similar to Tribulus--elevating testosterone via increases in the amount of LH and DHEA the body produces. Some bodybuilders report having a better appetite when taking fenugreek extract--a great benefit for hardgainers.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)

N Acetyl L Cysteine (NAC) is made from the amino acid Cysteine which has been joined to an Acetyl group. N-Acetyl L Cysteine is a very strong antioxidant. Its ability to neutralise cell & DNA damaging free radicals can help slow down what many scientists point to as a key factor in the aging process.

Veleriana Officinalis

Valerian is used against sleeping disorders, restlessness and anxiety, and as a muscle relaxant. Valerian often seems only to work when taken over longer periods (several weeks), though many users find that it takes effect immediately. Some studies have demonstrated that valerian extracts interact with the GABA and benzodiazepine receptors. Valerian is also used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel syndrome.

Methoxy-Isoflavone

Methoxy Isoflavone is a non-hormonal anabolic / anti-catabolic compound. Methoxy isoflavone has been shown to increase protein synthesis, and improve overall recovery from exercise. It also has a strong anti-oxidant effect. Methoxy Isoflavone works by increasing the efficiency at which the body can process protein - thereby getting the full benefit of any food being eaten. For this reason Methoxy Isoflavone is advised to be used alongside a high protein diet, which shouldnt be a problem for any bodybuilder.

Rhaponticum Carthamoide

Rhanponticum is a natural anabolic that had a long history of use by Soviet sports teams. Rhaponticum extract induce endurance and muscle cell growth. Beta-ecdysterone, goes directly to the ribosome and accelerates translation, or direct protein synthesis. Levseins doubles the rate of translation and is very safe. Aside from increasing the rate of muscle growth, this same plant sterol strengthens kidney and liver function.

Bioperine

Bioperine is the patented preparation of the black pepper thermogen, piperine, isolated from the fruit of the black pepper plant or long pepper plant. Bioperine has been shown to increase digestion and the absorption of nutrients, by exerting its effects directly on the intestinal wall, causing it to become more permeable to ensure less degradation of any active compounds (nutrients or drugs) used alongside this substance. Often used with many fat loss products or meal/protein supplements to ensure a higher percentage of nutrients get through to work better. In itself this substance does not cause fat loss or weight gain, rather the main effect of Bioperine is to enhance the bioavailability of various nutrients consumed along with it.

Beta Alanine

Beta Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that combines with L-Histidine to help form Carnosine. Beta Alanine elevates Carnosine concentration in muscles and is useful for anyone participating in sports which require explosive actions, for example sprinting, weight training or boxing.

Using Beta Alanine will help increase the production of Carnosine. Increasing the concentration of Carnosine in muscles is vital to athletes as Carnosine can increase the ability of your muscles to work harder and perform for longer. It may also prevent lactic acid build up during intense exercise, thus reducing muscular fatigue.

Beta-ecdysterone

Beta-ecdysterone (also known as ecdysterone, or, 20-Hydroxyecdysone) is a type of ecosteroid, a naturally occurring steroid like compound. More than 150 ecdysteroids have been identified in many plants and insects. Most commercial ecdysteroids come from plants such as Leuzea carthamoides, other sources include Brazilian ginseng. Some studies have suggested that that Beta-ecdysterone is a powerful anabolic agent, that may enhance protein synthesis and thereby increase lean muscle mass.

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris is a natural herb that was first introduced to the world of athletic power and muscle development by eastern bloc power athletes, who dominate strength and power disciplines. By activating the body’s natural testosterone producing mechanism, Tribulus Terrestris use results in increased muscular strength without causing unwanted estrogenic effects such as fat gain.

Power athletes, track & field athletes, and bodybuilders experience dramatic performance improvements by increasing testosterone levels. Tribulus Terrestris provides a natural, safe and legal method to achieve this, with no side effects. Tribulus Terrestris users report increases in strength and muscle mass, as well as enhanced vitality and higher energy levels.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Acetyl l carnitine (ALC) is a metabolically active nutrient that has a wide spectrum of positive effects. It has similar metabolic effects to L-carnitine, but ALC passes more easily into the bloodstream than L-carnitine, and also crosses the blood brain barrier far more effectively than L-carnitine, where it has a number of positive effects on brain function.

Both ALC and L-carnitine play an important role in the metabolism of food and are vital for the transport of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria where they will be used for energy. ALC appears to be highly effective at enhancing the rate of recovery from exercise, reducing muscle soreness, improving heart function, enhancing brain function, and speeding up the transport of fats into the mitochondria

Avena sativa

Avena sativa is quickly becoming a popular natural alternative to pharmaceutical erection enhancers without the dangerous side effects. Also known as Oats Milky Seed or Wild Oats, Avena Sativa is used to stimulate both men and women quickly and effectively. In men it appears to be effective for treating impotence and premature ejaculation. In women it may increase sexual desire. It also contains compounds which are soothing to the brain and nervous system.

Ginseng (Various Types)

Ginseng is derived from the root of the ginseng plant. Although there are several different types of ginseng, the three most common are Panex ginseng (also known as Chinese or Korean ginseng), American ginseng and Siberian ginseng.

Perhaps the main benefit taking ginseng is its ability to help the body fight off illness. Research has demonstrated its ability to encourage the production of immune cells designed to neutralize potentially harmful bacteria and viruses.

However, ginseng is also widely used to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that it actively helps support the glands involved in the production of stress hormones within the body.

Panex ginseng also has a mild effect on men who suffer from infertility or impotence due to its ability to marginally increase both sperm and testosterone levels.

Rhodiola Rosea

Best known for fighting depression, Rhodiola rosea has had a variety of uses from strengthening the nervous system and enhancing immunity to aiding weight loss and improving energy levels. It is known as an potent adaptogen; plant substances that increase the body''''''''''''''''s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.

Muira Puama

Used to improve psychological and physical aspects of libido and sexual function, menstrual cramps and PMS, neurasthenia, to tonify the nervous system and for treating cases of mild exhaustion. Helps with gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders, stress and trauma. It is known in some circles as "the Viagra of the Amazon" and in fact, many people now consider it the new Yohimbe but with considerably less possible side effects.