Bodybuilder’s needs are different, and usually greater than that of your average fitness enthusiast. The IFBB PRO brand delivers two notable products that may benefit your bodybuilding arsenal in the nutritional and training realms.

The IFBB PRO XL5 Muscle Performance Blender is designed specifically to meet bodybuilder’s increased supplemental demand. When it comes to making pre and post workout shakes, the average blender is just inadequate for the job. Common problems that regular blenders pose are an inability to properly blend your protein powder, not having a large enough capacity to fit all of your supplements such as extra fruit, and not having the right horse power to do the job.

The IFBB PRO IFBB PRO XL5 Muscle Performance Blender toughts a commercial quality motor with 600 watts of blending power with pre programmed settings specifically for making protein powder smoothies. Stir Stick technology provides a more egonomic design for effectively blending protein powder. No more spillage while trying to pour your shake into a glass with the added dispensing valve for quick and easy serving. The glass blending jar holds an impressive XL sized 56 ounces of nutritional goodness. The blender has a stainless steel base with sleek looks that won’t cheapen the look of your kitchen with its presence, and also comes with a 1 year warranty. You can purchase the IFBB PRO XL5 Muscle Performance Blender through BodyBuilding.com for $54.99

If you use training gloves, then you may want to consider upgrading to the IFBB PRO -Lifter Gloves. These training gloves may cost a little more but they deliver a more advanced design & durable construction than your average training gloves.

Probably the most noteworthy feature of the Lifter Gloves is the patented high-performance Breathe-O-Prene® AR SILVERtec™ fabric that the gloves are constructed from. Breathe-O-Prene is superior to neoprene, featuring EPA certified silver nano-crystals that are embedded directly into the interior layer of Breathe-O-Prene®, resulting in quick drying, anti-microbial protection and reduction of odor causing bacteria.

The fabric is breathable, moisture wicking, exceptionally supportive, latex-free, and provides 4-way stretch and extreme durablility. IFBB PRO Lifter Gloves are manufactured utilizing the highest grade, softest imported leather available. With extra long fingers utilizing a unique jointed knuckle design, as well as the all leather padded palm, the highly durable IFBB PRO Lifter Gloves provide maximum flexibility and protection. You can purchase a pair of IFBB PRO -Lifter Gloves for $34.99 at BodyBuilding.com

]]> http://blogs.fullwaza.com/PumptheIron/2009/09/07/ifbb-pro-blender-lifter-gloves/feed/ 0 http://blogs.fullwaza.com/PumptheIron/2009/08/24/supreme-protein-carb-conscious-bar/ http://blogs.fullwaza.com/PumptheIron/2009/08/24/supreme-protein-carb-conscious-bar/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:31:18 +0000 PumptheIron http://blogs.fullwaza.com/PumptheIron/?p=592 Supreme Protein’s Carb Conscious protein bars are amongst BodyBuilding.com’s top 5 selling protein bars. They advertise their protein bars as containing  “more high-quality whey isolate than any other product of its kind. This pure and powerful protein is unmatched in amino content, bioavailability and muscle-building benefits. Powered by ultra-pure, premium-grade whey protein isolate, these amazingly delicious sports bars represent the ultimate combination of flavor and function”.

16 grams of fat per bar sounds alarming at first, but learning that the product contains ‘good fats’, the nutritional value comes to light. The manufacturer states, “(Supreme Protein Bars) contain healthy fats, including flaxseed oil, an excellent spectrum of vitamins and minerals and zero trans fat”.

However, considering that each bar contains 360 calories and 34 grams of carbohydrates, it is apparent that this bar’s most beneficial use may be as a light, non-filling pre workout meal or quick post work out supplement before the ‘real meal’.

Check out Bodybuilding.com’s protein bar finder, to search for the perfect protein bar to suit your needs.

“The scientific debate over which form of protein possesses the greatest anabolic power came to an end a few years ago, with one form emerging the clear winner. Compared to whey concentrates, caseins, milk or soy proteins, whey protein isolate (WPI) contains the highest amounts of the valuable microfractions in whey that support increases in lean muscle mass. It has higher concentrations of the essential branched chain amino acids L-isoleucine, L-leucine, and l-valine, and is a rich source of the powerful microfractions alpha-lactalbumin and glycomacropeptides, which are key factors in enhancing bioavailability, boosting immune response and greatly increasing anabolic activity. Whey isolate also has demonstrated a nutrient partitioning effect, driving nutrients away from fat storage and toward accumulation of lean muscle tissue. Finally, high quality whey protein isolate contains no fat, lactose or impurities”.

Government health officials recently sent out a warning to dieters and body builders to immediately stop using Hydroxycut, a widely sold supplement linked to cases of serious liver damage and at least one death.

The Food and Drug Administration said the company that makes the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products. Available in grocery stores and pharmacies, Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients. At least 9 million packages were sold last year, the FDA said.

Dr. Linda Katz of the FDA’s food and nutrition division said the agency has received 23 reports of liver problems, including the death of a 19-year-old boy living in the Southwest. The teenager died in 2007, and the death was reported to the FDA this March.

Other patients experienced symptoms ranging from jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, to liver failure. One received a transplant and another was placed on a list to await a new liver. The patients were otherwise healthy and their symptoms began after they started using Hydroxycut.

Iovate Health Sciences, which makes the diet pills, said it agreed to the recall out of “an abundance of caution.” Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names.

