Response to HMRC for consumers concerned over sports nutrition tax

Posted: May 16, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Industry News
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We urge all people involved in the sports nutrition industry to write urgently to HMRC. See below for a template message which only requires you to fill in your name where suggested. Feel free to copy and paste this information and, once you individualise it, to send to HMRC at the address or email below:

David Roberts

HMRC

VAT Projects Team

3C/10, 100 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2BQ

 

david.roberts4@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

 

Needless to say, the more responses objecting to this proposal HMRC get, the greater impact that our campaign will have.

 

Your Name Here

Response to HMRC Consultation

 

 

I would like to thank Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the proposed changes to VAT applied on sports nutrition products.

 

I would also like to thank HMRC for extending the consultation period to eight weeks, which we consider more appropriate given the scale of these proposed changes.

 

Specific questions on proposed new sports nutrition legislation

 

Q5 – Does the proposed legislation meet its objective of ensuring that sports nutrition drinks are taxed consistently with other sports drinks at the standard rate of VAT? If not, why not and what changes are needed?

 

No. Not only does this legislation not meet the objective of ensuring that sports nutrition drinks are taxed consistently, it threatens to introduce a much greater level of confusion and inconsistency into the VAT system.

 

There is a distinct and considerable lack of understanding regarding the sports nutrition industry within HMRC. VAT is currently applicable on sports nutrition drinks, or Ready-to-Drink (RTD) products. These are drinks that typically cost around £1 and are enjoyed in a non-athletic setting by a wide range of consumers.

 

Sports nutrition products that will have VAT imposed on them under these proposals are, however, very different. In the first instance, they are not sports nutrition drinks, as much official correspondence on this subject refers to them. They are food products and should be zero-rated, as other foods are.

 

They are also typically premium products, retailing at around £40 to £45. They are consumed by sportspeople like me, athletes of all abilities – both amateur and professional – who wish to boost their sporting performance and aid recovery. These products highlight my commitment to my sport and sometimes I can spend (please insert a figure here) a month on sports nutrition products, equating to a considerable increase per month if VAT is imposed.

 

(You may wish to include some example of products that you use which are in this price range and will be affected by the imposition of VAT – emphasise the impact that a 20% rise will have on your monthly spend and how you may be forced to cut down on use of affected products.)

 

This illustrates that the products VAT is currently imposed on are very different to those HMRC wishes to impose VAT upon. Doing this would not impose a “consistent” tax but would instead significantly raise the price of very different products used by many different people to help them live healthier and more active lives.

 

New Anomalies

 

Furthermore, a considerable number of new anomalies would result from this tax change. This undermines HMRC’s argument that the tax change is to address these anomalies; instead, the imposition of VAT on these products will create further anomalies and inevitably lead to HMRC using greater amounts of taxpayer’s money to fight legal action.

 

The vast majority of products that would have VAT imposed upon them by this VAT change contain whey protein as the key ingredient. Whey protein is essentially milk. If HMRC are to tax products based on milk for the sole reason that they are products for sportspeople and marketed as such then I expect consistency.

 

Many milkshakes, which are currently zero-rated, are marketed as “recovery” drinks: one major confectionary manufacturer, for example, is currently promoting a Refuel product as “full of milk goodness…to help muscles recover faster”.

 

The latest advertising campaign for milk, co-ordinated by the UK Dairy Council, features a picture of David Beckham and the comment “the protein in milk helps build muscles”.

 

These two products are clearly and unambiguously being marketed as sports nutrition products, which are based on milk as an active ingredient. There is no fundamental difference between them and the sports nutrition products that HMRC are seeking to tax.

 

Some businesses will sell the key ingredient of affected sports nutrition products, whey protein, as a generic product in plain packaging. As this would not be marketed as a sports nutrition product but as a foodstuff it would avoid the 20% tax – creating yet another anomaly. Such products would not display information about dosage or safe use. This tax hike will lead to lower standards of consumer safety for UK sportspeople such as myself; would favour new, opportunist web-based sales to the detriment of existing, responsible businesses; and would see no VAT revenue to the Treasury. (You may wish to say here that you are considering such a move.)

 

By imposing VAT on sports nutrition products, HMRC is creating a large number of new anomalies in the tax code and will face a considerable amount of new litigation, as sports nutrition companies seek legal rulings on what milk based products constitute sports nutrition and which do not; reduce consumer protection as generic products are sold to people such as myself; and drive sales to the internet at the expense of businesses based here in the UK.

 

Q6 – We have considered impacts on businesses and consumers of the changes to sports nutrition drinks and these are set out in the Table of Impacts in Annex B. We would welcome comment on these impacts (including any specific impacts on small businesses) and would particularly welcome details of any impacts we have not identified.

 

It is my view that HMRC have not properly considered the impact on businesses and consumers such as myself of the changes to the pricing of sports nutrition drinks.

