AMS Carb Free Body Mortar – Precise 4 Parts Leucine: 1 Part Isoleucine and Valine (4:1:1 Ratio). Recovery Enhancing Glutamine and Zero Carbs = Calorie burning Anabolic Cascade.

Undoubtedly, you want every heart pounding, energy depleting, iron pumping set to count. The conundrum is, with the plethora of supplements on the market today – how do you choose? How do you know which one is absolutely the best? You’ve tried many – probably with decent results. But have you peaked? Have you truly maximized and stimulated every muscle fiber to generate protein synthesis and recovery to its max?

Carb Free Body Mortar is it! The real deal…let me tell you why.

Common knowledge:

Leucine is a vital essential amino acid; the body cannot synthesize it naturally – it needs to come from the diet. You’ve undoubtedly heard of its ability to initiate protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Importantly, out of all the BCAA’s, only L-leucine can be oxidized by muscles for ATP production. By contrast, L-isoleucine and L-valine provide relatively little energy for muscles, and a molecule of either yields only one acetyl group. During strenuous exercise, L-leucine is oxidized at a greatly accelerated pace.

What else:

Leucine serves a number of purposes in human physiology related to strenuous muscle damaging exercise. It is a simple, dietary method to help preserve skeletal muscle tissue, enhance protein synthesis and decrease protein breakdown during times of catabolism (If you’re training hard enough, catabolism should be rampant). Leucine’s principle mechanism of action is activating the anabolic pathway known as mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). This key pathway is a baseline by which the body determines whether or not sufficient protein exists to begin the synthesis of new skeletal tissue protein (i.e. muscle). Protein synthesis is initiated when there is a greater concentration of leucine in the mTOR pathway. Leucine will also cause a release of insulin, which will further encourage anabolism (it’s also one reason we added some carbs to Body Mortar – to capitalize on promoting massive glycogen storage). Supplemental leucine is ideal to assist in potentiation of anabolic activities for lean mass promotion and its anti-catabolism properties. Leucine will also aid muscles in the recovery from the vigorous training from any type of athlete.

Now let’s get serious (In-depth scientific view):

Leucine most likely controls protein turnover in muscle at the level of translation initiation. Leucine, when combined with the other two branched-chain amino acids (BCAA’s) valine and isoleucine, have also been shown to be anabolic and speed recuperation. BCAA’s have been shown to independently stimulate muscle protein synthesis, a key consideration for the ability of the body to induce muscle gains. Other research has even shown that BCAA supplementation increases the hormones: testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin. All of these are highly anabolic hormones. Research also shows that under conditions of extreme stress, BCAA supplementation was shown to increase muscle mass, while subjects ingesting a placebo had no such change. *The important thing here is that these people gained muscle under periods of intense training.

Tell me why Carb Free Body Mortar?

Let’s get to the guts of Carb Free Body Mortar and what makes it so special. Norton’s group has looked extensively at the pathways related to Leucine and mTOR. In 2007 his group published a paper on a study demonstrated that leucine’s effects were synergistic with insulin. Norton states toward the end of the study “in most cases, the combination of amino acid supplements with carbohydrates produces additive effects on the stimulation of the PI3-kinase and mTOR pathways, producing the maximum rates of protein synthesis during recovery.” In other words, some level of carbohydrates should be co administered with the leucine and other amino acids, in order to maximize the mTOR cascade and reap the most benefits of leucine administration on protein synthesis.

We use the most important muscle too!

A heavily relied on study AMS used in the formulation of Carb Free Body Mortar was conducted by Crowe et al, 2006. Here the effects of leucine alone (no other BCAA’s) were investigated on measures of body power, work and time to exhaustion. Results from this study showed significant increases in plasma leucine and additional increases in total power and time to exhaustion through supplementation of 45 mg/kg over the course of 6 weeks of supplementation. For a 220 lb bodybuilder, that equates to 4.5 g Leucine daily. Interestingly though, plasma concentrations of not only Leucine, but Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine were all increased through the supplementation of Leucine alone!

More on Carb Free Body Mortar.

AMS believes L-leucine is far and above the best of the BCAA family when it comes to increasing protein synthesis – hence the copious levels included in Carb Free Body Mortar to ensure ample supplies. This stems part from theory part from the scientific community including the work of Anthony, JC et al 2000 and of course, the Crowe study mentioned above. However, even though it comprises an integral part of Carb Free Body Mortar, L-valine and L-isoleucine are also key ingredients, along with L-Glutamine – so here are a few of their benefits:

L-valine and L-isoleucine are other essential components of the BCAA family. They are used to maintain a positive nitrogen balance in the body. They also help support the repair of skeletal tissues. Glutamine is known as a cell volumizer and comprises the majority of dry weight of aminos within the cell. It is a critical component for recovery and repair of tissues.

