Sunday 20 October 2013

Optimal Timing of Protein Supplements

Many athletes take protein supplements with a view to optimising athletic performance and increasing muscle, strength & stamina; protein is a vital macronutrient with a diverse range of functions, as documented in an earlier blog post (4.3.13), including the building and repair of structural components of muscle tissue and optimum functioning of the immune system.  There are many thousands of studies investigating protein metabolism and requirements for athletes, but I’ve recently discovered a very interesting piece by van Loon and Gibala exploring the timing of protein ingestion, which may well be more important than the amount consumed.  The research suggests that a high-quality protein supplement, ingested just before or soon after training, may help promote positive anabolic (muscle building) & re-modelling of the muscle tissues; with whey protein, high in the amino acid leucine, shown to be more effective than other proteins in promoting muscle protein synthesis.  The article suggests that this may be of specific benefit to athletes undertaking rigorous and regular training sessions or those performing multiple training or competition sessions on the same or consecutive days.


Van Loon, L.J.C., Gibala, M.J. (2012) Dietary Protein to Support Muscle Hypertrophy featured in Sports Nutrition: More Than Just Calories – Triggers for Adaptation, Switzerland, Karger, edited by Maughan, R.J., Burke, L.M.

Beelen, M., Burke, L.M., Gibala, M.J., Loon, L.J.C. van., (2010) Nutritional Strategies to Promote Postexercise Recovery. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol. 20, No. 6, pp. 515-532
 

Monday 7 October 2013

Premium Multi-Nutrient

Ultra Preventive X

Premium multi-nutrient formula - essential nutrition for optimal health in a vegetable/fruit food base.

Ultra Preventive X has been carefully developed to contain the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, trace-elements and other nutrients without danger of toxic build-up or other side-effects.  Each ingredient is selected in consideration of its absorbability, competitive relationship with other nutrients, allergenic potential and long-term safety.  Certain nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and B-complex vitamins are included in high-potency amounts because of the vital roles they play in antioxidant protection, energy production, maintenance of healthy blood cells, nervous system support and hormonal balance.  Minerals and trace-elements are provided in their safest and most bio-available forms.

Ultra Preventive X contains Metafolin, a patented, natural form of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) as well as (5.0 µg1) 200 I.U2 of vitamin D3 per serving.  5 MTHF is the naturally occurring, predominant form of folate commonly found in cells and is essential for overall health, as it participates as a co-factor in a reaction that involves the re-methylation of homocysteine3 to methionine4.  Unlike synthetic folic acid, 5-MTHF can be used directly by the body, without the need for additional conversion enzyme activity.   Additional vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, has been added to this formula as numerous scientists now feel that supplementation with vitamin D3 at levels greater than previously considered necessary is critical in helping maintain overall health.

Ultra Preventive X’s herbal, green food base also includes important phytonutrients; gluten-free grasses and several varieties of microalgae supply chlorophyll, carotenes, B-vitamins and trace- elements.  Cruciferous vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower offer protective sulforaphane5 compounds known for their ability to induce natural, protective detoxifying enzymes.

