NOW Foods Sports Nutrition, ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B-6), Enhanced Absorption, Sports Recovery*, 90 Capsules

Best Sleep-Aid every! It is a proven fact that getting the right amount of high quality sleep, with the right nutrition can turn you into a muscle building machine. ZMA, a precise combination of zinc and magnesium, has been clinically proven to significantly increase both anabolic hormone levels and muscle strength in trained athletes. Zinc is essential to numerous chemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis and cellular energy. Its immune system values begin with zinc's ability to regulate the production of T cells. Zinc also helps provides critical protection to the liver, assists in deterring enlargement of the prostate gland, and is essential in maintaining reproductive organ health. Zinc's most popular application has been zinc lozenges, which have been shown to reduce the length and severity of common cold symptoms by 45-50%. Lozenges without an acid base (like orange, lemon, or others with flavorings that have citric acid or vitamin C) are markedly more effective. Take your vitamin C four hours later or earlier than your zinc. The suggested Daily Value for zinc is 15 milligrams, and these mineral combinations usually contain twice that. If you take that amount continually you'll need additional supplemental copper. Magnesium Magnesium is essential for normal heart function, transporting neurochemicals essential in muscle function and mood regulation, and in the critical balance of sodium and potassium within our cells. Despite its vital contributions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that 74% of people take in less than the recommended Daily Value of 400 milligrams (for men). The zinc and magnesium formulations usually contain 450 milligrams. The Evidence - Effects Of ZMA Supplementation Many world class athletes are reporting tremendous benefits from ZMA, in the gym, as well as on the athletic field. For example, more than 250 NFL players are currently taking ZMA. Lester Archambeau, starting defensive end for last years NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, says he is "extremely satisfied with ZMA. ZMA definitely helps me recover! I can tell when I take it and when I don't. There is no doubt that it makes me sleep better." And when it comes to the gym, the big Falcon claims, "I have much better endurance when taking ZMA." Bryce Paup, Jacksonville Jaguar's multi-All Pro defensive end and 1995 Defensive Player of the Year (he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks) has also been taking advantage of ZMA. Paup says, "When I take ZMA, I sleep better and more soundly, and I feel more rested when I wake up." And when it comes to the football field, Paup claims, "The more I rest and the better I sleep, the better I perform on the field." According to Dr. Brilla, "A group of competitive NCAA football players who took ZMA nightly during an 8 week spring training program had 2.5 times greater muscle strength gains than a placebo group. Pre and post leg strength measurements were made." The strength of the ZMA group increased by 11.6% compared to only a 4.6% increase in the placebo group. "The muscle strength increases may have been mediated by the anabolic hormone increases in the ZMA group. The ZMA group had 30% increases in free and total testosterone levels compared to 10% decreases in the placebo group. The ZMA group also had a slight increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels compared to a 20% decrease in the placebo group. This study shows that anabolic hormone and muscle strength increases can be induced in already strength-trained athletes by using a novel zinc-magnesium preparation", said Brilla. According to co-investigator Victor Conte, Director of BALCO Laboratories in Burlingame, California, "ZMA is the only all natural product that has been clinically proven to increase anabolic hormone levels and muscle strength in trained athletes." The dosage of ZMA used in the study contains 30 mg of zinc and 450 mg of magnesium. "There has never been a study reporting adverse health effects at these moderate dosages." said Conte. John Gamble, strength and conditioning coach for the Miami Dolphins, reports that "players using ZMA are cramping much less and seem to be getting a more deep and restful sleep which enhances their recovery". Various sports performance supplements such as steroids have been considered controversial by many experts. However, ZMA is an all natural product that is a safe and more effective alternative. ZMA is also the first nighttime anabolic formula developed specifically to enhance recovery by improving sleep efficiency. ZMA is a very effective sleep aid and is recommended to be taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Many athletes fail to realize how important it is to get a deep and restful sleep. Healing, tissue repair, anabolic hormone production and muscle growth are maximized during sleep, so quality sleep is extremely important to athletes. ZMA vs. Steroids ZMA is rapidly becoming the preferred natural testosterone boosting supplement by many athletes who were previously using prohormones. ZMA has two very important advantages over prohormones. First, ZMA doesn't need to be cycled, because ZMA will not suppress your own endogenous production of testosterone. ZMA may be taken on a continuous basis, while the prohormone proponents suggest that they be cycled. Secondly, since ZMA is not a prohormone or hormone precursor, it is not banned by any athletic organizations. Conclusion In conclusion, I believe that ZMA will eventually help to establish itself as a excellent alternative to steroids. As more athletes begin to truly understand the process of maximizing recovery, healing, tissue repair, anabolic hormone production and muscle growth, they'll begin to see the true power of ZMA. References 1.Lou Gehrigs Disease "ALS In the News" 1999. 2.Brilla LR, Conte, V. Effects of zinc-magnesium (ZMA) supplementation on muscle attributes of football players. Med and Sci in Sports and Exercise, Vol. 31, No. 5, May 1999 3.Haralambie G, et al. Int J Sports Med, 1981, 2:135138 4.Singh A, et al. Am J Clin Nutr, 1989 Apr, 49:695:700 5.Max Sport "The Natural Alternative to Prohormones, and Benefits Beyond Strength" 2003.

