Ergogenic Aids in Athletics
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Acetyl - Glutarone XP
Other Names:
Cre - AM XP
Citrip A XP
Insulean 2 XP
Lipotisol XP
Form:
250mg tablet
Contents:
Acetyl - L - Carnitine
L - Glutamine
Branched Chain Amino Acids
OKG
Claims:
Acetyl - Glutarone XP has been claimed to raise plasma testosterone levels (not overall testosterone levels), elevate serum Gonadatrophic hormone (GH) levels, and aid in maintenance of low nitrogen levels when protein is used as the main energy substrate. Negative nitrogen balance will slow down the body’s ability to build and repair muscles.
Fact:
Little scientific research has been performed using this product, however research has proven that peak exercise intensity will naturally increase serum GH levels without the use of this product. The GH "surge" causes the individual to feel nausea during training. GH has lipolytic, myogenic, and osteogenic effects inside the body, and this product has not been proven to aid the body in producing elevated serum GH levels during exercise.
L - Carnitine
Other Name:
Carnitine
Source:
Naturally occurring amino acid. This substance is responsible for the transportation of fats into the mitochondria of muscle cells for energy production. This product can be found naturally in most animal products.
Form:
100mg to 350mg tablet, oral administration
Claim:
Increasing blood levels of L-Carnitine increases the body’s ability to utilize fats for energy production by transporting larger volumes of fats into the muscle cells. When working muscles use fats instead of carbohydrates as an energy substrate, carbohydrates are saved for later use by the body. This storage of carbohydrates allows an individual to increase their "time to exhaustion".
Fact:
Increased blood levels of L-Carnitine does not necessarily increase the body’s ability to utilize fats. Fats are still considered a secondary energy substrate, by the body, to carbohydrates. Transporting more fat into the body’s muscle cells does not necessarily improve the body’s ability to utilize fats in energy production. Large doses of this substance have been shown to produce diarrhea and dehydration due to the body’s inability to absorb highly concentrated quantities. Research performed at Ball State University has disproved the claimed effects of L-carnitine supplementation. The normal individual produces enough L-carnitine that supplementation provides little or no effect on the majority of individuals.
Creatine Monohydrate
Source:
Creatine Monohydrate can be derived from ligonberries, synthetically synthesized in a laboratory, or found naturally in lean red meat.
Function:
Creatine increases the creatine phosphate reservoir for the ATP-CP energy system. The ATP-CP system is responsible for providing the body with energy during the first twelve to thirteen seconds of activity. CP is responsible for resynthesizing ATP after the molecule has released its energy for cellular work. Originally creatine supplementation was only believed to benefit individuals in sprint/speed oriented sports. Creatine has recently become popular in endurance sports due to its ability to transport ATP within the cell and to serve as a buffer for acid produced during energy production.
Fact:
Creatine is believed by many researchers to be the one, true ergogenic with proven results. Recent scientific research has proven creatine to be beneficial in both sprint and endurance sports.
Form:
Creatine usually comes in powder form, but a few companies offer this product in time released capsules. The powder form of creatine is mixed with a liquid and ingested or it can be placed under the tongue, in the mouth, for sublingual absorption. The individual using creatine should keep it refrigerated at all times in order to preserve the effects of this product. To obtain optimal results, creatine should be "cycled". The typical "cycle" lasts between six and eight weeks with a four week break before beginning the next "cycle". Creatine should not be cycled more than three to four times per year. Use of creatine tends to increase the membrane permeability of the body’s cells to certain toxins.
So, the purpose of cycling is to allow the body’s cells to remove toxins that they have built up over the course of the cycle. Continuous use of creatine is not recommended because high levels of toxin build-up in the body’s cells can have a detrimental effect on performance. Some of the effects associated with continuous use are: decreased muscle mass, weakened immune system, and/or general decreases in performance.
Warning:
High doses of creatine have been associated with cellular dehydration and muscle cramping in test subjects. Any individual using creatine, should be encouraged to intake between one and three liters of water per day, depending on body mass. Individuals should also be encouraged to "cycle" creatine and not use this product on a continuous basis.
