Dr. Phil Harvey is a leading expert in nutritional biochemistry and has been involved in education, research and the nutritional industry for over 30 years. Dr. Harvey is the Chief Scientific Officer for Max Muscle Sports Nutrition and heads product research and development, regulatory affairs, QA/QC, technical writing in addition to responsibilities in education and training.

Dr. Harvey received his Ph.D. from Colorado State University and M.S.P.H. degree from the UCLA School of Public Health. He was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship in the UCLA Department of Medicine & Molecular Biology Institute. He is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Specialist and elected a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and Fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Dr. Harvey is a member of numerous professional organizations including the International Society for Sports Nutrition, American Society for Nutrition, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Institute of Food Technologists.

Dr. Harvey was also invited to serve on the Editorial Board of the prestigious Journal of the ISSN and on the Advisory Board of the ISSN.

Higher CoQ10 and B6 Levels Linked to Reduced Risk of Coronary Artery Disease
Researchers at the School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan, investigated the relationship between plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin B6 and the risk of coronary artery disease. The study consisted of a control group of healthy individuals with normal blood biochemistry and a case group comprised of patients with at least 50 percent blockage of one major coronary artery identified by cardiac catheterization. The researchers discovered that there was a significant inverse correlation between higher plasma levels of CoQ10 and vitamin B6 and a reduced risk of coronary artery disease. (Lee BJ, et al. Nutr Res. 2012;32:751-6). Featured MMSN Product: MN CoQ10 and Vitamin B6.

MSM Supplementation May Be Beneficial Following Exercise
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been reported to provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in mammals. Resistance exercise is known to induce both inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in muscular discomfort and pain. Researchers set out to study the effects of MSM on markers of exercise recovery and performance. In random order, 24 moderately exercise-trained men received MSM supplements at a dose of 3g/day or placebo for 14 days, with a 17-day washout between. The study included three tests: baseline, no product and the 2nd and 3rd following 14 day supplementation with MSM and placebo. Each test consisted of two visits. At the first visit, subjects performed stress exercise of leg extensions of multiple reps to muscular failure. At the second visit (48 hours later), subjects again performed sets and multiple reps of leg extensions to muscle failure. Muscle discomfort/pain, inflammation (hs-CRP & IL-6), blood antioxidant status (TEAC & SOD) and homocysteine were measured before the stressing exercise and 24 and 48 hours post exercise. Exercise performance was also measured following the 14 day supplementation with MSM or placebo. MSM intervention resulted in significantly less pain/discomfort vs. placebo from baseline to 2 hours. Change in IL-6 was significant within the MSM and placebo and between MSM vs. placebo. There were no significant differences between MSM and placebo noted for the other biomarkers. Researchers concluded that MSM may help alleviate the discomfort/pain that can follow a stressful exercise session. (Kalman DS, et al. FASEB J. 2013;27:1076.7). MMSN Featured Product: Max Nutraceuticals MSM 500mg

MULTI-SOURCE PROTEINS
WITH SOY IS AN EFFECTIVE POST-EXERCISE SUPPLEMENT
For years, Max Muscle has promoted the benefits of multi-source proteins for performance and recovery. This recently published study further confirms the benefits of multi-source proteins, which include soy, at the metabolic and molecular level. Researchers hypothesized that a protein blend of soy and dairy proteins would capitalize on the unique properties of each individual protein and allow for optimal delivery of amino acids to prolong the fractional synthetic rate (FSR) following resistance exercise. In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, 19 young adults were studied before and after ingestion of 19g of either a soy-dairy protein blend (PB) or 18g whey protein alone consumed one hour after high-intensity leg resistance exercise. Researchers examined mixed-muscle protein FSR and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1) signaling. Whey protein ingestion resulted in higher and earlier amplitude of blood branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) concentrations, but ingestion of the PB created a lower initial rise in blood BCAA but sustained elevated levels of blood amino acids later into recovery. Post-exercise FSR increased equivalently in both groups during the early period. However, FSR remained elevated only in the soy-dairy protein blend group during the late period. mTORC1 signaling similarly increased between groups, except for no increase in S6K1 phosphorylation in the WP group at 5 hours post-exercise. Researchers concluded that a soy-dairy protein blend ingested following exercise is capable of prolonging blood aminoacidemia, mTORC1 signaling, and protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle and is an effective post-exercise nutritional supplement. (Reidy PT, et al. J Nutr. 2013 Apr;143:410-6). MMSN Featured Product: High 5

