Q: Hi there, now I know soy protein research shows it can increase estrogen levels. But will soy protein isolate still increase estrogen levels? I’m a male bodybuilder and obviously don’t want any estrogen levels to raise.

A: This has been a controversial topic within bodybuilding circles for the longest time. The fact is, there is no credible published scientific research showing soy protein increases estrogen levels in healthy males. Soy contains compounds called isoflavones with the predominant ones being genistein and daidzein. Isoflavones, and the related compounds, are quite different from phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) and do not show hormone imbalances in human clinical studies. There is no scientific evidence that either soy foods, isoflavones, soy protein or soy protein isolate adversely affects hormone function in healthy males. There is also no published scientific evidence that soy reduces testosterone (total or free), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and the free androgen index (FAI) levels in males or raises estrogen levels. Soy is a high quality protein which is low in saturated fat and a great alternative to animal proteins. The health benefits clearly outweigh any purported negative effects so you can enjoy the benefits of soy protein or soy-based products as a male bodybuilder without worrying about reduced testosterone or increased estrogen levels.

Q: Are any of your protein shakes safe to eat during pregnancy? For example I frequently eat your Max Pro for a snack/meal replacement.

A: Maxpro would be a safe protein snack to take in-between meals during your pregnancy. I would not recommend Maxpro as a meal replacement since it does not contain added vitamins, minerals or fiber. If you are looking for an all natural option, we have a Natural Vanilla flavor. It is always advisable to let your doctor know of any supplements you are taking during each trimester of your pregnancy.

Latest Science News for May 2012

Josse AR, Atkinson SA, Tarnopolsky MA, Phillips SM. Increased consumption of dairy foods and protein during diet-and exercise-induced weight loss promotes fat mass loss and lean mass gain in overweight and obese premenopausal women. J Nutr. 2011 Sep;141:1626-34.

Researchers sought to determine how daily exercise and a reduced-calorie diet varying in total protein and dairy foods affected the composition (i.e., muscle and fat) of weight lost. Ninety otherwise healthy, premenopausal, overweight and obese women who were habitually low dairy consumers were randomized into one of three groups: high protein/high dairy, adequate protein/adequate dairy and adequate protein/low dairy. All participants achieved a net reduction of 750 calories per day through a combination of reducing food intake and increasing exercise.

All groups lost similar amounts of body weight and total body fat over the 16-week study. However, the high protein/high dairy group, which obtained half their protein intake through dairy foods, lost more abdominal fat compared with the adequate protein/low dairy group. This is important to note as there is a strong association between abdominal or centrally located body fat and the risk for cardiovascular disease. The high protein/high dairy group also experienced an increase in lean body mass, while the adequate protein/low dairy group experienced a decrease in lean body mass.

While calorie reduction alone can lead to weight loss, the weight lost often includes not only fat, but also lean muscle. This research supports previous studies showing that higher protein diets during weight loss may help preserve muscle while losing fat. Additionally, this study demonstrates that this higher protein diet can be achieved through an increase in dairy foods.

Read Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775530

Salehpour A, Shidfar F, Hosseinpanah F, et al. Vitamin D3 and the risk of CVD in overweight and obese women: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2012 Feb 9:1-8.

Evidence indicates that vitamin D deficiency contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and body composition changes. In this study, healthy premenopausal overweight and obese women were randomly supplemented with 1,000 IU (25 mcg) vitamin D3 or placebo for 12 weeks. Results showed that supplementation with vitamin D3 can significantly improve HDL-cholesterol, apoA-I concentrations and LDL-cholesterol:apoB-100 ratio, which remained significant. Additionally, body fat mass was significantly decreased in the vitamin D group more than the placebo.

