Betaine Anhydrous Posted on 10 Apr 20:57 , 0 comments
Igf-1 receptors unregulated by betaine for muscle growth![/caption]
By Todd Lee M.D.
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Betaine
Betaine is one of the most underrated supplement that a bodybuilder should use. This inexpensive supplement needs to be a staple along with whey protein and amino acids.
My Rating
5 out of 5; Skin splitting pump!
What is it?
Betaine is derived from beets, spinach, and other foods. It is actually Trimethylglycine, an amino acid and is a methyl donor which regenerates Methionine back from Homocysteine. Methionine is important in cellular function. So, it stands to reason that increased availability of Methionine would lead to increased protein synthesis in stimulated muscle tissue.
BETAINE EFFECTS
According to Apicella, J. M., et al. the protein in question is the IGF 1 receptor, which when enough Betaine was administered, had elevated levels for 24 hours. More receptors for IGF-1 means more growth. IGF -1 is one of the most important factors for muscle growth along with cell swelling. And you guessed it! Betaine also drives water into the cell causing it to swell! This leads to more muscle growth (hypertrophy) and muscle cell splitting (hyperplasia). In other words, it actually helps you grow new muscle cells and makes the ones you already have bigger!
The Evidence
In a 2013 issue of, The Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, a Springfield Massachusetts College study was detailed involving two test groups. The subjects were experienced lifters and followed an undulating weight-training program for 6 weeks. The control group was not administered Betaine and had no changes in body fat, lean body mass or arm size. The tested group, however, was administered 1.25 g of Betaine twice daily and increased arm size by 10% and fat-free mass increased 4 pounds while fat mass decreased 7 pounds.
My Take
My best guess as to why the mass gained was 4 pounds and the fat loss was 7 pounds is because the athletes probably weren't eating enough calories. That Betaine was so effective at growing muscle it had to burn the stored energy in the subject's body fat just to grow! So I would think that if they ate 500 more calories a day they would have lost little to no fat but gained 11 pounds of muscle on average.
How To Use It
The tested amount was 1.25 grams 2 times a day, but if it's underdosed, it doesn't work. Since there are no known side effects, I would use 2 grams twice a day just to be sure along with 2 g pre-workout and 2 g post workout for up to double the IGF 1 receptor expression and incredible results! Remember to consume 2 gallons of water a day in order to take advantage of the cell swelling and insane pumps this amazing product has to offer!
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REFERENCES
Lee E.C., et al. Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on strength and power performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 Jul 19; 7: 27.
Trepanowski, J. F, et al. The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance, skeletal muscle oxygen saturation and associated biochemical parameters in resistance trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Dec; 25(12): 3461-71
Pryor, J. L., et al. Effect of betaine supplementation on cycling sprint performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 Apr 3; 9(1): 12.
Apicella, J. M., et al. Betaine supplementation enhances anabolic endocrine and Akt signaling in response to acute bouts of exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013 Mar; 113(3): 793-802.
Cholewa, J. M., et al. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Aug 22; 10(1): 39
Disclaimer
Nothing in this article or on this site should be considered medical advice or as an endorsement to violate any law of the country in which you reside. The information given is for fun and entertainment purposes only. All claims are 100% dependent upon proper diet and exercise. Please consult a medical practitioner prior to any diet and exercise program.