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

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Reduce Muscle Damage

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a BCAA supplementation on markers of muscle damage elicited via a sport specific bout of damaging exercise in trained volunteers. Twelve males were randomly assigned to a supplement (n = 6) or placebo (n = 6) group. The amaging exercise consisted of 100 consecutive drop-jumps. Creatine kinase (CK), maximal voluntary contraction, muscle soreness (DOMS), vertical jump, thigh circumference and calf circumference were measured as markers of muscle damage. All variables were measured immediately before the damaging exercise and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-exercise. There were significant group effects showing a reduction in CK efflux and muscle soreness in the BCAA group compared to the placebo. The present study has shown that BCAA administered before and following damaging resistance exercise reduces indices of muscle damage and accelerates recovery in resistance trained males. (Howatson G, et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 8;9:20). MMSN Featured Products: Max BCAA and ARM

CARNOSYN BETA-ALANINE IMPROVES EXERCISE PERFORMANCE IN THE ELDERLY

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on exercise capacity and the muscle carnosine content in elderly subjects. Eighteen healthy elderly subjects ages 60-80 years were randomly assigned to receive either betaalanine (BA) or placebo (PL) for 12 weeks. The BA group received 3.2 g of beta-alanine per day. The PL group received a matched placebo. At baseline, assessments were made of the muscle carnosine content, anaerobic exercise capacity, muscle function, quality of life, physical activity and food intake. A significant increase in the muscle carnosine content of the gastrocnemius muscle was shown in the BA group (+85.4%) when compared with the PL group (+7.2%). The time-to-exhaustion in the constant-load submaximal test (i.e., TLIM) was significantly improved (p=0.05; ES: 1.71) in the BA group (+36.5%) versus the PL group (+8.6%). In summary, the current data indicate for the first time that beta-alanine supplementation is effective in increasing the muscle carnosine content in healthy elderly subjects, with subsequent improvement in their exercise capacity. (del Favero S, et al. Amino Acids. 2012;43:49-56). MMSN Featured Product: Xtinguisher

PEA PROTEIN May Lower Cholesterol at the Gene Level

Researchers set out to evaluate a possible lipid lowering activity of a pea protein isolate and to determine whether pea proteins could affect the hepatic lipid metabolism through regulation of genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid homeostasis. Rats were fed special high cholesterol diets for 28 days, the protein sources being casein or a pea protein isolate. After 14 and 28 days of dietary treatment, rats fed pea proteins had markedly lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels than rats fed casein (p<0.05). Pea protein-fed rats displayed higher hepatic mRNA levels of LDL receptor versus those fed casein (p<0.05). Hepatic mRNA concentration of genes involved in fatty acids synthesis were lower in pea protein-fed rats than in rats fed casein (p<0.05). The present study demonstrates a marked cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering activity of pea proteins in rats. Moreover, pea proteins appear to affect cellular lipid homeostasis by upregulating genes involved in hepatic cholesterol uptake and by downregulating fatty acid synthesis genes. (Rigamonti E. et al. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2010;54:S24-30). MMSN Featured Product: COMP

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

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

Not surprisingly, I’ve been besieged by questions regarding weight loss and the proper supplements to make this happen. There is not a one size fits all answer. We had a customer ask where we get the caffeine used in our products like FBXXX and Emerge. I did not know, but told him I would find out.

A: We use a caffeine anhydrous material that is sourced from China but distributed in the U.S. We receive a certificate of analysis (COA) for every lot of raw ingredient purchased that we use in our products no matter where it is sourced, U.S. or any other country. Many raw ingredients used in the supplement industry are only available overseas. Complying to GMP regulations, the COA and raw material are then verified for purity, potency, microbials and heavy metals before it can be used in production. The caffeine anhydrous we use is 100% pure verified by valid and reliable analytical methods. It is also certified Kosher and non-GMO.