“While this is a small number of reports relative to the many millions of people who have used Hydroxycut products over the years, out of an abundance of caution and because consumer safety is our top priority, we are voluntarily recalling these Hydroxycut-branded products,” the company said in a statement on its Web site. Consumers can get a refund by returning the pills to the store they purchased them from, the company said.

Katz said it has taken so long to get a handle on the Hydroxycut problem because the cases of liver damage were rare and the FDA has no authority to review supplements before they’re marketed. “Part of the problem is that the FDA looks at dietary supplements from a post-market perspective, and an isolated incident is often difficult to follow,” she said.

The FDA relies on voluntary reports to detect such problems, and many cases are never reported, officials acknowledge.

Health officials said they have been unable to determine which Hydroxycut ingredients are potentially toxic, partially because the formulation has changed several times.

Public health researcher Ano Lobb, who has studied Hydroxycut and other dietary supplements for Consumer Reports, said the problem may be an ingredient called hydroxycitric acid. Derived from a tropical fruit, it’s been linked to liver problems in at least one medical journal study. Lobb said it’s likely that other supplements containing the same ingredient remain on the market.

“You really have to be careful about dietary supplements, especially weight-loss pills,” said Lobb. “People believe that the FDA has verified that these products are at least safe and effective, and that’s really not the case. When you see fantastic claims _ that’s generally what they are.”

Recalled Products

The list of products being recalled by Iovate currently includes:

* Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
* Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
* Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
* Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
* Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
* Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
* Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
* Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
* Hydroxycut 24
* Hydroxycut Carb Control
* Hydroxycut Natural

Although many of the original prohormones/prosteroids such as Halodrol-50, by Gaspari Nutrition, are no longer sold because many of them were voluntarily discontinued by the manufacturer due to government pressure, many of the substances themselves were never made illegal, resulting in the later day production of clones of the originals. So basically, some of the original prohormones/prosteroids from years ago like Halodrol-50, are technically still available; you just have to know what you are looking for to find a clone, if one exists. Some of the prohormones/prosteroids were never even banned. Here are a few real prohormone or prosteroid supplements that are legally available. *Update: Since the publishing of this article, most – if not all – of the linked and described substances have been taken off the market.