Inosine
Source:
Inosine is a naturally occurring nucleotide within the body. The supplement is synthetically synthesized in the laboratory.
Form:
50mg to150mg tablet, this product is administered orally.
Claim:
Inosine has been suggested to improve the ability of skeletal muscle to make energy during peak exercise intensities. Inosine is also believed to enhance oxygen delivery to the muscle cells through stimulation of 2,3 DPG production. 2,3 DPG is the transport molecule for oxygen.
Fact:
No scientific research has been performed to prove or disprove the claims of inosine supplementation.
Creatabolin C10
Source:
Creatine phosphate
Form:
Tablet taken orally
Function:
The essential ingredient in Creatabolin C10 is creatine phosphate (CP). CP is part of the ATP-CP energy system, which has a maximal duration of twelve to thirteen seconds. Through supplementation, an individual is able to increase their stored volume of CP and thus increase the maximal duration of the ATP-CP system. Increasing the maximal duration of this energy system will increase the body’s "time to exhaustion" as well as decrease the strain on the body’s other two energy systems.
Fact:
Cretabolin has been proven by Mike C. Prevost, Ph.D. at, Louisiana State University to: Delay lactic acid build-up in muscle tissue and reduce the amount of oxygen required by the body for aerobic energy production. Creatine has been claimed to be the one, true ergogenic and this is the only creatine product currently on the market with proven research results.
Warning:
Like other creatine products, it is important that this product be "cycled" and consumed with large quantities of water to prevent wide spread cellular dehydration.
Link:
Coenzyme Q10
Other Name:
Ubiquinone
Source:
This substance is naturally occurring in the mitochondria of all mammals and then synthetically synthesized in the laboratory for supplementation. It has a chemical structure similar to vitamin E.
Form:
This product comes in tablet form and is taken orally.
Claim:
Manufactures of this product claim that it provides the user with a delayed onset of fatigue during exercise.
Fact:
Research has not proven coenzyme Q10 to be effective in delaying onset of fatigue in healthy individuals. However, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be beneficial for reducing fatigue in patients suffering from heart failure, severe heart malfunction, and mitochondrial myopathy. Coenzyme Q10 has been linked to prevention of cell membrane phospholipid oxidation (Goldberg 31).
Caffeine
Source:
This substance is not a naturally occurring chemical in the body. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found in some organic products. Caffeine was first discovered in the 1820’s and classified as a methylxanthines (Goldberg 131).
Form:
Supplement form is a tablet taken orally, but caffeine is a Product found in just over one thousand prescription and non-prescription drugs. This drug can also be found in coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate.
Fact:
Caffeine is typically used in endurance sports. This drug increases the body’s mobilization of fat stores as energy, and decreases the body’s of glycogen by up to fifty percent of normal. So, caffeine effectively saves glycogen at the beginning of exercise. Saved glycogen will increase the "time to exhaustion" for the individual. Since caffeine is a CNS stimulant, it tends to alter the body’s perception, thus the individual experiences less fatigue. The effects of caffeine last between one and twelve hours depending on the individual’s developed tolerance.
Warning:
As a stimulant, caffeine tends to increase the blood pressure, pulse rate, acid production in the stomach, and the release of fatty acids into the blood stream. Caffeine causes insomnia, poor sleep, and anxiety with continued use. Increases in blood pressure and pulse rate can have damaging effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. Increased acid production can cause stomach ulcers and acid reflux (heartburn). Regular use can decrease the body’s normal energy levels and in extreme cases cause fatigue. Caffeine can also act as a mild diuretic that dehydrates the body and causes diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The USOC and NCAA classify caffeine as a restricted substance, an individual’s urine levels cannot exceed 12 mg/L to be eligible to compete in an activity.
Link:
http://riceinfo.rice.edu/~jenkins/sports/caffeine
Glucosamine
Other Names:
Glucosamine AJF
Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Source:
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring nutrient involved in the body’s production of cartilage and synovial fluid. Glucosamine sulfate is more easily absorbed by the body, while glucosamine hydrochloride is stable and pure at higher concentrations.