The list of ingredients demonstrates this is a premium multi-nutrient product

Four Tablets Contain:
Vitamin A  (750 µg) 2498 I.U
(as Retinyl Palmitate)
Beta-Carotene 3.6 mg
Vitamin C 700 mg
(as Ascorbic Acid/Ascorbyl Palmitate/
Calcium and Magnesium Ascorbate)
Vitamin D3  (5.0 µg) 200 I.U
(as Cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E (134 mg) 200 I.U
(as d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate and
Mixed Tocopherols)
Vitamin B-1 50 mg
(as Thiamine Mononitrate)
Vitamin B-2 25 mg
(as Riboflavin)
Niacin (Vit. B-3) 95 mg
(as Niacinamide and Niacin)
Vitamin B-6  40 mg
(as Pyridoxine HCl/ Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate )
Folate  400 µg
(as Calcium-L-Methylfolate, Metafolin®)
Vitamin B-12 125 µg
(as Methylcobalamin)
Biotin 150 µg 150 µg
Pantothenic Acid (Vit B-5) 250 mg
(as d-Calcium Pantothenate)
Calcium 250 mg
(from Calcium Citrate/Ascorbate
Iodine (from Kelp) 100 µg
Magnesium 250 mg
(from Magnesium Oxide/Ascorbate)
Zinc12 mg
(from Zinc Citrate)
Selenium 100 µg
(from Seleno-Methionine)
Copper 1000 µg
(from Copper Gluconate)
Manganese 5 mg
(from Manganese Sulphate)
Chromium 100 µg
(from Chromium Picolinate)
Molybdenum 50 µg
(from Sodium Molybdate)
Potassium 50 mg
(from Potassium Chloride)
Lutein (natural) 3 mg
Lycopene (natural) 3 mg
Zeaxanthin 500 µg
Inositol 50 mg
Choline 30 mg
(from Choline Citrate/Bitartrate)
PABA 25 mg
(para-aminobenzoic acid)
Boron 750 µg
(as Sodium Tetraborate)
L-Aspartic Acid 280 mg
L-Cysteine HCl 70 mg
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine 5 mg
Betaine 57 mg
(from Betaine HCl)
Bromelain (2,000 GDU/g) 25 mg
L-Glutamic Acid HCl 10 mg
Rose Hips 50 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid complex 50 mg
Pine Bark Extract 0.5 mg
(OPC 85) (J.Mesquelier U.S.Patent
No. 4,698,360)
Rutin 12.5 mg
Proprietary Fruit and Vegetable Blend 350 mg
Beet (root) (Beta Vulgaris), Carrot powder
(root) (Daucus carota), Black Currant (fruit) ...
(Ribes nigrum), Blueberry (fruit) (Vaccinium
corymbosum), Broccoli (whole plant)
(Brassica oleracea cruciferous) , Concord
Grape (fruit), Green Cabbage (whole plant) ...
(Brassica oleracea L. var. Capitata), Collard
Greens (leaf), Mountain Cranberry (fruit)
(Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Kale (whole plant)
(Brassica oleracea acephala), Parsley
(whole plant) (Carum petroselinum),
Pomegranate (fruit), Raspberry (fruit) (Rubus
idaeus), Spinach (whole plant) (Spinacia
oleracea)
Garlic extract 50 mg
(bulb) (Allium Sativum)
Cauliflower 50 mg
(entire plant) (Brassica oleracea Botrytis)
Spirulina 50 mg
(whole plant) (Spirulina platensis)
Chlorella 50 mg
(whole plant) (Chlorella pyrenoidosa)
Green Papaya extract 50 mg
(fruit) (Carica Papaya)
Blackberry 40 mg
(leaf) (Rubus Corchorifolius)
Celery 35 mg
(leaf/stalk) (Apium graveolens)
Black radish powder 35 mg
(root) (Raphanus sativus Var. nigra)
Apricot 35 mg
(fruit) (Prunus armeniaca)
Green Tea extract 12 mg
(leaf) (Camellia sinensis)
Concord grape juice 25 mg
(fruit) (Vitis labrusca)
Collard 25 mg
(leaf) (Brassica oleracea Var. Laciniata)
Pomegrenate juice 25 mg
(fruit) (Punica granatum)
Apple Pectin (fruit) 25 mg

1 µg = micrograms.
2 IU = International Unit
3 Homocysteine = an amino acid; high blood concentrations, as a result of poor folic acid status, has been implicated in the development of heart disease & stroke.
4 Methionine = an essential amino acid.
5 Sulforaphane = an antioxidant phytochemical (plant derived).

Cautions
 
This product contains vitamin A.  Do not exceed 750 µg of vitamin A (as retinol) per day if pregnant or likely to become pregnant except on the advice of a doctor or antenatal clinic.

If pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any kind of medication or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner before using this product.

Not recommended for individuals with Wilson’s disease (genetic disorder of copper metabolism).

May initially cause flushing in individuals who are sensitive to niacin.

This product contains NO yeast, wheat gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, starch, artificial colouring, preservatives or flavouring.
 
If you're going to take a supplement, make sure you take the best.