Whether it's going for a swim, bike ride, run, or any other activity, FULL BORE has exactly what you need for optimum performance.<\/p>\r\n
PEAK O2™ BLEND – Created from mushroom extract to increase endurance and stamina, fight muscle fatigue, combat oxidative stress and support cardiovascular function. This trademarked ingredient has been shown to increase power output over time.*<\/p>\r\n
L-CITRULLINE+AGMATINE SULFATE – Powerful nitric oxide boosters to promote better blood flow to body, brain, and central nervous systems.*<\/p>\r\n
BETAINE ANHYDROUS – Enhanced cellular hydration. By increasing anaerobic workout efficiency, betaine anhydrous may boost sprint power output during the times when burst speed matters most.*<\/p>\r\n
BEET ROOT – A nutrient-rich anti-inflammatory that promotes cardiovascular performance.*<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.<\/p>","gtin12":"811374039509","image":["https:\/\/siteimgs.com\/10017\/item\/fullbore-tropicalpunch_1674595652-0.jpg"],"brand":"Bucked Up","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32801\/bucked-up-full-bore-tropical-punch-30-servings.htm","offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"USD","price":"44.95","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32801\/bucked-up-full-bore-tropical-punch-30-servings.htm","itemCondition":"http:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition","availability":"http:\/\/schema.org\/InStock"}},{"@type":"Product","name":"Bucked Up Long Range Endurance Blood Raz - 20 Servings","sku":"BU211","description":"
Long Range Endurance
LONG RANGE is formulated to deliver the proper balance of hydration ingredients to allow endurance athletes to simultaneously rehydrate and push themselves during exercise.*<\/p>\r\n
Our team of sport scientists, athletes, and coaches have created a great tasting mix that maximizes rapid delivery of fluid and fuel without causing gastric distress.* LONG RANGE consumed during exercise enhances performance via two different mechanisms: provision of fuel for the muscle, and a neurochemical benefit to the brain and nervous system, allowing you to push yourself harder and longer at all times.*<\/p>\r\n
The benefits of carbohydrate consumption before\/during\/after exercise are well documented and heavily researched. We designed Long Range following the most effective formulas shown to improve athlete performance both in the lab and in the highest levels of competition.<\/p>\r\n
In order to meet the needs of endurance athletes who frequently need fuel for any endurance activities, our Long Range formula includes a combination of fructose and maltodextrin in a precise 0.8:1 ratio that maximizes carbohydrate absorption and prevents gastric distress.*<\/p>\r\n
As an added bonus to everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors, Long Range helps to protect your immune system by reducing the number of immune cells lost during exercise.*<\/p>\r\n
The electrolyte content of Long Range helps fuel, hydrate, and exceed your needs more effectively when compared to water.*<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.<\/p>","gtin12":"811374039455","image":["https:\/\/siteimgs.com\/10017\/item\/bucked-end-red_1674061166-0.jpg"],"brand":"Bucked Up","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32790\/bucked-up-long-range-endurance-blood-raz-20.htm","offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"USD","price":"49.95","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32790\/bucked-up-long-range-endurance-blood-raz-20.htm","itemCondition":"http:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition","availability":"http:\/\/schema.org\/InStock"}},{"@type":"Product","name":"Bucked Up Long Range Endurance Lemon Lime - 20 Servings","sku":"BU210","description":"
Long Range Endurance
LONG RANGE is formulated to deliver the proper balance of hydration ingredients to allow endurance athletes to simultaneously rehydrate and push themselves during exercise.*<\/p>\r\n
Our team of sport scientists, athletes, and coaches have created a great tasting mix that maximizes rapid delivery of fluid and fuel without causing gastric distress.* LONG RANGE consumed during exercise enhances performance via two different mechanisms: provision of fuel for the muscle, and a neurochemical benefit to the brain and nervous system, allowing you to push yourself harder and longer at all times.*<\/p>\r\n
The benefits of carbohydrate consumption before\/during\/after exercise are well documented and heavily researched. We designed Long Range following the most effective formulas shown to improve athlete performance both in the lab and in the highest levels of competition.<\/p>\r\n
In order to meet the needs of endurance athletes who frequently need fuel for any endurance activities, our Long Range formula includes a combination of fructose and maltodextrin in a precise 0.8:1 ratio that maximizes carbohydrate absorption and prevents gastric distress.*<\/p>\r\n
As an added bonus to everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors, Long Range helps to protect your immune system by reducing the number of immune cells lost during exercise.*<\/p>\r\n
The electrolyte content of Long Range helps fuel, hydrate, and exceed your needs more effectively when compared to water.*<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.<\/p>","gtin12":"811374039448","image":["https:\/\/siteimgs.com\/10017\/item\/bucked-end-lemon_1674060969-0.jpg"],"brand":"Bucked Up","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32789\/bucked-up-long-range-lemon-lime-20-servings.htm","offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"USD","price":"49.95","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32789\/bucked-up-long-range-lemon-lime-20-servings.htm","itemCondition":"http:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition","availability":"http:\/\/schema.org\/InStock"}},{"@type":"Product","name":"Controlled Labs Purple Wraath Amino Acid Matrix Grape - 45 Serv","sku":"CD028","description":"
Purple Wraath: Ergogenic Essential Amino Acid Matrix<\/p>\r\n
Discover the \"Holy Grail\" of bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement: Maximizing lean gains and fat loss while enhancing recovery and increasing strength, endurance, and energy.<\/p>\r\n
Sound too good to be true? Keep reading...<\/p>\r\n
We all know that supplements are not a replacement for nutrition and training, but if you are looking for a supplement to enhance every part of your workout, and take your gains to the next level... look no further than Purple Wraath, Ergogenic Essential Amino Acid Matrix by Controlled Labs.<\/p>\r\n
