akn
Musclechemistry Member
The objective of anabolic steroid therapy (when non medical
applications are involved) should be to elicit the desired
benefits with the lowest cumulative exposure and side
effects. This normally includes diligence with optimizing all
aspects of training, rest, and diet, as well as adhering to a
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) program at the conclusion of each
steroid cycle. On the one hand, we want to make each cycle
as productive as possible. On the other, we are striving to
retain the most gains so the starting point for the next cycle is
that much further along. When all aspects are in check, the
result should be a need for lower total doses, fewer cycles
(longer durations of abstinence), and shorter durations of use
on cycle.
Given the importance of retaining our muscle and
performance gains, however, our efforts in this regard should
not conclude with Post-Cycle Therapy. Indeed, to receive the
greatest long-term benefits from anabolic/androgenic steroid
therapy it is also advisable to initiate an Off-Cycle Therapy
(OCT) program when the PCT is over. The focus of OCT is
typically to use all natural substances (dietary supplements)
that favor muscle retention, while simultaneously allowing
general physiology and hormonal balances to return. While it
is fair and even advisable to approach dietary supplements
with a healthy level of scepticism, the field has legitimately
advanced enough that we do have products with tangible
value. We can find ways to make our programs more
effective in the absence of pharmaceuticals.
A well-organized OCT program lasts a minimum of six to
eight weeks, and consists of three distinct components. The
first is “Testosterone Support,” which seeks to extend an
effective PCT program, but with a different and much more
basic approach. The second part is “Muscle Cell
ReSensitization.” Heavy training disrupts the muscle cell
membranes, so that the muscles become less responsive to
exercise stimulation. We want to address this during OCT,
and prime the muscles for the next bout of intense training.
Lastly, we want to include one or more natural musclebuilding
substances in the program. This part is called
“Anabolic Supplementation”. If the right products are used,
distinct anabolic/anti-catabolic effects should be noticed,
and more muscle mass will be retained in the long run. All
three OCT components are taken simultaneously, sometimes
for the full period between the end of PCT and the start of the
next AAS cycle.
Part I: Testosterone Support
The testosterone support aspect of our OCT program is
substantially different than what is used during traditional
PCT. We are no longer looking to aid endogenous
testosterone production with anti-estrogenic drugs like
tamoxifen or clomiphene, nor to use pharmaceuticals that
mimic endogenous luteinizing hormones such as hCG. All
pharmaceutical strategies have been concluded at this point,
and hopefully have elicited the necessary effects. During
OCT, we want to provide our bodies some of the natural
components used in the synthesis of testosterone. We want to
augment our own natural processes, not artificially shift
them.
Vitamin D/Calcium/Zinc
The first thing to pay special attention to during OCT is our
vitamin and mineral status, particularly those components
that are integral to testosterone biosynthesis. This includes
Vitamin D, Calcium, and Zinc. To begin with, clinical
studies have shown that higher levels of Vitamin D in the
blood are associated with increased testosterone output.359
Thus, supplementing Vitamin D may be advantageous during
the long OCT period, when you will be relying solely on
in hormone function, especially the level of bioavailable
(free) testosterone.360 A dose of 500-1,000 mg daily may be
useful if dietary sources are insufficient. Lastly, a small dose
of zinc may also be taken if needed, as this mineral again is
tied to androgen biosynthesis.361 Any deficiency in zinc will
likely translate into suppressed (sub-optimal) testosterone
output.
D-aspartic Acid
D-aspartic acid (DAA) may also be useful during OCT.
DAA is an amino acid that is naturally found in the nervous
and endocrine systems, and is believed to play roles in such
things as neurotransmission, spermatogenesis, and hormone
biosynthesis. Clinical studies that gave 3.2 g/day of Daspartic
acid per day (as sodium salt) to healthy men resulted
in a 42% increase in serum testosterone levels in most
subjects.362 This same dose is recommended during OCT.
Part II: Cell Re-sensitization
Repeat high intensity exercise, especially resistance training,
causes disruption of the muscle cell membranes. This
disruption is in many ways desirable, as it is needed to
your natural testosterone for the hormonal support of
anabolism. Calcium is another nutritive component involve
initiate muscle growth and repair. Without damage, there is
no progress. There are some negatives to regular disruption
of the muscle cells, however. One of the most fundamental is
that the outer membranes of the muscle cells (which consist
mainly of fatty acid compounds called phospholipids) are
rearranged. In particular, the concentration of arachidonic
acid (ARA) is lowered.363 ARA supports the local anabolic
process.364 Likewise, its depletion is one of the common
factors in training stagnation.
