Carnosine useful in preventing muscle fatigue

Researchers at the University of Westminster in London write that high intensity exercise leads to a big drop in the muscle reserve of important energy substrates such as ATP and Glycogen. At the same time metabolites such as hydrogen ion and ADP accumulate in the muscle with an increase in free radical production. These factors can affect muscle performance and training sessions. Carnosine overcomes these factors and helps assuage muscle fatigue by buffering the hydrogen ion following a high intensity workout. Carnosine also functions as an antioxidant in the muscle decreasing local inflammation and as a metal chelating agent while regulating calcium and enzyme activity. Additionally Carnosine helps prevent glycation and protein cross linking. The research appears in the October 2005 issue of the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

At the start of this study the impact of the supplements Green Tea Extract and CLA were not even thought of yet - studies show these both impact weight.

Rooibos Tea may offer powerful protection against X-ray radiation

It is no secret that X-ray exposure causes oncogenic changes in formerly healthy cells (oncogenic means it participates in the development of cancer). In this study performed by researchers at the Department of Radiation Biophysics at Nagasaki University School of Medicine, mice that were exposed to X-ray radiation were first supplemented with concentrated extracts of Rooibos tea (Red Tea). Rooibos Tea prevented the cell transformation and at a concentration of 10% the Rooibos protected the mouse cells back to normal levels (those seen without X-ray exposure) of transformation. The Rooibos worked best when it was continuously consumed throughout the exposure period. The study is published in the journal Cancer Letters.