FAQ
A list of our most asked questions to help you better understand the benefits of TNT and what science says.
Is Creatine Safe?
Creatine is a popular supplement, especially among those who work out. It helps improve performance during exercise by reducing fatigue, allowing you to train harder and longer, which can lead to bigger muscles and increased strength.
How Creatine Works
For muscles to move, a substance called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is needed. When ATP is used, it turns into ADP (adenosine diphosphate), which can’t be used for energy. Creatine helps convert ADP back into ATP, allowing your muscles to keep working without getting tired as quickly. So, more creatine means more energy during your workouts.
Despite its benefits, there are many myths about creatine. Let’s clear up some common concerns.
Creatine Damages Kidneys and Liver
Many studies show that creatine doesn’t harm the kidneys or liver, even with long-term use. Some people worry about kidney problems, but research shows that creatine does not affect kidney function.
Creatine Causes Stomach Issues
While some people may experience minor stomach upset (about 5-7%), this usually happens if they take too much at once. Taking smaller doses can help.
Creatine Leads to Cramps and Dehydration
Research indicates that creatine does not cause cramps or dehydration. In fact, it might help maintain hydration levels.
Creatine Always Leads to Weight Gain
You might notice some initial weight gain from water retention, but creatine can also help build muscle and reduce fat over time, improving body composition.
In summary, creatine is generally safe and effective when taken correctly. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Are EAA’s better than BCAA’s?
If you’re new to fitness and bodybuilding, you might be confused about EAAs and BCAAs. Both are types of amino acids, but they serve different purposes. EAAs are essential amino acids, while BCAAs are branched-chain amino acids.
What Are EAAs and BCAAs?
There are 20 amino acids, and 9 of them are essential, meaning our bodies can’t produce them. We need to get them from food or supplements. EAAs help build proteins that create tissues and muscles, while BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are especially important for muscle recovery and reducing soreness.
TNT MERCURY offers high-quality BCAA and EAA supplements that can enhance your workout experience. Notably, TNT MERCURY’s EAAs are formulated in an optimal ratio that mimics the amino acid profile of steak, ensuring better absorption. Some brands don’t specifically dose their EAAs for optimal uptake, making TNT MERCURY a superior choice.
Benefits of EAAs
- Boost metabolism and energy levels.
- Promote muscle protein synthesis.
- Support liver function and hormone balance.
- Enhance immunity.
Benefits of BCAAs
- Reduce fatigue during workouts.
- Help build muscle.
- Lower muscle soreness post-exercise.
- Maintain energy levels throughout your workout.
TNT MERCURY’s BCAA supplement features an optimal 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This specific ratio is crucial; going beyond a 3:1 ratio can actually reduce the absorption of the other two amino acids, making TNT MERCURY’s formulation more effective.
Choosing the Right Supplement
For those engaging in intense workouts, EAAs might be more beneficial. However, BCAAs are also valuable for immediate energy and recovery. It’s best to consult with a doctor or trainer to decide which supplement fits your fitness goals. Always consider trying TNT MERCURY’s BCAA and EAA products for an extra boost!
Is Soy Isolate protein bad for building muscle?
Soy protein isolate is a high-quality plant-based protein that contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and recovery. Unlike other proteins, soy protein is processed to minimize antinutrients, making it easier for your body to absorb and utilize.
One of the key advantages of soy isolate is its ability to support muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for building muscle mass. Additionally, when soy isolate is enriched with methionine, its biological value improves, further enhancing its effectiveness for muscle development.
Studies suggest that soy protein does not negatively impact testosterone levels, making it a suitable option for athletes. Overall, incorporating soy protein isolate into your diet can be a beneficial strategy for those looking to build muscle while following a plant-based lifestyle.
What are the Best Amino Acids for Muscle Growth?
When it comes to building muscle, certain amino acids play key roles. Here are the top ones to focus on:
- Leucine: The star amino acid for muscle protein synthesis. It triggers the process of building muscle, making it essential for growth. ( found in whole protein sources, BCAA & EAA)
- Isoleucine and Valine: These branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) support energy and muscle recovery, complementing leucine’s role.
- L-Arginine: Increases nitric oxide levels for improved blood flow, delivering more nutrients to your muscles during workouts.
It is believed by many that Citrulline Malate is a superior nitric oxide booster compared to L-Arginine because it effectively increases nitric oxide levels by converting to Arginine in the kidneys. It enhances blood flow, reduces muscle soreness, and improves endurance and strength, making it a preferred choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Beta-Alanine: Buffers acid in muscles, helping to reduce fatigue and enhance endurance.
