ZZZZZZMA?

ZZZZZZMA?

06 August 2014

If you train and exercise regularly increased sweating or an inadequate diet can lead to losses of vitamins and minerals, particularly lower levels of zinc and magnesium.

Studies have shown that less than 70% of us get enough zinc, and less than 40% get enough magnesium.

Zinc deficiencies may impair immune function and decrease performance when training.

Zinc also plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and cell growth.

Testosterone levels can also fall without adequate zinc and has a correlation with liver function.

With exercise you must also ensure that you get enough restful sleep. Magnesium deficiency is a key cause of poor sleep and can also lead to insulin insensitivity.

What if there was a supplement that could assist with all of these factors?

ZMA

ZMA is a supplement used primarily as a recovery aid by athletes, sportspeople and bodybuilders.

Studies show that ZMA helps the body achieve deeper levels of REM sleep.

ZMA is made up from zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6.

Zinc is particularly important from a bodybuilding standpoint due to its role in testosterone production. It way also help protect against the common cold, as well as any other illnesses that may try to suppress your immune system.

Vitamin B6 helps the body convert protein into energy. Some research has shown that it works with folic acid and B12 to reduce levels of certain amino acids in the blood, which helps to reduce the risk of heart attack

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 metabolic reactions. It is essential for bone strength, a strong immune system, muscle contractions and a healthy nervous system

When to take

ZMA should be taken 30 - 60 minutes before sleep but should not be taken with foods or supplements containing calcium because calcium blocks the absorption of zinc.

Recommendation

Personally I have found that I do get deeper sleep but along with it comes vivid dreams! I suppose that can be good or bad!

It may not have a significant effect in increasing testosterone production or adding of muscle mass particularly in the older person training but surely better sleep and an improved immune system is an advantage all around?

I have priced around and found the best price for me to be from Discount Supplements but it is also available from Bulk Powders, Holland and Barrett, Affordable Supplements, Bodybuilding.com, and MyProtein.