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What is Glutamine? 
Glutamine is the most abundant non-essential amino acid in the body. It is found in large quantities in skeletal muscle and plasma and has many functions, including the transfer of nitrogen between organs and the detoxification of ammonia, acid-base regulation in the body, a precursor to the synthesis of nucleotides and a fuel for cells of the gut lining and immune system (Rowbottom, 1996). Its effects are classified as anabolic as well as immunostimulatory. I would bet that if you were to ask someone in the gym what glutamine does, that person would respond, "It helps the immune system." Glutamine is most famous in the sports industry for its role in immunity. Other claims being made about glutamine include its cell "volumizing" effect, stimulation of muscle protein synthesis, glycogen repletion and synthesis, improved muscle repair, decreased muscular soreness. and improved high-intensity performance (Kreider, 1999).
How does it work? Skeletal muscle is a major player in the release of glutamine during times of need. It has even been hypothesized that skeletal muscle releases the majority of glutamine into plasma when required by other tissues (Rowbottom, 1996). However, during these times of extreme need, as in the case with the overtraining syndrome (OTS) and intense exercise, more glutamine is required than the body is able to produce. This is why glutamine has been declared a "conditionally" essential amino acid. It is during these times that it is necessary to supplement because the body cannot synthesize enough to meet demands. Glutamine supplementation is also used in patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and peptic ulcers because the lining of the gastrointestinal tract has the highest turnover of cell production and preferentially uses glutamine stores. It is also used for the treatment of AIDS, cancer, burn victims, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, stress, fatigue, and alcoholism. It has also been suggested that glutamine stimulates the release of growth hormone (Welbourne, 1995). 
During times of heavy, intense exercise plasma glutamine levels decline and it is this decline that has been associated with an increase in the rate of infection among athletes (Parry-Billings, 1992). This leads to specific organs and tissues in the body not receiving enough of glutamine in order to function optimally. These organs and their mechanisms include: the kidneys so as to maintain acid-base balance in the body, the liver in order to synthesize glycogen and other compounds such as the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione, the production of cells of the immune system, and the gastrointestinal tract and the brain so as to detoxify cerebral ammonia (Rowbottom, 1996). It has also been suggested that intramuscular stores of glutamine are related to the rate of protein synthesis as well as the promotion of glycogen synthesis (Bowtell, 1999). 
What is the evidence to support the claims? In a study by Bowtell et al., in 1999 seven male subjects were fatigued to exhaustion in order to deplete all muscle glycogen stores. This exercise protocol involved the recruitment of both type I and type II fibers by incorporating long duration, aerobic exercise with short bursts of maximal effort intensity work. Each subject was given one of three drinks post-exercise: 330 mL glucose-polymer solution, 330 mL glucose-polymer solution with 8g glutamine or 330 mL placebo with 8g glutamine. Measurements were taken incrementally during the 2 hours of post-exercise recovery. What was discovered was that plasma glutamine concentrations were highest post-exercise in the glutamine containing drinks suggesting that glutamine supplementation prevents exercise-induced immunosuppression. What was also discovered was that oral glutamine supplementation alone promoted glycogen storage similar to that of the glucose-polymer drink suggesting glutamine's role in promoting glycogen synthesis after prolonged, exhaustive exercise. What can then be concluded is that a post-exercise meal consisting of optimal amounts of carbohydrate in conjunction with a protein source (with glutamine) is the best way to promote muscle glycogen and protein synthesis after a workout. 
In another study by Castell and Newsholme in 1997 the effects of oral glutamine supplementation on athletes after prolonged, exhaustive exercise was examined. In this data analysis consisting of many different clinical trials, 200 male and female athletes consisting of ultra-marathoners, marathoners, middle distance runners (10k races and/or 15 mile training sessions) and competitive rowers were monitored for infection for 7 days during the training season and after glutamine supplementation. Glutamine (group G) and placebo (group P) feedings were given to the athletes immediately following an exercise bout and 2 hours after. Plasma levels of glutamine were measured in the athletes in comparison with a group of healthy, non-exercising controls. What was discovered was that during the 7 days after the glutamine and placebo feedings the percentage of athletes reporting no infections was greater in group G (81% reported no infections) compared to group P (49% reported no infections). Infections were categorized into any athlete suffering from colds, cough, sore throat and/or influenza occurring within 1 week of the exercise bout. This data suggests a higher rate of infection after high-intensity exercise that can be mitigated by the inclusion of oral glutamine supplementation after exercise. Unfortunately, there is not enough research yet supporting the role of glutamine supplementation after high-intensity resistance training. It can be assumed that high-intensity resistance training results in the same type of effect as high-intensity endurance training because of its muscle glycogen depleting mechanisms as well as the intense demand placed onto the body for the synthesis of protein / muscle tissue. It can then be assumed that oral supplementation of glutamine may result in a decreased risk of infection after weight training, an increased rate of muscle glycogen synthesis, improved muscular repair and recovery and reduced soreness. 
What is the dosage? Researchers examining the effects of high-intensity exercise on plasma concentrations of glutamine are currently using a dose of .1g glutamine per kg body weight every 30 minutes post-exercise for a 2-3 hour recovery period in order to prevent this decline in plasma glutamine. Manufacturers of glutamine supplements are recommending dosages of 5g post-workout and an additional 5-10g throughout the day "for best results."
Conclusions: There is no way to know for sure exactly how much is enough or how much is too much. There are currently no reported side effects from its use and the evidence supporting the benefits of glutamine supplementation for bodybuilders is promising. Many studies support its role in protein anabolism, prevention of infection after intense exercise, the release of growth hormone and many other mechanisms important in bodybuilding thereby making it a key component in the supplemental stack of our sport.

