The science behind our running supplements
PR1pak is a scientifically-based for high-performance running and recovery
- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Recovery and endurance go hand-in-hand. Endurance is defined as the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. Recovery is the body’s ability to rebuild and adapt to stresses that that it endures. The faster the body can recover, the larger amount of stress it can take, which results in a higher level of endurance. PR1pak contains two ingredients that have been scientifically shown to speed up recovery and increase endurance. These substances are called adaptogens.
Adaptogens are substances naturally found in plants, which could put organisms into a state of 'heightened resistance', allowing them to better withstand extraordinary challenges and to more effectively adapt to physical and mental stresses. Adaptogens are 1) Protective, raising an individual’s resistance to stress; 2) Recovery boosting, normalizing physiological functions; 3) Safe and non-toxic to the user. In PR1pak, these adaptogens are Ciwujia and Cordyceps sinensis CS-4.
Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng and ciwujia, is a thorny bush from the Middle Amur region of northern Siberia in the former Soviet Union. Several studies have shown that Eleuthero enhances stamina and performance. In one study, non-elite runners with an average 10k time of 50 minutes were given either Eleuthero or a placebo. Runners taking Eleuthero chopped an average of 5 minutes off their 10k times, while the placebo group did not improve. Another study with cyclists over a 12-day period showed similar improvement, with the Eleuthero group reporting faster recovery of strength after races and a strong sensation of heightened muscle vigor. Many other studies involving both animal and humans have been performed, and can be further explored in our research section.
Read more research on Eleuthero
Cordyceps sinensis, also known as “caterpillar fungus”, is a species of fungus found in Tibetan plateau above 12,000ft. It is a highly prized medical herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat lung disease and fatigue at high altitude. Cordyceps sinensis is thought to work by increasing the body’s ability to use fatty acids and preserve glycogen stores during prolonged exercise. In a study performed in 2001, the group taking Cordyceps for 6 weeks showed a significant increase in VO2max of 6%, compared to no change for the placebo group. In another study, athletes supplemented with 1000mg of Cordyceps per day showed significant improvement in lactate clearance during a 4-week trial. The author concluded that would athletes a greater anaerobic performance.
It seems that soon after you begin an intense training regimen, a cold is sure to follow. This kind of training weakens the immune system, making your body more susceptible to colds and other viruses. A cold or other illness can reduce the training volume and intensity that can be performed, or halt it all together. PR1pak has several ingredients to boost and support your immune system to keep you healthy and up and running strong; CLA, antioxidants Vitamin C and E.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that has immune boosting properties. Research has shown that CLA can prevent and reduce the severity of the common cold and influenza. Studies have shown that CLA boosts the body’s production of antibodies. In a study performed at the University of Virginia, subjects were given a rhinovirus in a double-blind, randomized trial. Those who took a daily dose of 2g CLA experienced an overall reduction of symptoms, such as sore throat, sneezing, coughing and headaches, compared to those taking placebo.
Read more about CLA and Weight Loss at WebMD.com
Weight is an important variable for the competitive runner. Studies have shown that an increase of ten pounds can increase the 10k time of an elite runner by over a minute. Losing weight by extreme dieting has negative effects on performance and health, primarily because the athlete is not getting the proper nutrients for rebuilding the body. PR1pak has two powerful ingredients that have been scientifically shown to help lose body fat, while at the same time maintain lean muscle mass; CLA and chromium picolinate.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that has fat loss benefits. Decades of research indicate that CLA actually changes body composition by reducing body fat and increasing or preserving lean muscle mass. Derived from natural safflower oil, CLA inhibits lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat from our diets, which then allows the body to store the fat. By suppressing this enzyme, CLA helps reduce the amount of fat that is broken down and, therefore, the amount of fat that is deposited and stored.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. According to the research project manager, an average reduction of six pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group.
Chromium is an essential trace mineral that forms a compound in the body known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). GTF helps insulin “push” nutrients into the cell, primarily glucose and peptides. Intense exercise and diets high in carbohydrates have shown to decrease the levels of chromium in the body, creating a less efficient glucose metabolism. Studies have shown that supplementation with chromium can maintain muscle mass and reduce body fat. PR1pak has a highly absorbable form of chromium, chromium picolinate.