PurplEAA Complex:<\/p>\r\n
The Purple Wraath PurplEAA Complex is a very efficient formula based on the science of actual homo sapiens muscle protein and clinical studies on human amino acid assimilation. Essential Amino Acids (EAA's) are the \"building blocks\" of lean muscle mass, but the EAA's from whey protein can take hours to enter circulation. The solution is the Purple Wraath fast-acting, free-form PurplEAA Complex:<\/p>\r\n
While essential amino acids function cohesively as a group to aid in your training, additionally they each produce a significant benefit when it comes training. It's important to understand that our EAA Complex includes all of the BCAA's (Branched Chain Amino Acids) that you have used in the past, including a precise ratio of leucine. Research shows that blood levels of these KE amino acids are directly related to muscle protein synthesis, so we formulated a comprehensive and efficient matrix to enhance lean mass directly and indirectly, and under various conditions. Now, that ratio is important, but there are some other very exciting points about this formula. Unlike some of the amino acid supplements on the market, you aren't paying for cheap \"filler\" ingredients such as dextrose or matodextrin when you purchase Purple Wraath. Also, we chose not to include the amino acid glutamine, since it is not an essential amino acid, and our bodies can synthesize it on its own in sufficient quantities. Because the studies that we based this formula off of do not use tryptophan, and since it has the potential for \"sedative\" like side effects, we designed Purple Wraath to be completely tryptophan-free.<\/p>\r\n
By combining intense exercise or weightlifting with the fast absorbing PurplEAA Complex, you can rush nutrients into the active cells of your working muscles, creating an anabolic environment optimal for recovery and lean mass.<\/p>\r\n
What would an EAA product be without some amazing support ingredients? Good, but not great. To make this formula great, we added the PurplEndurance Complex. .<\/p>\r\n
PurplEndurance Complex:<\/p>\r\n
You can't create an optimal anabolic environment without intensity so Controlled Labs decided to take things to the extreme with Purple Wraath by including the ultimate caffeine-free Ergogenic Complex:<\/p>\r\n
Citrulline Malate:<\/p>\r\n
Reduces Lactic Acid and Ammonia
Boosts energy production
Has an oxygen sparing effect
Boosts mitochondrial function
Betaine Anhydorous:<\/p>\r\n
Is a key osmotic\/cellular hydration ingredient
Enhances muscle fullness
Acts as an energy enzyme protector
Induces the conversion of homocysteine to methionine
Elevates glutathione levels
Promotes liver health
Helps you maintain intracellular electrolytes
Enhances metabolism
Ginger:<\/p>\r\n
Aids in nutrient absorption
Enhances digestion\/stomach function
Produces a nootropic effect<\/p>\r\n
As you can see, we have responded to customer demand, and the result: Purple Wraath, Ergogenic Essential Amino Acid Matrix... the most advanced intra-workout product available!!<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>","gtin12":"895328001446","image":["https:\/\/siteimgs.com\/10017\/item\/purplewraathgrape45_1672341787-0.jpg"],"brand":"Controlled Labs","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32732\/controlled-labs-purple-wrath-grape-45-serv.htm","offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"USD","price":"36.99","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32732\/controlled-labs-purple-wrath-grape-45-serv.htm","itemCondition":"http:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition","availability":"http:\/\/schema.org\/InStock"}},{"@type":"Product","name":"Controlled Labs Purple Wraath Amino Acid Matrix Grape - 90 Servings","sku":"CD016","description":"
Purple Wraath: Ergogenic Essential Amino Acid Matrix<\/p>\r\n
Discover the \"Holy Grail\" of bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement: Maximizing lean gains and fat loss while enhancing recovery and increasing strength, endurance, and energy.<\/p>\r\n
Sound too good to be true? Keep reading...<\/p>\r\n
We all know that supplements are not a replacement for nutrition and training, but if you are looking for a supplement to enhance every part of your workout, and take your gains to the next level... look no further than Purple Wraath, Ergogenic Essential Amino Acid Matrix by Controlled Labs.<\/p>\r\n
PurplEAA Complex:<\/p>\r\n
The Purple Wraath PurplEAA Complex is a very efficient formula based on the science of actual homo sapiens muscle protein and clinical studies on human amino acid assimilation. Essential Amino Acids (EAA's) are the \"building blocks\" of lean muscle mass, but the EAA's from whey protein can take hours to enter circulation. The solution is the Purple Wraath fast-acting, free-form PurplEAA Complex:<\/p>\r\n
While essential amino acids function cohesively as a group to aid in your training, additionally they each produce a significant benefit when it comes training. It's important to understand that our EAA Complex includes all of the BCAA's (Branched Chain Amino Acids) that you have used in the past, including a precise ratio of leucine. Research shows that blood levels of these KE amino acids are directly related to muscle protein synthesis, so we formulated a comprehensive and efficient matrix to enhance lean mass directly and indirectly, and under various conditions. Now, that ratio is important, but there are some other very exciting points about this formula. Unlike some of the amino acid supplements on the market, you aren't paying for cheap \"filler\" ingredients such as dextrose or matodextrin when you purchase Purple Wraath. Also, we chose not to include the amino acid glutamine, since it is not an essential amino acid, and our bodies can synthesize it on its own in sufficient quantities. Because the studies that we based this formula off of do not use tryptophan, and since it has the potential for \"sedative\" like side effects, we designed Purple Wraath to be completely tryptophan-free.<\/p>\r\n
By combining intense exercise or weightlifting with the fast absorbing PurplEAA Complex, you can rush nutrients into the active cells of your working muscles, creating an anabolic environment optimal for recovery and lean mass.<\/p>\r\n
What would an EAA product be without some amazing support ingredients? Good, but not great. To make this formula great, we added the PurplEndurance Complex. .<\/p>\r\n
PurplEndurance Complex:<\/p>\r\n