Growth Hormone and Aminos
At the recent Ron Williams seminar, Ron spoke about the importance of growth hormone stimulation in bodybuilding. He felt this was more important than testosterone stimulation "because when you stimulate GH release, you stimulate test release". L-arginine and L-ornithine have been shown to promote natural growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary gland. GH promotes healthy anabolic metabolism throughout the body, helping to maintain youthful protein synthesis within cells
Using the amino acids Arginine and Ornithine you can significantly increase GH. There is a trick though, you must not take any other protein with these two including each other.
I go for two GH hits a day. I take one serve of Arginine (1-2g) at bedtime. I have had nothing to eat for at least 2hrs before bed. My second hit is Ornithine (1-2g) some time during the night when I get up for a leak (which I do every night around 4am). you can give yourself these GH hits any time as long as you don't have any other protein 1 hour before of after the dose. Another good time for a hit is to eat 1hr before training, then upon arrival at the gym take either amino, train for an hour, then eat.

Arginine 75g $35:00
Ornithine 75g $35:00

Me with Ron Williams, Natural Olympia 2002 Winner

The Big Four-Oh!
By the time you are reading this newsletter I've had my fortieth birthday. I know, you're shocked. It's hard to believe someone as well preserved as me is forty years old. 
Well it's true, and I'm going to celebrate this milestone by competing in the master's class at the SABBA SA Titles on the 7th of September. I'm going to commence my pre contest diet after Mother's day. Over the next few months I will chronicle my diet and training here in the Muscle News.
Currently I weigh about 84.5kg at about 18% bodyfat. I have a goal of competing at around 70 - 72 kilos on the day. At 72kg I would be 4.5kg heavier than the last time I competed in '99. I am allowing 16 weeks to shed 12 -13 kilos at 750g a week.
Sounds easy......let's see how I do. Next month I will detail my diet and supplement program. My training will stay basically the same except that I will add an extra day into my program.

This is how it will look;

The following week Chest/Delts will be trained twice and so on. I will do cardio everyday for at least 40 mins and might have to increase it to twice a day (hope not) as the contest nears. I will throw ab training in every second workout.
Next month, my diet and the results of my first few weeks of dieting.

FREE BODYFAT TEST

SUBSCRIBER COMPETITION

This month's winner will receive 75g of Arginine and Ornithine.

Last month's winner of 1kg of Balance Creatine Monohydrate was John Dafov of Henley Beach.

It's here! Our Secure Online Store. Now you can buy all your supplements and accessories at the click of a button! No need to make the trip to the store to refresh your supplement stock. Do it here. Secure connection!  Click here to visit our brand new store!