Form:
The most popular form is a tablet administered orally, but an injectable form is also currently on the market. Research has not shown the injectable form to be more effective then the tablet form.
Claim:
Some organizations offer this product as an alternative to the use of non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
Fact:
Glucosamine has been tested in many countries in Europe. The majority of the test subjects involved with these studies are laboratory animals. Glucosamine has been proven to assist in cartilage and synovial fluid formation through the stimulation of collagen tissue formation in some test subjects. This product has a wide spectrum of effects within the body. Anti-inflammatory effects were achieved by using this product on laboratory rats. Research suggests that the effectiveness of Glucosamine is enhanced when a subject places large amounts of stress on the skeletal system.
Coenzyme B12
Other Names:
Xobaline
Cobamamide
Source:
Naturally occurring in the body, and synthesized in the laboratory for supplementation.
Function:
This substance is responsible for protein biosynthesis, tissue regeneration, muscle growth and repair, red blood cell production, and prevention of the body’s use of protein as an energy substrate.
Claim:
Supplementation drastically increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and speeds muscle recovery.
Fact:
Research has not shown supplementation to increase or decrease the body’s normal functions that are associated with coenzyme B12.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Source:
Naturally occurring "pro-hormone" produced by the adrenal glands, testes, and brain. DHEA is then converted by the body into steroid hormones such as estrogen, cortisone, and testosterone. The body’s normal DHEA levels peak around age twenty, and then decrease linearly with age.
Form:
50 mg to 400 mg tablet administered orally.
Claim:
DHEA claims to promote weight loss without requiring the individual to change their eating habits. Promoters say DHEA has the ability to stabilize blood-glucose levels, stimulate the body’s immune system to fight viral infections, reduces fatigue and increases stamina, safely lower blood cholesterol levels, and is a safe alternative to anabolic steroids.
Fact:
DHEA does not appear to be very effective in individuals who are younger then thirty. Research has shown DHEA to promote weight loss in individuals between the ages of thirty and forty. This substance seems to be most effective in promoting weight loss in extremely obese individuals, while it appears to have little or no effect on individual’s with a normal body weight. AIDS patients are currently being experimentally treated with DHEA due to its ability to stimulate the body’s immune system. Other experimental treatments with DHEA involve patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. DHEA was developed and holds U.S. patent # 5,407,684 for medicinal use by Roger M. Loria and William Regelson.
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)
Source:
Synthetically created by removing a methyl group from a nitrogen in a choline molecule. Choline is used by the central nervous system to make the neurotransmitter actylcholine (ACH).
Function:
DMAE can cross the blood-brain barrier more easily then its precursor, choline. Upon entry into the brain, the Central Nervous System easily converts DMAE to choline and then produces ACH.
Form:
100mg to 500mg tablet administered orally
Claim:
This product serves as a mild stimulant of the brain, it increases cognitive functioning, and promotes sleep at night.
Fact:
There has been little research performed to prove or disprove the claimed effects of DMAE. Some individuals using DMAE report it to have depressant side-effects with discontinued use. The body also appears to develop a tolerance to this drug, so the individual will have to periodically increase dosage to a maximum of 1,000mg per day. Some research has shown DMAE to be an effective treatment of hyperactive children.
Glutamine
Source:
Most abundant, naturally occurring amino acid in the body’s muscle tissue. The supplement is synthesized in a laboratory and typically found as a component in "protein drinks".
Function:
This amino acid is believed to play a role in muscle growth and repair as well as maintenance of strong immune function.
Form:
The product is found in powder form and mixed with a liquid an ingested. Typically consumption is 2 to 30 grams per day.
Claim:
Serves to reduce the amount of protein that is used to make energy in working cells and provides increases in growth hormone levels which in turn increase the rate body’s rate of muscle growth.