Arachidonic Acid
To help replenish membrane phospholipids and restore
muscle cell responsiveness to training, arachidonic acid
should be supplemented during the OCT period. A daily dose
of 250 mg is recommended, which represents 50-100% of
the normal daily dietary intake of ARA. This amount should
be sufficient for phospholipid replenishment, and acceptable
for long-term use. Higher doses (500-1,000 mg per day) may
provide a more distinct muscle-building effect, but should be
limited to six to seven weeks
Fish Oil
It may also be useful to supplement with fish oil during the
OCT period. The main interests are docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two Omega-3
essential fatty acids that are also important constituents of
muscle cell membrane phospholipids. Additionally, studies
suggest that Omega-3 essential fatty acids may enhance the
membrane storage of arachidonic acid under some
conditions, and thus may indirectly support the pro-anabolic
effects of this EFA.365 A daily dose of 2 grams of fish oil is
typically recommended during an Off-Cycle Therapy
program.
Part III: Anabolic Supplementation
An optimal Off-Cycle Therapy program should also include
natural products with anabolic/anti-catabolic properties.
Many AAS users are skeptical of muscle-building
supplements, and rightfully so. The market can be very
unreliable, with even the best products falling far short of
AAS in terms of efficacy and reliability. Still, the field has
progressed a great deal over the years, and there are many
products of tangible value. And even a partial muscle sparing
effect during the OCT period is highly desirable, as it can
significantly alter the baseline muscle level by the start of the
next steroid cycle (and thus may influence the timing, dose,
or duration of AAS required). It is recommended to limit
supplementation to only those ingredients with proven
anabolic effects in humans. For a more detailed analysis of
natural anabolic supplements, please reference William
Llewellyn’s Sport Supplement Reference Guide.366
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is regarded as the “original” anabolic
supplement, as it was the first to offer substantial
performance and body composition improvements for most
users. It is typically taken for 8-12 weeks or longer
(sometimes throughout the entire OCT period), at a dose of 5
grams per day. Creatine augments muscle size and
performance through several distinct mechanisms. The two
most prominent are cell volumization (water retention) and
cell energy enhancement (cellular ATP resynthesis), although
the supplement also has direct protein synthetic and anticatabolic
properties.367
Beta Alanine
Beta Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a
direct precursor for carnosine synthesis. During exercise,
hydrogen ions are produced in the muscle cells, which cause
the pH level to drop. This precipitates muscle fatigue
Carnosine acts as an intramyocellular buffering agent,
countering the build-up of hydrogen ions. By serving as the
rate-limiting step in the synthesis of muscle carnosine, betaalanine
is a strong stabilizer of muscle pH. 368 A dose of 3-6
grams per day is typically used, which should allow the
individual to perform measurably longer during training.
While this may not be a direct anabolic effect, over time the
increased training stimulation can lead to greater muscle
preservation/gains.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
There are three essential Branched Chain Amino Acids
(BCAA) – leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino
acids are very abundant in skeletal muscle protein,
accounting for 14-18% of the total content.369 370
Supplementation with BCAAs is desirable for a couple of
reasons. The first is that they provide integral building
blocks for the synthesis of new muscle protein. From a
nutritive standpoint, BCAA supplements are very useful.
Moreover, BCAA appear to directly stimulate muscle cells
to synthesize and retain protein.371 They are, in fact, among a
small selection of clinically validated anabolic supplements
in humans. A dosage of 10 grams per day (post-training) is
most often used.
Typical OCT Program (8-12 Weeks)
Testosterone Support:
Vitamin D 3000 IU/day
Calcium 500 mg/day
Zinc Sulphate 250 mg/day
D-Aspartic Acid 3.2 g/day
Muscle Cell Re-sensitization:
Arachidonic Acid 250 mg/day
Fish Oil 2 g/day
Anabolic Supplementation:
Creatine 5 g/day
Beta-Alanine 3-6 g/day
BCAA 10 g/day
359. Association of vitamin D status with serum androgen levels in men. Wehr E,
Pilz S, Boehm BO, März W, Obermayer-Pietsch B. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf ).
