Caffeinated Supplement Enhances Strength

A new study investigates the acute effects of a caffeinated pre-workout supplement on anaerobic performance in resistance-trained men. It was published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Pre-training supplements are multi-ingredient compositions (MIPS), aimed usually at enhancing strength, shortening reaction time, and eliciting focus.

Substances that target different physiological mechanisms may elicit synergistic effects and in turn improve athletic performance. The conclusion of the study is that a supplement whose base ingredient is caffeine significantly improves upper and lower body strength and power output in resistance-trained men.

The supplement used in this study consisted of 9.6 g powder mixed with water (250 mL) containing:

• L-citrulline (3 g)
• beta-alanine (2 g)
• taurine (750 mg)
• L-arginine (500 mg)
• L-tyrosine (500 mg)
• anhydrous caffeine (300 mg)
• guarana extract (200 mg)
• barley–derived hordenine extract (150 mg)
• capsaicin extract (25 mg)
• black pepper extract (7.5 mg)
• huperzia serrata extract (3 mg)

The results of the study show that the caffeinated supplement could delay fatigue and improve strength. This multi-ingredient pre-workout dietary supplement, taken prior to physical exercise, was effective in improving resistance and high-intensity performance.

“Polish scientists have tested the effectiveness of the ingredients,” notes a press release issued by the manufacturer. “The research conducted under the supervision of experienced scientists from four independent, respected academic centers in Poland showed that the ... pre-workout supplement significantly improves the strength of the upper and lower body parts and their power output.”

COVID-19 Fears Boost Use of Vitamins and Zinc

New Study: Behavioral preventive measures and the use of medicines and herbal products among the public in response to Covid-19 in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

This study is published in PLoS One. It was conducted to assess behavioral preventive measures among the public in Bangladesh in response to COVID-19. Measures included use of medicines and herbal products.

Most participants adopted the recommended preventive practices such as washing hands more frequently, staying home more often, avoiding crowds, and wearing masks. In an effort to support a healthy immune system, many participants also took herbal products, including:

• arsenicum album
• vitamin supplements (mainly C, D, and B)
• mineral supplements (mainly zinc)

Fear of COVID-19 has been identified as one of the most important factors associated with the adoption of behavioral preventive measures. It has also been associated with changes in the use of medicines and herbal products with intention to support healthy immune systems. Potentially inappropriate and unnecessary use of certain drugs was identified.

Phosphatidylserine Production Decreases Stress

New Study: Acute supplementation with an amino acid mixture suppressed the exercise-induced cortisol response in recreationally active healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study

This study is published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It investigated an amino acid (AA) mixture containing:

• arginine, which promotes lipid metabolism
• valine, which effectively decreases the level of glucocorticoid
• serine, a substrate of phosphatidylserine, which blunts increases in cortisol

Researchers aimed to suppress the exercise-induced cortisol response by combining the positive effects of the AAs synergistically.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted. Twenty healthy recreationally-active males ingested either an AA mixture or a placebo. The study demonstrated that, indeed, the AA mixture suppressed the cortisol response during exercise without affecting exercise-related biological parameters, such as glucose or lipid metabolism.

Caffeine May Reduce Adverse Effects of HIIT

New Study: Caffeine Optimizes HIIT Benefits on Obesity-associated Metabolic Adversity in Women

This study was published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. The purpose was to investigate whether obesity adversities in women are ameliorated by high-intensity interval training (HIIT), with or without caffeine supplements. Adversities include excessive body fat, compensatory hyperinsulinemia, metabolic endotoxemia, irregular androgenicity, and reduced cardiorespiratory and anaerobic fitness.

Twenty-four women with obesity took either caffeine (3 mg/kg) or a placebo during an 8-week HIIT program. The program consistsed of ten 1-minute sprints, interspersed by 1-minute rests.

The conclusion of the study is that HIIT induces fat loss and decreases androgenicity in women with obesity. Additionally, the adverse effects of HIIT, such as endotoxemia and hyperinsulinemia, are ameliorated by caffeine supplements.

Thrivous

The nutrients discussed above are components of various Thrivous supplements:

• Surge Acute Nootropic provides clinical doses of Caffeine, for use as a pre-workout supplement or when you need additional focused energy.
• Clarity Daily Nootropic provides clinical doses of Vitamin B Complex and Zinc for cognitive enhancement, as well as a healthy immune system.
• Tenacity Arthroprotector provides clinical doses of Vitamin D3 and other nutrients that support healthy joints and bones, as well as immune function.
• Alpha Neuroprotector provides clinical doses of Phosphatidylserine, to support healthy brain and nerve function.

Each nutrient and dose in Thrivous supplements is based on multiple placebo-controlled studies. Each nutrient is tested and re-tested to verify its identity, potency, and safety. And all of this information is published prominently on each product webpage. This is an exceptional practice in the supplement industry.