• Halodrol
  (4-chloro-17a-methyl-1,4-diene-3,17 diol)
  Halodrol-50 was introduced to the bodybuilding world in 2005 by Gaspari Nutrition and is a prosteroid of Turinabol, the banned East German designer steroid. It is essentially a “diol” version of Turinabol. The original Halodrol-50 by Gaspari Nutrition may have been the single best selling hormonal product ever sold over the counter in the U.S. during its brief production period. Gaspari discontinued production of Halaodrol-50 in mid 2006 admist governmental pressure. Although Gaspari’s Halodrol-50 is no longer available, there are generic equivalents today such as Competitive Edge Labs H-Drol or EST Hemadrol. The typical dose for products such as H-Drol is 50mg-100mg a day, which equates to one to two tablets daily. This prosteroid is non-aromatizable, and exhibits a greater tendency for anabolic as compared to androgenic effect.
  Effects & Side effects: Like the old prohormone 4-AD, this is a 4-en-3b-ol and so should have excellent first-pass conversion to the active compound in the liver. Oral Turinabol (the target hormone) will not aromatize and probably only has a moderate suppressive effect upon the HPTA. There is not a whole lot of literature out there on its anabolic potency, though Vida has it listed as less than one time the anabolic potency as methyltestosterone orally, so this is not the most potent stuff in the world. The Vida data on androgenicity is lacking, but the chemical’s combination of delta 1,2 unsaturation and 4-chloro substitution likely combine to make it pretty low in this regard. As a weak androgen and non-aromatizer, it probably does not have much liver toxicity, although being a 17a-methyl the potential is always there.
  Bottom line is this stuff is one of the safer products out there, although dosages of at least 25-50 milligrams a day for men are probably needed for really noticeable effects. These effects nonetheless should be high quality— lean mass with minimal water retention. Chlorodehydromethylandrostenediol is a c17-alpha alkylated compound and is hence, hepatotoxic. Intake of c17-alpha alkylated steroids is commonly limited to 6-8 weeks, in an effort to avoid escalating liver strain. Studies have shown that taking an oral anabolic steroid with food may decrease its bioavailability so prosteroids and prohormones should be taken on an empty stomach.
• Methylclostebol
  (4-chloro-17a-methyl-androst-4-en-3b,17b-diol)
  This is very closely related steroid to the Oral Turinabol, differing only by the lack of the 1,2-double bond. It converts to a steroid called Methylclostebol that may or may not have been marketed in Europe at one time. Once again, the 4-chloro substitution prevents it from being aromatized and also prevents 5a-reduction to a DHT derivative so its androgenic potential is only moderate (Vida has it at 0.1 versus methyltest). Methylclostebol only has an anabolic rating of 0.4 versus methyltest, though, so this precursor— despite likely having excellent conversion— is not a really strong compound. But for safe and clean fun, it’s not a bad bet. It likely does not differ too much from the Oral Turinabol precursor in both potency and quality of results. This oral anabolic steroid is derived from testosterone and is also non aromatizable. This product was designed by Bruce Kneller, the same person that developed Halodrol, and was marketed as Promagnon by Peak Performance Labs and voluntarily discontinued in 2006. This product is closest in structure to chloromethyltestosterone, which is a non aromatizable and milder analog of methyltestosterone which displays 30-50% of the anabolic activity of methyltestosterone, with about 10% accompanying androgenic activity. Dosages: 50-100mg.
• Epistane/Havoc/Methepitiostane/Hemaguno
  (2a-3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol)
  Methepitiostane is an oral anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone. This drug exhibits an anabolic effect that is roughly 12 times more pronounced than its androgenic effect, and also imparts an anti estrogenic effect. RPN’s product Havoc and IBE’s Epistane were introduced at practically the same time and considered interchangeable by many. However, it should be noted that even when two products are identical, users can experience different effects depending on the quality of the isomer, manufacturing process and so on. With Havoc and Epistane they are chemically very slightly different 2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol 2 (Havoc), and 2, 3a-epithio-17a-methyletioallo cholan-17b-ol (Epistane). Dosages are usually in the 10-30mg range. Competitive Edge Labs E-Stane is probably the cheapest listed version of Methepitiostane.
  Effects & Side Effects: Contrary to the previous two entries— which were steroid precursors— this is an active steroid. It also differs from the previous two in that it is a very potent hormone. According to Vida, it possesses 11 times the anabolic potency of methyltest while being 0.9 as androgenic. In the lab it breaks down under heat and certain chemical conditions to the steroid DMT (17a-Methyl-androstan-2-en-17b-ol), which has similar potency. Whether this happens in the body is not clear, but the possibility exists that this compound is simply a pro-drug and it is DMT that is actually the physiologically active species in the body. This stuff is a methylated derivative of the Japanese drug Epitiostanol, which is used to treat breast cancer due to its estrogen antagonist action. Because of this property, the gains seen from its use are relatively dry. The extent of HPTA shutdown is unknown, but being a powerful hormone, it is not likely to be modest in this regard. Liver toxicity is unknown as well, however user reports are lacking in the usual subjective feedback that indicates heavy liver strain— lethargy, appetite disturbances, etc. This is one of the newest steroid products to hit the market and it is very popular right now. It probably is considered the best bang for the buck of the current lot.
• Finigenix Magnum
  (Estra-4, 9-dien-3, 17-dione)
  This is another steroid precursor, a dione to be specific. Diones only have moderately decent conversion, so this product will not possess the full activity of its active metabolite. The active metabolite in this case is the nandrolone derivative Estra-4,9-dien-17b-ol-3-one and according to Vida, it has an anabolic potency equal to methyltestosterone and an androgenic potency 0.1 times. It does not appear from my knowledge of steroid metabolism that this steroid aromatizes. However the potential for progestational activity is there, as it is with many 19-norandrogens. This stuff has been referred to as a trenbolone precursor, however this is inaccurate because trenbolone has an additional double bond in the structure and the body does not have the capacity to insert this double bond. Bottom line is that this is a weak hormone with so-so conversion that probably requires 50mg-100mg for physiological effects to be seen in most men. On the upside is the fact that it is not 17a-alkylated, so liver toxicity is not a serious issue.
• Pheraplex
  Madol/DMT-Desoxymethyltestosterone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene) or you may notice the clone products listed as (17a-methyl-etioallocholan-2-ene-17b-ol). Note the following nomenclature:
  etioallocholan = 5a-androst = ‘a skeleton’ or ‘a isomer’
  etiocholan = 5b-androst = ‘b skeleton’ or ‘b isomer’
  17beta-hydroxy = 17b-ol
  estra = 19-norandrost
  Pheraplex was originally sold as a sports nutrition product in 2005 as ErgoMax LMG (Lean Mass Generator) which is now found in the form of clones like Kilo Sports’ Phera-Mass or Competitive Edge Labs’ P-Plex. Madol/DMT is an exceedingly potent synthetic oral steroid with a very high anabolic to androgenic rating (Anabolic 1,200 to Androgenic 187). Madol is mg for mg significantly more anabolic than methyltestosterone. It should be noted that manufacture of this product is not easy and impurities of the product (being both a 2-ene and 3-ene isomers in a 4:1 ratio on the DMT raw material tested by the UCLA Olympic Analytical Lab) are so common that the existence of pure DMT (Desoxymethyltestosterone), has not been independently confirmed. Typically dosed at 5-15 mg a day, the dosage should be 10-30 mg a day due to the product possibly being an impure mixture of DMT and its isomers. DMT is most ideally used during cutting phases but is potent enough to stack with other agents for bulking purposes.