2009 Dec 29. [Epub ahead of print]
360. Testosterone levels in athletes at rest and exhaustion: effects of calcium
supplementation. Cinar V, Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R, Kilic M. Biol Trace Elem
Res. 2009 Summer;129(1-3):65-9. Epub 2008 Dec 20.
361. Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on
hemodialysis. Jalali GR, Roozbeh J, Mohammadzadeh A. et al. Ren Fail.
2010 May;32(4):417-9.
362. The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and
synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Topo E, Soricelli A,
D'Aniello A, Ronsini S, D'Aniello G. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009 Oct 27;7:120.
363. Fatty acid profile of skeletal muscle phospholipids in trained and untrained
young men. Andersson, A., A. Sjodin, A. Hedman, R. Olsson, and B. Vessby. Am
J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 279:E744-751, 2000.
364. The COX-2 pathway regulates growth of atrophied muscle via multiple
mechanisms. Bondesen BA, Mills ST, Pavlath GK. Am J Physiol Cell Physiology
2006 Jun; 290(6): C1651-9. Epub 2006 Feb 8.
365. Eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid: collaboration and not antagonism
is the key to biological understanding. Horrobin DF, Jenkins K, Bennett CN,
Christie WW. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002 Jan;66(1):83-90.
366. Sport Supplement Reference Guide. William Llewellyn © 2009-2010.
Molecular Nutrition, USA.
367. Creatine in sports. Kreider RB. Essentials of Sport Nutrition & Supplements.
Humana Press. Totowa, NJ. 2007.
368. Influence of beta-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine
concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. C.A. Hill et al. Amino Acids,
2007 Feb;32(2):225-33
369.369.
13C]phenylalanine. Riazi R, Wykes LJ, Ball RO, Pencharz PB. J Nutr. 2003
May;133(5):1383-9.
370. Dietary protein impact on glycemic control during weight loss. Layman
Baum JI. J Nutr. 2004 Apr;134(4):968S-73S.
371. Nutraceutical effects of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle.
Shimomura Y, Yamamoto Y, Bajotto G, Sato J, Murakami T, Shimomura N,
Kobayashi H, Mawatari K. J Nutr. 2006 Feb;136(2):529S-532S.
author William llewellyn
applications are involved) should be to elicit the desired
benefits with the lowest cumulative exposure and side
effects. This normally includes diligence with optimizing all
aspects of training, rest, and diet, as well as adhering to a
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) program at the conclusion of each
steroid cycle. On the one hand, we want to make each cycle
as productive as possible. On the other, we are striving to
retain the most gains so the starting point for the next cycle is
that much further along. When all aspects are in check, the
result should be a need for lower total doses, fewer cycles
(longer durations of abstinence), and shorter durations of use
on cycle.
Given the importance of retaining our muscle and
performance gains, however, our efforts in this regard should
not conclude with Post-Cycle Therapy. Indeed, to receive the
greatest long-term benefits from anabolic/androgenic steroid
therapy it is also advisable to initiate an Off-Cycle Therapy
(OCT) program when the PCT is over. The focus of OCT is
typically to use all natural substances (dietary supplements)
that favor muscle retention, while simultaneously allowing
general physiology and hormonal balances to return. While it
is fair and even advisable to approach dietary supplements
with a healthy level of scepticism, the field has legitimately
advanced enough that we do have products with tangible
value. We can find ways to make our programs more
effective in the absence of pharmaceuticals.
A well-organized OCT program lasts a minimum of six to
eight weeks, and consists of three distinct components. The
first is “Testosterone Support,” which seeks to extend an
effective PCT program, but with a different and much more
basic approach. The second part is “Muscle Cell
ReSensitization.” Heavy training disrupts the muscle cell
membranes, so that the muscles become less responsive to
exercise stimulation. We want to address this during OCT,
and prime the muscles for the next bout of intense training.
Lastly, we want to include one or more natural musclebuilding
substances in the program. This part is called
“Anabolic Supplementation”. If the right products are used,
distinct anabolic/anti-catabolic effects should be noticed,
and more muscle mass will be retained in the long run. All
three OCT components are taken simultaneously, sometimes
for the full period between the end of PCT and the start of the
next AAS cycle.