 

HMRC’s view that this change will lead to a “small increase” in the price of sports nutrition drinks is wrong. Adding VAT of 20% to a sports nutrition product will lead to a price rise of 20%. As noted above, these products that already retail at between £40 and £45, meaning that a 20% rise will take them over the psychologically important £50 mark. In an uncertain economic climate this is bound to have a noticeable and unwelcome impact on my ability to purchase sports nutrition products. This is particularly the case when, as noted above, there is a range of non-premium products offering some benefits to sportspeople and which are zero-rated for VAT.

 

(The best way to highlight the impact that this price rise will have is to draw on your own experience. A short sentence highlighting the fact that you will undoubtedly be forced to cut down your spending on affected products, particularly given the current economic circumstances, will suffice – note that this will have an impact on the places you purchase these products from, particularly if you buy them from your local gym or other small retailer, as well as the manufacturer.)

 

It will not just be manufacturers, distributors and dedicated retailers affected by this tax change – also affected will be the small gyms and specialist retailers around the country that rely on revenue from these products. The last thing our struggling high streets and town centres need now is yet more business closures.

 

HMRC estimate that the cost per business of this VAT change will be ”around £40 on average”. I consider this a vast underestimate that fails to take into account the extreme price-sensitivity of products in the highly competitive sports nutrition market.

 

I fully recognise the need for the Government to tackle the UK’s economic deficit and understand that greater income from taxation must play some part in this. A much better way of tackling this deficit, however, is through greater economic growth and such growth must come from the UK’s small and medium sized enterprises.

 

Imposing this VAT rise will severely hit the growth prospects of the UK sports nutrition sector, a thriving, Europe-leading slice of the economy. As noted, it will also imperil employment, not just within the part of the sector that manufactures, distributes and directly sells sports nutrition products but also within the many small businesses that are related to the sector, such as independent gyms.

 

I am surprised that the HMRC’s impact assessment failed to take account of any of these points and disappointed that HMRC failed to contact any sports nutrition company in the sector when drawing up this assessment.


Predator Nutrition prepares for Body Power 2012

Posted: May 15, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Industry News
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Fresh off the back of a successful time at FIBO in Germany last month, The Predator Nutrition team have been gearing up for the Body Power expo. Body Power is the UK’s largest nutrition, health and fitness expo, encompassing hundreds of leading fitness exhibitors, experts and athletes. This year’s show will once again be held at the NEC in Birmingham from the 18th – 20th May. The show has grown from year to year since its inception four years ago, with roughly 30,000 visitors expected to attend the show this year.

Body Power 2012 has a host of athletes and attractions to keep enthusiasts from all areas of health and fitness entertained for the whole weekend. This year’s line-up includes:

  • The UKBFF Official Super Qualifier Event
  • A new Beach Body area including a masterclass with fitness model Greg Plitt
  • A Q&A with Mr Olympia Phil ‘The Gift’ Heath and a host of other top bodybuilders
  • A healthy eating kitchen
  • An interview with World’s Strongest Man, Brian Shaw
  • A specialist sports performance area
  • Lots more!

 

As always, the Predator team will be there in full force and we have lots in store for our loyal fans. We’ll be joined on our stand with natural bodybuilder, Andrew Merrifield. Andrew is known as ‘the ultimate natural’ and will be there to answer your questions, talk through his DVD, discuss his own sports supplement line and pose for photos.

 

Andrew Merrifield

 

We’ll also be joined by top fitness model Mark Hughes, who will be giving tips on how to get to the top of the ultra-competitive fitness modelling industry. After a successful time at the FIBO expo in Essen, we will be once again sharing our stand with iForce Nutrition, who will be adding some muscle to stand in the shape of NPC National Level  Super Heavyweight Champion, Dusty Hanshaw.

 

iForce and Predator Nutrition

 

8 time Mr Olympia Ronnie Coleman will also be joining us for a short while so make sure you don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to meet one of the biggest legends in bodybuilding.

 

Ronnie Coleman

 

We’ll also be offering opportunities for free samples alongside some exclusive show specials and discounts which are not available online. If you’re feeling lucky, you can take on your mates for bragging rights in the Predator Nutrition pull-up challenge. Valiant efforts will be rewarded but the person who can do the most pull-ups in one minute will win a FREE product of their choice, as well as a bundle of Predator branded clothing and training accessories. We’ll also be giving a free Predator shaker to anyone wearing a Predator t-shirt at the show.

 

BODY POWER PULL UP A1

 

Finally, we’ll be giving fans a sneak peek at the upcoming Predator mobile app which will offer the following awesome features:

  • Get training routines that are personalised to your goals
  • Track your progress and share achievement with friends
  • Earn badges to reach the top of the leaderboard
  • Compete with your friends
  • Get nutritional and fitness tips
  • Buy products

 

This year’s show is one that is truly not to be missed and we look forward to seeing you there. Find us near the main entrance at stand A20 in Hall 12.