This is a great combo of zinc and magnesium, catalyzed with aspartic acid and Vitamin B6 (increases absorbability). The label recommends a daily dosage of 3 capsules for men and 2 for women. I take mine before bed & find it helps me sleep more soundly. ZMA also may help your body build its stores of testosterone (good for men AND women), which can help with energy levels, mental "brightness," and muscle recovery after exercise. Personally, I'm cautious with my zinc supplementation. Though I know I need to supplement it, I'm careful to use a Zinc Assay (like this; Liquid Zinc Assay by Premier Research Labs (8 fl oz) ) to moderate how much I take, to be careful not to overdose. Why? Although zinc's an essential mineral that can help boost immunity, it has a dark side. TOO much for too long can cause negative neurological effects (please Google or see Wikipedia for more info). Typically, I'll use a bottle of ZMA, as per instructions, then take about a one to two week break (using just a chelated magnesium supplement instead), and then return to ZMA. I do a zinc assay, as previously mentioned, about every six weeks to help me decide when I need to "back off." I like ZMA, because it seems to help me manage my weight (regardless of diet). When I take it, I have a better lean muscle profile. I also seem to have better concentration when my zinc levels are adequate. Love this trusted brand; ZMA's one of my favorite foundational supplements; highly recommended! --- Ingredients, as per the label: As per 3 capsule serving (for men): 15 mg B6 (from Pyridoxine HCL) 450 mg Magnesium Aspartate 30 mg Zinc (from Zinc mono-l-methionine and zinc aspartate) ---- 2400 mg ZMA (complex of zinc mono-l-methionine, magnesium/zinc aspartate, and pyroxidine HCL) --- Have a question about this supplement? Leave a comment & I'll be happy to help you, if I can.

I was reluctant to use these supplements because my post workout contains a decent dosage of zinc. But one mid day I started getting a cold so I skipped workout for that night and the next. Both nights I took these supplements for the first time and it blasted my cold away after only being sick for a full day (and half a day)! My wife was also sick and she is now on day three and miserable (did not take the supps). These supps don't make me sleepy but they certainly help while I'm sleeping to sleep well. They have proven their ability to promote recovery and good health. I feel great when I wake up in the morning. Since I've started taking these I have noticed a boost in my "drive" and energy noticably. Sounds unreal but it's true. Sometimes it's hard to believe some of the crazy things you read in a product review ... However in this case this supp seems legit. I plan to keep this as one of my standard supplements.

