Food of the Month - Vitargo - Bodybuilding, Fitness and Health Forum Axiolabs and Syntrop Steroids Board

TrainWiser · **Food of the Month - Vitargo -** 01-06-2007

*** Food of the Month - Vitargo ***
(January 2007)

Vitargo is a synthetic carbohydrate which has some unique properties that make it of particular interest to athletes of all kinds; but for bodybuilders, particularly those pre-contest, it should be something a little more closely examined.

Nutritionally speaking Vitargo gives you 3.8 calories per gram as carbohydrate, no vitamins, minerals or any other type of nutrient unless the formula you buy has them added. What makes it so interesting and useful is what happens to Vitargo in the body, illustrated in at least one study (European Journal of Applied Physiology Volume 81, Number 4 / January, 2000). The carbohydrate in Vitargo has a high molecular weight, which means it passes through the stomach much quicker than glucose, dextrose or maltodextrin. This very rapid digestion translates into a significantly faster glycogen synthesis rate, i.e. 50.2 compared to 29.9 mol glycosyl units/kgm

Greater glycogen synthesis means quicker recovery after a workout, but also means that Vitargo is significantly less likely to end up stored or used for another task in the post-workout environment. If you are cutting this is particularly useful because it can allow you to keep using carbohydrates post-workout in the knowledge that the ingested carbs are going to be used to replenish the muscles rather than other unintended uses. This property makes Vitargo an excellent choice for carbing up with; its rapid transit significantly lessens the chance of bloating and its rapid uptake allows efficient loading. Not only do you get the opportunity to carb up nearer the contest, Vitargo will, because it acts quickly, allow you to see the changes happen in less time than a more slowly digested carb and, therefore, you can make the necessary adjustments to attain and keep peak condition.

Finally, even if you are not cutting or competing, the fact that Vitargo allows greater glycogen synthesis for the muscles means it is an excellent post-workout choice that along with whey will be clear of the stomach in time for a hearty meal.

Reference:
Piehl Aulin, Söderlund & Hultman (2000). Muscle glycogen resynthesis rate in humans after supplementation of drinks containing carbohydrates with low and high molecular masses. Euro J Appl Physio 81(4): 346-351

Source: The MuscleTalker – Issue 57