Athletic Performance

Multiple human trials show electrolyte-containing beverages significantly improve fluid retention and total body water restoration after exercise compared to plain water. Some studies also report reduced post-workout lactic acid accumulation. Sodium content appears to be the key driver of improved fluid retention by maintaining plasma osmolality.

In rodent models, Trichopus zeylanicus extracts (250-500 mg/kg) significantly increased swimming endurance time in young rats (p<0.005) and aged mice (p<0.01) without amphetamine-mimetic activity. Multiple independent groups have confirmed anti-fatigue effects, with one study showing enhanced free fatty acid utilization over glucose during exercise. Traditional use by the Kani tribe for sustained physical activity is consistent with these findings.

Three small human RCTs (n=19-32 each) found 25 mg/day Tetraselmis chuii for 14-16 days reduced creatine kinase by 14% post-exercise, preserved squat jump power (15% less decline vs placebo), and improved perceived recovery by 16%. Force development returned to baseline only in the supplementation group.

Two RCTs of a proprietary S. indicus + Mangifera indica blend in young healthy men found significant improvements in bench press (+27.6 kg vs +4.95 kg placebo), leg press, handgrip strength, and treadmill endurance over 8 weeks. The blend also improved lean body mass and reduced cortisol. Note: human trials used a botanical blend, not S. indicus alone.

Two double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs in athletes show consistent grip strength improvements. In 60 soccer players (180mg/day, 12 weeks), right-hand grip strength was significantly increased. A larger trial in 194 adolescent athletes (360mg/day, 12 weeks) found significant increases in grip strength, back-leg strength, VO2max, and sprint speed, though flexibility and agility were unaffected.

No Significant Effect

The original patent-holder-funded study reported strength gains in football players supplemented with ZMA. Independent RCTs (e.g., Wilborn et al., 2004) found no significant improvements in muscle strength, power output, or training adaptations compared to placebo in resistance-trained men with adequate zinc and magnesium status. Strength benefits appear limited to individuals correcting an underlying zinc or magnesium deficiency.

One small human trial (Greenwood 2001, n=12) found low-dose D-pinitol (1 g/day) co-ingested with creatine increased whole-body creatine retention over a 3-day loading phase. However, a double-blind RCT (Kerksick 2009, n=24) found creatine plus D-pinitol did not improve lean mass, strength, or body composition over 4 weeks of resistance training compared to creatine alone.

In exercising mice, a BCAAs plus L-alanine combination improved muscle force output, reduced fatigability, and enhanced the pAMPK/AMPK ratio compared to controls. The effect of L-alanine independent of BCAAs is unclear, and no human trials have tested this combination for performance outcomes.