Read Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22317756

Xu Q, Parks CG, DeRoo LA, et al. Multivitamin use and telomere length in women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jun;89:1857-63

Telomere length has been proposed as a marker of biological aging. Shorter telomeres have been linked with higher mortality within a given period of time and an increased risk of some chronic diseases. This study was conducted by researchers at the N.I.H. and provides the first epidemiologic evidence that the use of multivitamins by women is associated with longer telomeres: the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with the aging of a cell. The researchers found 5.1 percent longer telomeres on average in daily users of multivitamins compared with nonusers. Increased telomere length was associated with one a day and antioxidant formula use, but not with stress-tabs or B complex. Individual vitamin B12 supplements were associated with increased telomere length and iron supplements with shorter telomeres. When nutrients from food were analyzed, vitamins C and E emerged as protective against telomere loss. This study provides preliminary evidence linking multivitamin use to longer telomeres.
Read Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19279081

Yours In Health,
Phillip W. Harvey, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Chief Scientific Officer
Max Muscle Corporate USA

Q: Is there any problem absorbing the l-carn in emerge? I have read numerous studies that say that it must be taken on an empty stomach to be absorbed properly…in fact it says it on our liqui-carn container… Thoughts?

A: The short answer is there should be no problem absorbing the L-carnitine in Emerge if taken on an empty stomach. The published research indicates that L-carnitine is best absorbed on an empty stomach (actually in the intestines) by a “passive diffusion” absorption process. What passive diffusion means is that this is a slower absorption process and does not require a carrier molecule or energy (ATP) as compared to “active transport” which does. Emerge is recommend to take with water and not with any meal. LiquiCarn is already a liquid and has the same directions to take on an empty stomach. Additionally, although the primary energy nutrient in Emerge is carbohydrate, it should not have any significant effect on the absorption of L-carnitine.

Q: Is there gluten in Emerge?

A: There is no gluten in Emerge. We use a patented fiber ingredient called Fibersol-2(R) which is derived from a digestion resistant maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is derived from corn and does not contain gluten. Additionally, each serving of Emerge contains 10g of healthy soluble fiber which is 40% of the daily value of fiber per day. Based on an approved FDA nutrient content claim, this makes each serving of Emerge an “Excellent Source” of fiber as it exceeds the 20% plus of the Daily Value.

So many emails and requests have come into ‘Ask Dr. Harvey’, I’m going to answer a few of the most requested items over the past month for you right here. As more people become educated about weight loss and how proper nutrition makes it so much easier, I think you’ll find these posts most helpful as you…

Q: Is your high grade fish oil in the triglyceride form or with the ethyl ester form?

A: The quick answer to your question is that the omega-3s in our High Grade Fish Oil product is in the triglyceride form. Let me give everyone a quick primer on this topic since I will assume most people reading this may not be aware of why the question and our products are important. The molecular form of fish oils is one of the most controversial and debated quality issues within the dietary supplement industry. Triglycerides (TG) are the natural molecular form of fats and typically found in food sources. Ethyl esters (EE) are a synthetically derived alternative form. The majority of fish oil concentrates sold in the U.S. and globally is EE with only a small portion of fish oils sold as the natural TG form. It is far more costly to process fish oils in the TG form. The digestion and absorption bioavailability mechanisms are key differences between both forms. There are numerous published studies on the bioavailability of fish oils in the EE and TG form. Most studies measure the amount of EPA and DHA in the blood following the ingestion of a test dose sample. The overall scientific evidence suggests that fish oil EPA and DHA (48%) in the TG (36%) forms are far better absorbed than EPA and DHA in the EE form. Omega-3 fish oils in the EE form are much less stable and readily oxidize compared to the natural TG form. Fish oils in the natural triglyceride form offer numerous advantages as compared to fish oils in the ethyl ester form as far as safety, enhanced bioavailability, much more stable and in the form found in nature.

Q: My trainer says to take 5G of BCAA’s before workout. I don’t see the Grams of dosage on the bottle, just the qty of caps.

A: Each serving of Amino Max is 6 capsules. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) include leucine, valine and isoleucine. A 6 capsule serving of Amino Max would provide approximately 663 mg or .663 g of the BCAAs. Since your trainer recommends a much higher dose of the BCAAs before your workout, Amino Max may not be the best option. You would have to take about 7.5 servings or 45 capsules to meet the 5 g requirement. For you, I would recommend Pro BCAA which was developed specifically for those requiring a higher potency of the BCAAs per serving. Pro BCAA has 7 g of the BCAAs per serving which would adequately meet your needs. We have also added glutamine, glycine and citrulline malate to the formula much more comprehensive. We now have three great flavors of Pro BCAA including pink lemonade, watermelon and tangerine.