Question: what happened to Define 8? Is this new Emerge better or a remade/named version of 8?

A: I am not use if you are referring to a third party product by
Musclewerks we sell in our stores called DFine8 or a product we used to have called De-Lite? I will assume you mean Max Muscle’s De-Lite. When we launched De-Lite feedback was that it was actually too powerful, overengineered and some customers were experiencing GI discomfort due to the high inulin (fructooligosaccharide) content. Since customer feedback is critical to us we decided to reformulate the product and start with a clean slate. Emerge was the outcome and it has been well received by our customers and a huge success with a perfect balance of flavor, strength and performance

Q: I there creams or gel available that boost testosterone? I have read so much about pill form and how ineffective they are.

A: There are testosterone creams or gel products available, but the only FDA approved and effective ones are regulated as drugs. There are no legal creams or gels as dietary supplements that can boost testosterone levels since a dietary supplement must be taken orally. We have a very safe and effective testosterone booster for healthy males called 2TX that is delivered in a capsule. It is a novel and science-based product and has been on the market for some time now with a proven track record. Feedback by males and testimonials have been amazing. I would seriously give 2TX a try.

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

Satisfaction, when you’re the Chief Science Officer of MMSN, comes when our clients really want to know what is in the supplements they’re taking. I’m happy…

Q: Why don’t we add CLA to the Emerge?

A: CLA stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid and is a unique polyunsaturated fatty acid (a fat) derived from safflower oil. Clinical research has shown that CLA has significant weight loss benefits. In terms of Emerge, we actually wanted to add it to the formula, but after months in R&D we just could not mask the taste. We tried everything. Real CLA has a strong fatty taste that is very difficult, if not impossible, to mask. We titrated the dose down so low and we could still pick it up off flavor. It would have no beneficial weight loss benefits even at this low dose so we decided to leave it out. Emerge can easily be stacked with our Max CLA.

Q: I was looking at the Whey powder sold at MM. I am wondering why they don’t make any with stevia when that seems to be a much healthier choice. I try to avoid sucralose since studies show it is not a healthy choice.

A: We do make a whey protein without sucralose and it is our Maxpro Natural Vanilla. It is sweetened with Luo Han Fruit Concentrate. We are currently working on an all vegetarian and all natural protein and considering Stevia as the primary sweetener. It should be available sometime this Spring.

Q: I experienced some tingling, much like beta-alanine causes, when I took CNS Black. One of my employees noticed the same thing. Is there anything in the product that may cause the similar effects? Has anyone else mentioned this?

A: The tingling is caused by the main ingredient in CNS Black called GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid). GABA is an amino acid and the tingling sensation is a very characteristic symptom. It is primarily felt on the face, lips, head and neck areas and quickly subsides after a few minutes. It is neuralgic in nature meaning it is a sensation along the course of the nerves especially in the face and head. It is perfectly normal and some like the sensation as a “feel it” ingredient knowing that the product works. Beta-alanine also causes a similar reaction.

Q: Dr. Harvey, Can you help us w/ the dose of melatonin? We had a customer ask today because he already takes melatonin on its own – we were trying to figure out if he should scale back or just omit it w/including CNS Black.

A: Each serving (3 scoops) of CNS Black delivers 3mg melatonin, so there is 1mg per scoop. This dose per serving seems to be the ideal amount for most healthy individuals especially when combined with the other ingredients in the product. Higher doses of melatonin can be used but may cause sluggishness the next day.

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

Q: I have a couple questions on some creatine that i bought from you guys i have the max creatine monohydrate and i play football. well i heard that i can mix the creatine with my high 5 protein shake. should i mix them both and drink it in the morning before school or right after practice?

