GLYCOMAX: AN EFFECTIVELY DOSED GDA
A simple yet effective 5 ingredient panel of Berberine, Bitter Melon, Cinnulin PF, ALA, and Chromium Picolinate - with every ingredient at or above clinically studied dosages with established success.
HOW MANY SERVES PER tUB?
The 300 capsules included will provide 60 servings when split into 5 capsules a day.
HOW SHOULD I USE GLYCOMAX?
Take 1-2 capsules 5-10 minutes before a carbohydrate containing meal. Build up to a level which suits your individual tolerance and needs.
A full clinically dosed serving is 5 capsules a day.
A full clinically dosed serving is 5 capsules a day.
SHOULD I TAKE GLYCOMAX POST-WORKOUT?
The stimulus of working out will effectively activate GLUT4 transporters and mTor pathway involved in muscle protein synthesis. You should not need to take GlycoMax after your workout! In fact you're better to not as ingredients such as Berberine acutely activate AMPK, a pathway which may reduce muscle protein synthesis.
How many capsules per gram of carb?
We can't give a specific "X capsules per Y grams of carbs" recommendation because everyone's insulin sensitivity is different. Some people are naturally more sensitive than others.
Your sensitivity also changes - you'll likely be more sensitive when dieting than when bulking. The best way to find your ideal dose is to measure you glucose response throughout the day and determine the best dose for your ideal blood glucose range.
Your sensitivity also changes - you'll likely be more sensitive when dieting than when bulking. The best way to find your ideal dose is to measure you glucose response throughout the day and determine the best dose for your ideal blood glucose range.
USING GLYCOMAX OFF-SEASON
This is considered the optimal time to use GlycoMAX. When you're consuming lots of carbs to build muscle, maintaining insulin sensitivity is crucial. The longer you can keep your insulin working well, the longer you can put on quality muscle tissue with minimal fat gain.
USING GLYCOMAX ON PEAK WEEK CARB-LOADING
For carb-loading or peak week, take 1-2 capsules with every carbohydrate ingestion (or according to measured blood glucose feedback) to ensure maximum muscle glycogen storage and minimal fat storage.
USING GLYCOMAX ON COMPETITION DAY
If you haven't used GlycoMAX during prep, don't add it at the last moment. But if you're experienced with it, combining it with products like PeakMAX can help you achieve both fullness and dryness on stage.
UNDERSTANDING INSULIN
The pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar. It secretes the hormone insulin from its beta cells to regulate blood sugar levels after the consumption of food by inhibiting glucose production in the liver and increasing glucose uptake, triggering signalling pathways to stimulate cells, such as muscle and fat cells, to absorb glucose. See the graphic on Glucose-Stimulated-Insulin-Secretion below for all the details.
Glucose is shuttled into cells via GLUT transporters. Some GLUT transporters are independent of insulin, but GLUT4, the main glucose transporter for skeletal muscle cells, is insulin dependant. Skeletal muscle acts as a sponge for glucose, storing most of the body’s glycogen reserves.
Glucose is shuttled into cells via GLUT transporters. Some GLUT transporters are independent of insulin, but GLUT4, the main glucose transporter for skeletal muscle cells, is insulin dependant. Skeletal muscle acts as a sponge for glucose, storing most of the body’s glycogen reserves.
INSULIN SENSITIVITY & RESISTANCE
Insulin sensitivity refers to the amount of insulin the body needs to produce for the cells to be stimulated and absorb a certain amount of glucose. You are insulin sensitive if a small quantity of insulin results in an ideal level of glucose uptake, but insulin resistant if you require more insulin to absorb the same amount of glucose.
Insulin sensitivity can be impaired or reduced by inflammation in the liver or body. Insulin resistance may be increased with reductions in the ratios of lean mass (muscle): fat, nutritional status, alterations in gut microbiota, physical inactivity, and impairment of insulin secretion by the beta cells in the pancreas, or reduction of binding insulin receptor sites and post receptor defects seen in aging.
Insulin sensitivity can be impaired or reduced by inflammation in the liver or body. Insulin resistance may be increased with reductions in the ratios of lean mass (muscle): fat, nutritional status, alterations in gut microbiota, physical inactivity, and impairment of insulin secretion by the beta cells in the pancreas, or reduction of binding insulin receptor sites and post receptor defects seen in aging.