Q: HOW CAN I TAKE AMINO ACIDS?

A: Amino Max is a complete amino acid complex delivered in easy-to-swallow capsules. It contains all twenty amino acids, including all 9 essential amino acids necessary for our body to make proteins and supports the post-exercise “muscle recovery window”. An advantage of using Amino Max is that capsules are convenient and can be taken anytime during the day. Amino Max can be taken before exercise, during exercise, after exercise, between meals and before bedtime. Those who are lactose intolerant may also find Amino Max beneficial compared to a whey protein shake. Each serving size is 6 capsules and it is recommended to take 2 to 4 times daily several hours apart depending on your training program. Make sure to consume plenty of water throughout the day.

Yours In Health,
Phillip W. Harvey, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Chief Scientific Officer
Max Muscle Corporate USA

February is American Heart month and that means it’s a good time to think about a disease that is the number one cause of death in the United States killing more than 600,000 Americans each year.

American Heart Month is a time to battle cardiovascular disease and educate ourselves on what we can do to live heart-healthy lives.

Heart disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

You are at higher risk of heart disease if you are:
• A woman age 55 or older
• A man age 45 or older
• Or a person with a family history of early heart disease

Heart disease can be prevented. To keep your heart healthy:
• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.
• Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45 or a woman over 55.
• Manage stress.

But there is a lot we can do to stay heart healthy. According to the CDC, making these healthy lifestyle choices can help:
• Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
• Select fat-free, 1 % fat and low-fat dairy products.
• Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
• Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
• Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.
• Keep an eye on your portion sizes.

Aside from dietary and lifestyle changes, supplementation may also be helpful. Here are my Top 4 Heart-Healthy favorites:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are considered “essential” fatty acids, meaning that the body cannot synthesize them and are needed through the diet by eating cold water fish or by supplementation. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Decades of research supports the cardiovascular (heart) and platelet function benefits EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA also play a vital role in reducing inflammation, supporting joint health, memory and skin health. Max Muscle recommended products: Essential Omega or Omega 3 Plus

2. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a molecule that is present in all living cells within our body and essential for the production of cellular energy and for life itself. CoQ10 levels are found in highest concentration in the hardest working organs within the body like the heart, brain and liver. Numerous published studies have shown CoQ10 supports cardiac function and health. Production and levels of CoQ10 decline with age and the only effective way to support these levels is with supplementation. Additionally, individuals taking statin drugs for cholesterol reduction need to supplement with CoQ10. Max Muscle recommended products: CoQ10

3. Psyllium is a water soluble fiber and is frequently overlooked as a beneficial fiber for heart health. Well established in the literature, psyllium helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood lipids. The American Heart Association has long emphasized the importance of fiber as part of a healthy diet. The FDA has approved the following health claim for psyllium: “Eating soluble fiber from foods such as Psyllium as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Max Muscle recommended products: Organic Fiber or Psyllium Husk Capsules

4. Resveratrol is derived from grape skins and is one of the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Research suggests resveratrol promotes overall cardiovascular health by inhibiting LDL cholesterol oxidation, upregulating nitric oxide synthesis, protecting blood vessels and may reduce inflammation and the risk of blood clotting. Max Muscle Recommended products: Resveratrol

References:
The American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention: www.cdc.gov

Yours In Health,
Phillip W. Harvey, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Chief Scientific Officer
Max Muscle Corporate USA

First, let me wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! With the New Year we inherently want to make a fresh start on our health. If losing weight is at the top of your resolutions, let me introduce you to Cleanse & Lean Advanced.