Case Study: Man with raised testosterone from using Activate Xtreme

Posted: May 14, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Supplements, Testosterone Boosters
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With so many products purporting to elevate testosterone (we covered many in our review on testosterone boosting supplements), a common refrain from individuals is that these products lack any supporting evidence for their marketing claims. Supplement manufacturers will commonly retort that often evidence of effect can lead to regulation and increased costs making the testing of formulations (as opposed to individual compounds) prohibitive.

As a consequence of this most testosterone boosters have not been tested clinically, only the individual compounds included in the formulas having been researched in most cases. A recent clinical case (1) changes this though.

A 19 year old male which a history of low libido, and what he categorised as fluid retention submitted himself to his GP and said he was taking Driven Sports’ testosterone booster, Activate Xtreme. It is important to note this was the old version of this supplement which has since been reformulated, a point we will touch on later.

 

Driven Driven Sports Activate Xtreme

 

The doctors were unaware of this supplement so ran a blood test on the man which showed his testosterone levels were massively elevated as were his levels of luteinizing hormone, the hormone that triggers males to release more testosterone. The doctors tested for the presence of steroids of which there were none, Activate Xtreme being a testosterone booster not a steroid.

The values below show his testosterone levels when taking Activate Xtreme. As we can see testosterone at 41 nmol/L was far above even the highest end of the reference range for normal testosterone levels. If we assume an average testosterone level of around 16.5 nmol/L his testosterone levels would have more than doubled.

 

Activate Xtreme testosterone levels

 

After discontinuing the use of the Activate Xtreme his levels dropped back to 16.5nmol/L (the basis of our estimate for the increase above).

 

Activate Xtreme increases testosterone

 

Our Comments

On the face of it this shows that the old Activate Xtreme was a notable booster of testosterone but also estradiol which may account for the fact this individual also failed to report the positive effects associated with high testosterone levels. The fatter the individual, the greater the propensity for excess testosterone to convert to estrogen so this case study shows that keeping body fat levels down is a good idea to avoid a potential side effect of elevated estrogen.

This version included the same core ingredient found in the current Activate Xtreme, a compound called Divanil. Divanil can bind to sex hormone binding globule which then allows for free testosterone levels to increase. This formula also included some ingredients no longer included in the current Activate Xtreme which has replaced them with nutrients designed to stop the conversion of testosterone to estrogen such as an extract of brassaiopsis glumerulata, which acts as an aromatase inhibitor, as well as compounds shown to elevate growth hormone.

Real world reports suggested that some users of the old Activate Xtreme experienced symptoms associated with estrogen levels rising such as an initial increase in libido followed by an ensuing drop in libido. Since Activate Xtreme was reformulated to counteract the potential for an estrogenic rise, feedback as well as bloodwork conducted by Driven Sports on this supplement suggests that the product now will elevate testosterone but without the problematic rise in estrogen since the inclusion of an aromatase inhibitor specifically included to drive estrogen down.

 

Author: Reggie Johal

 

Recommended Reading

Activate Xtreme – Natural Testosterone Booster

 

Buy Activate Xtreme

 

References

1. McDonald TJ, Perry MH, Jones AG, Donohoe M, Salzmann MB, O’Connor J – Clinical Chemistry, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK.

Does the type of protein source impact body composition and hormone status?

Posted: May 10, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Nutrition, Supplements, Protein
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Background: There are a number of theories which place certain types of protein powder, notably whey protein, as being superior to soy protein powders with arguments made that soy can have an estrogenic effect leading to lowered testosterone levels. We went through the arguments on the impact of soy protein on testosterone already so we turn now to examining a new study which compared results with soy and whey proteins. The researchers in this study set this up to explore if the previous inverse correlation shown between soy and testosterone (2) would impact lean body mass gains.

 

Protein Blend

Methods: For twelve weeks, twenty subjects supplemented their diets with one of four different protein sources – A whey blend, whey plus soy isolate, soy isolate, and soy concentrate. The subjects also performed a comprehensive weight training programme and measurements were taken for body composition, testosterone, estradiol, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) at both the start and week 12.

Results: The use of protein supplements led to a significant increase in lean body mass independent of protein source used. No significant differences were observed for total and free testosterone, SHBG, body fat percentage, BMI, or body weight. The testosterone to estrogen ratio increased across all groups. In group analysis revealed the T/E ratio showed significant increases in the soy isolate/whey blend and estradiol was significantly lower in the whey blend group.

Conclusion: The researchers concluded that a 12 week program of supplementation with soy did not decrease serum testosterone or inhibit lean body mass changes.

 

Our Comments

It appears that providing soy protein consumption is within reasonable quantities and is not used as the sole source of protein in a diet, that there are no negative effects observed on serum sex hormone levels or performance gains.