• Superdrol
  Currently available from Competitive Edge Labs, and KiloSports
  Nomenclature: 2a, 17a-dimethyl-5a-androstane-17b-ol-3-one
  Methyldrostanolone/ Methasteron/c17-alpha version of Masteron (Drostanolone)
  Potent oral anabolic that is 4 times as potent as methyltest and only 20% the androgenicity. Dosage is 10-30mg daily. A nickname for Superdrol is Super-Anadrol, in reference to its strength being close to the mildness of Anadrol. Expect a ten pound gain off this product alone, not 30 lbs.  However, this stuff is potent and toxic. It used to be the best selling of the legal steroids of the post-2005 ban. It also used to be touted as being safe, with little HPTA shutdown or liver toxicity. We now know better. People have reportedly gotten sick from this stuff, some almost died. Many have had prolonged testosterone suppression for long times after taking it. Of course some have loved the stuff and experienced little in the way of negative side effects. Companies that originally sold it had to stop because they got letters from the FDA. It now pops up in some formulas, usually hidden under clone names. Superdrol has a Anabolic rating of 400 and Androgenic rating of 20 as compared to Methyltestosterone as a standard and is also non aromatizable. It is worth noting that although no clinical trials have been performed on this drug, many users have reported an incidence of a host of very strong side effects being associated with this supplement.
• M-1,4ADD
  (17a-methyl-1,4-androstadiene-3,17 diol) -Pro hormone to Dianabol (17a-methyl-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one) or (1-Dehydro-17a-methyltestosterone)
  This compound has recently been reintroduced by Competitive Edge Labs among others and is from the old school of prohormones – a classic wet bulker which converts into Dianabol. This pro hormone is a good choice for rapid mass and strength gains but the gains will tend to cause smoothness due to the aromatization, water retention, and in increase in body fat along with muscle. Having a lower level of relative androgenicity than testosterone, methandrostenolone is classified as an “anabolic” steroid, although quite a distinct androgenic side is still present. This drug (as the steroid-Dianabol) was designed as an oral medication although injectible veterinary solutions exist, has historically been the most commonly used oral steroid used for physique enhancing purposes. It is interesting to note that Dianabol is structurally identical to Boldenone, except that Dianabol is methylated-17a-methyl. The obvious differences between the characteristics of the two hormones makes clear the impact that methylation has on hormones. Dianabol has an androgenic range of 40-60 and a anabolic value range of 90-210 as compared to methyltestosterone. As a steroid, Dianabol (17a-methyl-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one) should be dosed at 15-30mg per day for a 6-8 week cycle; the prohormone dosage may or may not be identical.
  This Dianabol precursor differs only in the presence of a hydroxyl group in the 3 position, where a ketone is supposed to be, however the conversion of the hydroxyl to the ketone in the body should be quite efficient. The possibility exists, however, for any remaining unconverted material to exert direct estrogenic effects, but I have not heard of any user reports concerning this that have raised any alarm. Dianabol, of course, is a decent anabolic compound with modest androgenic action and low toxicity for a 17a-methyl. Most people feel good on Dianabol unless the estrogen problems become an issue. Users would likely need a minimum of 25mg to start seeing gains.
• 1,4 AD Boldione
  Innovator: Molecular Nutrition Dosages: 300-600mg
  Boldione (1,4 Androstadiene-sterone or 1,4-Androstadiene-3,17-dione) is a pro hormone to the steroid, Boldenone (1,4-androstadiene-3-one, 17beta-ol). As compared to Testosterone as a standard, Boldenone has an androgenic rating of 50 and an anabolic rating of 100. A good non liver toxic prosteroid that works best when stacked with another steroid. Will produce slow, mild gains that are known to last. Boldenone is not a rapid mass builder and positive effects become most apparent when it is used for longer cycles around 8 weeks or more in duration. The muscle gained should be more defined and solid as opposed to a cycle of testosterone. With the pro hormone Boldione, expect a dramactic increase in appetite and some joint repartioning effects have even been common. Boldenone often replaces Decca in many users stacks due to similar low androgenic and joint repartioning properties. A down side to this pro hormone is that it must be dosed high (well over 600 mg a day), which tends to make this an expensive supplement to use.
• Propadrol
  Innovator: EST Nutrition
  Nomenclures: 12-ethyl-3-methoxy-gona-diene &
  6-17 dihydroxyetiocholone-3-ol proponate
  It is usually dosed at 90mg a day.
  Effects: noted to be good for reducing body fat and for promoting rapid strength and muscle gains.
  Side effects: relatively mild with this compound
• Max LMG
  Innovator: ALRI, Several Clones exist now such as Mass LMG and Super Tren-MG
  Nomenclature: 13-ethyl-3methoxygona-2, 5(10)-dien-17-one
  (13-ethyl-3methoxygona-2, 5(10)-dien-17-one)
  This is usually dosed at around 100mg a day.
  Effects: rapid gains in bulk of a wet nature due to its progestogenic nature are possible. Great for those needing fast weight gain.
• Methoxy-TST
  (17b-methoxytrienosterone)
  This product was brought to the market by Bioscience Technologies and is usually dosed at 6-12mg to see results. A clone of this particular product may not be available anymore.
  Effects: not a strong bulking product unless doses are pushed high despite its androgenic profile. In this respect it is not dissimilar to AAS such as Masteron and Proviron which are not efficient for bulking.
  Side effects: androgenic side effects such as hair loss are reported quite frequently and many users report a damaging effect on libido. This product or a clone of this product may not be on the market anymore.
• Furaguno/ Orastan-A
  Miotolan (Furazabol)
  Nomenclature: 17-Methyl-5a androstano[2,3-c] furazan-17b-ol
  In my opinion, this chemical looks a lot more impressive than the actions it has in the body are. It is a structural analog to the methylated steroid Furazabol. Furazabol is an androgen that used to be used in Japan to treat high cholesterol. It is best known as the steroid that Ben Johnson was supposed to be receiving from Dr. Astaphan back in 1988. Of course, the stuff Ben was putting in his ass was actually stanozolol (so the story goes), which led to his humiliating drug-positive days after whipping Carl Lewis’ ass in the 100 meters in Seoul.
  Furazabol is in fact a lot like stanozolol (aka Winstrol) in that it shares an odd heterocyclic ring attached to the A ring of the steroid nucleus. Pharmacologically, the two are much alike as well— highly anabolic compounds which do not aromatize and give very nice dry gains. However, this analog does not seem to share anywhere near the potency of its methylated cousin. In fact doses as high as 100mg only give very slight gains, if any at all. The rationale behind the development of this stuff (and the stanozolol analog I am addressing next) is that unmethylated analogs of potent methylated compounds should also be potent. This simply is not the case and there are many cases in the literature where this fact has been demonstrated with steroid derivatives. Here is a analysis of Furaguno. [3,2-c]pyrazole-5a-androstan-17b-tetrahydropyranol ether is the stanozolol equivalent of the furazabol analog. And every crappy thing said about the former applies to this one. No need say more, hence they are listed together.
• 11-oxo/Adrenodione
  Innovator: Anabolic Xtreme / Ergopharm
  11-Oxo was developed by Ergopharm, whose founder Patrick Arnold first brought prohormones to the bodybuilding market. 11-Oxo is noted for its ability to lower cortisol levels. It is dosed at between 300-600mg a day with 450mg typical.
  Effects: used mainly as a recomposition agent and to promote fat loss.
  Side effects: although it can cause the same side effects as other prohormones, it is considered very mild in this regard so a good choice for people looking to diet with minimal side effects.
  Dosages: 450mg
  Nomenclature: andrenosterone, 11-oxo-androstenedione, or 4-androstene-3,11,17-trione (all mean the same)