Fact:
Scientific research has not been able to determine the exact function of glutamine in muscle growth. This substance has not been proven to increases growth hormone levels above normal. This previous effect, if possible, would be undesirable by the competitive athlete because it would result in a positive drug test. Some research has shown glutamine to be an important component in proper immune system function and deficiencies can result in increased incidence of infection. Glutamine has also been used clinically to treat cystinuria (Goldberg 246).
Beta - Hydroxy Beta - Methyl Butyrate (HMB)
Source:
HMB is derived from a leucine metabolite holding U.S. patent # 5,348,979 by Iowa State University and licensed for manufacture to Metabolic Technologies Inc.
Claim:
This product is a safe alternative to anabolic steroid use, and it decreases protein breakdown in muscles, which thus increases muscle growth and strength.
Fact:
Metabolic Technologies and Iowa State University have performed exhaustive testing with HMB. Double-blind studies have proven increases in muscle mass and strength with no side-effects. HMB has yielded muscle increases even though the exact function of this product is unknown. This product appears to be most beneficial to sports requiring strength and a legal way to obtain it.
Phosphatidyl Serine
Source:
Naturally occurring phospholipid nutrient of neurons in the Central Nervous System. The supplement form is derived from soy phospholipids.
Form:
Tablet administered orally
Claim:
Promotes maintenance of normal neurotransmitter levels, and increases the strength of interneuron connections.
Fact:
Some research has proven phosphatidyl serine is an important component to normal CNS function. This products exact function is unknown, but phosphatidyl serine levels appear to decline linearly with age. PS supplements can easily cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the CNS. The supplementation of PS has not been shown to help
individuals under the age of twenty, but it has been effective
in individuals older then twenty.
Tyrosine
Source:
This product is a naturally occurring precursor to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). NE is the primary neurotransmitter for the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s "fight or flight" response.
Form:
This product comes in powder form, which is mixed with a liquid and ingested. Typically doses for this product range between 100 and 1,000 mg per day.
Claim:
The producers of this product say it can: increase blood levels of tyrosine which will increase the body’s production of NE, which will improve mental alertness and concentration.
Fact:
Stress has been shown to decrease the body’s normal levels of NE. Increased tyrosine levels, however, has not been proven to increase NE production in all individuals. Further more, increases in NE do not necessarily stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. NE serves as a chemical communication device between adjacent neurons and receptors. Research has proven NE can be linked to high blood pressure, insomnia, and irritability if present in high doses. Tyrosine has been used medicinally to treat Parkinson’s disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, narcolepsy, hypertension, and depression (Goldberg 247).
Aspirin
Source:
Aspartic Acid is a naturally occurring amino acid synthesized in the laboratory.
Form:
Tablet form administered orally.
Fact:
Aspirin has been shown to have long lasting anti-inflammatory effects within the body, however, it can also block the Central Nervous System from receiving messages regarding pain. When sensory input regarding the body’s state is blocked, the body is unable to stop when an injury occurs. Never take aspirin with caffeine or with an empty stomach, because abdominal cramps and nausea will result. Aspirin use has been identified as a common cause of stomach ulcers, as well as decreases the body’s ability to acclimatize.
White Korean Ginseng
Scientific Name: Panax quinquefolium
Source: Fleshy rootstock of the mature ginseng plant.
Function:
Ginsenosides are the active ingredients found in this type of ginseng. These components exact function is unknown, but it is believed to prepare the Central Nervous System to better except stresses placed on it. This type of ginseng has also been effective in assisting the return muscle glycogen levels to normal following an exercise bout. Some scientific research has shown this herb to increase strength and endurance, on an individual basis. Korean Ginseng has also been effective in strengthening the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Warning:
Long duration of high doses of ginseng can cause dangerous changes in blood pressure, sleep loss, anxiety, tranquilizing effect, breast pain, and vaginal bleeding in females (Duyff 583).
Siberian Ginseng
Scientific Name:
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Source:
Woody rootstock of mature Ginseng plant.
Function:
Eleutherosides are the active ingredients responsible for the effects produced by Siberian Ginseng. This from of ginseng has been produced additional energy for the body in stressful situations, increases in memory and concentration, and strengthens the body’s ability to resist infections.