With Carb Free Body Mortar, we decided to offer a zero calorie version of our first launched Body Mortar BCAA powder (30 grams of fast-digesting simple sugars per serving) so all competitive athletes with multiple goals, conditions and specific physical demands could utilize this product essential for muscle growth and recovery.

The end result with Carb Free Body Mortar is high concentrations of critical protein synthesis enhancing nutrients coupled with copious amounts of supporting ingredients so no supplement need goes unoffered to AMS athletes

Anthony JC, YoshizawaF, Anthony TG, Vary TC, Jefferson LS, Kimball SR. Leucinestimulates translation initiation in skeletal muscle of postabsorptiverats via a rapamycin-sensitive pathway. J Nutr, 130: 2413-2419. 2000.

Anthony JC, Anthony TG, Kimball SR, Vary TC, Jefferson LS. Orally administered leucinestimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of postabsorptiverats in association with increased eIF4F formation. J Nutr, 130: 139-145. 2000.

Crowe MJ, Weatherson JN, Bowden BF. Effects of dietary leucine supplementation on exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol, 97: 664–672. 2006.

Coburn JW, Housh DJ, Malek MH, Beck TW, Cramer JT, Johnson GO, Donlin PE. Effects of leucine and whey protein supplementation during eight weeks of unilateral resistance training. J Strength Cond Res, 20(2): 284–291. 2006.

Norton LE, Layman DK. Leucine Regulates Translation Initiation of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal

Muscle after Exercise. J Nutrition, 136: 533-537. 2006.

The ultimate performance-enhancing agent now comes in a rapid dissolve tablet! 

As we continue to develop and launch the best and most convenient workout supplements possible, we are now offering 1-Androsterone™ in our new RD™ (rapid dissolve) formula. The RD™ tablet delivers the same ultra-efficient dose of the active compound in a super-fast disintegrating formula designed for ease of use, travel and personal preference.

AMS’ rapid dissolve (RD) delivery uses F-Melt™ technology to quickly break apart the tablet in your mouth – allowing for maximum absorption.

1-Androsterone RD™: Experience the same lean mass and strength gains as you did with 1-Androsterone capsules plus these benefits:

• 100% bioavailability makes them far superior to the 15% conversion of encapsulated pro anabolics based on the 1,4 andro studies.
• Ultra efficient RD ™delivery system
• Completely avoid liver first pass
• Reach blood plasma levels sooner
• Utilize alternate bio-pathway for maximum multi-supplement stacking
• Rapid dissolve pro anabolics have an advantage over their encapsulated cousins due to their unique RD™ delivery system – brought to you by Advanced Muscle Science.

1-Androsterone RD™ (1-Androstene-3b-ol, 17-one complex), contains 20 mg per 1 RD tablet of 1-Androsterone complexed into a unique oral delivery called rapid dissolve. The specific active chemical vector is Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD). HPBC forms stable aqueous complexes like 1-Androsterone RD™, enabling hydrophobic molecules (1-Androstene-3b-ol, 17-one) to penetrate body tissue. RD™ is such a unique delivery system because it encapsulates the active molecular compound in a way that prolongs residence in the bloodstream, enhances intracellular penetration and preserves the active molecule until it reaches its desired location in the body. 

Just like similar molecules, 1-Androsterone has a half life. When taken in pill form, you rely on the body to break the pill down then the molecule, resulting in wasted time and causing excess stress on the liver and other organs (1-Androsterone RD™ avoids the first pass through the liver entirely). This often results in only 15% of the molecule being delivered in the first hour. So for you to achieve sufficient blood levels of the molecule in pill form you must take 100 mg (15 mg the first hour) 2 times a day. However 1-Androsterone RD™ is complexed in the HPBCD, the full dose of 20 mg can be delivered in 1 hour (as compared to 15 mg with pills), reaching blood plasma levels sooner. 

Avoid first pass through the liver – maximizing the anabolic efficiency Reach desired anabolic blood plasma levels faster with five times the efficiency Anabolic rapid dissolve tablet spikes blood plasma levels faster and five times as efficient as standard oral capsules. 1-Androsterone RD™ is the perfect anabolic to stack with 4-AD Liquid/RD™ and Arom-X Liquid/RD™ or on its own for lean mass and strength results.

