GH POWER MRP^TM

Are all Meal Replacement Powders created equal?

The following article is a review of the ingredients, metabolic function, and design of The XTREME GH POWER (MRP) meal replacement powder.

MRPs are scientifically designed meals made to resemble the ideal bodybuilding meal. The ideal bodybuilding meal consists of a high percentage of quality protein, low carbohydrates, low fat and vitamin / mineral fortification. The increased need for high quality protein in weight training individuals has been well established. However, the consistent consumption of high quality protein can be a difficult task at times. The XTREME GH POWER MRP allows the bodybuilding athlete to consume easy, quick and delicious meals any place or time.

X-TREME GH POWER MRP contains 46 grams of whey protein, consisting of a proprietary blend of whey protein isolates and concentrate. One facet that distinguishes MRPs from each other is the type and ratio of protein utilized in the formula. The protein source as measured by the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) should be of high quality such as Whey, Egg, Casein, or Supro (Soy). The PDCAAS is a measurement of protein quality, bioavailability, and retention. Whey, Egg, Casein, and Supro Soy all have measured with the highest score possible of 100.

1 Another facet of MRP equality or inequality is the ratio of the proprietary blend. For instance, the "Other Ingredients" section at the bottom of the Supplement Facts panel will list the ingredients in order of predominance. This means the first protein mentioned in the "Other Ingredients" is the most abundant protein in the product. The first protein listed in the X-TREME GH POWER MRP is whey isolate and the second is whey concentrate. Whey isolate is a higher quality protein (90% pure) than whey concentrate (80% pure). Therefore, the proprietary protein blend found in GH Power is a superior high quality blend that utilizes a high isolate to concentrate ratio.

The protein requirement for athletes has been shown to be greater than the requirement for sedentary individuals. The protein requirement for normal healthy sedentary individuals is .8 grams/ kg of body weight. Most health agencies due to the overwhelming research have recently accepted that athletes require higher protein intakes. The two leading protein researchers who have published a great deal of this information are Lemon and Tarnopolsky. This research has given us parameters for two categories of athletes. The endurance athlete requires approximately 1.2-1.6 grams per kg of body weight. Strength athletes appear to require 1.6-2.2 grams per kg of body weight.

2, 3 When athletes increase their protein intakes to the appropriate levels they maintain nitrogen balance while some may enter positive nitrogen balance.

4 A stable nitrogen balance indicates the athlete is consuming enough protein and is preventing muscle protein breakdown, which can result in better recovery and growth. A positive nitrogen balance indicates that enough protein is being consumed and that an anabolic stimulus has been created thus activating protein synthesis and muscle growth. As stated earlier this increased protein intake can provide a favorable nitrogen balance thus lead to better recovery, growth and possibly activating protein synthesis. The carbohydrate content of X-TREME GH POWER is low at only 16 grams per serving. That's only one diabetic exchange of starch, which is equivalent to ½ cup of pasta, 1/3 cup of rice or 3 oz baked potato. The source of carbohydrate is the complex carbohydrate maltodextrin. There is only one gram of sugar, which is naturally occurring from the maltodextrin. The X-TREME GH POWER MRP contains one of lowest complex carbohydrate levels found in today's MRPs.

The fat content of the X-TREME GH POWER MRP is also very low at only 3 grams per serving. The source of fat is derived from (MCTs) medium chain triglycerides. MCTs are fats with a chain length of 6-12 carbon atoms. This unique structure allows these fats to be absorbed directly into the portal circulation. This allows for quicker digestion, minimal pancreatic lipase activity, and no bile salt emulsification.

5 Long chain fats or the fats we normally consume are digested much slower and must go through several processes before they can be absorbed into the lymphatic system. MCTs for the most part are not stored in fat depots and are mainly oxidized to acetic acid.

5 X-TREME GH POWER MRP is fortified with a Hoffman LaRoche Vitamin and Mineral blend consisting of 50% of the RDI's or Recommended Daily Intakes for Vitamins and Minerals. Another unique addition to GH Power is the enrichment of L-Glutamine and Glycine. Each serving of GH Power contains 5000 mg of L-glutamine and 1000 mg of Glycine. L-Glutamine is known as the conditionally essential amino acid. L-glutamine is an anti-catabolic amino acid utilized to preserve muscle mass during intense training and or hypocaloric intake.

6 Muscle L-Glutamine levels decline during intense training and by keeping these levels elevated helps to inhibit protein breakdown. L-Glutamine also acts as a cellular volumizer. It has been theorized that when a high solute load of L-glutamine is consumed and stored in the muscle, that water will follow the glutamine into the muscle cell causing cellular expansion. This cellular expansion then activates protein synthesis and thus may lead to muscular gain in weight training individuals. Glycine is an amino acid thought to be responsible for the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

7 Glycine has been shown in oral human doses to significantly increase growth hormone levels.

8 Growth Hormone is powerful hormone that acts as repartitioning agent by favorably altering body composition. In conclusion, the X-TREME GH POWER MRP establishes that all MRPs are not created equal and that GH Power is in class by itself. This scientifically designed meal may have the ability to promote muscle recovery and positive nitrogen balance when combined with a proper weight-training program. X-TREME GH POWER contains 46 grams of whey protein, 16 grams of complex carbohydrate, and 3 grams of medium chain triglyceride (fat). The added L-Glutamine acts as an anti-catabolic and promotes cell volumizing, which is thought to activate protein synthesis. Glycine is an amino acid thought to be responsible for the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. X-TREME GH POWER MRP is a convenient and delicious supplement for any bodybuilder trying to consume their optimal protein intake and should be considered an essential component to any athletic supplement program.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Endres, G.J. Et al. 1997. "Assessment of Protein Quality: Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score" April; www.CentralSoya.com: 1-3.

2. Tarnapolsky, M.A., et al. 1992. "Evaluation of protein requirements for trained strength athletes" J Appl Physiol. 73: 1986-1995.

3. Lemon, W.R. 1995. "Do athletes need more dietary protein and amino acids?" Int J Sport Nut. Suppl 5: s 39 - s 61.

4. Tarnapolsky, M.A., et al. 1988. "Influence of protein intake and training status on nitrogen balance and lean body mass" J Appl Physiol. 64: 187-193.

5. Shils, ES. Et al. 1994. "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease" Lea & Febiger. 8th Edition. Vol. 1; 56-57.

6. Rowbottom, D.G. et al. 1996."The emerging role of glutamine as an indicator of exercise stress and overtraining." Sports Med. Feb; 21(2): 80-97.

7. Kasi, K. Et al. 1978. "Stimulatory effect of glycine on human growth hormone secretion" Metabolism. Feb; 27(2): 201-208.

8. Kasi, K. Et al. 1980. "Glycine stimulated growth hormone release in man" Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). Mar; 93(3): 283-286.