Take ZMA to Increase Testosterone Levels

ZMA is a nutritional supplement created by Victor Conte of BALCO Laboratories. It combines three natural ingredients in precise amounts that work together to significantly raise testosterone levels. Magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 are the necessary ingredients and when taken in the following measurements: 30 mg of zinc, 450 milligrams of magnesium, 11 milligrams of B6, they have been shown to raise testosterone along with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) by considerable amounts.

The name ZMA comes from the words "Zinc monomethionine aspartate and Magnesium Aspartate," and bodybuilders are now supplementing regularly with it to achieve significant gains in muscle mass and strength. One of the first studies conducted with ZMA used NCAA football players who took it over an 8 week period, and results showed that it increased free testosterone levels by as much as thirty percent, and slightly increased levels of IGF-1.

What is IGF-1? It's a protein hormone made up of a chain of 70 amino acids. It is produced by the liver and used for proper childhood growth and overall development of the body. In adults, IGF-1 increases anabolic effects since it is closely linked with the production of growth hormone.

What is testosterone? It's a male hormone secreted by the testes (and the adrenal glands) in males and is responsible for anabolic effects such as strength, muscle mass, bone density; and also secondary sexual characteristics such as beard growth, genital formation, and deepening of the voice. Testosterone is occasionally associated with various negative behaviors, such as general aggression, road rage, street-fighting, wars, etc. But testosterone has many good qualities as well, such as providing an increased sense of well-being, physical and mental vitality, better memory, the burning of excess fat tissue, increased concentration, among other benefits.

Concerning ZMA, one of its best qualities is that it is an all-natural supplement, which means there is no toxicity associated with its use. Because ZMA's only ingredients are the common vitamins and minerals: zinc, magnesium, and B6, you will not experience any negative side effects as long as it is taken in the proper way. Other benefits of ZMA are deeper sleep for better rest at night (sometimes it's used for the relief of sleep disorders), and also for relieving muscle spasms and general tension. As you may have already guessed, because ZMA can increase testosterone levels by as much as thirty percent, a person's libido will also be increased as well. If you do not want to purchase the actual ZMA supplement, you can simply take the main ingredients listed above together from separate bottles, as long as the proper amounts are taken at the correct time (at night 30 to 60 minutes before bed).

Now let's consider each ingredient of ZMA separately.

Zinc is a metal that is bluish-white in color with a chemical symbol of Zn. Alloys such as iron and brass use zinc in their galvanizing process, and zinc is also used by the human body to repair broken-down tissue and build muscle. Zinc also promotes the release of growth hormone and IGF-1, and helps flush lactic acid out of the body.

Concerning magnesium, it's a common element with the chemical symbol of Mg. Nearly every kind of living cell requires magnesium to function. Regarding body mass in humans, magnesium is the 11th most common element. But studies have shown that over 50 percent of people in the United States are currently deficient in magnesium; and it is important for athletes to get enough since intensive exercise depletes magnesium (and zinc) from the body. Magnesium also helps carry oxygen to the muscles, which increases endurance levels. It also aids relaxation which means it is the main ingredient in ZMA responsible for deeper levels of sleep. And it stimulates the metabolization of amino acids and carbohydrates through enzyme activation.

Vitamin B6 (also called pyridoxine) is an important vitamin performing many functions in the body, such as balancing sodium and potassium levels, increasing production of red blood cells, helping cardiovascular health, among other functions. Deficiencies in B6 can cause skin problems, mouth sores, and even seizures.

One of the most important things to remember when taking ZMA is to refrain from using any products with calcium close to the time it is to be administered, since calcium is known to block zinc absorption in the body.

In summary, ZMA has many beneficial effects useful for bodybuilders and athletes, or simply men who would like increase their testosterone levels. Try ZMA soon and see if it works for you.