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Replenish: The Next Step in Maximizing Post-Workout Nutrition
In support of man’s enduring struggle to improve on that which he has done in
the past, Designer Supplements™ is proud to unleash the next step in maximizing
post-workout nutrition. Through enhancement of the anabolic period immediately following
exercise, Replenish™ is a great tasting post-workout formula that will maximize
training, replenish key macro and micro-nutrients necessary for recovery, and put
you well on the way to energy storage and growth
Training – Sending the Signals
From weight lifters to endurance athletes, the
process of heavy or strenuous training utilizes energy, depletes glycogen, and breaks
down muscle tissue. In order to compensate for these effects, the human body must
quickly begin sending the signals of repair. Bearing in mind these mechanisms, the
post-workout period is an ideal time to exploit the body’s natural signals in order
to initiate recovery and growth, but obviously this can only occur in the presence
of proper nutrition. While nutritional goals after training are also dependent upon
what is consumed before and during training, the time immediately following exercise
is when the body is most sensitive to nutrients and the proper fuels can rapidly
switch the body from a state of catabolism to a state of anabolic growth.
While
the exact chain of events leading from a damaged muscle to a fully repaired and
stronger muscle are still being decoded by scientists, what bodybuilders have known
for decades is that protein and carbohydrates are essential to the process. While
this anecdotal information has seemed obvious for years, recent science has moved
into the more credible direction of amino acid metabolism, protein synthesis, and
glucose uptake for muscle repair and has opened many eyes and minds to new means
by which the recovery process can be enhanced to exploit growth pathways.
Combining
the fundamental knowledge known for decades and proven by science with some novel
inclusions to improve the efficiency of the formula, Designer Supplements has formulated
Replenish™ to work with the cascade of signals sent by the body in response to training.
Without further ado, allow us to explain each inclusion in the formula and elaborate
on how Replenish™ works.
Whey Protein
In order for protein synthesis to occur in
the body, the body must be supplied with the raw materials, namely amino acids.
Since post-training is such a delicate time for anabolism and protein cannot pass
through the intestinal wall without first being broken down into its constituent
amino acids, a fast-digesting protein source such as whey is ideal. In order to
supply enough amino acids for protein synthesis rates to significantly increase,
Replenish™ uses high quality whey protein as the back-bone of its formula, with
each serving supplying thirty grams (30g). While daily individual protein needs
may vary, 30 grams of whey plus the free form amino acids found in Replenish™ is
a sufficient amount to promote anabolism and recovery after resistance training
in bodybuilders and athletes alike.
Carbohydrates
While protein is absolutely necessary
for the reasons listed above, carbohydrate intake after training is also of significant
importance for a number of reasons. Not only do carbohydrates replenish depleted
glycogen (stored glucose) reserves, they also stimulate insulin release which mediates
the uptake of nutrients into the cells. This all important function of insulin takes
place via the cells glucose transporter system.
The glucose transporters (GLUT)
are a family of receptors that allow glucose to enter the cell. There are four types,
aptly named GLUT1 through GLUT4. While GLUT1 through GLUT3 are intrinsically important
to bodily function, GLUT4 receptors are our point of interest as they are only present
in muscle and fat cells. Located primarily beneath the cell membrane where they
essentially remain quiescent during the fasted state, the introduction of insulin
to the environment leads to a large increase in the translocation (relocation) of
the GLUT4 receptors to the cell membrane. Page 1 Through this translocation, the
number of “doors” through which glucose can enter the cell is rapidly increased
and the insulin signalling pathway kick starts several processes which contribute
towards muscle repair and growth.
Like protein, carbohydrates must also be broken
down into their simplest form to pass through the gut mucosa. After training, fast
digesting carbohydrate sources are recommended to get carbohydrates (and more importantly,
the insulin response which carbohydrates induce) to the muscle in order to begin
the repair and growth phases triggered by intense training. One serving of Replenish™
contains thirty grams (30g) of carbohydrates in a blended formula of fast and slow-digesting
sources, namely maltodextrin and oat fiber. While some may prefer purely fast-acting
carbohydrates, the carbohydrate source in Replenish™ is a fast/slow blend due to
the manner in which carbohydrates physiologically enter the cell. This process,
termed active transport, actually limits the number of glucose molecules that can
enter the cell at any one time and as such, makes any attempt to “saturate” the
cell in an all-or-none manner illogical as much of the glucose will be oxidized
rather than stored. A better solution is to provide fast-digesting carbohydrates
like maltodextrin to activate the receptor sites rapidly, while oat fiber provides
the backup for further uptake later in the recovery period. While 30 grams of carbohydrates
may seem excessive to some who are cutting and miniscule to those looking to gain
mass, the carbohydrate blend in Replenish™ works synergistically with the rest of
the formula in order to promote an adequate insulin response while avoiding potential
spill-over to adipose.