Soy protein has the highest protein content of all protein powders on the market today which has attracted a lot of interest but also drawn criticism from those who believe that the use of soy protein is associated with estrogenic activity in the body. In reality, soy isolate has relatively little estrogenic activity provided and its consumption should not be a concern as part of a mixed protein diet. Given its high BCAA and Glutamine content and fast release it makes for an adequate replacement for whey protein as evidenced by this study.

At Predator, we still believe that a superior choice would be consuming protein from a variety of sources including fish, meat, milk protein and whey protein to take advantage of different qualities inherent in each of the sources of protein. Within a diet based around these protein sources though, soy protein has a useful place as a high protein content, easily digestible, and more affordable source of protein as well as one which has been shown to have beneficial health effects.

 

Recommended Product:

Fusion Matrix

 

Author: Reggie Johal

 
References

1. Kalman D et.al (2007): Effect of protein source and resistance training on body composition and sex hormones.

2. Nagata C et.al (2000): Inverse association of soy product intake with serum androgen and estrogen concentrations in Japanese men.

Can nutrient timing affect the anabolic response to weight training?

Posted: May 9, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Nutrition
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Something which is endlessly discussed on bodybuilding forums is how nutrition should be tailored to fit our training needs. In particular, the period prior, during, and after training is the subject of much discussion and critical analysis, with opinions ranging from the post-workout window being of vital importance to those who argue overall macronutrient intake is all that matters with issues of nutrient timing being of relatively little consequence.

When we look at the way elite athletes have typically approached nutrition, there is a general belief in the importance of consuming carbohydrates, in particular after training to help replenish glycogen stores, while bodybuilders will prioritise protein intake after a workout to maximise the anabolic response to training. There has been generally less attention paid to the food consumed prior to the workouts so a study (1) which compared two different protocols is a helpful addition to the canon of work in this area.

 

Strength Training

 

Objective: To determine whether consumption of a mixed essential amino acid-carbohydrate supplement (EAC) containing 6g of EAA and 35g of carbs causes a differential response depending on whether it is consumed before or after a strength training workout.

 

Methods: Six healthy subjects took part in the trial and, in a randomised trial consumed the supplement either before (PRE) or after (POST) their training session. Various physiological measures were taken to determine amino acid concentrations and amino acid uptake into the leg muscles.

 

Results: Amino acid uptake in the working leg muscle increased during exercises and remained at an elevated level for two hours after the exercise session during both trials. The delivery of amino acids was significantly greater in PRE than in POST both during the exercise bout and in the first hour after exercise. Total net phenylalanine uptake was greater during the PRE rather than POST trial. Phenylalanine disappearance rate, used as a proxy for muscle protein synthesis from blood amino acids, increased after EAC supplementation in both treatments.

 

Conclusion: The researchers concluded that consuming the supplement before training led to greater muscle protein synthesis as a result of greater uptake of amino acids to the musculature.

 

Our Comments

If we dig into the raw data presented by this study, it shows that when the EAC supplement was taken prior to training, 42% of the amino acids in the drink were taken up into the muscle versus only 16% when the drink was consumed after training. This means more than twice as many amino acids are taken up if we eat before a meal. So much for the importance of post-workout nutrition you might say?

As ever, it is not so simple. One of the major drawbacks with studies is that they typically use subjects who have completed an overnight fast so that the data is not skewed by previous consumption of nutrients and it is easier to analyse different treatment regimens more accurately.

Unfortunately, very few strength athletes will train in a fasted state making it difficult to draw conclusions from this single study. Would the same result have occurred if we compared two trials where training took place in the evening and the trials were split into a group who consumed their EAC supplement right before their training or after training but where both had already consumed several meals during the day?

When we look at studies performed on fasted subjects, we also see an increase in fat oxidation and anabolic signalling which is why this type of training is becoming quite popular, especially among the adherents of intermittent fasting who cite it as a key factor in that diet’s success. While we do not accept fasted training is necessarily better (read our post on fasted cardio), it does show that it is not always as simple as measuring something like amino acid uptake in isolation without considering how a meal will affect the body at large.

Finally, the actual quantity of amino acids provided in this study was not really high enough in our view. The average bodybuilder is going to require more than a six gram dose of essential amino acids before training, especially if, as in this case, no other protein was ingested earlier in the day.

Future research would ideally compare a pre versus post-workout meal but do so after a standardised dietary intake during the day. In our opinion, if someone’s last meal was a large one at midday and they are training at 2PM, a small EAC supplement before training would likely not show the same magnitude of benefit compared to the same supplement after training. While it would not do harm, a much better way of increasing performance during the ensuing workout would be achieved via the use of a dedicated pre-workout supplement which, by enhancing energy, focus, motivation and nutrients to enhance performance, would make a bigger difference by far.

 

Author: Reggie Johal

 

Further Reading

Post Workout Nutrition
Meal Frequency

 

References

1. Tipton, KD et.al (2000): Timing of amino acid-carbohydrate ingestion alters anabolic response of muscle to resistance exercise.

