STRONGMAN, The Vitamin Pack

Developing hard, quality muscle is never about just doing one thing right; it’s about doing everything right: training, nutrition, supplementation and even sleep. But nutrition isn’t just macronutrients – proteins, carbohydrates and fats – it’s also essential micronutrients. Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals and other biochemical compounds the body needs to build a hard-muscled physique.
STRONGMAN was formulated exclusively for bodybuilders like you to provide the complete package of essential micronutrients you need to optimize muscle growth.
STRONGMAN’s four complexes – MUSCLE•MULTI, SPINACH•FLEX, OMEGA•OIL and E•400 – work together to help to kick-start muscle growth, speed recovery and fuel metabolism. Plus, thanks to FUSION BODYBUILDING’s exclusive SPINACH•FLEX complex, each box contains the equivalent of over 12 cups of spinach and greens. Strong muscles start with a strong base, and strong muscles start with STRONGMAN.
Directions: Take your STRONGMAN Vitamin Pack in the morning with breakfast.
This box contains 30 Vitamin Packs filled with a serving of MUSCLE•MULTI Caplets, SPINACH•FLEX Capsules, OMEGA•OIL Softgesl and E•400 Softgels.
MUSCLE•MULTI
Other Ingredients: Cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, colour.
More Information About the Ingredients: This product was scientifically formulated to deliver appreciable, reliable results. Each ingredient was chosen for its ability to help bodybuilders like you to achieve results.
Vitamins
Vitamin A (as All-trans Beta-Carotene): Vitamin A is important in the synthesis of protein and involved in the production of muscle glycogen, the storage form of energy in the body. Supplementation is essential since high activity levels can reduce vitamin A absorption by the body.
Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalciferol): This vitamin is important for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is essential for muscular contraction, and without it, full muscle contractions cannot be obtained. On top of that, calcium is also needed to keep bones strong to support increases in muscle tissue and provide a solid anchor for muscle contraction, while phosphorus is needed to help generate the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is required as fuel for our muscles during contraction.
Vitamin B1 (as Thiamine Hydrochloride): B1, or thiamine, is required for protein metabolism and growth. It’s involved in the formation of the protein hemoglobin, which is found in our red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the body. The transport of oxygen is necessary to an athlete’s aerobic performance. It has been suggested that exercise frequency, intensity and duration increase the amount of thiamine required by the body, and increased supplementation with thiamine can result in enhanced athletic performance.
Vitamin B2 (as Riboflavin): The main function of riboflavin is energy production, including glucose metabolism, fat oxidation and transport of hydrogen ions through the process that helps generate ATP, the energy source that our cells need to perform work. It has been shown that riboflavin can even reduce muscle cramping due to training.
Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide): Vitamin B3, or niacin, is involved in many metabolic processes that are related to energy production. Niacin is involved in both DNA repair and the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland. Nicotine acid, another form of niacin, can cause vasodilation, which can increase nutrient delivery and muscle pumps. However, it should be noted that large doses of nicotinic acid, the amounts needed to cause vasodilation, can actually impede the body’s ability to burn and mobilize fat.
Vitamin B5 (as Calcium-d-Pantothenate): Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is an essential nutrient required to metabolize proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamin B5 is also used in the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is an important enzyme needed for energy metabolism and the production of ATP. Coenyzme A is also involved in the biosynthesis of many important compounds, including fatty acids, cholesterol and acetylcholine.
Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride): Vitamin B6 is highly involved in protein metabolism by aiding in the manufacturing of amino acids. It is also involved in carbohydrate utilization. Research has shown that athletes have an increased need for vitamin B6 and that performance can be improved with supplementation. Vitamin B6 is also involved in the development of neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin): Vitamin B12 is important in carbohydrate metabolism and maintenance of nerve cell transmission, which is important in muscle contraction, coordination and muscle growth. It is also involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body, especially affecting DNA synthesis and regulation and fatty acid synthesis and energy production.
Folate (as Folic Acid): Also known as vitamin B9, folate is needed by the body to synthesize and repair DNA. It is also involved in rapid cell growth and division, and is needed to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia.
Biotin (as d-Biotin): Biotin and vitamin B6 are coenzymes in glycogen metabolism; this means they augment other enzymes in the formation of glycogen, the storage form of glucose. Glycogen is essential for fueling your muscles to contract during exercise. Biotin also has critical functions in amino acid metabolism and the production of energy from many sources.