Electrolytes
As any athlete knows, when you sweat you lose
electrolytes and any sort of electrolyte depletion can hinder muscle repair during
the critical post workout period. While simply repleting electrolytes would be adequate,
Replenish™ goes one step further by including the electrolytes calcium and potassium
in their citrate forms, plus magnesium in the acetate form (the salts of citric
acid and acetic acid respectively). Upon digestion, the body dissociates the mineral
from the base salt, thus allowing citrate to be used as a metabolite in the energy
(Krebs) cycle for ATP synthesis while the acetate supplies an acetyl group to combine
with Coenzyme A (CoA) to form acetyl-CoA which is also used during energy production
and carbohydrate metabolism in the Krebs cycle. Acetate may also even enhance fatty
acid oxidation in the liver1, lower the insulin response to carbohydrate intake2,
and lower the amount of blood sugar after eating.
An additional benefit of these
electrolyte salts is that both citrate and acetate have a pH-buffering effect on
the cell. Under homeostatic conditions, natural concentrations of acetic acid are
usually kept quite low in order to avoid disrupting the control of cellular pH.
This metabolic regulation takes place because the chief controller of glycolysis
(the use of stored carbohydrate for fuel) is provided by the enzyme phosphofructokinase
(PFK) which is extensively pH sensitive. Acidifying (lowering) pH acts to inhibit
the actions of PFK, thereby promoting glycogen storage (if it cannot be used for
fuel, it gets stored,) growth and repair potential. Research has demonstrated that
both acetate4, 5, 6 and citrate7 enhance glycogen synthesis and repletion in muscle
tissue. In addition to their importance in muscle contraction and metabolic function,
the electrolytes calcium, potassium and magnesium act to draw additional water into
the cell, replenish lost reserves during training and further enhance the anabolic
state.
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline malate is a compound comprised of the amino
acid Citrulline with an attached malate molecule. While vastly popular when used
as a pre-workout enhancer due to its significant effects on limiting fatigue8 and
promoting endurance and aerobic performance9, Replenish™ includes citrulline malate
because it also functions extremely well for post-workout recovery. Although not
fully understood, it is thought that the malate can promote ATP replenishment and
even help replace phosphocreatine (PC) stores due to its place as an intermediate
in the Krebs cycle9. Additionally, the citrulline portion of the compound not only
helps buffer toxic ammonia build-up from training by promoting renal bicarbonate
re-absorption10, but also helps to promote Nitric Oxide (NO) release11, 12 which
science is now showing to be a very important signalling molecule possibly involved
in protein synthesis13 and the growth phase that follows training. It is partially
for this reason that citrulline is also found in our fantastic Nitric Oxide product,
NO-Limits™.
Creatine Ethyl Ester
Creatine has been a bodybuilding favorite for many
years due to its notable effects on strength and lean body mass gains. While creatine
monohydrate may suffice for some, recently developed ethyl ester technology has
been unveiled to enhance creatine’s bioavailability and improve uptake while generally
decreasing the reported stomach cramps and bloating that plagued so many using creatine
monohydrate. It is the most studied ergogenic supplement available with studies
ranging from its efficacy for replacing creatine stores depleted during training14,
15, 16, its effect on replenishing ATP15, 16, and its long-term safety17, 18. The
majority of users also report an induced cellular volu- Page 2 REPLENISH™ By Designer
Supplements mization effect that results in strength increases and lean body mass
gains19. Additionally, through its mechanistic enhancement of intracellular water
and creatine retention in muscle cells, the ingredient also enhances endurance and
makes for increased productivity during training. For more information on Creatine
Ethyl Ester and its fantastic effects on athletic performance, please consider Designer
Supplements XCEED™.