You can't create an optimal anabolic environment without intensity so Controlled Labs decided to take things to the extreme with Purple Wraath by including the ultimate caffeine-free Ergogenic Complex:<\/p>\r\n
Citrulline Malate:<\/p>\r\n
Reduces Lactic Acid and Ammonia
Boosts energy production
Has an oxygen sparing effect
Boosts mitochondrial function
Betaine Anhydorous:<\/p>\r\n
Is a key osmotic\/cellular hydration ingredient
Enhances muscle fullness
Acts as an energy enzyme protector
Induces the conversion of homocysteine to methionine
Elevates glutathione levels
Promotes liver health
Helps you maintain intracellular electrolytes
Enhances metabolism
Ginger:<\/p>\r\n
Aids in nutrient absorption
Enhances digestion\/stomach function
Produces a nootropic effect<\/p>\r\n
As you can see, we have responded to customer demand, and the result: Purple Wraath, Ergogenic Essential Amino Acid Matrix... the most advanced intra-workout product available!!<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>","gtin12":"895328001323","image":["https:\/\/siteimgs.com\/10017\/item\/purple-wraath-rendering-g_1672340876-0.jpg"],"brand":"Controlled Labs","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32733\/controlled-labs-purple-wraath-90-serv.htm","offers":{"@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"USD","price":"64.99","url":"https:\/\/www.dpsnutrition.net\/i\/32733\/controlled-labs-purple-wraath-90-serv.htm","itemCondition":"http:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition","availability":"http:\/\/schema.org\/InStock"}},{"@type":"Product","name":"Core Nutritionals ABC Australian Gummy Snakes - 50 Servings","sku":"CU085","description":"
Rep by rep. Mile by mile. Breath by breath. Every muscle screams at you with pleas of mercy; every bone aches to its core from the pressure. Yet, you still don’t quit – you push on. By hook, or by crook, you will make it. You will succeed. You will win. You’re an athlete, and so are we. We don’t make Core ABC for everyone, we make it for you and us. We use the most effective, scientifically-established ratio of BCAAs because we know it’s the difference between your first mile and your last. We include clinically-verified servings of beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and glutamine because we know your last rep depends on it. We know this because we know you, and we know ourselves.<\/span><\/p> Core ABC is the athlete’s BCAA. It was formulated by athletes, for athletes, for the needs only an athlete can understand. If you can’t say the same about your BCAA, then it may be time for a switch.<\/span><\/p> If one were to think of the body as a construction project, amino acids would be the most basic building materials: raw lumber, mortar, bricks, and so on. While the assembly of these building blocks is of course critically important to the function of the building – and one of the amino acids, leucine, controls its own assembly – the quality and availability of the materials themselves is arguably more important. Not enough concrete? The foundation cracks and the building falls.<\/span><\/p> Your body is the exact same way. It is comprised of various amino acids, both essential and non-essential, that comprise the cellular basis of each and every cell in your body. When it comes down to skeletal muscle, the three most important are known as the BCAAs – or branch chained amino acids. Comprised of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, these three little amino acids effectively control the rate at which your muscle grows (hypertrophies), its contractile force, its endurance, and so on – to say they are massively important is an understatement. For this reason, they form the basis of any competently-designed supplement protocol.<\/span><\/p> Collectively, as stated above, the branch-chained amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine are famous for their role in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and metabolism, and additionally comprise approximately one-third of all skeletal muscle protein. Of the three, leucine is both the most physiologically important with respect to muscle mass, and the most extensively studied. Data on leucine demonstrate this amino acid plays critical roles in stimulating skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and ribosomal biogenesis and assembly (the literal building of muscle tissue), along with playing a lesser role in insulin signaling and gluconeogenic processes. As a result of these diverse roles, leucine has been demonstrated to significantly stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and attenuate protein degradation, by both insulin-mediated and non-insulin mediated mechanisms.<\/span><\/p> Leucine’s insulin-mediated effects are largely the result of its activation of the classical insulin receptor substrate (IRS)\/phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase (PI3K)\/Akt\/mTOR signal transduction pathway. In this pathway, the bonding of a substrate (glucose) eventually activates a compound known as Akt. Once phosphorylated and activated, Akt signals the release of the famous mammalian target of rapmycin (mTOR). mTOR then increases the translation of muscle-cell ribosomal proteins that increase ribosome biogenesis, which is the literal production of proteins. Leucine has additionally been shown to positively regulate protein synthesis independent of insulin. In certain trials where rapamycin and leucine were co-administered, rapamycin showed only partial inhibition of leucine’s effects on muscle protein synthesis.<\/span><\/p> In more practical terms, there is a significant body of evidence demonstrating the positive effect of BCAA’s on athletic performance. Extensive studies in exercise-trained populations reveal that, collectively, BCAA’s may:<\/span><\/p> While products with larger BCAA ratios (ratio of leucine, to isoleucine, to valine) have recently flooded the market, Core Nutritionals has remained with the gold standard of 2:1:1. This decision is made in recognition of the fact that, for all its potential benefits, there is no evidence demonstrating a realized effect of a larger BCAA ratio – and in fact, all the benefits mentioned above derive from evidence using the gold standard 2:1:1 ratio.