Saddo's Supplement Dictionary;

[RozzySean]

haha i might add it to my shopping list then, so far been doing some research and the list right now is...

Multivitamin
Whey Protein
L - Glutamine
Acetyle - L Carnitire
Fish oil

As i am going to step up my training and start my healthy diet again, i finally have some motivation as well so i can't wait.

That is a very good mix. I'm also going to make a post on L-Argenine.

[RozzySean]

L-Arginine (No2, PumpTech)

This has become very popular in the last few years. When I used to lift at World's Gym, it seemed like No2 drinks were standard preworkout starter.

Definition and Science

L-Arginine is naturally occurring amino acid. It is not produced by the body, but it is consumed in a variety of foods, including almonds and peanuts. It aids growth hormone production, helps eliminate free radicals, and helps the immune system. It is also a precursor to the gas Nitric Oxide. This aides vasodiolation. In plain English, it increases blood flow and helps pump more blood, and therefor oxygen, into the muscles. For this reason, it is also used to help male sexual disfunction. It "pumps you up."

Risks

Too much can lead to upset stomach or diarrea. If you have problems with your vascular system (heart trouble), you should check with your doctor. You should start out in smaller amounts to determine its effect on you.

Usage and Benefits

Arginine comes in pill form (PumpTech, NoS) or mixed into pre-workout drinks (Pumped Fuel, e.g) . These drinks usually have a bunch of caffeine. Check the label. If you take the pills you take a few in the morning and a few preworkout. Dosage is dependent on body weight.

You know that "pumped up" feeling you get in your muscles when you lift? You look bigger for the next few hours after the workout and feel buff. Arginine helps you keep that "pumped" look longer. It also gets you more pumped than you would normally. When you take this and lift, you will look bigger, fast, but it will be artifical. Once you stop lifting and taking the arginine, you'll loose the result. However, the extra oxygen the blood brings to your muscles will let you squeeze an extra rep or half a rep. That little bit of extra endurance to finish helps you push your muscles to maximum failure.

Final Thoughts

L-Arginine definately works. These products are on the expensive side, but you will notice effects almost immediately. When I was using it, I was lifting heavy and not boxing, so I can't comment on its effectiveness as part of a boxer training. I would put it on the list behind Glutamine, Creatine, and Whey Protein for boxing, but if you are into lifting, it's great stuff. I know that if I'm sparring, I wouldn't want the extra pumped feeling this stuff brings, but if you lifting on non-boxing days, you might find it useful. If you belong to a gym that sells the preworkout drinks, try those a few time before investing in an expensive bottle of NoS or Pumptech.

[donnydarkoIRL]

Whey Protein

Right, well here's one that's useful for boxer's who are trying to maintain a steady weight whilst putting one some muscle perhaps.
The Definition and science.
Whey Protein is a term used to handle a collection of globular proteins which are isolated from whey. Whey is a by product of cows milk (taken from cheese.) It is an established fact, that whey has the highest biological value of any known protein.
Whey provides an optimal source of amino acids, essential for building and repairing muscle.
Furthermore whey protein increases the anabolic environment and prevents muscle breakdown. The bio-availability of this protein allows a fast uptake of amino acids. Whey contains both glutamine and cysteine, two crucial amino acids. It also contains a large number of beneficail protein peptides, immunoglobulins and lactoferrin
Health Risks;
Whilst Whey is safe for nearly everyone with ordinary immune systems and medical histories, whey can prove detrimental for users with severe allergies to milk and milk products. Individuals who sufferfrom lactose intolerance should also abstain from use or seek the lactose free form. There are no known bans on Whey protein in any sport or organisation.
Usage and Benefits;
Whey is an excellent supplement for any athlete. When implemented in co ordination with an appropriate diet this supplement can serve multiple purposes. One can promote the growth of muscle tissues, prevent the damage of existing muscle tissue and repair damaged muscle tissue.

Whey protein is one of the supplements that is safe to use on a conntinuous basis and is helpful even in the abscence of weight training. The body will expierience far less wear and tear and additional training will be posssible as recovery is greatly aided. This in turn allows the opportunity to build muscle tissue.

It is easy to use, taken in a powder form and many brands offer flavours that are quite pleasing to the pallate. So much so that many boxers I know personally, take whey protein with milk as a "dessert"
Final Thoughts;
The ideal first supplement, easy to use, safe and easily available. Virtually every brand of nutritional supplementation offers their own whey.
It is advisable to again use an established "name" brand as you can be assured that you are getting a protein of the highest quality.

Reccomendable to anyone.

[El Kabong]

Anyone use Muscle Milk? I was thinking about using that stuff

[El Kabong]

Also NO2-explode or whatever....what the hell does that do?