Leucine
Leucine is an incredible amino acid and has recently
become the single most recognizable amino acid responsible for growth and mass gains
in the bodybuilding community. The benefits of free form Leucine consumption are
directly related to the amino acid’s favorable effects on stimulating protein synthesis
– a two stage process described by the literature as transcription and translation.
Simply put, transcription involves reading DNA to create a mirror image, while translation
then uses the mirror image at the ribosome in order to create a protein based on
the particular genetic code of that DNA. Unfortunately, the body’s leucine pool
is depleted during exercise as it is used for energy in the muscle20. Leucine appears
to work via several pathways, the first being the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin
(mTOR)21, 22, 23, 24. This mechanism is important because mTOR regulates cell division
and the translation stage of protein synthesis24, 25. mTOR is also activated when
sufficient ATP reserves signal the “fed state”, however this is independent from
the effect leucine has on mTOR26. Interestingly, leucine oxidation in the cell unleashes
more ATP than an equal amount of glucose27. In addition to direct effects at mTOR,
there also appears to be a synergistic role involving a kinase called p70S6k, with
the kinase being directly activated by mTOR28. p70S6k targets the ‘S6’ ribosomal
protein and phosphorylates S6 which then induces protein synthesis at the ribosome.
Interestingly, research also indicates that leucine has the ability to completely
skip the mTOR step and activate p70S6K directly28. This concept suggests multiple
alternative channels for promoting protein synthesis and supports the idea of combining
Leucine with protein and carbohydrates to stimulate maximum synthesis rates. There
is also research supporting a synergistic effect between leucine and insulin on
mTOR via the Phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway29, also supporting
the use of leucine with carbohydrates to illicit an insulin response. In fact, research
indicates that carbohydrates combined with protein and leucine stimulates higher
protein synthesis rates than equal values of carbohydrate and protein alone30, 31.
Isoleucine
Isoleucine, along with leucine and valine, form what are referred to
as the branched chain amino acids. As noted above, while Leucine appears to be the
amino acid most responsible for protein synthesis, isoleucine is included in Replenish™
due to it’s effects on insulin signalling. While insulin is generally classed as
an anti-catabolic hormone, the combination of insulin with amino acids provides
far more than an anti-catabolic effect and actually becomes very much anabolic as
one of the central triggers of protein synthesis.
While highly complex, the insulin signalling pathway is a relatively well understood series of events that occur when
a rise in blood sugar is detected and insulin is secreted to control it. Insulin
binds to the insulin receptor causing several effects that ultimately lead to the
activation of something called Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1). When active,
IRS-1 alters its structure to allow the kinase Phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)
to bind to it, thereby activating PI3K which in turn activates Protein Kinase B
(PKB). It is this activation of PKB that promotes GLUT4 translocation to the cell
surface, thereby allowing the rapid influx of glucose from the blood into the cell.
An additional benefit of PKB is that the kinase also inactivates the enzyme Glycogen
Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3) 32, which is responsible for inhibiting glycogen synthesis.
Isoleucine is considered an insulin secretagogue and directly activates PI3K, thereby
enhancing nutrient uptake and potentiating the insulin cascade through the mechanism
mentioned above33, 34, thus promoting glycogen synthesis. Incidentally, leucine
also appears to be connected to PI3K activation35, 36. Furthermore, recent studies
indicate that PI3K appears to be the mode through which Insulin-Like Growth Factor
1 (IGF-1) exerts its anabolic effect in the body, but the area requires further
research.
Additionally, research indicates that like leucine, isoleucine can activate
mTOR and thus p70S6K via PKB37.
4-hydroxyisolueucine
4-hydroxyisoleucine is an amino
acid derivative of Isoleucine that is primarily found in the herb fenugreek. Through
two unique effects, 4-hydroxyisoleucine confers further benefit to the athlete in
the post-training window. By first stimulating insulin release and then further
sensitizing the cell to the effects of insulin, this ingredient allows for better
control of blood sugar and increased nutrient uptake. It appears to exert its insulinotropic
(insulin secreting) effect by directly stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas38,
39. Interestingly, this effect appears to be glucose-dependant, with Page 3 REPLENISH™
By Designer Supplements an amplified effect noticed with higher glucose concentrations39.