<\/span><\/p> Carnosine is a bit of an odd duck: we know that it is crucial for muscle function, and that dietary sources of caronsine are essential, but we don’t know precisely how its working. Moreover, for decades, we had no idea how to increase intramuscular concentrations, as exogenous carnosine sources degraded in the body so fast as to be effectively useless. <\/span><\/p> Enter beta-alanine. Simply a different iteration of one of the amino acids that comprises carnosine itself (alanine), beta-alanine has proven to be the most effective means of significantly increasing intramuscular concentrations of carnosine – and therefore of promoting all of carnosine’s various beneficial effects on muscle performance. If that weren’t enough, beta-alanine has also demonstrated beneficial physiological effects independent of its parent compound. In order to understand why, though, we need to first understand some of the basic behind carnosine itself. <\/span><\/p> Carnosine, a cytoplasmic dipeptide synthesized from the precursors L-histidine and l-alanine, is present in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and plays a pivotal role as a, \"chemical buffer” in myocytes (muscle cells). It has long been known that carnosine concentrations are highest in glycolytic, rather than oxidative muscle fibers (roughly speaking, explosive vs., endurance muscle fibers, respectively), and thus long hypothesized that this amino acid is required for sustained performance during supramaximal exercise. Recent research demonstrates that carnosine exerts its physiological effects in long hypoxic (low oxygen) drives by functioning as a high-capacity pH buffer in skeletal muscle, preventing the pH ratio of plasma from dropping too low – and therefore preventing crucial pH-dependent processes such as protein synthesis from being inhibited by acidosis. <\/span><\/p> Despite its critical role in skeletal muscle anaerobic performance, intramyocellular synthesis of carnosine is rate-limited by the availability of l-alanine. Unfortunately, the majority of literature demonstrates that attempting to increase intramuscular levels of carnosine via either direct carnosine or alanine supplementation is largely ineffective due to carnosine\/alanine pharmacokinetics. Enter beta-alanine. Research with beta-alanine demonstrates consistent and dose-dependent increases to intramuscular carnosine concentrations with beta-alanine supplementation, with certain studies showing an increase of 40-60% with chronic administration. These same literature reveal a synergistic effect of exercise on beta-alanine supplementation, whereby the muscle adaptive changes associated with resistance training promote further intramuscular carnosine production in response to beta-alanine supplementation.<\/span><\/p> In simpler language, this essentially means that beta-alanine is a dietary supplement that promotes its own effects in combination with exercise. As you exercise, you simultaneously intensify beta-alanine’s physiological actions – both directly, as well as in the production of intramuscular carnosine. Once ingested, beta-alanine’s exercise-specific beneficial activity is well-established. Elevation of intramuscular caronsine content via beta-alanine supplementation has been show to improve performance in the following ways:<\/span><\/p> In total, a significant body of research exists to suggest that beta-alanine may significantly increase muscle power output, strength, training volume and output, overall performance in hypoxic (oxygen-deprived) conditions and peak VO2 max (oxygen holding capacity).<\/span><\/p> These myriad benefits make beta-alanine both one of the most-studied, and most well-rounded dietary supplements. Beta-alanine not only has direct, actionable physiological effects, but also promotes critical muscle physiologic adaptations that promote its own effects.<\/span><\/p> Citrulline is a non-essential, non-protein amino acid heavily involved in the urea cycle. Citrulline is also a critical source of endogenous (natural) arginine, as it is rapidly and efficiently converted to arginine in the vascular endothelium and other tissues. Arginine, in turn, is used as the substrate by NOS (nitric oxide synthase) to produce NO, more commonly known as nitric oxide.<\/span><\/p> Citrulline’s benefits have been shown to be greater than its parent compound. While arginine undergoes direct hepatic (liver) metabolism through the enzyme arginase, citrulline bypasses hepatic metabolism entirely and it is delivered straight to the bloodstream. The result is that gut absorption and plasma (blood) bioavailability studies comparing citrulline and arginine have shown two things. First, that citrulline is less readily destroyed and has greater absorption than arginine. Second, that citrulline supplementation increases arginine levels more effectively than arginine supplementation itself.<\/span><\/p> This translates to promising results. For example, animal studies show a significant increase in anaerobic performance at a 250mg\/kg\/day serving of citrulline, while studies in humans implicate citrulline in both aerobic and anaerobic performance increases. As a critical part of the urea cycle, citrulline’s performance benefits are thought to be a result of its role in ammonia clearance. Citrulline is implicated in reducing the oxygen cost of muscle processes, along with increasing the rate of post-exercise ATP and phosphocreatine replenishment. As ATP and phosphocreatine are the body’s ‘exercise fuel,’ this may result in citrulline delaying time to exhaustion in aerobic and anaerobic exercise.<\/span><\/p> Prior to discussing the physiological effects of glutamine – and more specifically, whether or not it poses any tangible benefits to the proliferation of skeletal muscle tissue – we need to discuss its place in supplementation, in general. Glutamine is perhaps the most lamented of all the amino acids, regularly denigrated to the point that it’s a joke to many athletes. This is largely a problem of perception: glutamine is not, specifically speaking, an anabolic amino acid, and therefore is of little use as it pertains to, \"building tissue.” But, \"building tissue” is not the only purpose a supplement may have, and the corollary, preserving tissue (or anti-catabolism) is arguably as important. It is in this capacity that glutamine shines, and for this reason it is included in Core ABC.<\/span><\/p> The literature in this context is encouraging. Various studies demonstrate that glutamine supplementation may suppress or inhibit the action of enzymes known as proteases, responsible for the hydrolytic breakdown of protein and amino acids into smaller compounds. These studies show both site-specific and whole-body reductions in this process known as, \"proteolysis” in the later stages of skeletal muscle recovery. While encouraging, these data are perhaps not as promising as glutamine’s more indirect effects on the catabolic process – namely its effect on glucose metabolism. In both in vitro and in vivo trials, glutamine has shown the ability to promote the synthesis and storage of glycogen (glycogenesis), both in concert with an independent of carbohydrate ingestion.