Minerals
Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate): Calcium is not only an essential mineral for bone health but also is required for muscular contraction. Once muscle cells receive a signal from the corresponding nerve, calcium floods into the stimulated muscle cells and binds with important proteins to facilitate the action of actin and myosin, two important proteins involved in muscle contraction. During exercise, if your muscle calcium is low, you may experience fatigue. In fact, this may be a limiting factor to performance and exercise duration. Not having enough calcium can interfere with the action of actin and myosin, causing a reduction of the force of your muscular contractions.
Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide): Magnesium is another mineral you need for optimal muscular function. Magnesium permits nerve chemical messengers to stimulate the muscle cell so that calcium can enter muscle cells, resulting in muscular contraction. This mineral also is necessary to produce the energy our muscles need in the form of ATP during aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Magnesium is necessary to convert the glucose in the food we eat into smaller molecules that can be used inside the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells that generate ATP or energy. Consuming the daily requirement of magnesium helps to ensure you can optimally contract your muscles to produce sufficient force and exercise at higher intensities for a longer period of time.
Selenium (as Selenium HVP Chelate): This micronutrient is an essential trace mineral and is known as a pro-oxidant because it activates the glutathione peroxidase antioxidant. Selenium has been shown to help reduce oxidative stress that can lead to DNA damage, and can also inhibit damaging inflammatory pathways. It is also needed for proper functioning of the thyroid and the immune system.
Zinc (as Zinc Oxide): Zinc is crucial for enzyme regulation and is a component of many enzymes involved in growth, regulation of hormonal levels, energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Zinc supplementation can improve immune function and lower blood glucose levels, and is also involved in energy metabolism. Of utmost importance to a bodybuilder, there is also evidence to suggest that zinc is involved in testosterone production pathways.
Lipotropics
Inositol (as Inositol Hexanicotinate): Sometimes considered one of the B-complex vitamins and referred to as vitamin B8, inositol is present in all body tissues and functions closely with choline as one of the primary components of cell membranes. It is important for growth of cells, and is also a lipotropic agent, which means it helps metabolize fat and cholesterol. Inositol has a calming effect as it is involved in the production and action of neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells.
Choline (as Choline Bitartrate): Similar to inositol, choline is also placed among the B-complex vitamins. Choline serves various functions in our bodies, as the structure of cell membranes and protecting our livers from fat accumulation. It is also the precursor molecule for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and has been found to help cognitive function, which is crucial for focus during long training sessions. Choline has also been shown to protect the liver from certain types of damage, and can help reverse damage that has already occurred.
Absorption Initiator
Bioperine® Piper nigrum 50:1 Extract (black pepper)(fruit) [Standardized to 95% piperine]: Bioperine is extracted from black pepper and enhances your natural thermogenic activity by enhancing the delivery of nutrients into your bloodstream and enhances the efficiency of nutrient uptake by your body.
SPINACH•FLEX
Other Ingredients: Gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, colour.
More Information About the Ingredients:
Spinacia oleracea (Spinach)(leaf)(extract) [Standardized to a 4:1 extract - 2700 mg raw herb equivalent]: This superfood is extremely rich in flavonoids and carotenoids that provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well as antioxidant benefits. Given the fact that spinach is an excellent source of the antioxidant nutrients – including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and manganese – as well as a very good source of zinc and a good source of selenium, it’s no wonder that spinach helps lower risk of numerous health problems related to oxidative stress. Spinach also provides the vitamin K, E, B6, B2, folic acid, folate and niacin and the minerals magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and copper.
Vitamin C: Multiple studies have found blood and plasma levels of vitamin C to be diminished in those who exercise regularly. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect muscle cells from free radical damage by acting as an antioxidant itself and by helping generate other antioxidants. Vitamin C can help regenerate reduced vitamin E back to the active state. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce muscle damage when compared with those deficient in the vitamin. Another study found that vitamin C does control reactive oxidant species formed during exercise. If not controlled, these species have the ability to react with cell membranes and damage them, initiating lipid peroxidation. It can also help enhance muscle recovery and growth by its ability to assist in the formation and release of steroid hormones, including the anabolic hormone testosterone. In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C is needed for absorption of iron, which is necessary to help oxygen bind to hemoglobin in the blood. Oxygen is critical for proper muscle performance. Vitamin C is also involved with amino acid metabolism and the formation of collagen, which makes up connective tissue and is essential for holding your bones and muscles in place.