The insulin sensitizing effect of 4-hydroxyisoleucine appears to be mediated through
a direct effect on the early stages of the insulin signalling pathway – specifically
PI3K40. As you may have gathered, these effects are especially beneficial after
training when insulin sensitivity is already quite high from the constant muscular
contractions of lifting weights or strenuous aerobic exercise. But for added incentive,
4-hydroxyisoleucine may also enhance glycogen synthesis after exercise when combined
with carbohydrates41, but also appears to lower triglycerides42, 43 and cholesterol43.
Summary
So there you have it, a nearly perfect cocktail for enhancing nutrient uptake,
stimulating maximum protein synthesis, and replenishing energy stores. First Designer
Supplements™ taught the bodybuilding world to XCEED™ the limits of pre-workout ergogenics.
Then, in our attempt to maintain positive nitrogen balance we told you to SUSTAIN™
your anabolic potential throughout the day. Soon we will launch the most cost-effective
volumization product to help the lifter realize there are NO LIMITS™ to what he
or she can achieve. Finally, with Replenish™, Designer Supplements completes the
picture with a post-workout product to help promote the ideal recovery after hard
training and set you well on the way to the body you desire.
Replenish™ FAQ
Q. How many servings does Replenish™ provide?
A. Approximately 15.
Q. How long will a tub last?
A. Depends on how frequently you use it, or how often you train. Given that most
people train three-to-four times per week, or twelve-to-sixteen times per month,
you have approximately a month’s worth of your post-training nutrition covered.
Q. How should I mix it and when?
A. With 12-16oz of water. Drink half immediately after training, add another 8oz
water and drink the remainder over the next twenty minutes or so.
Q. Why this particular protocol?
A. Because it avoids any potential bloating from drinking a lot in a short space
of time. Plus, it tastes damn nice and allows you to savor the flavor.
Q. Can I use Replenish™ any other time?
A. Replenish™ is great for energy repletion, and stimulating protein synthesis,
but it makes for a rather expensive meal replacement, so we’d recommend only
using post-workout unless have you have oodles of cash to throw around. In that
case, knock yourself out.
Q. If Replenish™ is for after training, what should I drink before training?
A. The pre-workout supplement of your choice. We recommend XCEED™. For those who
like carbohydrates when they train, we’ll recommend Fire™ when it is released.
Q. What should I drink during training?
A. Again, that is your call. Some like to drink whey protein, others like to
drink BCAA and some are happy with just water. We like a good BCAA drink, but
unless you are on a strict diet, if your pre and post workout nutrition is
sound, it is not critical.
Q. Usually Citrulline malate is found in pre-workout formulas. Why is it in
your post-workout formula?
A. Citrulline malate is excellent for endurance due to its buffering
capabilities and we are big fans of the compound. It is in fact these properties
that we have included it for! Not only does Citrulline malate help dispose of
toxic ammonia build-up from exercise, it also promotes nitric oxide (NO)
signalling, promotes phosphocreatine levels in muscle, and the malate is
considered to be the reason that Citrulline malate promotes ATP synthesis. These
factors make Citrulline malate fantastic for recovery purposes.
Q. Why only one gram of creatine ethyl ester?
A. It is enough to replenish lost creatine reserves. Don’t forget also, it uses
ethyl ester technology which appears to require a lesser dose than the
equivalent amount of creatine monohydrate. Most people use a creatine-based
formula before training anyway, so this works out very well.
Q. Why the combination of carbohydrate sources in Replenish™? Should they not
all be fast-acting carb sources?
A. Yes and no. We have included a blend of maltodextrin and oat fiber for their
different digestion rates. While this seems contradictory, it is in fact not.
This is because carbohydrates are broken down into their simplest form
(typically glucose) to pass through the intestines. Once in the blood stream,
they enter cells via a process called active transport. This process is rate
limiting, so only a certain amount of glucose can enter the cell at any one
time. Therefore it makes little sense to flood the bloodstream with glucose at
once. Not only do you run the risk of the glucose being oxidised for energy, you
also increase the chance of the glucose being stored as body fat. Replenish™
contains maltodextrin, a fast-acting carbohydrate, and oat fiber, a slower
digesting carbohydrate, to form a sustained release of carbohydrate to the
muscle.