Soy protein and its effects on testosterone

Posted: May 4, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Nutrition, Protein
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Soy protein excites fervour like few other nutritional items with opinion seemingly split evenly between those who tout it as a key protein for improving health and muscle mass, and those who regard it as the devil’s own concoction which will cause testosterone levels to plummet and estrogen to rise. In most cases these arguments are not based on real science and research but the biases and misunderstandings of extremists who assume that if a little of something is good (or bad depending on their view) then a load of it is the best thing sliced bread or will make your manhood and musculature shrivel to nothingness.

Soy protein is used widely in the food industry as a means to provide a better texture and extra protein, where it stands out as a protein source with a very high protein content compared to dairy proteins, and is high in BCAA’s, Glutamine in addition to a rapid digestion profile. It is considered by renowned nutrition guru Lyle McDonald as a high quality protein, with a high ranking from him of digestibility and protein content.

 

Soy Protein and Testosterone

 

The reason for its lack of popularity in bodybuilding circles though is due to the persistent belief that soy protein can increase estrogen and decrease testosterone levels. Is there any truth to this claim which, if it were true, would have serious consequences for anyone wanting to pursue a fitness lifestyle?

While some research has shown a reduction in testosterone being associated with soy consumption,
these studies suffer from one being performed on a vegan male with very high soy intake (1) while another often quoted study purported to show a 19% average decline in testosterone levels from soy consumption. This second study however only showed an actual decrease in testosterone in one man and this man started the study with a testosterone level over 200% higher than anyone else and 50% greater than the normal reference range. It is difficult to know why his values were so high to begin with and the researchers here provided no mechanism to explain this discrepancy. If we treat that one candidate as an outlier then no negative effect on testosterone was observed.

Research does exist showing that high levels of soy consumption are inversely correlated with testosterone levels (3) and that replacing meat with prodigious quantities of soybeans (4) leads to lower testosterone levels. This second study again uses an unrealistically high intake of soy and the possibility that removing meat rather than replacing with soy is the cause of the drop in testosterone certainly needs to be factored in, given that vegetarians are shown to have lower testosterone levels on average than meat eaters.

When we consider the empirical evidence, Asians who are known to have a history of higher soy consumption seem to have no issues with fertility or having children, which suggests that soy consumption at levels seen in Asia does not appear to have a negative effect on sex hormone levels.

A recent meta-analysis (5) looked at research conducted across 51 treatment groups and found no evidence for soy protein or soy isoflavones lowering testosterone or increasing estrogen levels.

A more relevant study than those looking at sex hormone levels is a recent study which examined the effects of different types of protein intake on body composition and sex hormones (6) and showed no significant differences on performance, lean body mass gains, body fat percentage or hormone status when comparing soy isolate, soy isolate plus whey and just whey.

 

Predator Blog - Soy Protein

 

Conclusion

Soy has been demonised in the bodybuilding community but with the exception of those who consume it to excess there is no evidence to support the theory that soy consumption can negatively impact on testosterone levels. While soybeans and isoflavones have some estrogenic activity, the amounts consumed in a normal diet are not sufficiently high enough to influence testosterone or estrogen levels in a negative way.

As with everything, this does not mean that users should look to soy protein as a sole source of protein but rather that its inclusion within a mixed food, varied diet does not deserve the drama and noise that some people would have you believe.

 

Author: Reggie Johal

 

References

1. Siepman et.al (2011): Hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction associated with soy product consumption.

2. Goodwin et.al (2007): Clinical and biological activity of soy protein powder supplementation in healthy male volunteers.

3. Nagata C et.al (2000): Inverse association of soy product intake with serum androgen and estrogen concentrations in Japanese men.

4. Habito et.al (2000): Effects of replacing meat with soybean in the diet on sex hormone concentrations in healthy adult males

5.  Hamilton-Reeves JM et.al (2010): Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis.

6. Kalman D et.al (2007): Effect of protein source and resistance training on body composition and sex hormones.

Caffeine can reverse the effects of impaired morning performance

Posted: May 3, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Caffeine
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We recently looked on our site at the best time to train and so a recent study from researchers in Brazil (1) exploring the impact of caffeine on morning performance piqued our interest.

 

Purpose

The study was designed to investigate whether caffeine ingestion can counteract the morning reduction in neuromuscular performance associated with the circadian rhythm pattern.

 

Methods

Twelve experienced weight trained men performed a battery of neuromuscular tests under three different conditions; a) morning at 10AM with caffeine ingestion dosed at 3mg/kg (AMCAF), b) morning with a placebo (AMPLA), and afternoon  at 6PM with placebo (PMPLA). A randomised, double blind crossover design was used to limit the potential for error and bias from affecting the results. Subjects were tested on the velocity of movement during full squats (SQ) and Bench Presses (BP) using loads that were aimed to test maximum strength and muscle power. In addition, serum testosterone, cortisol and growth hormone levels were taken at the start of each trial while, in addition, levels of endogenous catecholamines were measured before and after the trail following a bout of six reps of squats.