Warning:
Long duration of high doses of ginseng can cause dangerous changes in blood pressure, sleep loss, anxiety, tranquilizing effect, breast pain, and vaginal bleeding in females (Duyff 583).
Echinacea
Scientific Name:
Echinacea augustifolia
Source:
First used by native Americans of the Great Plains region of the United States.
Functions:
Prevents formation of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which in turn strengthens the immune system. Serves as a vasodilator and antibacterial agent.
Warning:
This herb should be used only as needed by the individual because tolerance is easily developed.
Ephedra
Scientific Name:
Ephedra gerardiana
Other Names:
Ma Huang
Brigham Tea
Mormon Tea
Ephedrine
Thermojetics
Dymetadrine
Source:
Derived from the Ma Huang plant. This Chinese herb has been in active use for approximately two thousand years.
Function:
Ephedra serves as a CNS stimulant, a bronchial dilator, and an effective decongestant. This herb is typically used to treat individuals with depression or to promote weight loss.
Athletes use this product because of its strong stimulant effects.
Warning:
Currently Ephedra is banned or restricted in twenty-six of the fifty States. Ephedra has been prove to cause abnormally high stroke volume, blood pressure, and heart problems. Other possible side-effects are: hyperactivity, diarrhea, dizziness, disorientation, numbness, anxiety, chest pains, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, hypertension, depression, headaches, insomnia, and death.
The FDA has linked Ephedra as the cause of many recent deaths in the United States. Ephedra use should be avoided by both athletes and non-athletes. Always consult a physician prior to use of this product (Duyff 583).
Ginkgo Biloba
Scientific Name:
Ginkgo biloba
Other Name:
Ginkoba (US patent # 5,399,348)
Memory Mate (trademarked)
Source:
This herb is taken from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. These trees have an average life-span of three-thousand years. Ginko biloba trees are native to southeastern China.
Function:
Ginkgo has been the focus of major scientific research in Europe, especially in France. Increases in the cardiovascular system’s ability to carry oxygen to the body’s working cells are one of the most noteworthy effects. Ginkgo has been demonstrated to relieve the symptoms of tinnitis (ringing in the ears) and hemorrhoids in Europe. The Ginkgo extract has been shown to produce anti-oxidant effects within the body, which may prevent damage to the nervous system. Some studies have linked Ginkgo to improved mental alertness and memory. Ginkgo seeds are used in China to treat asthma, leukorrhea, and polyuria (Goldberg 403).
Valerian Root
Scientific Name:
Valeriana officinalis
Source:
Dried rhizomes and roots from the valerian plant. This herb must mature for two years prior to harvest.
Function:
Widely used in Europe and the United States as an anti-insomniac. Valerian has been shown to serve as a depressant of the Central Nervous System. When Valerian is administered in a tea, it serves as a minor tranquilizer. The Chinese use Valerian as a mild sedative, antispasmodic, to treat arthritis, and to enhance the menstrual flow (Goldberg 430).
Warning:
Research performed in Russia has shown Valerian to inhibit the effects of caffeine and prolong the effects of barbiturates in laboratory rats. Valerian should not be used by individuals with kidney or liver dysfunction. This herb can have unpredicted effects is it interacts with alcohol, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, psychotropic drugs, and narcotics.
Capsicum
Scientific Name:
Capsicum futescens
Capsicum minimum
Other Names:
Cayenee
Red Pepper
Bird Pepper
African Pepper
Source:
This herb is typically derived from the Mexican red pepper.
Function:
Increases nutrient intake by stimulating the stomach and intestines. Often used as a topical pain reliever, where it increases blood flow to the skin. Research has shown capsicum to have anti-inflammatory effects when taken orally or applied to the skin. Some clinics make use of capsicum when treating alcohol dependent individuals.
Warning:
High doses of capsicum taken orally can cause gastrointestinal distress and abdominal pain.
This information was complied by Brian McFarlin, LAT. '98 TCU Graduate.