Cleanse & Lean Advanced is one of newest products in the Max Muscle Sports Nutrition line and is based on the same formula as our original Cleanse & Lean with the addition of an Appetite and Thermogenic Complex and more powerful Water Loss Support Complex. The original Cleanse & Lean contains all natural herbal ingredients to assist in bowel elimination to help you lose weight while cleansing your system of impurities for better health. The Intestinal Cleanse Complex in Cleanse & Lean Advanced still contains the special blend of herbs including Cascara segrada, Senna, Fennel Seed, Horsetail, Psyllium, Slippery Elm and Aloe vera (200:1) to promote a natural laxative effect to help you lean out and lose weight fast while cleansing your system of impurities for better health. To Cleanse & Lean Advanced we added an Appetite and Thermogenic Complex with Slimaluma™, a branded and patented standardized extract of the Caralluma fimbriata plant clinically shown to inhibit appetite, 200 mg Caffeine, Standardized Green Tea Extract along with a special combination of the extraordinary plants Cissus quadrangularis and African Mango (Irvingia gabonensis). Results of a published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of Cissus quadrangularis and Irvingia gabonensis showed statistically significant reductions in body weight, body fat, waist size and other clinical parameters during the 10 week study. Test subjects taking the Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis supplement lost 8.8 lbs. of body weight, 3.2% body fat and 2.36 inches around the waist after just 4 weeks of treatment compared to those taking a placebo.1

The Water Loss Support Complex now contains Uva Ursi Standardized Extract and Dandelion Leaf Standardized Extract. These two potent and highly effective herbs naturally release excess fluid and flush it from your system helping you drop weight, maximize muscle definition and get that chiseled vascular appearance of the skin. These herbs contain natural levels of potassium to support healthy electrolyte balance while releasing excess water from the body.

Cleanse & Lean Advanced is fast-acting, delivering key bioactive ingredients to support your weight-loss program in convenient and easy-to-swallow capsules.

I always recommend the use these types of products for the shortest amount of time to obtain the desired benefits. Product Data Sheets are available on our website (www.maxmuscle.com) or at your local Max Muscle store.

1Oben JE, et al. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis. 2008 Mar 31;7:12.

Yours In Health,
Phillip W. Harvey, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Chief Scientific Officer
Max Muscle Corporate USA

Anabol Cuts 2 is a science-based dual-action formula designed to promote body re-composition acceleration through supporting healthy testosterone levels and hyper accelerated fat metabolism. Body recomposition means increasing lean body mass while reducing fat mass representing a “Build and Burn” effect to facilitate your body transformation goals.

To accomplish this, Anabol Cuts 2 combines the benefits of two powerful complexes, the Anabolic Response Complex and Xtreme Thermolytic Acceleration Complex, to facilitate your body transformation goals.

The Anabolic Response Complex contains the clinically proven benefits of Testofen. Testofen is a proprietary fenugreek extract rich in bioactive phytochemicals to support healthy testosterone levels. A recent double-blind, randomized and placebo- controlled human clinical trial with 60 subjects has shown that Testofen increases free testosterone by an astonishing 98 percent along with increasing in muscle mass, muscle strength and libido.

Plasmafree testosterone is the only form available to bind to androgen receptors. The observed reduction in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concludes that Testofen prevents protein breakdown, thus enabling the maximum building of lean muscle mass.

The Anabolic Response Complex contains Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris (standardized extract containing a minimum of 45 percent saponins) that supports the production of normal luteinizing hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Luteinizing hormone stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and supports overall male reproductive health.

Our minimum of 45 percent saponin Tribulus terrestris makes Anabol Cuts 2 one of the most potent formulas available. Additionally, sarsaparilla extract contains bioactive steroidal saponins and pregnane glycosides to further support testosterone levels.

The Xtreme Thermolytic Acceleration Complex in Anabol Cuts 2 contains a powerful blend of fat-burning ingredients, including caffeine (300 mg per serving), yohimbine, synephrine and green tea leaf extract. Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid that stimulates the release of free-fatty acids from stored fat cells to be used as metabolic fuel. Caffeine also provides a thermogenic response and central nervous system stimulant. Synephrine is a powerful bioactive amine that stimulates beta-3 cell receptors resulting in further increases in metabolic rate and thermogenesis.