Intro of Prohormones

The following information has been paraphrased from the original article by Reggie Johal of PredatorNutrition.com:

Prohormones are compounds which, technically speaking, are converted via an enzymatic process to anabolic hormones in the body. As such they have similar effects in the body to anabolic steroids, causing rapid muscle and strength gains, but of a lesser magnitude due to the rate limiting effect caused by the enzyme conversion. However, this technical definition is considered somewhat out of date due to the advances which have occurred in supplement science since the introduction of the first prohormone androstenedione. Instead, nowadays the term prohormones commonly covers not just precursors to steroid hormones but also covers compounds active in their own right and which require no conversion to a different hormone to engender an anabolic effect, hence the term prosteroid.

Prohormones were introduced into the supplement market in 1996 by Patrick Arnold who brought the prohormone androstenedione to the market. Androstenedione certainly generated a lot of excitement in the athletic world and is heavily linked in the popular press with baseball players such as Mark McGwire whose use of the supplement first brought notoriety both to that sport and garnered the attention of lawmakers in the USA. Androstenedione was rapidly followed by a number of compounds – androstenediol, norandrostenediol, 1-4-androstadienedione and 5 alpha androstenediol to name a few. These all had different effects profiles, some being converted to testosterone in the body after their ingestion, while others were converted in the body to target hormones such as nandrolone, boldenone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Eventually, Arnold introduced the prohormone 1-ad, which converted into a hormone called 1-testosterone. This was the first prohormone considered to be of comparable effectiveness to illegal steroids such as Winstrol or Primobolan. At this time prohormones had advanced considerably since the introduction of androstenedione (widely considered within bodybuilding to be pretty worthless). Following the introduction of 1-ad, the prohormone market changed dramatically. Realising that the process of enzymatic conversion meant that prohormones were necessarily weaker than taking an equal amount of the target hormone they converted into, some supplement companies began to avoid the use of hormone precursors, and began introducing onto the market products such as 1-testosterone (the hormone which 1-ad would convert to) and, eventually, methyl-1-testosterone (M1T), which was a 17-alpha alkylated or methylated hormone. In layman’s terms this meant that it was highly resistant to breakdown in the liver, and was the most powerful product on the market, causing rapid strength and muscle gains even for long-time steroid users, as well as causing a host of deleterious side effects such as high blood pressure, and elevation of liver enzymes.

The End of the Beginning
Many in the supplement industry argued that the proliferation of powerful products such as M1T would eventually cause negative publicity to attach itself to the supplement industry. They were proven right and eventually the US congress passed into law the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 which effectively classed all the products then on the market as illegal drugs on a par with anabolic steroids. By early 2005 they had been removed from the market.

Prohormone Characteristics

Prohormones and prosteroids exert their effects through multiple pathways but the ones that are most important to people are their actions via their effects on the body’s androgenic, estrogenic and progestogenic receptors. It is through these that their effects are largely mediated and their interaction with other pathways is of secondary importance. Most prohormones, like anabolic steroids, are androgen agonists meaning they work via their effect on the androgen receptor. A strong androgen receptor agonist will mean effects related to the male hormone testosterone will be particularly prominent – notably increased aggression, sex drive, increased risk of hair loss and acne. Linked to these is large increases in muscle strength, strong muscle gains of a dry nature, and a hardening effect on the muscles. Estrogenic and progestogenic effects tend to be similar – prohormones that convert to estrogen and progesterone can cause large increases in mass and strength but much of the mass is of a poor quality visually and such gains often disappear rapidly as they are associated with water retention more than anything else. Estrogenic side effects are feared by bodybuilders and include increased water weight, increased susceptibility to fat gain in the presence of high estrogen and worst of all, from a cosmetic standpoint, gynecomastia.

It should be stated that while there are some products which are almost exclusively androgenic in nature with little to no risk of estrogenic/progestogenic side effects, the reverse is not true, in that compounds with high affinity for estrogen and progesterone receptors will still have an impact on the androgen receptor. You will often hear of prohormones and prosteroids being called androgenic or oestrogenic or even both, but it should be stated this is often based on their primary method of action and that all will have an androgenic effect at some level. Apart from this, prohormones will differ in their impact on other variables. Typically strong androgens are useful for promoting strength gains via the central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, independent of their anabolic or muscle building effects. All OTS steroids will promote enhanced red blood cell production which is why users of prohormones and prosteroids typically experience great pumps and vascularity.