[donnydarkoIRL]

Long jack / Tongkat Ali

The definition and Science:
Long jack or Tongkat Ali is a clinically researched herb, which has been used for centuries to boost testerone.
The plant Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a flowering plant native to Indonesia and theregions of Malaysia. It is a samll evergreen treewhich became popular for it's testerone enhancing properties and is well known for it's aphrodisiac properties.
The supplement is not a drug, but when extract of the root is taken it increases testerone production and as aresult increases muscle size.
Health Risks;
There have been substantial amounts of claims made against the use of this supplement as it has been linked to insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. Tongkat ali should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or children.
Because tongkat ali increases testosterone levels it should not be used by men with breast cancer or prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or sleep apnea.
Tongkat ali should not be used by people with weakened immune systems as some evidence suggests it may further weaken immune function.
Usage and Benefits:
In the past the extract was used to treat sexual dysfunction in males or to increase libido. In this context, Jacks is used to increase muscle size and strength "naturally."
Users of Long Jack often comment that they would never go back to any other Testosterone supplement ever again. It's Testosterone boosting abilities can also mean higher sex drive and a better feeling of well-being.
LA Muscle's Long Jack is the only Pharmaceutical Grade product of its kind.
As a guideline, you should take at least 1.5 to 2 grams of quality protein per lb of bodyweight per day. This should be spaced out throughout the day. You should also train heavy and hard, on a split routine.
Tablets are taken three times a day and are used on a continuos basis.
Final Thoughts;
A legal option for those considering boosting their testosterone levels, there is evidence that this product is indeed a hazard if used improperly. Should you wish to take a course you would be advised to research it personally and only in cases where you are of perfect health. The gains are real, but so too are the risks.
Good product but proceed with care.

[RozzySean]

Also NO2-explode or whatever....what the hell does that do?

Muscle Milk is good stuff. It's whey protein and a few other goodies. For NO2 - Explode, see my post on Arginine. That will give you a pretty good summary of NO2 products.

[ono]

BCAA's

(Branched Chain Amino Acids)


Definition and Science:

Amino acids are the chemical units, or “building blocks” that make up human muscle tissue. Protein quality is measured by the amount of the specific amino’s within it.

The 22 amino acids are the molecular building blocks of proteins. 9 are referred to as essential, meaning that they must be supplied from some food or supplement source, and the others, which are known as non-essential, or more correctly, dispensable or conditionally indispensable, are based on the body's ability to synthesize them from other amino acids.

L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine are the most important group of amino acids for athletes. Around 33% of muscle protein consists of BCAA’s. Even moderate exercise causes levels of BCAA’s to drop rapidly which results in muscle tissue breakdown (catabolism), fatigue, and a drop in testosterone levels.

Benefits to you:

Amino acids are essential to the human body and athletes can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue. The body, through assimilation of amino acids, produces over 50,000 proteins and over 15,000 enzymes. Amino acids are not only responsible for the production of all the body's enzymes (including digestive enzymes), but they also play a key role in normalizing moods, concentration, aggression, attention, sleep, and sex drive. After protein is consumed, it is broken down into amino acids. Then, individual amino acids are used to create necessary body proteins and enzymes. Digestive enzymes break down the proteins a person consumes into amino acids.

The benefits are broken down below....

Maximizes lean muscle growth

Optimises post-workout recovery

Maintenance of cells

Maintenance of tissues

Helps avoid muscle degeneration

When To Take:

Personally the best time to take BCAA's are basically anytime your body is in a catabolic state. This is mainly first thing on a morning when you've fasted for around 8 hours. Also immediately after training when your body is in a very catabolic state. Basically comsuming BCAA's at this time changes your body's state from a state of catabalism to a state of anabalism.

Why Not Use Just Whey?:

The simple answer is....BCAA's are readily broken down (from protein molecules) so they can be absorbed into the bloodtsream immediately.

Dosage:

Only around 3-5grams are required per serving. In capsule form this translates to between 6-10 capsules. Personally i like mega dose BCAA's.

Final Thoughts:

I'd say BCAA's are a must for any athlete. They are very cheap (around £15 for 500 capsules). They prevent muscle breakdown which is basically your main goal when wanting to build lean muscle. Other protein based foods and supplements do this aswell but they need to be broken down first so your body would spend more time in a catabolic state (which is bad). Below i've explained (basically) the process of protein digestion. Hopefully this will give you a clear view of why BCAA's are important.....

When consumed, protein takes the form of very complex molecules arranged in chains of amino acids. So the bonds binding these complex molecules together must first be broken down. This digestive process begins in the stomach (unlike starch, which begins in the mouth), where hydrochloric acid attacks the protein molecules separating them and breaking them down into amino acids. Once this has happened the gastric enzyme pepsin starts to digest the amino acids.

BCCA's bypass the initial digestion stage which enables muscle repair to begin much quicker than it would do without supplementation.

[Prophetic:::Poet]

L-Arginine is better in pill form or powder form....?

[donnydarkoIRL]

L-Arginine is better in pill form or powder form....?

