L-Citrulline Citrulline is a non-essential, non-protein amino acid that forms during the urea cycle and forms ornithine when combined with carbon dioxide. Citrulline is also a critical source of endogenous (natural) arginine, as it is rapidly and efficiently converted to arginine in the vascular endothelium and other tissues. Citrulline’s benefits have been shown to be greater than its parent compound. While arginine undergoes direct hepatic (liver) metabolism through the enzyme arginase, citrulline bypasses hepatic metabolism entirely and it is delivered straight to the bloodstream. The result is that gut absorption and plasma (blood) bioavailability studies comparing citrulline and arginine have shown two things. First, citrulline is less readily destroyed and has greater absorption than arginine. Second, citrulline supplementation increases arginine levels more effectively than arginine supplementation itself. This translates to promising results. For example, animal studies show a significant increase in anaerobic performance at a 250mg/kg/day serving of citrulline, while studies in humans implicate citrulline in both aerobic and anaerobic performance increases. As a critical part of the urea cycle, citrulline’s performance benefits are thought to be a result of its role in ammonia clearance. Citrulline is implicated in reducing the oxygen cost of muscle processes, along with increasing the rate of post-exercise ATP and phosphocreatine replenishment. As ATP and phosphocreatine are the body’s ‘exercise fuel,’ this may result in citrulline delaying time to exhaustion in aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Beta Alanine Carnosine is crucial for muscle function, and dietary sources of carnosine are essential, but increasing intramuscular concentrations was a challenge until beta-alanine was discovered. Beta-alanine is the most effective means of significantly increasing intramuscular concentrations of carnosine, enhancing muscle performance. Beta-alanine also has beneficial effects independent of carnosine. Carnosine acts as a high-capacity pH buffer in skeletal muscles, preventing pH-dependent processes from being inhibited by acidosis during exercise. However, carnosine synthesis is limited by the availability of l-alanine. Beta-alanine supplementation overcomes this limitation, consistently increasing intramuscular carnosine levels, with studies showing increases of 40-60% with chronic use. Exercise further enhances beta-alanine’s effects. Beta-alanine supplementation has shown to improve total work capacity, endurance, muscle power, and strength, making it a highly effective dietary supplement for performance enhancement. Betaine Anhydrous Betaine, found naturally in organisms like spinach and beets, helps cells handle osmotic stress and supports muscle performance. Studies show that betaine supplementation improves endurance, strength, and power output. Additionally, betaine may enhance the hypertrophic response to resistance training, offering promising benefits for athletes and active individuals. N-Acetyl L-Carnitine ALCAR, an acetylated version of l-carnitine, offers higher bioavailability and supports energy production, fat metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It enhances neuronal function and has significant potential in improving both physical and cognitive performance, making it an essential supplement for many. Enfinity® Paraxanthine Paraxanthine, a metabolite of caffeine, delivers energy and focus without the side effects of traditional caffeine. Its shorter half-life ensures smoother energy, improved cognitive performance, and better adaptability for individuals with varying caffeine metabolism. VasoDrive-AP® VasoDrive-AP® contains lactotripeptides that reduce ACE activity, improving blood flow and endothelial function. This leads to better oxygen delivery, making it a valuable addition for cardiovascular health and physical performance. Cognizin® Citicoline Cognizin® supports brain health by enhancing acetylcholine production, crucial for memory and focus. It crosses the blood-brain barrier effectively and provides long-lasting cognitive benefits without the crash of synthetic stimulants. Senactiv® Senactiv®, derived from Panax notoginseng and Rosa roxburghii, rejuvenates cells, reduces inflammation, and improves recovery. It supports glycogen storage and oxygen delivery, enhancing performance and speeding up recovery. Huperzia serrata Huperzia serrata contains Huperzine A, a compound that improves memory and cognition by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. It has shown promise in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s disease.
