Similar to chromium picolinate, early studies of L-carnitine seemed to suggest that it caused fatty acids to be used during exercise instead of carbohydrates. However, recent (well-designed) studies do not support this idea. In fact, it appears that studies conducted measuring muscle glycogen and lactate levels through biopsy and serum analysis indicate that L-carnitine does not alter fat metabolism at all.

Dehydroepiandrosterone / DHEA
DHEA became popular in 1996 when manufacturers started marketing this substance as a food supplement and not a drug. DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is a chemical precursor that the body uses to make both androgens and estrogens. This is why it has been marketed for both male and females. DHEA is also contained in wild yams.

Current thinking suggests that as a precursor to androgenic steroids, DHEA supplementation may increase the production of testosterone, which is thought to provide an anabolic steroid-like effect. In addition to the muscle building aspects, manufacturers also claim that it helps reduce body fat and slows the aging process.

While there have not been many well-designed studies outlining the effects of DHEA supplementation, a few studies tend to stand out. In one study (3), which focused on the effects DHEA supplementation in 13 men and 17 women, 40-70 years of age, fifty (50) milligrams of oral DHEA was given to some subjects daily, while the others received a placebo. At the end of six months, it was concluded that both men and women receiving DHEA experienced a significant increase in perceived physical and psychological well-being. In addition, researchers found that the subjects’ human growth hormone levels also rose to that of younger adults.

Another well designed study (4) found similar results. In addition, this study also found that 100mg of DHEA taken for 12 months increased the subjects’ muscle strength, lean body mass and immune functioning.

While the results of this and other similar studies seem very positive, there have been some fairly significant side effects reported from DHEA supplementation. These side effects have to do with the increase in the levels of androgens in the body. As such, some men develop gynecomastia (female-like breasts) and some women develop male-like characteristics such as hair loss, increased body hair and a deeper voice.

Due to the lack of long-term controlled studies, the effects of using DHEA on an ongoing basis are not known. In addition, there are those that believe that long-term elevation of estrogen and testosterone may contribute to an increased risk of uterine and prostate cancer.

Based on the current research, it would seem that DHEA should be approached with caution. It is too early to tell the real benefits and dangers of using DHEA. In the future, we may have more information on which to make an informed decision. However, those wishing to take DHEA should have their own DHEA levels checked before taking this supplement. In addition, this supplement should only be utilized by those over 50 years of age.

Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
HMB is the new kid in town. HMB is essentially a metabolite of the amino acid leucine. It is produced by the body in small amounts and is also found in some fish (catfish), many citrus fruits and human breast milk. It is thought that HMB helps to regulate the enzymes responsible for protein catabolism (breakdown), and that high levels of HMB will reduce the catabolism after intense bouts of exercise. This would, if the theory were correct, help endurance athletes maintain muscle mass and help strength athletes to gain it.

Current research seems to suggest that supplementation with HMB may increase muscle mass and strength. In one study (5), 41 subjects were given HMB and lifted weights 3 times per week for 3 weeks. Those subjects that received HMB supplements showed significant improvements in muscle mass and strength, as well as a decrease in muscle breakdown products (catabolism) when compared with a placebo group. In a second study (5), 28 subjects were given supplemental HMB and lifted weights 6 days a week for 7 weeks. The results of this study also showed increased strength and muscle mass as well as a decrease in body fat.

Since this is a very new supplement, it is too early to tell the long-term effects of using HMB. However, there have not been any side effects reported from its use. As such, we cannot definitively state the potential risks of using this supplement. Having stated this, based on the current available research, I give this supplement two thumbs up! It looks very promising. In these studies researchers used 1.5 to 3 grams of HMB, just in case you wanted to know.

Well, there you have it. The good, the bad and the ugly! As I have stated in this and other articles, there are many very good nutritional supplements out there that have the potential to benefit athletic endeavors. However, there are also many, many, many supplements that are worthless and many that may be outright dangerous. You are responsible for the supplements you take. So, research supplements before you start taking them and check back here at FitnessHeaven.com for the “real” scoop on new sports and nutritional supplements.

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Many manufacturers of food supplements do not tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision as to the potential benefits (or lack thereof) of their products. So, it is left to you, the consumer, to research and determine the truth about the latest ergogenic aid or supplement. Unlike many other authors at other so-called fitness websites, I do not get paid to endorse any particular product or service. So my friends, I can tell you the truth, as I see it. So on with the show!

While there are many “flash-in-the-pan” sports supplements that you hear about in the news, only a few have seemed to stay in the limelight. So, to save time and not bore you too much, we are only going to deal with the major supplements on the market today. These supplements are Creatine Monohydrate, Chromium Picolinate, L-Carnitine, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB).

Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine Monohydrate is an amino acid that is synthesized from arginine and glycine in the liver, pancreas and kidneys. Creatine is also found in red meats and fish. Creatine was first introduced to the athletic community as an ergogenic aid in 1993 and remains a very popular substance. Most professional strength athletes and many weekend warriors or fitness enthusiasts use this supplement.