MAY SPECIALS

If you are after a great tasting, high protein, low carb bar, then the Designer Bar is for you. This month I have a great special on boxed Designer Bars. The flavours are limited but the prices are great. Designer Bars have less than 7g of carbs and 30g of protein per bar and a great taste. Designer Bars are ideal for a quick high protein low carb snack any time of day. Designer Bars normally sell for $54:00 a box, so this is a great saving.

Designer Bars
Peanut Butter $40:00
Choc Espresso $40:00
Lemon Crunches $40:00

Vyo-DIM

$99:95
Delicious Orange

Gen-Tec L-Glutamine

300g $45:00
500g $69:95

MRM ECDY-20

90 Caps
$79:95

N.B. All Prices are in  AUD.

WHAT'S NEW? 

Facts Behind ECDY (20-Hydroxyecdysone)

Ecdy is a powerful anabolic agent. A study with 40 elite athletes showed that supplementation with Ecdy for only 10 days increased muscle tissue by 6%.

Another study showed that even elite endurance athletes gained 3.5lbs of muscle after 3 weeks of supplementation.

Ecdy is purely anabolic, with no androgenic side effects. Androgenic effects are what you see with steroid use and can include acne, bloating, liver damage, immune suppression, etc. Three separate studies measured three distinct variable of androgenic activity. They all confirmed ECDY possesses no androgenic activity. Ecdy acts exclusively on muscle cells.

While testosterone and its steroid derivatives act on many organs including sex glands, prostate, liver and even the brain, as well as muscle, Ecdy affects only muscle. Therefore it won't cause the shut down of natural testosterone production, just good old fashioned muscle growth.

Ecdy is ergogenic (endurance enhancing) as well as anabolic. A study done on 20 national level Soviet distance runners with Ecdy showed that 20 days of supplementation during intensive training increased their aerobic capacity by 13.6%, while the placebo group improved by only 1.9%

MRM ECDY-20 $79:95

Vyo-Tech presents:
Liquid Vyo-Dim Diindolylmethane
Advanced Stabilized Formula!

Most Powerful Form Of Testosterone Now Available!

Know anybody (besides a spokesperson for a supplement) that’s gained any muscle using testosterone based pro-hormones? Didn’t think so!

But listen! There’s now a better way to raise your testosterone levels and you’ll do it naturally! And what’s more, when you take Vio-Dim you increase the most powerful form of testosterone.

Please listen! The most powerful type of testosterone in your body is called free testosterone. Free testosterone is "test" that is not bound by Sex Hormone Binding Globulen.

SHBG is a protein that binds to over 90% of all testosterone you produce. That’s right! Less than 10% of your natural test is working to build muscle. So instead of always trying to take more synthetic test, doesn’t it make more sense to "free-up" more of your own.

Well, now you can, thanks to Vio-Dim an all new anabolic compound that blocks Sex Hormone Binding Globulen . . . thus liberating more of your own natural test.

Now There’s No Need To Take Synthetic Testosterone Again . . .
Because Your Body Already Makes The Most Powerful Form Ever Discovered!

Then why doesn’t everybody look like Mr. America?" Good question! And you’ll find out once you read this eye-opening special report that reveals how you can tap into your own testosterone gold mine that’s been lying dormant in your body for years . . . the same testosterone gold mine a bull uses. Yes, a beastly muscular BULL I know you’re very excited about discovering how to finally unlock your natural testosterone gold mine . . . but first, it’s very important that you listen to this little "introductory story" because it will set the stage for the incredible revelation you’re about to be enlightened upon.

In 1905 a preacher named Russell Conwell wrote a book called Acres of Diamonds. It was a "business success" type of book, and its central theme was, you don’t need to move to another country, or state, or town for a business opportunity to "find you" because plenty of them are already in your own mind! A new invention! A better mousetrap! A timely innovation . . . can all make you extremely wealthy!

It’s obvious the vast majority of body-builders have never read this book! Because if they had . . . maybe a spark of genius would have "illuminated them" into looking inside their bodies for the most powerful muscle building compound known . . their very own, naturally produced testosterone.

Instead, 99% of body-builders look for an "andro this" or "nor-andro that"! And if they’re a little on the dangerous side, maybe a little test/cyp or an amp or two of Sustanon 250 to jack up their test levels.

Make no mistake! These compounds do work! But, they are far from safe because they will shut down your nuts if you stay on them too long. Yeah, you’ll look good . . . until you take off your jock! Wouldn’t a better option be to produce more of the most powerful form of testosterone known, a kind of testosterone every body has lying dormant in their system!