A: It is perfectly fine to mix our Max Creatine Monohydrate with High 5. You did not indicate if you have already done the loading phase of creatine and I would recommend this. This information is listed on the label directions of Max Creatine Monohydrate in addition to the Product Data Sheet. It’s pretty simple. Take 1 scoop (5g) of Max Creatine Monohydrate four times per day for five consecutive days. On day 6 and thereafter, use 1 scoop with your serving of High 5 protein for your maintenance phase. It is perfectly fine to take them both either before school or after your practice, it’s your preference. There are advantages after practice as this combination will help your recovery. Also important is to make sure to consume plenty of pure water during the day as well.

Q: Good Morning Dr. Harvey…I am not your normal reader but have a question. I am thinking about adding Emerge to my morning breakfast routine. I am 67 years old active senior, work full time, go to the gym 5 days a week, and over the past 5 years issues with cholesterol, blood sugar and thyroid have added 20+ unwanted pounds to my 166# 5’4″ frame. I will not embrace hunger but do eat sensibly and recently decided to go gluten free. Question is…do you think that this supplement would be a good thing for a senior?

Thank you
Lorraine

A: You appear to be in good health and active and don’t see why you could not use Emerge. Since you mentioned you have had “issues” with cholesterol, blood sugar and thyroid I would still recommend you clear this with your physician. The Emerge Product Data Sheet is easy to download from our website (www.maxmuscle.com) and you can show this to him/her. By the way, my mother who is 84 years old uses Emerge in the mornings and she claims it energizes her for her morning walks. She also does Zumba. Emerge is also gluten-free.

Q: I have seen recent reports of at least two studies stating that Omega-3s are not showing significant heart health benefits. Why this change? What does that mean for products like Max EFAs and Essential Omega?

A: If we consider the totality of all the published medical and scientific literature on omega-3 fatty acids, the positive benefits far outweigh any negative ones. There have been thousands of published studies on the positive cardiovascular and overall health benefits of eating a diet rich in cold water fish or flaxseed oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These have involved epidemiological (population-based), observational, clinical and basic science studies. The vast majority have shown positive benefits of eating a diet rich in fatty fish containing omega-3 fatty acids or using omega-3 dietary supplements. The recently published meta-analysis in JAMA is not even a clinical study, but a composite review of several small studies having many methodological flaws masking the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, authoritative bodies like the American Heart Association, National Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Academy of Sciences and others all recommend a healthy intake of omega-3 fats or omega-3 supplements to lower risk of cardiovascular disease and this new study does not change any current guidelines. Our customers should not be swayed by these results and should continue using Max EFA, Essential Omega, Max Flax Oil or the other fine omega-3 products in our Max Nutraceutical line for cardiovascular, cognitive and overall health benefits.

Q: Just wondering if ARM could be considered gluten free. Thanks for your help. ~PJ~

A: No, not gluten-free since the glutamine peptides are derived from hydrolyzed gluten. There is still no FDA regulatory definition of “gluten-free” but FDA is considering a gluten-free food or supplement to have less than 20 ppm (parts per million) gluten per serving. That’s a small amount but not absolute zero. We have not tested ARM for gluten but I would predict the amount per serving to be very very low.

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

As the Chief Science Officer of Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, some major decisions are made in the labs and corporate offices of Max Muscle by Dr. Phil Harvey. Ever wonder what news sways him? Read the following…

ZMA® is an anabolic mineral support formula containing highly bioavailable, zinc mono-L-methionine sulfate Zinc®), zinc/magnesium aspartate and vitamin B6. Peer reviewed published research demonstrates that ZMA increases total and free testosterone levels, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), muscle strength and muscle power. Testosterone and IGF-1 are involved in muscle recovery and regeneration processes. Increases in these anabolic steroids have been shown to build muscle.