<\/span><\/p> Rep by rep. Mile by mile. Breath by breath. Every muscle screams at you with pleas of mercy; every bone aches to its core from the pressure. Yet, you still don\u2019t quit \u2013 you push on. By hook, or by crook, you will make it. You will succeed. You will win. You\u2019re an athlete, and so are we. We don\u2019t make Core ABC for everyone, we make it for you and us. We use the most effective, scientifically-established ratio of BCAAs because we know it\u2019s the difference between your first mile and your last. We include clinically-verified servings of beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and glutamine because we know your last rep depends on it. We know this because we know you, and we know ourselves.<\/SPAN><\/P> Core ABC is the athlete\u2019s BCAA. It was formulated by athletes, for athletes, for the needs only an athlete can understand. If you can\u2019t say the same about your BCAA, then it may be time for a switch.<\/SPAN><\/P> If one were to think of the body as a construction project, amino acids would be the most basic building materials: raw lumber, mortar, bricks, and so on. While the assembly of these building blocks is of course critically important to the function of the building \u2013 and one of the amino acids, leucine, controls its own assembly \u2013 the quality and availability of the materials themselves is arguably more important. Not enough concrete? The foundation cracks and the building falls.<\/SPAN><\/P> Your body is the exact same way. It is comprised of various amino acids, both essential and non-essential, that comprise the cellular basis of each and every cell in your body. When it comes down to skeletal muscle, the three most important are known as the BCAAs \u2013 or branch chained amino acids. Comprised of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, these three little amino acids effectively control the rate at which your muscle grows (hypertrophies), its contractile force, its endurance, and so on \u2013 to say they are massively important is an understatement. For this reason, they form the basis of any competently-designed supplement protocol.<\/SPAN><\/P> Collectively, as stated above, the branch-chained amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine are famous for their role in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and metabolism, and additionally comprise approximately one-third of all skeletal muscle protein. Of the three, leucine is both the most physiologically important with respect to muscle mass, and the most extensively studied. Data on leucine demonstrate this amino acid plays critical roles in stimulating skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and ribosomal biogenesis and assembly (the literal building of muscle tissue), along with playing a lesser role in insulin signaling and gluconeogenic processes. As a result of these diverse roles, leucine has been demonstrated to significantly stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and attenuate protein degradation, by both insulin-mediated and non-insulin mediated mechanisms.<\/SPAN><\/P> Leucine\u2019s insulin-mediated effects are largely the result of its activation of the classical insulin receptor substrate (IRS)\/phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase (PI3K)\/Akt\/mTOR signal transduction pathway. In this pathway, the bonding of a substrate (glucose) eventually activates a compound known as Akt. Once phosphorylated and activated, Akt signals the release of the famous mammalian target of rapmycin (mTOR). mTOR then increases the translation of muscle-cell ribosomal proteins that increase ribosome biogenesis, which is the literal production of proteins. Leucine has additionally been shown to positively regulate protein synthesis independent of insulin. In certain trials where rapamycin and leucine were co-administered, rapamycin showed only partial inhibition of leucine\u2019s effects on muscle protein synthesis.<\/SPAN><\/P> In more practical terms, there is a significant body of evidence demonstrating the positive effect of BCAA\u2019s on athletic performance. Extensive studies in exercise-trained populations reveal that, collectively, BCAA\u2019s may:<\/SPAN><\/P> While products with larger BCAA ratios (ratio of leucine, to isoleucine, to valine) have recently flooded the market, Core Nutritionals has remained with the gold standard of 2:1:1. This decision is made in recognition of the fact that, for all its potential benefits, there is no evidence demonstrating a realized effect of a larger BCAA ratio \u2013 and in fact, all the benefits mentioned above derive from evidence using the gold standard 2:1:1 ratio.<\/SPAN><\/P> Carnosine is a bit of an odd duck: we know that it is crucial for muscle function, and that dietary sources of caronsine are essential, but we don\u2019t know precisely how its working. Moreover, for decades, we had no idea how to increase intramuscular concentrations, as exogenous carnosine sources degraded in the body so fast as to be effectively useless. <\/SPAN><\/P> Enter beta-alanine. Simply a different iteration of one of the amino acids that comprises carnosine itself (alanine), beta-alanine has proven to be the most effective means of significantly increasing intramuscular concentrations of carnosine \u2013 and therefore of promoting all of carnosine\u2019s various beneficial effects on muscle performance. If that weren\u2019t enough, beta-alanine has also demonstrated beneficial physiological effects independent of its parent compound. In order to understand why, though, we need to first understand some of the basic behind carnosine itself. <\/SPAN><\/P> Carnosine, a cytoplasmic dipeptide synthesized from the precursors L-histidine and l-alanine, is present in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and plays a pivotal role as a, \"chemical buffer\u201d in myocytes (muscle cells). It has long been known that carnosine concentrations are highest in glycolytic, rather than oxidative muscle fibers (roughly speaking, explosive vs., endurance muscle fibers, respectively), and thus long hypothesized that this amino acid is required for sustained performance during supramaximal exercise. Recent research demonstrates that