It’s Your Best Choice To Get Huge!
Unfortunately though, it’s all "bound up",and unusable due to a hormone that restricts its flow!

That’s right! There is a hormone called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin that restricts 90% of your testosterone from doing the things it likes to do. Things like cause unbelievable nitrogen retention, and protein synthesis . . . in other words . . . build a ton of muscle!

Now, why do you think a bull is so huge and muscular! (They’ve got traps that make Dorian’s look like he’s never done a shrug!) They’re so huge and muscular because nearly 90% of their testosterone is free, and not bound by Sex Hormone Binding Globulin . . . the exact opposite of humans! But get this . . . they produce about the same amount every day as "us", around 7 – 10 mgs.

So you see, the real secret to jacking your test levels is to "free it up". And when you do this, look out, because you’ll be "freeing up" your own, DNA specific testosterone. Testosterone that is genetically programmed to respond specifically to your androgen receptors.

Bulls don’t "juice" . . . because the best juice "is already in em"... just like it’s already in you!

So, what’s the secret to freeing up your own juice? Simple. All you’ve got to do is block Sex Hormone Binding Globulin from attaching to the androgen receptor site. Do this, and bingo . . . your test is "freed up," lots of it!

Announcing the most effective test-osterone-freeing agent available without a script, "Vyo-Dim".

Vyo-Dim’s active ingredient is called di-indolymethane, a phytochemical (plant chemical) that effectively blocks SHBG from attaching to the androgen receptor by first attaching to it. With no place "to land", SHBG can no longer "bind testosterone." Isn’t this a lot better way to elevate the most powerful muscle building hormone known?

Forget the shots, sublinguals, sprays, and pills and rub-ons because the bull's already inside you... just waiting to come .. out..raging!

All you have to do is unlock the "testosterone gate" with Vyo-Dim!.

And here’s another huge benefit of Vyo-Dim. Vyo-Dim also has very, very powerful anti-estrogenic properties because di-indolymethane also blocks the estrogen molecule from occupying its cell site! This is very similar to the action of famous anti-estrogenic drugs like Novladex and Clamid!

So not only will lots of testosterone free-up, none of it will convert to estrogen. This is a major, major problem with prohormones and synthetic testosterone. Bitch tits are even more embarrassing than being caught wearing your girlfriend’s underwear . . . and thousands of guys risk this shame just for a little muscle!

C’mon, do it the smart, safe . . . but extremely effective way! Be a bull, not a heifer. Vyo-Dim really is the best way to go when you need to jack-up your testosterone levels . . . take it from one of the most dangerous and muscular beasts in the world!  

Vyo-DIM
$99:95

All American Whey
New Ion Exchange Whey Protein Concentrate

Bronx All American Whey is an aggressive formula - spiked to maximise nitrogen retention central to muscle growth. It has unusually low molecular weight whey protein factions which give it a vital and dynamic edge that few consumers understand.

Most protein sales people prefer to quote their proteins "crude" statistics, such as the protein percentage per weight of product. This steers the consumer away from considering the critical advantage implicit to low molecular weight whey protein factions. The unusually low molecular weight of its various whey protein factions makes Bronx All American Whey superior with regard to;

High Bio-availability
Enhanced Nitrogen Retention
Low Lactose
Improved Amino Acid Metabolism

Bronx All American Whey has that hard to beat American Flavour, mixes instantly, and is a fantastic price.

All American Whey
Choc/Vanilla
5lb's $89:95

 WHAT'S THE GOSS?

Gossip is sourced from various sites such as muscletime.com, getbig.com, nuclearnutrition.com, ironmagazine.com 

IFBB Pro Hans Hopstaken Dies at 45
Hans Hopstaken, a former NPC Masters National champion who finished in the top five at the last two Masters Olympias, died on Friday, April 12, from congestive heart failure at Santa Teresita Hospital in Duarte, California. Hopstaken, 45, competed in the '01 IRONMAN Pro and finished fifth at the Masters O last year (he was fourth in 2000), but he'd been sick on and off since then. 