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the glutamine peptide, L-alanyl-L-glutamine (AG) ingestion on basketball performance, including jump power, reaction time, shooting accuracy and fatigue. Ten women NCAA Division I basketball players participated in four trials, each consisting of a 40-min basketball game using various doses of AG or water. Parameters of basketball skills and performance were evaluated. The study concluded that rehydration with AG appears to maintain basketball skill performance and visual reaction time to a greater extent than water.
Read Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22397703

The objective of this study was to determine whether 4 wk of increased protein intake (∼25% compared with ∼15% of energy intake that isoenergetically replaces carbohydrate intake) lowers office and daytime BP compared with increased carbohydrate intake. A randomized, double-blind, parallel study compared consumption of 3 × 20 g protein/d (20% pea, 20% soy, 30% egg, and 30% milk-protein isolate) with 3 × 20 g maltodextrin/d. Protein or maltodextrin were isoenergetically substituted for a sugar-sweetened drink. Primary outcomes were office and daytime BP. A total of 99 men and women with untreated elevated were randomly assigned. The study concluded that increased protein intake, at the expense of maltodextrin, lowers BP in overweight adults with upper-range prehypertension and grade 1 hypertension.
Read Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22357725

The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible lipid lowering activity of a pea protein isolate and to determine whether pea proteins could affect the hepatic lipid metabolism through regulation of genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid homeostasis. Rats were fed Nath’s hypercholesterolemic diets for 28 days, the protein sources being casein or a pea protein isolate. After 14 and 28 days of dietary treatment, rats fed pea proteins had markedly lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels than rats fed casein (p<0.05). Pea protein-fed rats displayed higher hepatic mRNA levels of LDL receptor versus those fed casein (p<0.05). Hepatic mRNA concentration of genes involved in fatty acids synthesis, such as fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase, was lower in pea protein-fed rats than in rats fed casein (p<0.05). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates a marked cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering activity of pea proteins in rats. Moreover, pea proteins appear to affect cellular lipid homeostasis by upregulating genes involved in hepatic cholesterol uptake and by downregulating fatty acid synthesis genes.
Read Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20077421

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

I am very sensitive to a lot of products. Will I be jittery or feel like my heart is racing after a workout if I take LipoRed? – Annette Konnie

As our newest weight loss/fat burner supplement, LipoRed was not developed as a workout product. Its very powerful with a one capsule serving delivering 275 mg caffeine in addition to octopamine and yohimbine, which can increase heart rate especially in sensitive individuals. Exercise itself increases heart rate, so you want to use a product without caffeine or stimulants that will support your workout and recovery. I would not recommend taking LipoRed and would steer you towards ARM or Pro BCAA. These products do not contain caffeine, are non-stimulating and provide excellent post-workout support. In terms of non-stimulating weight loss products, I would recommend products like LiquiCarn, CLA, Cleanse & Lean and Quadra Cuts Thyroid, which should not make you jittery or make you feel like your heart is racing.

Will the Femme Lean & Balance capsules affect birth control? – Edith Arriaga

The best answer I can give you is that it may affect your birth control pills. Not knowing exactly what pill you are taking also makes it hard to answer. The literature shows that herbs including Chasteberry, St. John’s Wort, Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai and Soy Isoflavones can interfere with birth control pills. Since Femme Lean & Balance contains Soy Isoflavones, I would recommend discussing this question with your doctor or pharmacist. We do have many other options in the weight loss supplement category, both nonstimulating and stimulating, and I would suggest discussing these options with the staff at your local Max Muscle store.

How long should or could you take 2Tx? Is it something that once I stop taking, I lose the effect. I am a 53-year-old male. – Greg Maloney

At 53 years of age, I would suggest having your testosterone levels tested to establish a baseline. 2Tx can be taken for an extended period of time (years) and should be effective without any negative side effects. I would recommend periodically checking your testosterone levels, perhaps every 6 months, to make sure the product is performing. You should coordinate these tests with your doctor who needs to order them for you.

Make sure to give them a copy of the 2Tx Product Data Sheet. The primary bioactive ingredients Testofen, Testafuranol and Maslinic Acid are all natural botanicals proven to be safe and effective in supporting healthy testosterone levels. There should be no concern about a physiological phenomenon that can be seen with synthetic hormone drugs called “negative feedback inhibition.” Simply put, negative feedback inhibition means that when the body is given a steroid hormone like testosterone (orally, patch, injection) at high doses or at doses above normal, it can shut down the body’s natural production of For more information or to find the store nearest you, visit us online at testosterone through complex feedback mechanisms. The body is very smart in how it regulates hormones. If you are currently taking 2Tx, there is no need to stop. If you were to stop taking 2Tx, you might see any natural benefits diminish and only you
would be able to evaluate this along with your testosterone levels.