Taken on it's own it's probably more concentrated in pill form, but if you get the powder its often combined with glutamine and whey which makes for a great recovery mix.

[donnydarkoIRL]

Nitric Oxide

Nitric Oxide is a naturally occuring signalling molecule present in all mammals. It is used by the body to prevent ischemic damage to organs within the body.
The body utilises the aforementioned argenine in combination with oxygen to form this chemical messenger which is also a huge communicator in the spinal/nervous system.

Technically;Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to vessel homeostasis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle contraction and growth, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium.

Benefits;
The claim is that NO is a vasildator.
This means the substance allows the muscle a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients, dramatically increasing muscle growth.
The intake of NO certainly accelerates the distribution of oxygen throughout the body and provides the "pumps" which are beneficial in serious physical training.

Risks
As withy most naturally occuring substances the body has a fine balance between optimum levels and overdoding.
Excessive NO levels are known to contribute toward reperfusion injury, reacting with superoxide to produce a toxic chemical named "peryoxynitrite."

Usage:
From first hand experience I must state that I have my doubts about NO as a vasildator. Although brands such as "NO Explode," NO TRAC by MHP" and a couple of others are regarded as excellent supplements I contribute the muscle growth to the protein and other chems mixed in the product.

What NO does provide is a massive amount of short term energy and indeed explosiveness. Ideal for bodybuiders, MMA fighters and to some extent boxers, the "pumps" from this supplement are second to none. The explosive energy and mental focus are worth the cost on their own.

Final Thoughts;
This is a great supplement for weightlifters and people participating in short explosive exercises.
I find over a longer distance the NO can cause the stomach to feel sickly and it is quite rough on the palate.

I have heard it used in JIU JItsu and amateur boxing competition to great success, but I feel this supplement is best reserved for the strength and conditioning elements of a fighters preparation.

[Spicoli]

Bit out of my depth here but figure I'll just ask.......Panax Ginseng and L Arginine taken together daily in pill form ......any risks,advice?Whats an ideal starting amount,Mg's ?

[donnydarkoIRL]

what can i have i'm 12.

Best to stick to the veg and meat.

[Prophetic:::Poet]

nice thread...

[Dave1066]

Beta-Alanine

Definition and Science

Beta-Alanine is a non-essential amino acid and is the only naturally occurring beta-amino acid. Not to be confused with regular alanine, beta- alanine is classified as a non-proteinogenic amino acid, as it is not believed to be used in the building of proteins.

The greatest natural dietary sources of beta-alanine are believed to be obtained through ingesting the beta-alanine containing dipeptides: carnosine, anserine and balenine, rather than directly ingesting beta-alanine. These dipeptides are found in protein rich foods such as chicken, beef, pork and fish. It is predominantly through ingesting the dipeptide carnosine that we ingest most of our beta-alanine, as the two other dipeptides are not found nearly as plentiful in our typical coniferous diet. However, obtaining beta-alanine through these dipeptides is not the only way, as our bodies can synthesize it in the liver from the catabolism of pyrimidine nucleotides which are broken down into uracil and thymine and then metabolized into beta-alanine and B-aminoisobutyrate. Of course, it can also be ingested through direct supplementation which is the focus of this article.

Typically, studies have used supplementing strategies of multiple doses of 400 mg or 800 mg, administered at regular intervals for up to eight hours, over periods ranging from 4 to 10 weeks.
After a 10-week supplementing strategy, the reported increase in intramuscular carnosine content was an average of 80.1% (range 18 to 205%).
A study conducted at Adams State College, Alamosa, Colorado, compared the effects of β-alanine to a placebo group in two sports: wrestling and American football. The subjects taking β-alanine achieved more desirable results on all tests compared to placebo. The wrestlers, both placebo and supplement lost weight; however, the supplement group increased lean mass by 1.1 lb., while the placebo group lost lean mass (-0.98 lb). Both American football groups gained weight; however, the supplement group gained an average 2.1 lb lean mass compared to 1.1 lb for placebo.

Benefits of taking Beta Alanine

Increase Muscular Strength & Power Output.
Increases Muscle Mass
Increase Anaerobic Endurance
Increases Aerobic Endurance
Delay Muscular Fatigue- Train Harder & Longer

Side effects

Skin that feels itchy/ tingles.
Some people have reported heart palpitations

Personal Thoughts

In the past whilst training, i have taken AST Sports Science Beta X. Which is Beta Alanine. I had been training for along time. I was already taking AST Sports Science VP2 Whey isolate protein. Which had given me gains. I got to a point where i had plateaued. So i started taking Beta X and the Whey protein together. The Beta X did give me quick lean muscle gains. Within two weeks. However i did get the dreaded tingles. I bared the tingles for aslong as i could. Then i stopped taking Beta X.

So this supplement works and works well. It's well recieved in the sporting world backed up by independent sciencetific research.

Its upto you to try it and see if you get the gains and to see if you get any side effects or not. I know i will be trying it again.