Brassica oleracea (Broccoli)(flower)(extract) [2700 mg raw herb equivalent]: Extracted from broccoli, this compound contains many potent antioxidant micronutrients, including lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin C, selenium and di-indolylmethane. Di-indolylmethane is a potent modulator of the innate immune response system. This extract is also an excellent source of indole-3-carbinol, which can boost DNA repair in cells!
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that has the ability to recycle other antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione after they have been used up. It can also help to increase the formation of glutathione. Glutathione is an important antioxidant that helps the body eliminate potentially harmful substances. Additionally, ALA is also an insulin mimicker, which means it can stimulate insulin sensitive tissues, such as muscles, to uptake important nutrients into our cells including glucose by activating the glucose transporter GLUT-4. Thus, more glucose can be taken up by our muscles, instead of being stored as fat. Increasing glucose uptake into the muscle cells can also cause an increase in nutrient transport into the muscle cells, including amino acids and other essential nutrients.
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)(leaf) [Standardized to 24% ginkgo flavoneglycoside & 6% total terpene lactone – 2083 mg raw herb equivalent]: Ginkgo contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which are two potent antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals and protect damage to cell membranes. Ginkgo is believed to help improve the memory and concentration, which can help benefit focus in the gym.
Vitis vinifera (Grape)(seed)(extract) [Standardized to 95% proanthocyanidins]: Grape seed extract has been shown to decrease oxidative stress that is generated in professional athletes during competition and increase antioxidant activity. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can promote elasticity of the skin.
Co-Enzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 produces energy in combination with respiration. Coenzyme Q10 transports and is involved in the breakdown of fat into energy in the body. Supplementation with dietary CoQ10 ensures that muscles and other critical tissues receive an ample amount of oxygen via the blood.
Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng)(root)(extract) [American ginseng standardized to a 4:1 extract - 333.36 mg Raw Herb Equivalent]: Ginseng is an adaptogen, which means it can help the body fight the effects of stress, including that caused by exercise. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are thought to fight fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal glands and the use of oxygen by exercising muscles.
OMEGA•OIL
Other ingredients: Glycerine, gelatin, water, vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol). This product does not contain corn, dairy, egg, gluten, lactose, starch, sugar, sulfites or yeast.
More Information About the Ingredients: The sole ingredients in OMEGA•OIL® are a natural blend of three types of fish oil – sardine, mackerel and salmon body. This blend provides a ratio of two parts eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to one part docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies of both of these omega-3 essential fatty acids suggest numerous health benefits.
OMEGA•OIL uses only fish oil, as fish oil has been shown to significantly increase EPA and DHA concentrations in the blood, unlike flaxseed oil, which raises only EPA levels and leaves DHA levels unaffected. Also, when fish oils are taken, the total omega-3 composition of red blood cells increases much faster than whe n flax oil is taken, even when six times as much flax oil is consumed.
E•400
Other ingredients: Gelatin, glycerine, vitamin E.
More Information About the Ingredients: Vitamin E has many functions in the body, but its most important role within the body is its powerful antioxidant function. This fat-soluble vitamin helps stop the production of reactive oxygen species also known as ROS that are formed when fat undergoes oxidation. Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant within the glutathione peroxidase pathway and helps protects cell membranes from oxidation by reacting with lipid radicals produced by a chain reaction in lipid peroxidation. The result is the removal of free radical intermediates, preventing oxidation from continuing. Oxidized forms of vitamin E produced in this process get recycled back to the active reduced form through reduction by other antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin A or ubiquinol. Vitamin E also has a regulatory effect on key enzymes involved in muscle growth and repair. A recent study showed that a group receiving vitamin E supplements showed a decrease in muscle damage due to free radical production. The vitamin E worked in a defensive manner, protecting muscles from free radical damage. Therefore, this study showed that training at high intensity can produce free radicals, and that vitamin E is a potent antioxidant of benefit to weightlifters that can minimize muscle damage and maximize recuperation and growth.