The British Journal of Pharmacology published a Review of the Pharmacology of Anabolic Steroids (2008) that is a very good explanation of the nature of the relationship between anabolic steriods and how they act in the body.

Paraphrasing and additions were referenced from the original article Prohormones – A Comprehensive Guide on Predatornutrition.com written by Reggie Johal, as well as MuscularDevelopment.com and Patrick Arnold.

Also referenced is the book Anabolics 2009, as cited below.

Llewellyn, William. Anabolics. 9th ed. Jupiter, FL: Molecular Nutrition, 2009.

Fact is, supplements are just too expensive for consumers to be making uneducated purchases on products that may or may not deliver the intended results. With natural testosterone boosting supplements, this is an ongoing issue. So the best option is to educate yourself on the ingredients that are in natural test boosting supplements by reviewing known research and data, and to learn what to look for in a product.

Also known as the Puncture vine, Tribulus terrestris is a herb that has been used in traditional medicine in Asia for centuries. The key compounds in Tribulus are called steroidal saponins. Two types, called furostanol glycosides and spirostanol glycosides, appear to be involved with the effects of tribulus. These saponins are found primarily in the leaf. Although there has been no premier definitive research on Tribulus’ testosterone enhancing properties, it supposedly increases luteinizing hormone in the body which can have an effect on circulating testosterone. Tribulus is known to be somewhat of an aphrodisiac.

Two critical factors that must be taken into account when taking a Tribulus product in order for it to be effective or noticeable is purity and dosage .

1. Purity

As a supplement, Tribulus comes in varying degrees of product purity. Examining the steroidial saponins content will indicate how pure the product is. Products often range as low as 20% purity to 80% with the most common purity level being 40-45% in the majority of Tribulus products.

2. Dosage

As stated in many studies, Tribulus administered in the low doses (under 1 gram) that is often seen in recommended serving amounts in a majority of products, is just ineffective. Of course, product purity will also factor into what constitutes an effective dose. A more appropriate recommendation is an average of 3-5 grams per serving, three or four times a day. Similar to oral anabolic/androgenic steroids that must be taken several times throughout the day, so should Tribulus as well. So when taking Tribulus, consuming the product  approximately every 4 hours should provide a constant effect. Now what one must consider when supplementing with Tribulus, is product cost efficiency. Since rather large doses are needed regularly throughout the day, this could prove to be an expensive supplement.

The following information was referenced from MuscleForce Fitness Research. The validity of the content is assumed but not established as 100% factual information.

Here is a list of supplements/ingredients that have no proven clinical results:

Avena Sativa, Maca Root, Flavanoids, Chrysin, Apigenin and Hydroxflavones,Ipriflavone and Methoxyisoflavone, Muira Puama, Catuba Bark, Prickly Pear, Dear Antler, Fenugreek, Forskolin, Passion Flower, Schisandra Chinesis, Horny Goat Weed / Epimedium, Pygeum Bark:

Supplements/ingredients that have weak or conflicting evidence of increasing testosterone in the body:

Acetyl L Carnitine, D-Aspartate, Cordyceps Sinesis

Supplements/Ingredients that have positive results as oral supplements and some association with increasing testosterone or other anabolic hormones:

ZMA, Eurycoma Longfolia (Longjack) / Tongkat Ali, Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle), Grape Seed Extract, Androstenetrione, Methylated, Flavanoids: 7-hydroxflavone and 7,4- dihydroxyflavone, (7-methoxyflavone and7-4 dimethoxyflavone), Resveratrol, Indole-3-Carbinol and di-indoly l-methane, Methanol Extracts of Red Clover, Calcium Glucarate, Saw Palmetto, Stinging Nettle, Creatine Monohydrate, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Colostrum.

Information pertaining to supplement ingredients referenced form MUSCLE FORCE Fitness Research (TM)

T-BOL includes a newly marketed type of tribulus, Tribulus Alatus (versus Tribulus Terrestris). The other ingredients profiled in the article that constitute this supplement include:

• Eurycoma Longifolia (Longjack)
• Resveratrol
• Urtica Dioica (Stinging Nettle)
• Forskolin (Carbolin 19)
• Zinc
• Bioprin
• Lecithin

The significance of a review for these products is that most natural test boosting products on the market today often include all or some of these ingredients. Often times, bodybuilders purchase natural test boosting supplements with these common ingredients but do not know the function of the listed ingredients. Here are some other top selling natural test boosting products that contain many of the ingredients listed above, compare them for yourself:

This article’s purpose is to provide a profile of the many ingredients that are shared in natural testosterone boosting supplements that is also found in ThermoLife’s T-BOL. Mucular Development’s article about T-BOL is an in depth look at a product (T-BOL) that contains the host of ingredients that are commonly associated with natureal test boosters.

• Article Page 1
• Article Page 2
• Article Page 3
• Supplement Profile

It is worth noting that ThermoLife also claims that T-BOL can be used as PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) after pro hormone or steroid use which seems to be nothing short of outlandish, but is ultimately to be decided by the individual.

Article Referenced From Muscular Development Magazine

Here is the product, ingredient profile, and then the article.

