Reggie Johal said
Never saw a reference to ability to improve the testosterone to cortisol ratio. Is that based on research or empirical feedback? It makes sense based on the feedback reported for Mass Pro Synthagen.
Both.
In particular though, TMG's inclusion is paramount: There is recent (2011) data surrounding TMG's potential to increase anabolic hormones, decrease catabolic hormones and improve muscle force production and endurance in HUMANS (1). In fact, this particular paper's conclusion is quite striking;
(1) http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/cgi/view.....=gs_theses
Conclusion: "Betaine supplementation increased force production and muscular endurance. These performance measures correspond to increases in anabolic hormones (GH and IGF-1) and maintenance of anabolic muscle signaling (Total Akt, Akt and p70 S6k phosphorylation) responses, as well as the decrease in catabolic hormone (cortisol) and inhibitory muscle signaling (AMPK phosphorylation) following 14 days of betaine supplementation"
Of particular note here (page 50), is TMG's ability to sustain protein synthesis, whereas in those not receiving TMG - the process slowed/stopped. This is just part of the reason Synthagen outperforms straight EAA's, even when dosed at 20+g/day.
"The increase in Akt Total pre and post-exercise, as well as the maintenance in Akt S473 post-exercise following betaine supplementation indicates a greater ability to signal further downstream. These results correspond to the increase in GH and IGF-1 AUC during the betaine supplementation.
Although there was no change in p70 S6k Total, p70 S6k T389 phosphorylation was maintained during the betaine supplementation pre and post-exercise. The decrease in p70 S6k T389 during the post placebo supplementation trial is explained partially by the increased cortisol levels during this time, where the maintenance during betaine supplementation is explained by the decrease in cortisol levels and therefore decreased inhibition to the muscle signaling pathway.."
If you look further into this paper, the actual reduction in cortisol was a whopping 50%. Thus, a greatly improved test/cortisol ratio.. 