- L-Carnitine: Aids in fat metabolism, providing energy for workouts and promoting lean muscle.
- L-Glutamine: Supports recovery and reduces muscle soreness, making it vital after intense training.Top of Form.
- 7CREATINE : AN AMINO ACID PRODUCED BY COMBINING ARGININE & GLYCINE.
What is the best Mass builder Supa Mass/ Hyper Mass/ Atomic Mass or Black Mass?
All our mass building formulations are designed to be quality solutions to building mass. The more carbohydrate dense options are created for hard gainers who are unable to eat the required calories needed to pack on muscle mass. As a result, they are priced lower and also have a higher caloric density.
Black Mass, however, is designed for lean muscle gain with a far higher protein to carbohydrate ratio. As a result, the customer gets substantially more servings per container and a supplement that resembles the macro nutrient breakdown of a quality muscle meal e.g 130 grams cooked chicken breast & 220grams rice would roughly equate to the same macro nutrient breakdown.
When shopping for your mass builder, take your time and consider cost vs reward vs requirement. We often advise hard gainers to split a supa mass serving between post training and pre training. This optimizes the metabolism of the carbohydrates, so they are directed to where they are needed.
This approach can also be utilised while adding a scoop of whey and reducing your serving of mass builder so you are able to customize the product to suit your pocket and needs.
Should athletes subject to dope testing be concerned about using natural testosterone boosting supplements and how do they differ from steroids?
Natural testosterone booster supplements and anabolic steroids differ significantly in how they affect the body. Natural testosterone boosters are typically composed of plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals that support the body’s natural testosterone production. Ingredients like fenugreek, ashwagandha, and zinc can help maintain hormonal balance, boost energy, and improve strength without directly introducing synthetic testosterone into the body. These supplements aim to optimize the body’s natural processes, leading to gradual improvements in muscle mass, recovery, and overall well-being.
On the other hand, anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone or its derivatives, designed to artificially increase testosterone levels in the body. Steroids promote rapid muscle growth, strength, and recovery but can cause severe side effects such as liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and hormonal imbalances. They are banned in most sports due to their performance-enhancing effects and potential health risks.
Athletes subject to doping tests can use certain natural testosterone-boosting supplements because they are not classified as performance-enhancing drugs by organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). These supplements do not artificially spike testosterone levels to the extent that anabolic steroids do, so they do not violate anti-doping regulations, provided they don’t contain banned substances. However, athletes must carefully choose products that are free from any prohibited ingredients.
Do Sport Supplements Work? What evidence exists that we are not wasting our money?
We looked at Creatine, Whey protein, Glutamine and EAA’s.
Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of creatine, whey protein, glutamine, and essential amino acids (EAAs) for enhancing athletic performance, muscle recovery, and overall health. Here are key studies for each:
Creatine
A meta-analysis published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2003) reviewed 22 studies and concluded that creatine supplementation significantly increases muscle strength and power output, particularly in high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting and sprinting. Creatine is also shown to support muscle mass gain through its role in ATP resynthesis and cellular hydration. A study by Harris et al. (1992) showed that creatine supplementation increased muscle phosphocreatine stores, resulting in improved performance in repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise.
Whey Protein
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) demonstrated that whey protein supplementation increased muscle protein synthesis after resistance training compared to other protein sources. This is due to its high leucine content, a key amino acid in muscle repair and growth. In a trial by Tang et al. (2009), whey protein was shown to enhance recovery and promote muscle mass retention when consumed post-exercise, helping athletes improve strength and muscle hypertrophy.
Glutamine
A study in The Journal of Applied Physiology (2001) found that glutamine supplementation could reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery following endurance exercise. Glutamine helps maintain immune function, which is crucial after intense training sessions that may suppress the immune system. Furthermore, glutamine has been shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle breakdown by supporting protein synthesis, as demonstrated in research by Fitzgerald et al. (2013).
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)
A clinical trial published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) found that EAAs, when consumed during or after exercise, significantly stimulate muscle protein synthesis and improve recovery. In a study by Wray et al. (2017), EAAs were shown to enhance muscle repair and growth in both trained and untrained individuals, providing benefits similar to those of complete protein sources, especially for muscle maintenance during calorie restriction or intense training.
These studies highlight that these supplements are not only safe but also effective in improving athletic performance, muscle mass, and recovery when used appropriately.