TwinLab advertises,

Our super-concentrated formula is the best Ripped Fuel ever, delivering five ways to fuel your diet. Unlike typical single-mechanism products that often require you to take 6-9 tablets a day, Ripped Fuel 5X delivers 5 ways to fuel your diet in a small, twice a day tablet.When combined with a healthy diet and exercise program, Ripped Fuel 5X uses five distinct nutritional mechanisms to help you reach your weight loss goals:

1. Burns calories faster
2. Helps preserve lean muscle
3. Enhances nutrient absorption
4. Helps reduce body fat
5. Fuels increased energy levels

Ripped Fuel 5X Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Servings Per Container: 40
Amount Per Serving:
Thiamine 0.5mg
Niacin 10mg
Pyridoxine 0.5mg
Vitamin B12 50mcg
Calcium 40mg
Chromium (as picolinate) 200mg
Caffeine 99mg
5X Potentiator Blend 130mg
Baical skullcap root and black catechu bark (standardized to 60% free-b-ring flavonoids and 10% flavans) and black pepper fruit extract (bioperine).
5X Thermoenergetic Blend 198mg
Cayenne fruit, rhodiola rosea root extract (standardized to 3% rosavins), cinnamon bark and ginger root extract (standardized to 5% gingerols).

Click on the article to enlarge for reading:

Here is a list of TwinLab’s full line of weight loss/fat burning products:

• 7-Keto Fuel
• Chromic Fuel
• Carni Fuel
• CLA Fuel
• Diet Fuel
• Ripped Fuel
• Ripped Fuel Extreme
• Ripped Fuel 5X
• Ripped Fuel Xtendr
• Ultimate Diet Fuel

According to Wikipedia, “Tribulus terrestris increases testosterone by increasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone with gonadotropic adaptogen compound containing Tribulus terrestris (GnRH) which in turn stimulates the production of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)”.

Tribulus quality varies greatly from brand to brand. Biotest currently manufactures three test boosting products; one pure tribulus product and two other products containing a compound of tribulus & other test boosting ingredients. I have tried two of the three products (Tribex & Tribex Gold) and was very pleased with the tribulus quality in both.

Biotest’s Tribex and Tribex Gold claim to be a natural way to increase your free testosterone levels. I wouldn’t go so far as to even put them in a category even near anabolic steroids, but quality tribulus definitely raises test levels to a noticeable extent and is a safe, natural test boosting supplement alternative to pro hormones or anabolic steroids. Personally, I noticed an increase in aggression and desire to train, as well as an increase in libido.

Tribex

Tribex Gold

Biotest describes Tribulus as, “Tribulus terrestris: Tribulus serves as a Luteinizing-hormone secretagogue (LHS). In other words, it causes the release of Luteinizing hormone, which in turn signals the testes to produce more Testosterone. And of all the T-boosting compounds on the market, Tribulus is the most powerful”.

Tribex Gold is Biotest’s version of pure tribulus; two capsules contain 500 milligrams of tribulus with no other added supplements.

Tribex (also known as Tribex Blue) is a 840 milligram compound (2 capsules) of Tribulus Terrestris, Vitex Agnus Castus, Eurycoma Longifolia.

Biotest describes the other two ingredients as:

Vitex agnus castus: Vitex also works as an LHS, but it also acts as an anti-progesterone and anti-prolactin agent, lowering progesterone and prolactin. Progesterone and prolactin are particularly nasty hormones, in that they cause — much more than estrogen — storage of body fat and mental depression. Prolactin can even cause lactation in men. And, by lowering progesterone and prolactin — just like lowering estrogen — you’ll increase Testosterone through various feedback mechanisms.

Eurycoma longifolia: Eurycoma imparts its effects by selectively controlling the conversion of DHEA and other naturally occurring androgens into Testosterone. In fact, it even works when the testes are non-responsive to Luteinizing hormone. As long as the substrate hormones are present (and they’re present in everyone), Eurycoma works.

Biotest’s Tribex (Blue Tabs) is listed at BodyBuilding.com for: 74 tabs $34.89

And Tribex Gold lists at BodyBuilding.com for: 50 tabs $19.99

Ordering either of these products from an online supplement store instead of from Biotest may save you some money. Upon referencing Biotest’s website, I noticed that Tribex Gold does indeed list for $19.99 but Tribex (Blue Tabs) is not even offered. I don’t know if the product has been discontinued or not. I do know that most online supplements sites that I have checked do have Tribex (Blue Tabs) in stock. My only guess for a reason to discontinue this product is its similarity in ingredient profile to Biotest’s third, and strongest test boosting supplement, ALPHA MALE.

The third product offered in the line of Biotest’s test boosting supplements is Alpha Male. It is worth noting that a new and supposedly improved version of Alpha Male has just recently been released from Biotest, so be careful as to which version you may be purchasing.

Biotest claims that Alpha Male is the ultimate test boosting supplement in there product line.

Biotest states,

“you could call the new Alpha Male the ultimate male ‘elixir’. So, if you’re interested in maximizing T and reducing body fat and feeling like kicking ass and taking names, Alpha Male is the animal for you.”

Alpha Male is a super concentrated compound of:

• Tribulus terrestris
• Vitex agnus castus
• Eurycoma longifolia
• Carbolin 19

You may notice that the ingredients are the same as Tribex (Blue) with the addition of Carbolin 19 (which I will discuss later).