 

Caffeine and workout performance

 

Results

Dynamic muscle strength and power was significantly better in the PM group compared to AMPLA (3.0%–7.5%; p≤0.05). During the AMCAF trial performance increased above AMPLAC levels (4.6%–5.7%; p≤0.05) with the exception of bench press velocity.  During the AMCAF trial sympathetic nervous system activation was increased above the level of the AMPLAC trial. Levels of testosterone and cortisol were higher during the morning trials while growth hormone output was greater in the afternoon trial.

 

Conclusions

The researchers concluded that caffeine intake reverses the morning neuromuscular declines in resistance trained men, raising performance to the levels of the afternoon trial. Electrical muscle stimulation data along with norepinephrine levels suggested caffeine works to increasese performance through heightening the activity of the central nervous system.

 

Our Comments

Previous research has shown that training in the morning is associated with poorer performance (2, 3) and that this effect is observed across a number of motor tasks including various athletic activities. To date there has been no categorical answer explaining the basis for this impaired performance with body temperature, blood hormone status and sympathetic nervous activity all proposed, as well as possible impaired muscle performance via inhibited phosphagen uptake and muscle buffering capacity.

While some research had established that increasing body heat can help to ameliorate the loss in performance associated with morning training (4, 5, 6), in none of these studies did performance reach levels achieved in the afternoon.

The use of caffeine, a common ingredient in virtually all pre-workout supplements, is supported by an abundance of research showing its ability to enhance both endurance and strength (7,8) but this is the first study we have seen which tested its ability to reverse the normal circadian rhythm. The results reported are impressive with the study itself monitoring and screening participants rigorously to ensure that subjects both had previous extensive weight training experience but also adhered to a controlled dietary protocol, both in the day prior and during the three days of the test to eliminate possible interference from previous use of stimulants or the effects of food.  The amount of caffeine used was a reasonable level found in pre-workouts and equates to around 2.5 cups of black coffee. The average performance increase seen of 3-6% is enough to bring morning performance up to evening levels. Whether caffeine could raise evening performance by 3-6% if used at that time was not looked at but, as evidenced by real world feedback and trials such as that involving the preworkout NO Shotgun, it is quite likely it could do.

It is worth mentioning that the results observed for blood hormone levels is consistent with prior research. Despite the fact that testosterone was higher in the morning, the testosterone to cortisol ratio was higher in the afternoon session, which would be conducive for enhancing performance and muscle building results.

In conclusion, we would say that this study should be something to take into account if training in the morning either by habit or necessity, with the use of caffeine, and likely other popular pre-workout stimulants, an effective aid to raising performance for athletes.

 

Author: Reggie Johal

 

References

1. Ricardo Mora-Rodríguez, Jesus García Pallarés, Álvaro López-Samanes, Juan Fernando Ortega, and Valentín E. Fernández-Elías (2012): Caffeine Ingestion Reverses the Circadian Rhythm Effects on Neuromuscular Performance in Highly Resistance-Trained Men

2. Sedliak M, Finni T, Cheng S, Haikarainen T, Häkkinen K. Diurnal variation in maximal and submaximal strength, power and neural activation of leg extensors in men: multiple sampling across two consecutive days. Int J Sports Med. 2008;29(3):217–24.

3. Hayes L, Bickerstaff G, Baker JS. Interactions of cortisol, testosterone, and resistance training: influence of circadian rhythms. Chronobiol Int. 2010;27(4):675–705.

4. Racinais S, Blonc S, Jonville S, Hue O. Time of day influences the environmental effects on muscle force and contractility. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005;37(2):256–61.

5. Racinais S, Blonc S, Hue O. Effects of active warm-up and diurnal increase in temperature on muscular power. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005;37(12):2134–9.

6. Taylor KJ, Cronin B, Gill N, Chapman DW, Sheppard JM. Warm-up affects diurnal variation in power output. Int J Sports Med. 2011;32(3):185–9.

7. Warren GL, Park ND, Maresca RD, McKibans KI, Millard-Stafford ML. Effect of caffeine ingestion on muscular strength and endurance: a meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42(7):1375–87.

Glutamine enhances endurance in new study

Posted: May 2, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Amino Acids, Supplements
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Glutamine is a supplement that inspires fervour and hatred in equal measure with its advocates considering Glutamine essential for hard training bodybuilders while its detractors say it is a worthless supplement for many.

A recent study (1) examined the effectiveness of L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine during hydration stress in endurance exercise. This is also known by the brand name Sustamine and is included within a range of bodybuilding supplements. The researchers in this study looked to examine the effects of L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine on performance as well as markers of fluid regulation, oxidative stress and immune and inflammatory health markers.

