AAKG

AAKG is the name given to a mixture of Alpha-keto-glutarate and L-argenine that have
demonstrateted impacts on human metabolism and training adaptations from exercise. L-argenine is
a precursor for the paracrine hormone Nitric Oxide, which promotes vasodilation. Increasing blood-
flow during and after exercise will theoretically support nutrient provision to respiring tissue.
Alphaketoglutarate is a krebs-cycle intermediate that has been observed to act as a signal to
increase muscle anabolism. Administered before exercise, AAKG has demonstrated an ability to
enhance strength and power following training protocols, compared to placebo (Campbell, et al.,
2006).
citrulline & citrulline malate
Citrulline is a metabolite of the urea cycle, a process the body uses to dispose of excess nitrogen
from protein, and also acts as a signalling molecule in this cycle. Supplementation has been observed
to increase bicarbonate reabsorption, essential for regulating blood pH, as well as increasing
ornithine and arginine levels; precursors for Nitric Oxide {Callis, 1991 }. Malate is a krebs cycle
intermediate, which may support provision when supplemented into the diet, possibly reducing
reliance on lactate metabolism. In combination, citrulline and malate have been seen to increase
aerobic energy production and decrease lactate metabolism in humans {Vanuxem D, 1990}, as well
as helping clear ammonia and regulate acidity, supporting maximal exercise in humans {Vanuxem D,
1990,Callis, 1991}.
beta alanine
To support high-intensity exercise the body uses lactate metabolism for rapid energy provision. The
this decreases pH (increases [H]+ ions) which can impair muscle function and cause fatigue. Beta
alanine loading can increase the anaerobic threshold, increasing maximum power output and the
amount of time that can be spent working at high intensity, delaying fatigue. Muscles contain an
endogenous buffer called carnosine that serves to regulate acidity. Carnosine is made up of alanine
and histadine, while beta-alanine supplementation has been demonstrated as an effective method
for increase endogenous carnosine levels.
creatine
To support high-intensity exercise the body uses phospho-creatine breakdown for rapid energy
provision. Phosphocreatine reserves are minimal and limited, but endogenous levels are easily
increased following supplementation. Creatine loading has been observed to increase maximum
anaerobic power output alongside beta-alanine, while also being seen to improve hypertrophic gains
from training and maximum strength in many studies (D. G. Burke, et al., 2008; L. M. Burke, Pyne, &
Telford, 1996; Chilibeck, Stride, Farthing, & Burke, 2004).
DMG
Dimethylglycine, or DMG, is a methyl donor used in the many methylation processes in the body
that are involved in gene regulation, but also support the various metabolic pathways involved in
homocysteine removal and glutathione metabolism, essential for combating oxidative stress. Some
studies have reportedly seen endurance benefits from supplementation{ Tonda, 1992 #2077}.
Glycine
Glycine is an amino-acid that is also used as a neurotransmitter and has been associated with growth
hormone release. It has been suggested as a muscle-maintance agent in weight-loss, though at the
moment performance trials are lacking.
Taurine
Taurine is an organic acid that has been associated with growth hormone release. Animal studies
have shown that it is effective at stimulating release of growth hormone, while activities of enzymes
in taurine metabolism have been shown to be reduced in arthritis sufferers compared to controls
{Tallon, 2007}.
ribose
ATP is a phsophorylated nucleotide, in turn being made up of ribose and adenine. This is the cellular
form of chemical-energy. Numerous intermediates in the many metabolic cycles involved in ensuring
a constant supply of ATP are nucleotides, based on ribose. Some studies have suggested that ribose
availability can be a limiting factor to the regeneration of ATP and creatine-phosphate needed to
support high intensity exercise {Kerksick, 2005}. However, metabolic studies have yet to be
translated into solid results in trials on athletic performance {Berardi, 2003}.
magnesium asp
Magnesium is a vital nutrient, with more than 300 metabolic enzymes using this mineral as a
cofactor. Aspartate is a glucogenic amino acid that can support energy provision (and possibly
endurance) by acting as a precursor for glucose-production {Ahlboro, 1968 #1959}. In addition,
endogenous levels have been inversely correlated with cortisol concentrations, while
supplementation with zinc, magnesium and aspartate has been reported to increase levels of IGF1
and testosterone, correlating with strength gains {Brilla LR, 2000 #1960}.
carnitine tartrate
Carnitine plays an essential role in fatty acid oxidation in muscle, being required for transport of fatty
acids into the mitochondrial matrix, the site of oxidation in the power-stations of cells. In addition,
several studies have observed carnitine supplementation improving indices of recovery in athletes,
reducing circulating levels of muscle damage, as well as suppressing increases in ammonia levels
(Broad, Maughan, & Galloway 2008;Volek et al. 2002). Recovering properly from exercise will
enhance the capacity for high intensity work that leads to optimal fat-loss (Tremblay, Simoneau, &
Bouchard 1994;Yoshioka et al. 2001). Carnitine supplementation has also been seen to increase
testosterone levels (Kraemer et al. 2006). These are hormonal changes frequently associated with
improved body composition, increasesd lean muscle and a lower percentage body-fat.

Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is a metabolic precursor to acetyl choline and has been used with some success in aiding
cognition in the elderly. Not only could increased neurotransmission possibly play a role in the
psychophysiological mechanisms underlying motivation in training, but supplementation has also
been observed to increase Growth Hormone release {Ceda, 1992 }.
B12 & B6 & Folic acid
Many metabolic biosynthesis including the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as adrenaline and
noradrenaline, use Pyridoxal Phosphate as a cofactor, which is a derivative of vitamin B6. By
supporting catecholamine synthesis we can prevent stimulate adrenal production and support high
intensity power production during exercise. B12 and folate are also intimately involved in these
syntheses. The B-vitamins facilitate methylation reactions essential to gene transcription, as well as
lying at the heart of the bodys own anti-oxidant systems. Deficiencies in vitamin B6 have been
linked with neurodevelopmental disorders and reduced concentration, while supplementation has
been proposed to increase neurotransmission in pathways involved in concentration.