Part I: Testosterone Support
The testosterone support aspect of our OCT program is
substantially different than what is used during traditional
PCT. We are no longer looking to aid endogenous
testosterone production with anti-estrogenic drugs like
tamoxifen or clomiphene, nor to use pharmaceuticals that
mimic endogenous luteinizing hormones such as hCG. All
pharmaceutical strategies have been concluded at this point,
and hopefully have elicited the necessary effects. During
OCT, we want to provide our bodies some of the natural
components used in the synthesis of testosterone. We want to
augment our own natural processes, not artificially shift
them.
Vitamin D/Calcium/Zinc
The first thing to pay special attention to during OCT is our
vitamin and mineral status, particularly those components
that are integral to testosterone biosynthesis. This includes
Vitamin D, Calcium, and Zinc. To begin with, clinical
studies have shown that higher levels of Vitamin D in the
blood are associated with increased testosterone output.359
Thus, supplementing Vitamin D may be advantageous during
the long OCT period, when you will be relying solely on
in hormone function, especially the level of bioavailable
(free) testosterone.360 A dose of 500-1,000 mg daily may be
useful if dietary sources are insufficient. Lastly, a small dose
of zinc may also be taken if needed, as this mineral again is
tied to androgen biosynthesis.361 Any deficiency in zinc will
likely translate into suppressed (sub-optimal) testosterone
output.
D-aspartic Acid
D-aspartic acid (DAA) may also be useful during OCT.
DAA is an amino acid that is naturally found in the nervous
and endocrine systems, and is believed to play roles in such
things as neurotransmission, spermatogenesis, and hormone
biosynthesis. Clinical studies that gave 3.2 g/day of Daspartic
acid per day (as sodium salt) to healthy men resulted
in a 42% increase in serum testosterone levels in most
subjects.362 This same dose is recommended during OCT.
Part II: Cell Re-sensitization
Repeat high intensity exercise, especially resistance training,
causes disruption of the muscle cell membranes. This
disruption is in many ways desirable, as it is needed to
your natural testosterone for the hormonal support of
anabolism. Calcium is another nutritive component involve
initiate muscle growth and repair. Without damage, there is
no progress. There are some negatives to regular disruption
of the muscle cells, however. One of the most fundamental is
that the outer membranes of the muscle cells (which consist
mainly of fatty acid compounds called phospholipids) are
rearranged. In particular, the concentration of arachidonic
acid (ARA) is lowered.363 ARA supports the local anabolic
process.364 Likewise, its depletion is one of the common
factors in training stagnation.
Arachidonic Acid
To help replenish membrane phospholipids and restore
muscle cell responsiveness to training, arachidonic acid
should be supplemented during the OCT period. A daily dose
of 250 mg is recommended, which represents 50-100% of
the normal daily dietary intake of ARA. This amount should
be sufficient for phospholipid replenishment, and acceptable
for long-term use. Higher doses (500-1,000 mg per day) may
provide a more distinct muscle-building effect, but should be
limited to six to seven weeks
Fish Oil
It may also be useful to supplement with fish oil during the
OCT period. The main interests are docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two Omega-3
essential fatty acids that are also important constituents of
muscle cell membrane phospholipids. Additionally, studies
suggest that Omega-3 essential fatty acids may enhance the
membrane storage of arachidonic acid under some
conditions, and thus may indirectly support the pro-anabolic
effects of this EFA.365 A daily dose of 2 grams of fish oil is
typically recommended during an Off-Cycle Therapy
program.
Part III: Anabolic Supplementation
An optimal Off-Cycle Therapy program should also include
natural products with anabolic/anti-catabolic properties.
Many AAS users are skeptical of muscle-building
supplements, and rightfully so. The market can be very
unreliable, with even the best products falling far short of
AAS in terms of efficacy and reliability. Still, the field has
progressed a great deal over the years, and there are many
products of tangible value. And even a partial muscle sparing
effect during the OCT period is highly desirable, as it can
significantly alter the baseline muscle level by the start of the
next steroid cycle (and thus may influence the timing, dose,
or duration of AAS required). It is recommended to limit
supplementation to only those ingredients with proven
anabolic effects in humans. For a more detailed analysis of
natural anabolic supplements, please reference William
Llewellyn’s Sport Supplement Reference Guide.366
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is regarded as the “original” anabolic
supplement, as it was the first to offer substantial
performance and body composition improvements for most
users. It is typically taken for 8-12 weeks or longer
(sometimes throughout the entire OCT period), at a dose of 5
grams per day. Creatine augments muscle size and
performance through several distinct mechanisms. The two
most prominent are cell volumization (water retention) and
cell energy enhancement (cellular ATP resynthesis), although
the supplement also has direct protein synthetic and anticatabolic
properties.367
Beta Alanine
Beta Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a
direct precursor for carnosine synthesis. During exercise,
hydrogen ions are produced in the muscle cells, which cause
the pH level to drop. This precipitates muscle fatigue
Carnosine acts as an intramyocellular buffering agent,
countering the build-up of hydrogen ions. By serving as the
rate-limiting step in the synthesis of muscle carnosine, betaalanine
is a strong stabilizer of muscle pH. 368 A dose of 3-6
grams per day is typically used, which should allow the
individual to perform measurably longer during training.