Q. So why is the formula not loaded with carbohydrates and sugar like other
post-workout products?
A. Because most bodybuilders do not need to drown themselves in sugar after
training. Endurance athletes will want to add more carbohydrates to Replenish™
for recovery due to them expending a lot more calories and using up a lot more
glycogen reserves during training.
Going heavy on the carbohydrates post-workout is even more unnecessary for those
who drink some sort of carbohydrate drink during training. A constant influx of
carbohydrates and protein over the day is ideal. Sudden and sharp spikes will
ultimately lead to unfavourable fat accumulation.
Q. The label says fortified with leucine. What is so special about leucine?
A. Leucine is a marvellous amino acid that is becoming more and more popular in
the bodybuilding community. It is said to be the main trigger for protein
synthesis and has anti-catabolic properties. In combination with the other
essential amino acids and carbohydrates (and thus, insulin), it becomes quite
anabolic.
Q. Does the leucine actually make any difference at all?
A. Scientific research certainly indicates this to be a resounding yes; so does
anecdotal feedback.
Q. Is the added Leucine part of the 30 grams of protein on the label, or in
addition?
A. It is additional. We wouldn’t sell you guys short.
Q. Why does Replenish™ not use whey hydrolysate?
A. Hydrolysate is good stuff, but it is also pricey and we do not feel it is
really worth the extra cash that it would have made Replenish™ cost. Whey
protein isolate and concentrate work just fine, and when you consider the
fortification of the leucine and isoleucine, it is pretty potent stuff.
Q. Are there any fats or creatine precursors in Replenish™?
A. No additional fats and no precursors, no. Nothing beats creatine
replenishment better than creatine, although Citrulline may help phosphocreatine
replenishment.
Q. Can I use Glucophase XR™ with Replenish™ to maximise nutrient uptake?
A. Absolutely. We recommend you do, in fact. A serving of VIGOR™ may also be of
benefit if you have not taken one before training. The anti-oxidants in
Glucophase XR™ and VIGOR™ help control free radicals that can put the breaks on
protein synthesis and impede recovery after training.
Q: How does Replenish™ stack up against some of the other popular
post-workout products?
A: We'd love for you to compare the formulas. Then compare the price. Then let
us know.
Q. Can I use Replenish™ while dieting?
A. Absolutely. Simply include it as part of your daily calorie totals.
Q. What if I am on a ketogenic diet?
A. Even ketogenic diets can include a certain amount of carbohydrates each day,
but really it depends how sensitive you are. If you are doing a full cyclical
ketogenic diet, you need to find out how many carbohydrates it takes you to be
knocked out of ketosis. Replenish™ only yields 30g of carbohydrates, so you
should be ok.
For those doing the targeted ketogenic diet, which carbohydrates after training,
Replenish™ is perfect.
Q. I am just low-carbing, not going into ketosis. Is this ok?
A. Absolutely. Simply include it as part of your daily calorie totals.
Q. I have tried most of the components in Replenish™ individually and most
taste nasty. How did you get it to taste so damn good with all that crap in
there?
A. Because we spent the necessary time and money to ensure that this product
tastes great. Unfortunately this does add a little more by way of price, but we
feel this is absolutely worth it.
Q. So what flavors are going to be released in the future?
A. We have several in the pipeline, so keep an eye out!
Q. I have a medical condition. Can I use Replenish™?
A. Always consult your physician before using any new supplement.
Replenish
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Scoops (~78g)
Servings per Container: ~15
Amount Per Serving
Calories 255
Calories from Fat 15
Total Fat 1.5g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 30mg
Total Carbohydrates 30g
Dietary Fiber 5g
Sugars 1g
Protein 30g
Calcium (From Calcium Citrate) 110mg
Potassium (from potassium citrate) 180mg
Magnesium (from magnesium acetate) 50mg
Sodium 150mg
Citrulline Malate 1.5g
Creatine Ethyl Ester 1g
Augmented Recovery Matrix 8g
[A blend of: Leucine, Isoleucine and 4-hydroxy-isolueucine]
Replenish Suggested Use:
Mix one serving of Replenish in 16 to 24 ounces of cold water and blend well.
Replenish mixes with a spoon; for best results, use a shaker bottle or blender.
the ideal time to take Replenish is immediately after training.
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