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

Q: I would like to know if 2TX is safe to take if you are subject to random drug tests at work and in competition within the WADA guidelines?

A: 2TX is an all natural product to support healthy testosterone production and blood levels and libido. The World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) guidelines primarily tests for synthetic anabolic steroid and stimulant drugs. There are no banned synthetic ingredients in 2Tx so you would not test positive for a random drug test for your work or athletic competition.

Q: How long should or could you take this product. (2TX) Is it something that once I stop taking it do I lose the effect. I am a 53 year old male.

A: At 53 years of age, I would suggest having your testosterone levels tested to establish a baseline. 2TX can be taken for an extended period of time (years) and should be effective without any negative side effects. I would recommend periodically checking your testosterone levels, perhaps every 6 months, to make sure the product is performing. You should coordinate these tests with your doctor who needs to order them for you and make sure to give them a copy of the 2TX Product Data Sheet. The primary bioactive ingredients Testofen™, Testafuranol™ and Maslinic Acid are all natural botanicals proven to be safe and effective in supporting healthy testosterone levels. There should be no concern about a physiological phenomenon that can be seen with synthetic hormone drugs called “negative feedback inhibition”. Simply put, negative feedback inhibition means that when the body is given a steroid hormone like testosterone (orally, patch, injection) at high doses or at doses above normal, it can shut down the body’s natural production of testosterone through complex feedback mechanisms. The body is very smart in how it regulates hormones. If you are currently taking 2TX there is no need to stop. If you were to stop taking 2TX you might see and natural benefits diminish and only you would be able to evaluate this along with your testosterone levels.

Q: Are all of the Max health products sweetened with sucrolose? Are there any with natural sweeteners?

A: Not all Max Muscle products are sweetened with sucralose. Here is an example of some that are sweetened with natural sugars or do not have sweeteners added:

Maxpro Natural Vanilla
AminoMax
CarboMax
Green Synergy
Max Glutamine and GlutaMatrix
Max LiquiCarn
Essential Omega
Flax Oil
Vit-Acell
Xtinguisher

Q: Will the femme lean and balance cap affect birth control?

A: The best answer I can give you is that it may affect your birth control pills. Not knowing exactly what pill you are taking also makes it hard to answer. The literature shows that herbs including Chasteberry, St. John’s Wort, Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai and Soy Isoflavones can interfere with birth control pills. Since Femme Lean & Balance contains Soy Isoflavones I would recommend discussing this question with your doctor or pharmacist. We do have many other options in the weight loss supplement category, both non-stimulating and stimulating, and I would suggest discussing these options with the Max Muscle store staff.

Q: I had a severe allergic reaction this past Saturday to the lemon lime anabolic recovery matrix . I am allergic to fish but not shellfish. Do you use any kind of omega 3 product in this powder? Fish base or fish oil? Also is regular fish, not shellfish also processed in your facility? These questions are important. I almost died. Thank you, Gina

A: There are no fish or fish oil based ingredients in ARM. ARM is processed in a facility that does not process fish or fish oils. I hope this information helps you.

Latest Science News – Findings from New Protein Study
Findings from a recent double-blind, randomized clinical trial presented at the 2012 Experimental Biology meeting show that a blend of protein sources including whey, casein and soy is superior to whey alone for prolonging the muscle building anabolic response and recovery after exercise. This new protein study supports Max Muscle’s long-time product development approach of using multi-source proteins in our products. Whey, casein and soy all absorb at different rates and by using a protein blend results in increasing protein synthesis for a longer amount of time and supports the 24 to 48 hours muscles need to fully recover. Another important finding from this study is that soy, with an intermediate assimilation rate, is also beneficial for maintaining muscle mass as we age in athletes, active adults and non-athletes.

Phillip W. Harvey, PhD, RD, FACN, CNS
Chief Scientific Officer

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