carnosine exerts its physiological effects in long hypoxic (low oxygen) drives by functioning as a high-capacity pH buffer in skeletal muscle, preventing the pH ratio of plasma from dropping too low \u2013 and therefore preventing crucial pH-dependent processes such as protein synthesis from being inhibited by acidosis. <\/SPAN><\/P> Despite its critical role in skeletal muscle anaerobic performance, intramyocellular synthesis of carnosine is rate-limited by the availability of l-alanine. Unfortunately, the majority of literature demonstrates that attempting to increase intramuscular levels of carnosine via either direct carnosine or alanine supplementation is largely ineffective due to carnosine\/alanine pharmacokinetics. Enter beta-alanine. Research with beta-alanine demonstrates consistent and dose-dependent increases to intramuscular carnosine concentrations with beta-alanine supplementation, with certain studies showing an increase of 40-60% with chronic administration. These same literature reveal a synergistic effect of exercise on beta-alanine supplementation, whereby the muscle adaptive changes associated with resistance training promote further intramuscular carnosine production in response to beta-alanine supplementation.<\/SPAN><\/P> In simpler language, this essentially means that beta-alanine is a dietary supplement that promotes its own effects in combination with exercise. As you exercise, you simultaneously intensify beta-alanine\u2019s physiological actions \u2013 both directly, as well as in the production of intramuscular carnosine. Once ingested, beta-alanine\u2019s exercise-specific beneficial activity is well-established. Elevation of intramuscular caronsine content via beta-alanine supplementation has been show to improve performance in the following ways:<\/SPAN><\/P> In total, a significant body of research exists to suggest that beta-alanine may significantly increase muscle power output, strength, training volume and output, overall performance in hypoxic (oxygen-deprived) conditions and peak VO2 max (oxygen holding capacity).<\/SPAN><\/P> These myriad benefits make beta-alanine both one of the most-studied, and most well-rounded dietary supplements. Beta-alanine not only has direct, actionable physiological effects, but also promotes critical muscle physiologic adaptations that promote its own effects.<\/SPAN><\/P> Citrulline is a non-essential, non-protein amino acid heavily involved in the urea cycle. Citrulline is also a critical source of endogenous (natural) arginine, as it is rapidly and efficiently converted to arginine in the vascular endothelium and other tissues. Arginine, in turn, is used as the substrate by NOS (nitric oxide synthase) to produce NO, more commonly known as nitric oxide.<\/SPAN><\/P> Citrulline\u2019s benefits have been shown to be greater than its parent compound. While arginine undergoes direct hepatic (liver) metabolism through the enzyme arginase, citrulline bypasses hepatic metabolism entirely and it is delivered straight to the bloodstream. The result is that gut absorption and plasma (blood) bioavailability studies comparing citrulline and arginine have shown two things. First, that citrulline is less readily destroyed and has greater absorption than arginine. Second, that citrulline supplementation increases arginine levels more effectively than arginine supplementation itself.<\/SPAN><\/P> This translates to promising results. For example, animal studies show a significant increase in anaerobic performance at a 250mg\/kg\/day serving of citrulline, while studies in humans implicate citrulline in both aerobic and anaerobic performance increases. As a critical part of the urea cycle, citrulline\u2019s performance benefits are thought to be a result of its role in ammonia clearance. Citrulline is implicated in reducing the oxygen cost of muscle processes, along with increasing the rate of post-exercise ATP and phosphocreatine replenishment. As ATP and phosphocreatine are the body\u2019s \u2018exercise fuel,\u2019 this may result in citrulline delaying time to exhaustion in aerobic and anaerobic exercise.<\/SPAN><\/P> Prior to discussing the physiological effects of glutamine \u2013 and more specifically, whether or not it poses any tangible benefits to the proliferation of skeletal muscle tissue \u2013 we need to discuss its place in supplementation, in general. Glutamine is perhaps the most lamented of all the amino acids, regularly denigrated to the point that it\u2019s a joke to many athletes. This is largely a problem of perception: glutamine is not, specifically speaking, an anabolic amino acid, and therefore is of little use as it pertains to, \"building tissue.\u201d But, \"building tissue\u201d is not the only purpose a supplement may have, and the corollary, preserving tissue (or anti-catabolism) is arguably as important. It is in this capacity that glutamine shines, and for this reason it is included in Core ABC.<\/SPAN><\/P> The literature in this context is encouraging. Various studies demonstrate that glutamine supplementation may suppress or inhibit the action of enzymes known as proteases, responsible for the hydrolytic breakdown of protein and amino acids into smaller compounds. These studies show both site-specific and whole-body reductions in this process known as, \"proteolysis\u201d in the later stages of skeletal muscle recovery. While encouraging, these data are perhaps not as promising as glutamine\u2019s more indirect effects on the catabolic process \u2013 namely its effect on glucose metabolism. In both in vitro and in vivo trials, glutamine has shown the ability to promote the synthesis and storage of glycogen (glycogenesis), both in concert with an independent of carbohydrate ingestion.<\/SPAN><\/P> Rep by rep. Mile by mile. Breath by breath. Every muscle screams at you with pleas of mercy; every bone aches to its core from the pressure. Yet, you still don’t quit – you push on. By hook, or by crook, you will make it. You will succeed. You will win. You’re an athlete, and so are we. We don’t make Core ABC for everyone, we make it for you and us. We use the most effective, scientifically-established ratio of BCAAs because we know it’s the difference between your first mile and your last. We include clinically-verified servings of beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and glutamine because we know your last rep depends on it. We know this because we know you, and we know ourselves.