ZMA has grown so popular as a helpful supplement that most don’t bother with its more technical name. However, for those who’d like to know more beyond the three-letter label, we can help you get to know ZMA precisely.
ZMA is short for zinc, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6 are wonderful supplements for your health and fitness on their own, but their attributes and benefits are notorious for being offered in combination.
Adding ZMA to your diet is like killing three birds with one stone or hitting three muscle groups with one exercise; it makes accomplishing your goals more efficient.
Zinc, Magnesium Aspartate, and Vitamin B6
Zinc
Zinc is a nutrient that’s naturally occurring throughout your body. Although in small amounts, the nutrient is necessary for human health and growth. Zinc helps your immune system and metabolism function, which makes fighting germs and digesting foods easier. Zinc is also important to wound healing.
Your body doesn’t store away zinc to be used at a later time, so you must obtain it through your diet. Foods like shellfish, eggs, and red meat offer high levels of zinc, making it easy to get your daily dose of zinc through a balanced diet with suitable proteins.
Despite zinc being one of the nutrients that’s easier to obtain, some people aren’t consuming enough of it. Taking zinc supplements may be well worth it for:
- Vegans and vegetarians who aren’t eating proteins that are rich sources of zinc and have a zinc deficiency.
- Athletes who are sweating out more zinc than they’re consuming through exercise.
- Those struggling with suboptimal thyroid function.
- Those who are living with eating disorders.
Zinc should be a part of your diet, no matter who you are, which is why this nutrient is a simple yet effective component of ZMA supplements.
Magnesium Aspartate
Magnesium aspartate is an over-the-counter product used for magnesium supplementation. Magnesium’s benefits to fitness enthusiasts are clear. Magnesium aspartate helps with blood pressure, constructing proteins, and muscle and nerve function.
Having proper amounts of magnesium in your body is important for several reasons. Magnesium helps your muscles, nerves, heart, and blood pressure to function properly.
Typically, you consume the mineral through magnesium-rich sources and foods that lower cholesterol like leafy vegetables, fish, fruits, yogurt, and brown rice. Although present in many foods, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that most Americans fail to consume adequate quantities of magnesium, especially men over 70 and teenage females.
ZMA tablets can be valuable tools for supplementing your body's magnesium and performing at your best.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is necessary for normal brain development and the function of the nervous and immunological systems.
Poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas, bananas, and fortified cereals are all excellent sources of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is also available as a supplement, most commonly in the form of an oral capsule, tablet, or liquid.
Vitamin B-6 deficiency is more common in those with kidney illness or diseases that restrict the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from meals (malabsorption syndromes). Vitamin B-6 deficiency can also be caused by autoimmune illnesses, some epilepsy medicines, and alcoholism. This can result in anemia (a lack of healthy red blood cells carrying enough oxygen to your body's tissues) and a weakened immune system.
The Benefits of ZMA
ZMA is a popular supplement among athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness buffs. ZMA is produced and offered to the public to enhance endurance, exercise performance, and increase muscle strength and growth. ZMA and sleep quality are also often mentioned in tandem.
The effect of ZMA on muscle building is "unknown," according to the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Additionally, the Australian Institute of Sport, which informs athletes about dietary supplements, has ruled that ZMA lacks clear proof of advantages. This news may be disappointing, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard ZMA in its entirety.
The health benefits of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 are clear independently. Zinc is required for over 300 enzymes that are involved in metabolism, digestion, immunity, and other aspects of your health. Magnesium is a mineral that helps your body perform hundreds of chemical activities, including energy production and muscle and nerve function. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in producing neurotransmitters and food metabolism.
No major side effects of ZMA have been reported, but you should always take the supplements per the brand's suggestion.
ZMA From Ultimate Nutrition
At Ultimate Nutrition, we offer ZMA because we believe in its ability to increase testosterone levels and influence muscle growth. Our ZMA® is a unique anabolic formula containing highly bio-available zinc and magnesium forms. Vitamin B-6 further enhances absorption and utilization.
If you’re interested in achieving healthy muscle mass, quality sleep, and enhanced performance, consider giving ZMA a try.