Synephrine also exerts an appetite suppressing effect. Yohimbine is the primary active alkaloid in the yohimbe plant (bark) and an extremely potent alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist that stimulates fat release from deep fat stores.

Green tea extract contains highly concentrated levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the most predominant green tea catechin and numerous studies have now demonstrated its effect of reducing body weight, mainly body fat, by increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation (fat burning). It has been proposed that the thermogenic stimulating effect of EGCG is by the inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is known as the universal antioxidant and recent studies have shown ALA to be an effective cytoprotectant for testosterone and the androgenic receptor.

The recommended dose of Anabol Cuts 2 is two easy-to-swallow capsules daily. Anabol Cuts 2 will work great with other MMSN products like Max ZMA and TribuStak. And cycling is not required. Anabol Cuts 2 is a smart formula combining the benefits of two powerful complexes. Ask for Anabol Cuts 2 as your solution to your body transformation goals.

Phillip W. Harvey, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Chief Scientific Officer
Max Muscle Corporate USA

Xtinguisher primarily centers around two main carnosine precursors: CarnoSyn Beta- Alanine and L-histidine. We only use the patented and evidencebased form, CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, in Xtinguisher. Although the body can synthesize beta-alanine, its synthesis is quite limited. Histidine is the other amino acid building block of carnosine, but beta-alanine clearly is the main stimulus of carnosine production. Carnosine is found in muscles and studies have shown that carnosine acts as a powerful buffering agent, delaying acidic build-up that causes muscle failure and fatigue.

CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine is ideal for any athlete involved in high intensity exercise like bodybuilding, aerobics, spin classes, hockey, cycling, etc. Published studies have shown that CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine can increase muscle carnosine by 60 percent.

Simple carbohydrates like dextrose can significantly enhance the uptake of beta-alanine, along with creatine, into muscles mediated by increased insulin secretion. As a sidenote, beta-alanine produces a mild tingling effect or flushing sensation of the skin which has a similar effect as the niacin flush. Most individuals like the sensation as it is true “feel it” ingredient. This effect usually goes away within 15 to 20 minutes.

Creatine monohydrate is a time tested ingredient that regenerates the energy molecule, ATP, in muscles. While creatine works primarily to increase muscle energy, a secondary effect is that creatine also serves as a buffer, resulting in delayed muscle fatigue and discomfort. A recently published study has shown a synergistic effect of CarnoSyn Beta- Alanine and creatine monohydrate supplementation on enhanced aerobic power and time to exhaustion versus beta-alanine alone.

D-Ribose supports energy, endurance and muscle recovery and works synergistically to both CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine and creatine. L-Citrulline-malate promotes aerobic energy production, serves to remove lactate and ammonia from muscles, reduces muscle fatigue and is superior for nitric oxide production. LTaurine is a non-essential sulfur containing amino acid and appears to play a role in cellular defenses including protecting DNA from damaging free radicals produced during exercise.

L-Aspartic Acid is a non-essential amino acid and a metabolite of the urea cycle (liver) and functions to remove urea (ammonia waste) from the body. L-Aspartic acid may also increase endurance and prolong fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Magnesium and Vitamin C are key metabolic cofactors in Xtinguisher. Magnesium is a component of hundreds of enzymes involved in metabolism, energy support and functions in the carnosine synthesis. Vitamin C serves as one of the
most powerful intracellular antioxidants in the body.

Serious athletes who participate in strength, high-intensity and endurance sports wanting explosive muscular strength, along with an anti-fatigue formula, will benefit from Xtinguisher. Xtinguisher will allow you to train harder and longer before fatigue sets in and help you recover faster.

The vast majority of published research supports supplementation with the amounts of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine and creatine with significant benefits observed within 2 weeks of use or sooner. Full metabolic benefits should be observed after 1 month of use. Loading with Xtinguisher is not necessary. Xtinguisher comes in a delicious Fruit Punch flavor and will work great with other Max Muscle products like XTR, Iso-Extreme, Gluta-Matrix, Max EFA and Vit-Acell.

Phillip W. Harvey, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Chief Scientific Officer
Max Muscle Corporate USA