Here is a chart comparing the formulas of the new Alpha Male, the old version of Alpha Male, and Tribex Gold.

Two capsules of Alpha Male contain a 1130 milligram compound of Tribulus terrestris, Vitex agnus castus, Eurycoma longifolia, and Carbolin 19.

Carbolin 19

The actual chemical name is colforsin 1,9-ethylcarbonate. Carbolin 19 is a carbonate ester of a naturally occurring diterpene called colforsin (aka, forskolin).

“Don’t even begin to confuse this material with an herbal extract of Coleus forskohlii! We’re using a carbonate ester of pure colforsin, which means it’s a highly pure, single compound.”

Biotest describes this compound as an ‘anabolic bridge’ with results similar to the steroid Anavar. I find this to be a grandiose claim, but Anavar is a weaker steroid that is often used by women so anything is possible I guess.

Biotest lists the following expectations with the use of Carbolin 19:

Expectations

Those who’ve used Carbolin 19 say that it’s much more effective than colforsin and feels like real gear (steroids):

• Increases muscular pump
• Elevates mood
• Increases rate of muscle gains
• Increases rate of strength gains
• Decreases fat mass while gaining muscle

“Initially, users should not necessarily expect much if any gain in overall body weight. What occurs is a shift in body composition toward lean mass. In other words, if you’re losing fat while gaining muscle, you might have a net-zero increase in body weight, but a dramatic shift in favor of lean-body composition.

Remember, the goal here is to gain muscle while losing fat, not “bulking up.” In other words, you’re bridging, not bulking. Not only that, you’re able to bridge year-round”!

Carbolin 19 is included in the ingredient profile of Alpha Male and is also sold as a separate product.

Since a new version of Alpha Male has just been released, not all online supplement websites are carrying the product yet. It may prove to be just as cheap to order directly from Biotest. I have found Alpha Male being offered by BodyBuilding.com for the same price offered by Biotest ($49.99).

AXIS-HT

BSN also offers a test boosting product called Axis-HT which (I have not tried yet) appears to be a potentially top notch compound that includes a 3-fraction extract of Tribulus terrestris.

This product profile appears to be very well put together in an anabolic sense.

I think that the addition of ZMA is a great idea for boosting test during sleep.

BSN really shows their commitment to creating a quality test booster by adding a 3-fraction extract of Tribulus terrestris. By doing this, BSN is attempting to get all the test boosting power out of tribulus that is possible and also decreases the likely hood of the tribulus in Axis-HT being another product with low grade tribulus in it. “The 3 fractions of Tribulus chosen for TPS3™ provide the entire range of potentially active Tribulus constituents. These include, but are not limited to: steroidal saponins (furostanol glycocides: protodioscin and protogracilin), spirostanol glycosides and phytosterols (beta-sitosterol)”.

You may notice that some of the same ingredients in Biotest’s Alpha Male, are also included in BSN’s Axis-HT.

Click on the picture to read the Product Profile

Like Alpha Male, Axis-HT isn’t the cheapest test boosting product on the market. While BSN is selling Axis-HT for $74.99, this product can be purchased elsewhere by online supplement stores for $40-$50. BodyBuilding.com is currently listing Axis-HT for $45.50

HumanaTest

Another similar test boosting Tribulus product is IForce’s HumanaTest. On BodyBuilding.com, HumanaTest is selling for $27.99

HumanaTest’s ingredient profile reminds me a lot of Axis HT in that they both have high grade Tribulus as well as ZMA included.

Here is IForce’s information on HumanaTest:

The common recommended age for consumption of a test boosting product is age 25 and up. It is commonly viewed as pointless or even harmful to natural test production for young adults, especially teenagers, to take a test boosting supplement- including anabolic steroids and pro hormones, as the use of such products will temporarily lower your natural production of testosterone.

Well, what time is best? Meal time!! Before, during, or following a meal.

Taking vitamins at a meal time will help to avoid digestive upset and nausea that may be experienced if vitamins are taken on an empty stomach (especially if you are taking a potent multi like Animal Pak).

In doing so, an additional benefit is gained: the nutrients in the supplements integrate with those in the food, making for a faster rate of absorption into the bloodstream.

Remember, there are two types of vitamins: Fat and Water Soluble; both have different absorption pathways and rates.

Two Kinds of Vitamins:

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Once absorbed into the circulation these vitamins are carried to the liver where they are stored.

Vitamins A, D, E and K make up the fat soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D and K are stored in the liver and vitamin E is distributed throughout the body’s fatty tissues.

WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS

Water-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin C and the B vitamins are stored in the body for only a brief period of time and are then excreted by the kidneys. The one exception to this is vitamin B12, which is stored in the liver. Water-soluble vitamins need to be taken daily.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and the B complex group make up the nine water soluble vitamins. The B complex group comprises of vitamins:

• B6 (pyridoxine)
• B1 (thiamine)
• B2 (riboflavin)
• B12 (niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin)

When choosing your multi vitamin it is beneficial to get time released tablets. Point being that, “since the body has little capacity to store water soluble vitamins, only the amount needed is absorbed by the body; the remainder is excreted in the urine within a few hours”.

Vitamins like Universals Animal Pak are time released so there is a longer constant absorption period offered to the body. Animal Pak also comes with enzymes that aide digestion of the vitamins.

Columbu, Dr. Franco. The BodyBuilder’s Nutrition Book. Chicago, Illinois: Contemporary Books, 1985.