Questions about the supplement Gakic?

[Mtal]

I was by the good old GNC the other day and saw this new product, Gakic. They say it gives you a 10.5% increase in stenght (ok it might just be marketing there). Has anyone tried it? What is it? It seems like it is different amimno acids. Are there side effects (probably too early to answer that)? Do you have to cycle it like creatine?

Well I am interested in hearing any info on it. I kind of like to try something other than creatine. Oh speaking of creatine, can you take the stuff together (for some reason, I just feel it would be too much for the body).

Thanks.

[Sohan]

What I read about GAKIC is that it is a conjugated keto acid and amino acid that is taken orally in a beverage or in pill form. The claim is that it is used by an enzyme in the muscles to eliminate ammonia that builds up as a byproduct of anaerobic muscle work so to reduce toxin levels and provide higher muscle endurance. Greater muscle endurance leads to a greater workload in training because fatigue occurs later---total workout volume multiplied by intensity is what determines muscle gains.

It is a patented product:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/search-bool.html&r=3&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=ptxt&s1=6,100,287&OS=6,100,287&RS=6,100,287

However, it is a new product that is not evaluated by the FDA. There are no long term studies to verify that it is safe, though it has been tested in both humans and horses (to test efficacy, not safety). The claim that you can take it orally only minutes before your workout and somehow it will be transported to your muscles in time for it to perform its magic seems a little hard to believe for me.

As with anything you'd ingest to improve performance, be wary of claims made by manufacturers and get as much info as you can before you purchase. Good luck!

Respectfully,

Sohan

(MS in Exercise Science)

[Sohan]

Sorry, forgot about that second question.

Creatine is a metabolite that is naturally stored in muscle for very brief high intensity exercise. It is different from GAKIC because it is used as fuel, not to eliminate a waste product. I can see no reason not to take both if you choose, though there seems to be no data that I have found on interaction between these two.

However, I cannot personally endorse GAKIC because of the lack of long-term testing to verify its use. Also, on an anecdotal basis, Extreme-Athlete.com, a serious bodybuilding site that delves heavily into nutrition for bodybuilders, has no mention of GAKIC on its discussion boards. That to me says more than anything else.

Respectfully,

Sohan

[Mtal]

Thanks for the detailed post. I will take your advice, do a little more research, and also give it a little time to see if more test are done. I kind of felt the same way, I have not seen anything in any of the workout magazines, and nothing really on the net. I was feeling a little hesitant. Thanks again.

[Sohan]

Glad to help!

Respectfully,

Sohan