 

Methods

Ten physically active young males with an average age of 21 and a bodyfat level of 12% volunteered to participate in this study. At an initial testing session (T1) the men provided a blood draw and performed a maximal exercise test while fully hydrated. On four subsequent occasions, the subjects were dehydrated so that their body mass dropped by 2.5%. During their second test (T2), subjects dropped their weight by 2.5% and were kept dehydrated at this level while on tests 3-5, the subjects reached their goals and were then partially rehydrated to 1.5% of their baseline body mass (their drop in body mass was just 1%). During T3 the subjects rehydrated by drinking water while during T4 they consumed 0.05g/kg of a supplement containing LALG and during T5 they consumed 0.20g/kg of the LALG supplement.

Subjects in all tests exercised at 75% of their VO2 max on a cycle ergometer. During T2-T5 blood draws we’re conducted after dehydration (D), immediately before exercise (BE), and also after exercise (AE). Resting 24 hour blood samples were also taken and assessed for a range of markers including glutamine, testosterone, cortisol and a number of markers associated with inflammation and growth as well as salts such as potassium and sodium.

 

USP Labs Modern BCAA

Results

Glutamine concentrations for T5 (the high dosed glutamine group) were significantly higher after rehydration when tested before the exercise bout (BE) and after exercise (AE) compared to trials 2-4. When assessing the impact on performance, the research showed that compared to other tests (T1-3), time to exhaustion was significantly greater for T4 and even more so for T5. In addition, blood levels of sodium were more concentrated during T2 when the subjects were dehydrated compared to all other tests. This was true both when tested before and after exercise. No other statistically significant results were observed for the range of hormonal and biochemical markers tested.

 

Conclusions

The researchers concluded that AG supplementation “provided a significant ergogenic benefit by increasing time to exhaustion during a mild hydration stress. This ergogenic effect was likely mediated by an enhanced fluid and electrolyte uptake.”

 

Our Comments

With so many different forms of glutamine on the market it is nice to see a study supporting the usage of a particular type. L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine has shown promise in the past for increasing hydration and electrolyte absorption greater than the effects of glutamine alone (2) and this study shows a similar story.

The researchers themselves proposed that given the T4 group still performed significantly better in their exercise test without showing any significant increase in glutamine concentration, that the mechanism behind the performance improvement was likely via L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine’s ability to facilitate greater uptake of fluids and electrolytes through the gut. They proposed further that enhanced glutamine uptake via the muscles could result in greater uptake of sodium also (which was borne out in the studies showing lower concentrations of sodium in the supplemented trials). This would also help with performance during endurance activity by reducing muscle fatigue.

It would be interesting to see how this type of glutamine worked in an environment where carbohydrates were provided. To help isolate the effects of compounds studies will commonly provide nutrients to subjects in a fasted state. The possibility that this would influence the outcome cannot be dismissed. Having said that, given the potential hormonal and body composition advantages proposed for training while fasted, the usage of L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine could well help increase performance for those who regularly engage in fasted training such as intermittent fasting or those who practise morning cardio to help shed body fat.

 

Recommended Products

USP Labs Modern BCAA

 

Further Reading

BCAAs + Glutamine useful even when protein intake is high

 

Author: Reggie Johal

 

References

1. Examination of the efficacy of acute L-alanyl-L- glutamine ingestion during hydration stress in endurance exercise Hoffman JR, et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 Feb 3;7:8.

2. Lima AA et.al (2002): Effects of an alanyl-glutamine-based oral rehydration and nutrition therapy solution on electrolyte and water absorption in a rat model of secretory diarrhea induced by cholera toxin.

FIBO 2012 Report

Posted: May 1, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Industry News
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The Predator Nutrition team have recently arrived back from an action packed long weekend at FIBO 2012 in Essen, Germany. It was Predator’s first time exhibiting at Europe’s leading health and fitness trade show and the experience was truly awesome. A record of just under 66,000 visitors attended the show this year and it was clear that everyone had a fantastic time. Since the show’s inception in 1991, the show has gone from strength to strength and will be moving to Cologne next year to cater for the masses in anticipation of another record breaking year.

FIBO 2012

The bodybuilding and sports nutrition areas are just one small cog in the FIBO machine, which truly is a show that caters for the whole health and fitness industry. This year’s fair included a whopping 612 exhibitors (from 35 different countries) getting together to showcase the latest trends in fitness equipment, dance and fitness crazes, clinics, sports medicine, health education, nutrition and much more. This year’s show also marked the launch of the FIBOmed seminars which received a very positive response from visitors.

Boxing FIBO 2012

Since 2005, the show has developed hugely with visitor numbers up 60%, exhibitor numbers up 70% and booked stand area up by 40%. Next year’s show will certainly be one not to miss! Remember the dates… 11th – 14th April 2013.