<\/span><\/p> Core ABC is the athlete’s BCAA. It was formulated by athletes, for athletes, for the needs only an athlete can understand. If you can’t say the same about your BCAA, then it may be time for a switch.<\/span><\/p> If one were to think of the body as a construction project, amino acids would be the most basic building materials: raw lumber, mortar, bricks, and so on. While the assembly of these building blocks is of course critically important to the function of the building – and one of the amino acids, leucine, controls its own assembly – the quality and availability of the materials themselves is arguably more important. Not enough concrete? The foundation cracks and the building falls.<\/span><\/p> Your body is the exact same way. It is comprised of various amino acids, both essential and non-essential, that comprise the cellular basis of each and every cell in your body. When it comes down to skeletal muscle, the three most important are known as the BCAAs – or branch chained amino acids. Comprised of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, these three little amino acids effectively control the rate at which your muscle grows (hypertrophies), its contractile force, its endurance, and so on – to say they are massively important is an understatement. For this reason, they form the basis of any competently-designed supplement protocol.<\/span><\/p> Collectively, as stated above, the branch-chained amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine are famous for their role in skeletal muscle protein synthesis and metabolism, and additionally comprise approximately one-third of all skeletal muscle protein. Of the three, leucine is both the most physiologically important with respect to muscle mass, and the most extensively studied. Data on leucine demonstrate this amino acid plays critical roles in stimulating skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and ribosomal biogenesis and assembly (the literal building of muscle tissue), along with playing a lesser role in insulin signaling and gluconeogenic processes. As a result of these diverse roles, leucine has been demonstrated to significantly stimulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis, and attenuate protein degradation, by both insulin-mediated and non-insulin mediated mechanisms.<\/span><\/p> Leucine’s insulin-mediated effects are largely the result of its activation of the classical insulin receptor substrate (IRS)\/phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase (PI3K)\/Akt\/mTOR signal transduction pathway. In this pathway, the bonding of a substrate (glucose) eventually activates a compound known as Akt. Once phosphorylated and activated, Akt signals the release of the famous mammalian target of rapmycin (mTOR). mTOR then increases the translation of muscle-cell ribosomal proteins that increase ribosome biogenesis, which is the literal production of proteins. Leucine has additionally been shown to positively regulate protein synthesis independent of insulin. In certain trials where rapamycin and leucine were co-administered, rapamycin showed only partial inhibition of leucine’s effects on muscle protein synthesis.<\/span><\/p> In more practical terms, there is a significant body of evidence demonstrating the positive effect of BCAA’s on athletic performance. Extensive studies in exercise-trained populations reveal that, collectively, BCAA’s may:<\/span><\/p> While products with larger BCAA ratios (ratio of leucine, to isoleucine, to valine) have recently flooded the market, Core Nutritionals has remained with the gold standard of 2:1:1. This decision is made in recognition of the fact that, for all its potential benefits, there is no evidence demonstrating a realized effect of a larger BCAA ratio – and in fact, all the benefits mentioned above derive from evidence using the gold standard 2:1:1 ratio.<\/span><\/p> Carnosine is a bit of an odd duck: we know that it is crucial for muscle function, and that dietary sources of caronsine are essential, but we don’t know precisely how its working. Moreover, for decades, we had no idea how to increase intramuscular concentrations, as exogenous carnosine sources degraded in the body so fast as to be effectively useless. <\/span><\/p> Enter beta-alanine. Simply a different iteration of one of the amino acids that comprises carnosine itself (alanine), beta-alanine has proven to be the most effective means of significantly increasing intramuscular concentrations of carnosine – and therefore of promoting all of carnosine’s various beneficial effects on muscle performance. If that weren’t enough, beta-alanine has also demonstrated beneficial physiological effects independent of its parent compound. In order to understand why, though, we need to first understand some of the basic behind carnosine itself. <\/span><\/p> Carnosine, a cytoplasmic dipeptide synthesized from the precursors L-histidine and l-alanine, is present in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and plays a pivotal role as a, \"chemical buffer” in myocytes (muscle cells). It has long been known that carnosine concentrations are highest in glycolytic, rather than oxidative muscle fibers (roughly speaking, explosive vs., endurance muscle fibers, respectively), and thus long hypothesized that this amino acid is required for sustained performance during supramaximal exercise. Recent research demonstrates that carnosine exerts its physiological effects in long hypoxic (low oxygen) drives by functioning as a high-capacity pH buffer in skeletal muscle, preventing the pH ratio of plasma from dropping too low – and therefore preventing crucial pH-dependent processes such as protein synthesis from being inhibited by acidosis. <\/span><\/p> Despite its critical role in skeletal muscle anaerobic performance, intramyocellular synthesis of carnosine is rate-limited by the availability of l-alanine. Unfortunately, the majority of literature demonstrates that attempting to increase intramuscular levels of carnosine via either direct carnosine or alanine supplementation is largely ineffective due to carnosine\/alanine pharmacokinetics. Enter beta-alanine. Research with beta-alanine demonstrates consistent and dose-dependent increases to intramuscular carnosine concentrations with beta-alanine supplementation, with certain studies showing an increase of 40-60% with chronic administration. These same literature reveal a synergistic effect of exercise on beta-alanine supplementation, whereby the muscle adaptive changes associated with resistance training promote further intramuscular carnosine production in response to beta-alanine supplementation.