Pump Fixx ™ 

I hope by now, you’ve come to expect something different from Advanced Muscle Science. A formula unlike all the other copycats on the market.  Something unique and truly eye-catching and intriguing.  We took our time to formulate new Pump Fixx™ – and for good reason! The pre-workout market for dietary supplements is congested with me-too, knock-off products that quite honestly bore us to tears.  The way we saw it, either we had to create something different and vastly more effective or simply not launch a product at all.  After round and round of prototypes, attempting to create Pump Fixx™, we finally hit the jackpot.  One try of Pump Fixx™ and we know you will be hooked.  We’d be shocked if you don’t experience the most intense mega monster pumps, super strength augmentation, energy and workout performance ever felt before.  Having said that, let me tell you all about AMS’ new pre-workout Intensity Igniter – Pump Fixx™. 

Pump Fixx™ provides a trifecta of ingredients, targeting three precise pathways:  1)  Ignite your workout, both physically and mentally to provide the energy needed to maximize neurological and physiological performance.  2) Ramp up nitric oxide pathways to help maximize blood flow, mega monster pumps and 3)  Extend training time and intensity . 

Ignition 

Pump Fixx starts out with the AMS exclusive Halostachine™, a compound also known as N-methylphenylethanolamine. This potent beta adrenergic agonist plays an integral role in kick starting the thermogenic pathways to maximize energy and fatty acid release. The next stimulant added for enhancement in energy and workout performance is caffeine.  Caffeine serves a number of functions in the Pump Fixx formula.  First and foremost is its ability to quickly increase energy. In the scientific realm, one study of particular interest was performed by Beck in 2006.  This study was done on 37 resistance-training men, and assesses some key parameters of strength.  The results were astounding.  Subjects consuming the caffeine had a 2.1% increase in 1 Rep Max Bench Press, simply from the acute administration of caffeine.  Additionally, the total volume of weight lifted had a very strong trend towards increasing.  In a review article done by Doherty, looking at a multitude of different studies – some very interesting findings were noted.  One marker known as the Rating of Perceived Exertion had a 5.6% improvement. Additionally, performance was increased by a jaw dropping 11.2%.  The research on caffeine goes on and on.  This supplement has a long-standing history and is well known for its potent abilities.  

Schizandra is one of the latest up and coming compounds you are guaranteed to hear more about in the days to come.  This potent plant contains a variety of actives (including schizandrols) that have very powerful properties.  Much of the research on schizandra comes out of Russia, including a mega review done in 2008.  Schizandra has shown time and time again to help increase working capacity.  Researchers such as Karo, Lazarev, Kokhanova and others have shown beneficial effects in this area typically on the magnitude of 20-40% increase in working capacity and physical force.  Aside from its effects on working capacity, Schizandra has shown to have other benefits in the areas of enduance, mental performance and even accuracy of movement.  With all this data, we simply had to add it into Pump Fixx to help maximize performance in this already powerul formula. 

      If all that wasn’t enough, both beta-phenylethylamine and 1,3 dimethylpentylamine are also added.  These two compounds may help to increase norepinephrine, energy and workout performance by invoking energy inducing pathways. 

Pump-Vasodilation  

      When you’re training, there’s a point when you know this workout has surpassed all others.  We’re talking about that moment in time when it feels like no more blood can possibly expand into your muscles – like a balloon about to pop.  Vascular grooves that create valleys in your skin.  This is where Arginine Alpha Ketogluturate (A-AKG) comes in to help maximize nitric oxide and exercise performance. Arginine is there for enhanced NO, protein synthesis and ammonia removal. Arginine also serves as a precursor for protein synthesis, an essential component of recovery from intense exercise.   

      Campbell’s group has recently evaluated the effects of Arginine AKG in adult trained men.    This protocol consisted of 2 parts, the first looked at 10 men on A-AKG or a placebo.  Not surprisingly, Arginine-AKG ingestion was shown to elevate plasma arginine levels during the 8-hour period after consumption.  The second part of the protocol contained some more interesting information.   This part looked at 35 trained men over the course of an 8-week treatment period. Data from this part of the protocol showed some very interesting findings.  Not only did subjects consuming the arginine akg have a greater 1 rep max bench press but also effects were seen on power measurements from a Wingate analysis. Therefore anaerobic performance, as measured by two different parameters were both increased by consumption of the arginine akg. 