FIBO 2012 Dumbbells

There was constant action on the main stage this year, with a huge range of displays from classic posing routines to incredible acrobatic feats. Johnnie Jackson won the IFBB Men’s division over Michael Kefalianos and Sergey Shelestov who came 2nd and 3rd respectively.

We took some time away from our stand to walk around all 12 halls at FIBO in an attempt to take a look at all the exhibitor stands. On the way round we ran into a few big names from the bodybuilding world.

Zack Khan Nutrex FIBO 2012

Zack Khan with Nutrex

Ronnie Coleman FIBO 2012

Ronnie Coleman with his Signature Series

Phil Heath FIBO 2012

Phil Heath with MuscleTech

Jay Cutler FIBO 2012

Jay Cutler

At the Predator and iForce Nutrition stand, we were joined by NPCC National Level Super Heavyweight Champion, Dusty Hanshaw and the show was a big success. If you’re coming to the BodyPower Expo in a couple of week’s time, be sure to pop by our stand and say hello as we have lots of exciting things lined up for you!

Predator Nutrition iForce Nutrition FIBO 2012

Predator Nutrition and iForce Nutrition

Can consuming the pre-workout supplement NO-Shotgun increase muscle gains?

Posted: April 27, 2012 by Predator Nutrition in Supplements, Pre-Workout
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Stimulating the synthesis of new muscle protein is the most important part of the muscle building process and heavy resistance training is the main way to do this. Not only will resistance training increase muscular size but it will also increase muscle strength and hypertrophy.

Resistance training alone will show results but there are ways of speeding up and enhancing muscle building. When speaking with our customers, there is an overwhelming demand for a supplement that aids the training session itself so we often recommend a pre-workout supplement that boosts energy levels, creates focus for the workout and supports muscle growth through providing protein peptides for maximum protein synthesis, development of muscle tissue and muscle repair.

This article investigates whether the consumption of the pre-workout supplement VPX NO Shotgun, when combined with resistance training, will boost muscle growth and strength, without negative side effects.

 

No Shotgun

Method

A study by Shelmadine et al explores the effect that NO Shotgun has on muscle gains through clinical testing. To research this, 18 healthy, non-resistance trained males were chosen as the sample. Participants took part in a resistance training program 4 times/week over the course of 28 days. The sample was split into two groups, one group was given the placebo and the other ingested NO Shotgun 30 mins before exercise.

Various base rate values for each participant were determined before the exercise began and before either the NO Shotgun or the placebo was administered. Initial assessments included strength, body composition, blood sampling and muscle biopsies. These values were determined again after the 28 day study period to assess changes, if any.

 

Results

Body mass increased in both samples, however, fat mass had no significant changes and fat-free mass increased in both samples, with the NO sample receiving greater gains in this. The NO Shotgun group experienced greater increases in bench press strength than the placebo group. All of the myogenic regulatory factors were increased with training. NO Shotgun was shown to be significantly greater than the placebo for muscle building proteins such as Myo-D and MRF-4.

Myofibrillar protein also increased with training and the group consuming NO Shotgun showed a significantly greater increase.  Total DNA was increased in both groups, and again, NO Shotgun was significantly more than placebo. Muscle Growth serum IGF-1 and HGF levels were significantly increased with training and for the NO Shotgun group HGF levels were greater than the placebo group.  No significant differences were located for any of the whole blood and serum clinical chemistry markers.

 

Side Effects

During the study period side effects were reported by both sample groups. Four of the participants who ingested the NO Shotgun reported side effects of dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heart rate and nervousness. Four of the placebo sample also reported feelings of nausea, rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.

 

Our Comments

This study on the effectiveness of NO Shotgun has indicated that muscle gains will still occur through exercise alone and that muscle protein synthesis is increased without ingesting a pre-workout supplement, which of course, we already knew.

However, this study does support past research supporting the use of stimulants, as well as ergogenics such as creatine and beta alanine, as being effective means to boost muscle mass and training performance. With NO Shotgun being a proprietary blend it is difficult to isolate the effects of the various nutrients which comprise the product blend, but the inclusion of proven compounds such as Peptopro, creatine, and stimulants such as caffeine is undoubtedly the main reason behind the greater results seen in this study from the subjects consuming NO Shotgun.

 

Further Research

Longer term study would be useful to assess the on-going effects of NO Shotgun on muscle gains as the effects of any PWO are more noticeable in the first month. Ingesting a PWO 4 times a week is likely to give very noticeable effects, a study spanning a larger number of months on less frequent dosage would reveal the on-going usefulness of NO Shotgun. The comparison of a range of pre-workouts and their effects is also an option for further research.

 

Recommended Product

VPX NO Shotgun + FREE Predator Shaker 588g

 

Author: Rosie Smith

 

References

Shelmadine et al. (2009). Effects of 28 days of resistance exercise and consuming a commercially available pre-workout supplement, NO-Shotgun®, on body composition, muscle strength and mass, markers of satellite cell activation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 6 (16), 1550-2783.

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