Hans at the 2001 Masters Olympia

2002 SOUTHWEST PRO MEN’S CUP
Dallas, Texas; Saturday, May 4, 2002
WINNER: DARREM CHARLES (USA)*
2) Bob Cicherillo (USA)*
3) George Farah (USA)*
4) J.D. Dawodu (England) 
5) Willie Stallings (USA)
6) Gustavo Badell (Puerto Rico) 
7) Craig Titus (USA)
8) Paul Dillett (USA)
9) Tom Prince (USA)
10) Melvin Anthony (USA)
11) Bob Weatherall (Canada)
12) Henderson Thorne (Canada)
13) Jason Marcovicci (Canada) 
14) Mike Morris (USA) 
15) Paul Baker (Jamaica)
DNP: Tevita Aholelei; Valentine Jabes; Kenny Jones; Berry Kabov; Charles Kemp; Rod Ketchens; Christian Lobarede; Juan Marquez; Nicholas Schilko; Yohnnie Shambourger; John Sherman.**
*Qualifies for 2002 Mr. Olympia contest.
** Withdrew due to injury

Winner Darrem Charles

DON LONG RECEIVES KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
IFBB pro Don Long, who left the sport due to kidney failure, has finally received a kidney transplant. How Don received his transplant was a national news story. Since nobody in his immediate family was a match to be a donor, Don was placed on a waiting list and was expected to wait years for a transplant. However, his older sister, Michelle, volunteered for a new living donor program with the Washington Regional Transplant Consortium, and donated a kidney in early March to a third party. In fact, Michelle Long was the first person to take advantage of this program. An Air Force Technical sergeant, Michelle's generous action moved her brother to the top of the transplant list, and a couple of weeks later, he received his new kidney.

Don Long during his competition days

On Monday, April 15th, 2002 Arnold stepped "BACK" into the role of the Terminator as cameras began rolling on "T3: RISE OF THE MACHINES". Now, Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first image from the highly anticipated third installment of the Terminator franchise. 

Arnold in T3

Incredible news from Lee Priest! Priest has been chosen to be The Incredible Hulk in the movie version of the popular comic book creation, which later was a hit TV show with Lou Ferrigno as everyone's favorite green monster. So is Priest the new Ferrigno? Yes and no. The movie Hulk will be computer generated, but modeled after Priest's physique. The Awesome Aussie worked with famed special effects geniuses at Industrial Light and Magic, and provided movements, poses and gestures that were transferred digitally to computers that will later create the animated Hulk. It's a process not unlike that used for animated films in order to give these manufactured creatures a more realistic motion and physiology.

Lee's physique to be the model for the Incredible Hulk

Rumors are swirling that Jay Cutler has decided to not enter the Mr. Olympia this year, instead just going to concentrate on the Arnold Classic in 2003, where the top prize not only includes money but a brand new Hummer. According to sources, Jay was guest posing in Denver and let it slip out. Of course, nothing is in stone until August. 

Jay Cutler

Jean-Pierre Fux had a frightening accident on Thursday, May 2, during a photo shoot with FLEX photographer Chris Lund at Gold's in Fullerton, California. While squatting with a weight well within his limitations, Fux's legs suddenly gave way and he crashed to the ground. He tore muscles in both quads and was operated on Friday. Said the Swiss Jeez: "I was using a weight - over 600 pounds - that should have been no problem for me." In fact, the set was a preparation for his next main set, so the tearing of his quads remains a mystery to Fux. True to form, Jean-Pierre showed remarkable courage as he lay prostrate waiting for the ambulance. Despite being in excruciating pain, he quipped to Lund, "We'll forget about doing leg press, then eh?"

Jean-Pierre Fux

Six-time Ms. Olympia Lenda Murray is planning a comeback this year at the Ms. Olympia contest on October 18 in Las Vegas. She last competed at the 1997 Ms. Olympia contest where she finished runner-up to the amazing Kim Chizevsky for the second straight time. The lovely Lenda has kept a low profile in recent years, but apparently she’s ready for another close-up. Was she inspired by Juliette Bergman’s victory last year, coming back after 15 years in retirement?

Lenda Murray - planning a comeback?

 N.B. All Prices are in  AUD.

*** Editorial Information***

Muscle News is published by Australian Muscle 3/171 Goodwood Rd., Millswood, S.A. 5034
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Editor: Kim Tanska
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