 

Intensify and Prolong 

      Ok, so at this point in training you are amped up and ready to lift like a beast.  You’re achieving reps like never before but at the same time physiologically, metabolic byproducts are building up in a resistance to degrade performance.  This is where some key additions in Pump Fixx come into play.  In order for maximum performance to continue, the body must rid itself of various metabolic byproducts that can quickly be generated during workouts.  The byproducts, particularly hydrogen ions and lactic acid, are some of the culprits that strive to terminate your workout prematurely.  You see, the energy or ATP-producing reactions create these metabolites and the more energy output there is, the more of these metabolites generated.   That’s why we’ve added copious amounts of Beta-Alanine to the Pump Fixx formulation – to allow workout performance to be extended by aiding the body in buffering these.  Beta-Alanine, along with the amino acid histidine, forms a compound known as Carnosine – which is responsible for these beneficial effects.   

        Some recent clinical trials have documented these effects. One such study showed total work increased by 13% in a cycle capacity test and that muscle carnosine concentrations were increased by 58.8% and 80.1% at 4 and 10 weeks.  (Hill et al, 2007)  Derave et al, 2007 showed total increases in muscle carnosine of 47% greater in the soleus and 37% in the gastrocnemius whereas placebo groups showed little change.  In addition, total torque during a dynamic knee extension was significantly increased with the use of ß -alanine.    

      Additionally in the Pump Fixx formulation is Creatinol-O-Phosphate.  This unique compound is not like the name seems. It may appear on the surface to be yet another form of creatine, however this is not the case.  COP is actually a novel intracellular buffer similar and potentially synergistic in combination with beta alanine.  Most of the research on this product comes out of Germany, but let me just summarize the highlights.  As mentioned above when you’re working out more intensely, so the greater and faster the buildup of lactic acid will be in the body.  COP helps to buffer this lactic acid by increasing anaerobic glycolysis, thereby helping to extend and maximize your workout.  Additionally, it may assist in the summation of muscle fibers during eccentric motion, thereby allowing for greater muscle stimulation and thus performance and hypertrophy.    

      If all that wasn’t enough in terms of muscle buffering, the entire Pump Fixx platform is designed in a base of sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate.  Bicarbonates or hydrogen carbonates have an extensive history of use for buffering and enhancing strenuous workouts.  When undergoing intensive training, muscle cells utilize large amounts of energy (ATP) in relatively short periods of time. The problem is ATP production resulting from intense training produces rapid accumulations of lactic acid.  If lactic acid is buffered appropriately, performance can degrade quickly and the onset of fatigue can occur.  Again, by helping to rid the body of some of these potent by-products of intense training, muscles can work harder and longer before the onset of fatigue. 

      Finally – something new, different and highly effective.  Pump Fixx provides the latest chemistry lab technologies and you’ll be sure to feel the results once you begin training on Pump Fixx.  More energy, enhanced workout performance and endurance – and a pump like never before. 
 

 

References: 

1. Begum G, Cunliffe a, Leveritt M.  Physiological role of carnosine in contracting muscle. 
   Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005 Oct;15(5):493-514. Review. 
   

2. Derave W, Ozdemir MS, Harris R et al.  Beta-alanine supplementation augments muscle carnosine content and attenuates fatigue during repeated isokinetic contraction bouts in trained sprinters. J Appl Physiol. 2007 
   

3. Hill CA, Harris RC, Kim HJ et al.  Influence of beta-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity.  Amino Acids. 2007 Feb;32(2):225-33.  
   

4. Marechal G, Gailly P.. Effects of nitric oxide on the contraction of skeletal muscle. 
   Cell Mol Life Sci. 1999 Jul;55(8-9):1088-102. Review. 
   

5. Stamler JS, Meissner G..  Physiology of nitric oxide in skeletal muscle. 
   Physiol Rev. 2001 Jan;81(1):209-237. Review. 
   

6. Tatsumi R, Hattori A, Ikeuchi Y, Anderson JE, Allen RE..  Release of hepatocyte growth factor from mechanically stretched skeletal muscle satellite cells and role of pH and nitric oxide.Mol Biol Cell. 2002 Aug;13(8):2909-18. 
   

7. Tong BC, Barbul A. Cellular and physiological effects of arginine. 
   Mini Rev Med Chem. 2004 Oct;4(8):823-32. Review. 
   

8. Liapakis G, Chan WC, Papadokostaki M, Javitch JA. Synergistic contributions of the functional groups of epinephrine to its affinity and efficacy at the beta2 adrenergic receptor. Mol Pharmacol. 2004 May;65(5):1181-90.