While this may not be a direct anabolic effect, over time the
increased training stimulation can lead to greater muscle
preservation/gains.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
There are three essential Branched Chain Amino Acids
(BCAA) – leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino
acids are very abundant in skeletal muscle protein,
accounting for 14-18% of the total content.369 370
Supplementation with BCAAs is desirable for a couple of
reasons. The first is that they provide integral building
blocks for the synthesis of new muscle protein. From a
nutritive standpoint, BCAA supplements are very useful.
Moreover, BCAA appear to directly stimulate muscle cells
to synthesize and retain protein.371 They are, in fact, among a
small selection of clinically validated anabolic supplements
in humans. A dosage of 10 grams per day (post-training) is
most often used.
Typical OCT Program (8-12 Weeks)
Testosterone Support:
Vitamin D 3000 IU/day
Calcium 500 mg/day
Zinc Sulphate 250 mg/day
D-Aspartic Acid 3.2 g/day
Muscle Cell Re-sensitization:
Arachidonic Acid 250 mg/day
Fish Oil 2 g/day
Anabolic Supplementation:
Creatine 5 g/day
Beta-Alanine 3-6 g/day
BCAA 10 g/day
359. Association of vitamin D status with serum androgen levels in men. Wehr E,
Pilz S, Boehm BO, März W, Obermayer-Pietsch B. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf ).
2009 Dec 29. [Epub ahead of print]
360. Testosterone levels in athletes at rest and exhaustion: effects of calcium
supplementation. Cinar V, Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R, Kilic M. Biol Trace Elem
Res. 2009 Summer;129(1-3):65-9. Epub 2008 Dec 20.
361. Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on
hemodialysis. Jalali GR, Roozbeh J, Mohammadzadeh A. et al. Ren Fail.
2010 May;32(4):417-9.
362. The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and
synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Topo E, Soricelli A,
D'Aniello A, Ronsini S, D'Aniello G. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009 Oct 27;7:120.
363. Fatty acid profile of skeletal muscle phospholipids in trained and untrained
young men. Andersson, A., A. Sjodin, A. Hedman, R. Olsson, and B. Vessby. Am
J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 279:E744-751, 2000.
364. The COX-2 pathway regulates growth of atrophied muscle via multiple
mechanisms. Bondesen BA, Mills ST, Pavlath GK. Am J Physiol Cell Physiology
2006 Jun; 290(6): C1651-9. Epub 2006 Feb 8.
365. Eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid: collaboration and not antagonism
is the key to biological understanding. Horrobin DF, Jenkins K, Bennett CN,
Christie WW. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002 Jan;66(1):83-90.
366. Sport Supplement Reference Guide. William Llewellyn © 2009-2010.
Molecular Nutrition, USA.
367. Creatine in sports. Kreider RB. Essentials of Sport Nutrition & Supplements.
Humana Press. Totowa, NJ. 2007.
368. Influence of beta-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine
concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. C.A. Hill et al. Amino Acids,
2007 Feb;32(2):225-33
369.369.
13C]phenylalanine. Riazi R, Wykes LJ, Ball RO, Pencharz PB. J Nutr. 2003
May;133(5):1383-9.
370. Dietary protein impact on glycemic control during weight loss. Layman
Baum JI. J Nutr. 2004 Apr;134(4):968S-73S.
371. Nutraceutical effects of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle.
Shimomura Y, Yamamoto Y, Bajotto G, Sato J, Murakami T, Shimomura N,
Kobayashi H, Mawatari K. J Nutr. 2006 Feb;136(2):529S-532S.
author William llewellyn