Current thinking supports the idea that creatine supplementation increases the availability of phosphocreatine in skeletal muscles. What does this mean? It means that during brief bouts of high-intensity activity such as weight lifting, your muscles are able to re-synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP) faster. ATP is the direct source of energy for your muscles. So, creatine helps increase the availability of fuel to your muscles and reduces muscle fatigue. In addition to increasing the energy for short-term high-intensity activities, creatine also appears to buffer lactate production, which helps reduce lactic acid build up in the muscles and prolongs anaerobic activity.

In a recent study (1), subjects were required to complete 3 very intense bouts of cycling on a stationary bike. One group was given 5 grams of creatine 5 times per day for 5 days. The other group was given a placebo. The creatine group’s exercise performance was significantly enhanced over the placebo group for the first 2 bouts of exercise. The study concluded that the creatine group’s ATP was re-synthesized more quickly than the control group’s. As such, the creatine group had increased performance for intense/short duration exercise. See, I told you so!

Ok, so the verdict is in and creatine is a winner! In my experience, this is one of the most effective sports supplements on the market today. However, creatine is not cheap. While it has come down in price since its introduction, it still is quite expensive. But, for those wanting that extra edge, creatine is worth the extra dough.

Chromium Picolinate
Chromium is an essential trace mineral present in many foods, such as mushrooms, nuts, dried fruits, whole grain breads and cereals. Most people get approximately 50% to 60% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of chromium. This is partially due to poor dietary habits and also the fact that it is not very well absorbed through the gut.

Chromium was popularized after studies revealed that exercise increased chromium loss, which raised the idea that many athletes may be chromium deficient. The theory is that chromium enhances the action of insulin, especially in relation to protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. However, promoters (manufacturers) of chromium supplements claim that it reduces body fat, increases muscle tone and increases energy. Although some early studies seemed to indicate that chromium helped subjects reduce body fat and increase lean body tissue (muscle), recent studies refute these claims.

In a recent study (2), 16 untrained males instituted a strength-training program for 12 weeks. During this time, half of the subjects were given 200 micrograms of chromium picolinate and the others were given a placebo. At the end of the 12-week program, body weight, percent body fat, lean body mass and skin-fold thickness was unchanged in both groups. These results indicate that supplementation with chromium, in conjunction with a strength-training program, did not promote a significant increase in strength and lean body mass, or a significant decrease in body fat. There are many other studies that demonstrate the same or similar results.

So, the bottom line here is this: chromium does not enhance fat loss or muscle development. While some exercise enthusiasts may need to supplement with chromium because of a poor diet in relation to loss of the substance through exercise, it will not help you lose weight or gain muscle.

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Does laser hair dispossession profession for every person?

Laser hair displacement workshop canon first-class with persons who occupy light-colored pelt and ebony hair. The modern lasers duty with as good as the totality of pelt types, but conventionally striking, persons with darker tegument casing and light-colored hair (white, livid or red) are not useful candidates for laser.

In case laser does not duty for you, there are frequent extra techniques you package inspect, such while in the manner tha waxing, sugaring or electrolysis.

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Our hair grows in cycles, which funds that merely some hairs are growing at any liable lifetime while others are hibernating. Laser techniques package just goal doing hair so you commonly require various sessions a uncommon months away to end the totality of the hair in a precise neighbourhood.

What concerning laser hair dispossession regardless?

The American Clique for Aesthetic Malleable Surgery estimates that the midpoint discussion no matter what $388. Laser hair dispossession prices change according to the neighbourhood that you hope for treated. For instance, the cost of treating your upper margin is significantly lower than treating your legs or your countenance. Conventionally striking, you vesel conjecture laser hair displacement no matter what to compass somewhere halfway $200 and $600, depending on the patch you are treating and your clinic.

Even even if laser hair dispossession prices package live befall exorbitant, you should possess in imagination that laser techniques are copious fresh convenient than the alternatives of electrolysis or waxing and that the results option carry on for years.

What should you scrutinize for in a physician?

There are plainly thousands of places offering laser hair displacement, but not the sum of of them retain certified technicians. To live befall on the in safety limit, it is first-class to compare notes with a dermatologist trained in laser hair displacement. During your first deliberation, your medical practitioner discretion leading come to a conclusion whether you are a useful contender for laser hair displacement. After that, he or she option demonstrate the custom, entreat for your medical biography and award you a figure of instructions to arrange for the get-together.

How vesel I arrange for my get-together?

Dodge tanning. Tanned pelt increases the chances of pelt discoloration. As well dodge waxing or plucking the patch to inhabit treated. Instead, trim brush the patch two to three days in advance your engagement and confess some stubble to extend champion. Some doctors clout enjoin that you bring to bear a lotion with lidocaine-a calm anesthetic-an hour in front the discussion begins.
Is it in safety?

Laser hair displacement is a intact manner. After each discussion you clout participation some redness and clement dilation, on the other hand this should at speed fare hence. It is recommended that you dodge the Phoebus and Herculean exert for a unusual days after the medicine. In some recherche cases, patients clout participation hurt and blisters. In high cases, enduring scarring or pelt discoloration vesel chance.

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Because it is a prescribed medication Finasteride must be requested through a physician or at online pharmacy. There are a few side effects with most medications, including Propecia and Proscar. Loss of libido, less semen production, hypersensitivity and light rashes manifest while the body deals with this medication. It is necessary for you to ponder the advantages and disadvantages these medications have when choosing what is right for you.