The NOW Foods ZMA is a good quality recovery supplement, effective depending on what you are looking for. Personally, I previously had good results with magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 separately, but somehow the combination didn't do for me the magic trick. Still, it's a supplement worthwhile testing and I am generally satisfied with NOW Foods supplements from the regular and sports line. For me ZMA works just as a sports recovery supplement, after a hard workout. Usually with magnesium I see a slight improvement in sleep management, but ZMA was plain awful for my sleep. I started taking ZMA before sleep (as directed) and I had the worst two weeks of sleep in a longtime. I am a small female and taking 2 pills before sleep caused a lot of vivid dreams and sleep unrest; taking 1 pill was better, but I felt groggy in the morning and waking up was harder even after a long sleep.. Afterwards, I switch to taking 1 pill after workouts and only then I actually started seeing the benefits. I tried taking 2 pills if I sweat really hard and it's a longer than usual workout, but I get too jittery. While it's not a miracle worker, ZMA did somewhat improved my muscle recovery after hard workout. I get less muscle sore and stiffness, while getting back my stamina faster (my mind and body is usually a little restless after taking ZMA). I think this is mostly due to the B6, which always has worked for me in terms of workout recovery and energy. I can't say I felt much improvement in endurance and strength. Otherwise, ZMA slightly helped with immunity, but standalone zinc supplements worked better for me. Usually I get seasonal allergies, I rarely get a cold, so for me help with immunity means I got less symptoms (or milder) with my allergies. Personally I didn't felt any difference from taking it on an empty stomach or with a meal, but since I took them after workouts my stomach was usually rather empty (but I usually eat 30-60 minutes after my workouts). The capsules are easy to take (I don't have problems taking larger pills) and I didn't noticed any reflux or stomach issues while taking the pills.

I workout late, after I put my kids to bed. So each night around 9 o'clock I am taking a preworkout supplement to push me through my workout. Only problem....When I get home I can't sleep. I lay in bed with my eyes closed, but I can't fall asleep. Normally i actually fall into a light sleep between 3 and 5am, but if my wife moves in the bed I'm right back up. Then I have to get out of bed red-eyed and groggy by 7:30 to go to work. The whole day I am struggling to stay awake until I take my next PWO dose for the gym that evening. I listened to a friend from the gym and tried Melatonin; first the recommended dose, then a little bit extra, but I found myself in the same situation. I was trying to sleep, but my mind was still awake. I tried mediation tracks and "sleepy time" music and sounds, NOTHING worked. Then with advice from a friend at work, I took ZMA last night....and I SLEPT. I had no issue falling sleep. I didn't get drowsy, I just fell asleep when I got in the bed. I can't speak on the recovery aspect because it really hasn't been long enough, but I was so excited about getting a full night of sleep that I decided to do my review right away. I slept deep too. I mean the type of deep sleep where you have like 3 or 4 different dreams in one night. I can remember aliens ringing my doorbell at one point...lol. I don't even mind the dreams. I slept. Perhaps you're reading this and you can't really appreciate my excitement, but if you had gone months without really good sleep, you would be just as excited. I woke up refreshed and ready for my day. Extremely appreciative. I would recommend.

Good quality product from a trusted brand.

I don’t think this does anything for recovery or sleep, I don’t think it hurts tho, but there was no noticeable difference.

There's lots of bogus supplements out there. This stuff is proven to work, but don't assume it's going to be steroids or anything. If you have a little extra cash and the price tag doesn't hurt go for it, don't expect drastic results though. Helps your sleep quality and will cause vivid dreaming. I can't remember dreaming in my adult life, until I started taking this. And boy do I have some weird dreams... This definitely helps boost testosterone at night, and sleep quality, but it's not a magic pill. If you're playing black ops 2 or browsing porn late at night it's not going to make you drowsy or anything at all. It's up to you to get to bed at a reasonable time to maximize it's T boosting benefits during sleep. Don't take this if you've had anything with calcium in the last 30-45 minutes as well. Drink with a small amount of water, as you don't want to have to piss in the middle of the night and ruin your sleep. Should be blasting water all day, but stop 4 hours prior to bed for best sleep possible. Lift in correct form, eat right, and sleep well for biggest gains. This adds a little quality to your sleep, that is all. =D