The cutting edge: ready to supercharge your supplement regimen? These 13 scientifically advanced compounds represent the next level in helping you get huge and shredded

Muscle & Fitness, March, 2005 by Chris Lockwood, Jim Stoppani

HUPERZINE A

What it is and what it does: An extract from Chinese club moss that enhances brain function by preventing the breakdown of the nerve stimulator acetylcholine.

Dosage: 50 mcg, taken 1-2 times daily--once with breakfast and once with your preworkout meal

Tips: Natural forms of huperzine A are about three times more potent than its synthetic or racemic forms; be certain you're getting a 99% pure extract. Stacking it with caffeine and other inhibitors can compound its effects.

Where to get it: Neurostim (Scivation)

VINPOCETINE

What it is and what it does: A derivative of the periwinkle plant that provides a mental edge through enhanced blood flow to the brain and other mechanisms. It may also enhance muscle contraction.

Dosage: 1-20 mg, taken 1-2 times daily--once with breakfast and once with your preworkout meal

Tips: If you ingest too much vinpocetine, you'll feel like blowing chunks instead of blowing through your day. Be sure you're well hydrated or you'll get a wicked headache.

Where to get it: NeuroMax II (MRM), NO-Xplode (BSN), Xpand (Dymatize)

Tips: Look for products that contain PeakATP; It's the only stable form of ATP on the market.

Where to get it: Adenergy (Optimum Nutrition)

CITRULLINE MALATE

What it is and what it does: An amino acid and energy precursor combo that delivers rep-pumping energy to your muscles in two ways: 1) by improving blood flow via enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and 2) by helping rebuild muscular energy stores.

Dosage: 6 grams, split between two doses per day--in the morning on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before exercise

Tips: You generally need to use this supplement for 5-7 days before you see effects. We suggest a liquid-concentrated form.

Where to get it: Stamin02 (ErgoPharm), NO-Explode (BSN), Pump Tech (MuscleTech), Ox (SAN), Xpand (Dymatize), Xtend (Scivation)

34 PERCENT INCREASE IN MUSCLE ATP SHOWN FROM TAKING CITRULLINE MALATE

CARNOSINE

What it is and what it does: A dipeptide (two amino acids) that enhances both muscular strength and endurance.

Dosage: 1-1 1/2 grams before and after lifting

Tips: Beta-alanine is often added to products because it converts to carnosine (and is a lot cheaper). But ingesting the necessary dose can cause flushing and itchy skin. Pay a little extra and stick to carnosine.

Where to get it: Myo-Blast CSP3 (Cytodyne)

* DIGESTIVE AIDS

All those aminos you consume through food in hopes of building muscle will do you no good if they're not properly digested. The following will help your digestive processes work effectively.

PROBIOTIC

What it is and what it does: Healthy bacteria that help facilitate anabolic metabolism by maintaining gastrointestinal health. If your intestines don't function properly, you can't absorb the nutrients you need for training results.

Dosage: Follow label recommendations and take twice per day--once with breakfast and once with dinner

Tips: The formula should contain a mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, totaling 2-5 billion CFUs (colony-forming units).