UNDERSTAND THE GLYCOMAX FORMULA
Berberine HCL 1000 mg
Berberine is a natural compound found in the bark, twigs, leaves, stems, and roots of various plants - notably Barberry, Goldenseal, Oregon grape, Phellodendron (cork tree) and Tree turmeric. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The blood sugar lowering effects were noted when it was used to treat diarrhoea in diabetic patients in China.
Berberine activates AMPK in a similar way to metformin and has been shown to be comparably effective at reducing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. However, unlike metformin, berberine does not appear to lower insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), an anabolic hormone related to growth hormone (GH) which acts in regulating activities such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Altered levels of serum IGF-1 have been linked with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers and the role of IGF-1 has been demonstrated in longevity and aging. Balance in the level of IGF-1 is important for optimum health.
Berberine may improve body fat levels, HDL cholesterol and lower blood triglycerides in people with metabolic syndrome. Remember, insulin is a fat regulating hormone too. Berberine hydrochloride (HCl) is the popular form of berberine used in GlycoMAX.
The dose 1000 mg a day should be spread across the day, ideally with meals to aid absorption and thus reduce potential gastric symptoms of flatulence or diarrhoea.
Bitter Melon Extract 500 mg
Bitter melon is a sharp flavoured fruit in the gourd family closely related to courgette, cucumber, squash, and pumpkin. It is low in carbohydrate and high in vitamins C, A, and folate. It contains many antioxidants too. Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine to lower blood sugar and treat the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
Bitter melon is thought to better insulin secretion via improving growth and repair of pancreatic beta cells. Bitter melon activates key proteins in the insulin signaling pathway, including the insulin receptor substrate (IRS), phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), and Akt. It also increases uptake of glucose in muscle and target cells by increasing expression of GLUT4 transporters. Clinical trials have shown improvements in several markers of long-term blood glucose control in people with diabetes.
Cinnulin PF® (Cinnamon bark extract) 500 mg
Cinnulin PF® is a water-soluble extract of the spice cinnamon which is made from grinding the dried inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. The compound cinnamaldehyde is found in the oily part and is what gives cinnamon its distinctive smell and taste. It is this compound that gives Cinnulin PF® its’ high antioxidant and associated anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnulin PF® is thought to improve insulin sensitivity and increase uptake of glucose in muscle and target cells, as well as reducing fasting blood sugar levels, a marker seen with improvements in blood glucose control in people with diabetes. Supplementation with 500 mg/day of Cinnulin PF® for 12-weeks was shown to have significant improvements in features of metabolic syndrome; fasting blood sugar, systolic blood pressure, and body composition.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) 300 mg
ALA (alpha lipoic acid) in this case should not be confused with alpha linolenic acid also commonly abbreviated ALA.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is beneficial in blood sugar control, weight management and is a potent antioxidant. ALA activates AMPK in a similar way to metformin and may improve body fat levels, HDL cholesterol and lower blood triglycerides in people with metabolic syndrome by improving insulin sensitivity and muscle blood glucose absorption. ALA may regulate oxidative stress and reduce low grade inflammation by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines.
ALA may activate SIRT1 by and restore AKT/mTOR/S6K in stimulated skeletal muscle cells. mTOR and SIRT1 pathways increase health-spans and are fundamental in protein synthesis, growth, differentiation, and survival in skeletal muscle in old age. In this way, the possible suppression of protein synthesis by activation of the AMPK pathway may be attenuated.
Chromium Picolinate 250 mg
Chromium Picolinate is a trivalent form of chromium, considered an essential mineral, as it needs to be obtained exogenously from foods. Dietary chromium is poorly absorbed, and many people consume less than ideal amounts in their food.
Evidence suggests chromium enhances AMPK activity and amplifies insulin signalling at the insulin binding sites, as well as stimulating blood glucose transport by increasing the number of GLUT4 transporters. These combined actions lead to increased blood glucose absorption in skeletal muscle cells. Population studies show rpre-diabetics and those with type 2 diabetes have lower levels of chromium in their blood (on average) compared with people who are metabolically healthy. Chromium may reduce insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome, particularly in overweight individuals.
