ZMA

ZMA Benefits for Bodybuilding

ZMA is marketed as a testosterone booster, strength enhancer, and sleep aid.
Zinc deficiency, even at marginal levels, can cause hypogonadism, and a drop in testosterone levels. Zinc is excreted through the urine after exercise and deficiency is prevalent throughout the world. It has been shown that Zinc supplementation can reverse this, and correcting a deficiency can cause testosterone levels to rise (1). Zinc also has antioxidant properties that can protect the muscles from damage.

There is evidence that low magnesium levels are connected to insulin resistance, and supplementation may result in better utilisation of glucose by the body if these levels are low (2). Studies in athletes have shown an increase in strength with magnesium supplementation (3) and raised testosterone levels (4). It is known that B6 plays a role in the metabolism of dietary protein. Without sufficient B6, the body can be inefficient in utilising nitrogen and performing many reactions involving conversions of amino acids. B6 affects the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and melatonin, which can promote healthy sleep. B6 also promotes absorption of the other two ingredients.