<\/span><\/p> In simpler language, this essentially means that beta-alanine is a dietary supplement that promotes its own effects in combination with exercise. As you exercise, you simultaneously intensify beta-alanine’s physiological actions – both directly, as well as in the production of intramuscular carnosine. Once ingested, beta-alanine’s exercise-specific beneficial activity is well-established. Elevation of intramuscular caronsine content via beta-alanine supplementation has been show to improve performance in the following ways:<\/span><\/p> In total, a significant body of research exists to suggest that beta-alanine may significantly increase muscle power output, strength, training volume and output, overall performance in hypoxic (oxygen-deprived) conditions and peak VO2 max (oxygen holding capacity).<\/span><\/p> These myriad benefits make beta-alanine both one of the most-studied, and most well-rounded dietary supplements. Beta-alanine not only has direct, actionable physiological effects, but also promotes critical muscle physiologic adaptations that promote its own effects.<\/span><\/p> Citrulline is a non-essential, non-protein amino acid heavily involved in the urea cycle. Citrulline is also a critical source of endogenous (natural) arginine, as it is rapidly and efficiently converted to arginine in the vascular endothelium and other tissues. Arginine, in turn, is used as the substrate by NOS (nitric oxide synthase) to produce NO, more commonly known as nitric oxide.<\/span><\/p> Citrulline’s benefits have been shown to be greater than its parent compound. While arginine undergoes direct hepatic (liver) metabolism through the enzyme arginase, citrulline bypasses hepatic metabolism entirely and it is delivered straight to the bloodstream. The result is that gut absorption and plasma (blood) bioavailability studies comparing citrulline and arginine have shown two things. First, that citrulline is less readily destroyed and has greater absorption than arginine. Second, that citrulline supplementation increases arginine levels more effectively than arginine supplementation itself.<\/span><\/p> This translates to promising results. For example, animal studies show a significant increase in anaerobic performance at a 250mg\/kg\/day serving of citrulline, while studies in humans implicate citrulline in both aerobic and anaerobic performance increases. As a critical part of the urea cycle, citrulline’s performance benefits are thought to be a result of its role in ammonia clearance. Citrulline is implicated in reducing the oxygen cost of muscle processes, along with increasing the rate of post-exercise ATP and phosphocreatine replenishment. As ATP and phosphocreatine are the body’s ‘exercise fuel,’ this may result in citrulline delaying time to exhaustion in aerobic and anaerobic exercise.<\/span><\/p> Prior to discussing the physiological effects of glutamine – and more specifically, whether or not it poses any tangible benefits to the proliferation of skeletal muscle tissue – we need to discuss its place in supplementation, in general. Glutamine is perhaps the most lamented of all the amino acids, regularly denigrated to the point that it’s a joke to many athletes. This is largely a problem of perception: glutamine is not, specifically speaking, an anabolic amino acid, and therefore is of little use as it pertains to, \"building tissue.” But, \"building tissue” is not the only purpose a supplement may have, and the corollary, preserving tissue (or anti-catabolism) is arguably as important. It is in this capacity that glutamine shines, and for this reason it is included in Core ABC.<\/span><\/p> The literature in this context is encouraging. Various studies demonstrate that glutamine supplementation may suppress or inhibit the action of enzymes known as proteases, responsible for the hydrolytic breakdown of protein and amino acids into smaller compounds. These studies show both site-specific and whole-body reductions in this process known as, \"proteolysis” in the later stages of skeletal muscle recovery. While encouraging, these data are perhaps not as promising as glutamine’s more indirect effects on the catabolic process – namely its effect on glucose metabolism. In both in vitro and in vivo trials, glutamine has shown the ability to promote the synthesis and storage of glycogen (glycogenesis), both in concert with an independent of carbohydrate ingestion.<\/span><\/p> Rep by rep. Mile by mile. Breath by breath. Every muscle screams at you with pleas of mercy; every bone aches to its core from the pressure. Yet, you still don\u2019t quit \u2013 you push on. By hook, or by crook, you will make it. You will succeed. You will win. You\u2019re an athlete, and so are we. We don\u2019t make Core ABC for everyone, we make it for you and us. We use the most effective, scientifically-established ratio of BCAAs because we know it\u2019s the difference between your first mile and your last. We include clinically-verified servings of beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and glutamine because we know your last rep depends on it. We know this because we know you, and we know ourselves.<\/SPAN><\/P> Core ABC is the athlete\u2019s BCAA. It was formulated by athletes, for athletes, for the needs only an athlete can understand. If you can\u2019t say the same about your BCAA, then it may be time for a switch.<\/SPAN><\/P> If one were to think of the body as a construction project, amino acids would be the most basic building materials: raw lumber, mortar, bricks, and so on. While the assembly of these building blocks is of course critically important to the function of the building \u2013 and one of the amino acids, leucine, controls its own assembly \u2013 the quality and availability of the materials themselves is arguably more important. Not enough concrete? The foundation cracks and the building falls.<\/SPAN><\/P> Your body is the exact same way. It is comprised of various amino acids, both essential and non-essential, that comprise the cellular basis of each and every cell in your body. When it comes down to skeletal muscle, the three most important are known as the BCAAs \u2013 or branch chained amino acids. Comprised of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, these three little amino acids effectively control the rate at which your muscle grows (hypertrophies), its contractile force, its endurance, and so on \u2013 to say they are massively important is an understatement. For this reason, they form the basis of any competently-designed supplement protocol.<\/SPAN><\/P> |