Chromium may regulate oxidative stress and reduce low grade inflammation by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines during hyperglycaemic (high blood sugar) conditions.
Chromium picolinate has been shown to improve blood glucose control in people with diabetes and improve blood lipid status. It is the most efficacious form of chromium supplementation.
FAQ
Q: Should I only use GlycoMAX if I'm monitoring my blood glucose?
A: No, this is a common misconception. Even people with excellent blood glucose can benefit from the longevity and body composition advantages of these ingredients. Monitoring is certainly helpful but not required.
Q: When is the best time to use GlycoMAX - cutting or bulking?
A: Off-season (bulking) provides excellent utility. When consuming lots of carbs, maintaining insulin sensitivity allows you to build more muscle with less fat gain. However, it also has some value during cuts to maximize the benefit of limited carbohydrates - expect to dose it lower in this situation.
Q: How does GlycoMAX compare to metformin?
A: Berberine, the main ingredient, has been compared to metformin in studies and shows similar effectiveness for blood glucose control without some of metformin's downsides like stomach upset and IGF-1 suppression.
Q: Can I take more than 5 capsules daily?
A: Advanced athletes sometimes use up to 10 capsules daily, especially when dieting. Start with the standard 5-capsule dose and only increase if you don't experience hypoglycemia or digestive issues.
Q: What makes Cinnulin PF® different from regular cinnamon?
A: It's a patented, water-soluble extract that's much more bioavailable than regular cinnamon powder. Studies show it's equally effective as berberine for glucose control at just 250mg, and GlycoMAX contains 500mg.
A: No, this is a common misconception. Even people with excellent blood glucose can benefit from the longevity and body composition advantages of these ingredients. Monitoring is certainly helpful but not required.
Q: When is the best time to use GlycoMAX - cutting or bulking?
A: Off-season (bulking) provides excellent utility. When consuming lots of carbs, maintaining insulin sensitivity allows you to build more muscle with less fat gain. However, it also has some value during cuts to maximize the benefit of limited carbohydrates - expect to dose it lower in this situation.
Q: How does GlycoMAX compare to metformin?
A: Berberine, the main ingredient, has been compared to metformin in studies and shows similar effectiveness for blood glucose control without some of metformin's downsides like stomach upset and IGF-1 suppression.
Q: Can I take more than 5 capsules daily?
A: Advanced athletes sometimes use up to 10 capsules daily, especially when dieting. Start with the standard 5-capsule dose and only increase if you don't experience hypoglycemia or digestive issues.
Q: What makes Cinnulin PF® different from regular cinnamon?
A: It's a patented, water-soluble extract that's much more bioavailable than regular cinnamon powder. Studies show it's equally effective as berberine for glucose control at just 250mg, and GlycoMAX contains 500mg.
REFERENCE MATERIAL
[1] Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (2008)
[2] The influence of metformin on IGF-1 levels in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2020)
[3] Momordica charantia and Type 2 Diabetes: From in vitro to Human Studies (2014)
[4] Effects of a Water-Soluble Cinnamon Extract on Body Composition and Features of the Metabolic Syndrome in Pre-Diabetic Men and Women (2006)
[5] The beneficial effects of cinnamon among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (2022)
[6] Alpha-lipoic acid preserves skeletal muscle mass in type 2 diabetic OLETF rats (2018)
[7] Molecular Mechanisms of Chromium in Alleviating Insulin Resistance (2023)
[2] The influence of metformin on IGF-1 levels in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2020)
[3] Momordica charantia and Type 2 Diabetes: From in vitro to Human Studies (2014)
[4] Effects of a Water-Soluble Cinnamon Extract on Body Composition and Features of the Metabolic Syndrome in Pre-Diabetic Men and Women (2006)
[5] The beneficial effects of cinnamon among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (2022)
[6] Alpha-lipoic acid preserves skeletal muscle mass in type 2 diabetic OLETF rats (2018)
[7] Molecular Mechanisms of Chromium in Alleviating Insulin Resistance (2023)