There are several conflicting opinions about potassium orotate in bodybuilding. Some compare its anabolic qualities with Mildronate. There are also those who consider potassium orotate to be ineffective. For medical purposes, this acid is prescribed to children with dystrophy, taken during the recovery period after a heart attack and to support the normal functioning of the heart muscle.
Beneficial properties of potassium orotate in bodybuilding and sports
The drug is used in bodybuilding as a means of restoring metabolic processes after training , as well as to maintain the overall tone of the body.
Potassium orotate is a group of anabolic drugs consisting of orotic acid and potassium compounds. Capsules are often used to gain muscle mass, as well as during cutting during sports.
Anabolic effect
The anabolic effect of the drug allows athletes to gain muscle mass without resorting to potent hormonal drugs.
The increase in muscle mass is due to the components included in the product, which participate in the processes of protein metabolism, enhancing the metabolic functions of the body.
Help for the heart and cardiovascular system
Capsules are also used for various cardiovascular disorders. The action of the tablet components is aimed at strengthening the heart muscle and increasing the permeability of vascular walls.
The drug has a stimulating effect on microcirculation and can be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. The medication is also prescribed in case of a previous heart attack to restore and strengthen the heart muscle, supplying it with the necessary nutrients.
With the simultaneous use of a dietary supplement and magnesium orotate, there is an increase in the effectiveness of both drugs in relation to blood vessels and a reduction in the content of harmful cholesterol in the blood. At the same time, there is a reduction in the risk of developing atherosclerotic diseases.
Other useful properties
The drug normalizes liver function and also helps increase appetite. The active components of the product increase the immune properties of the body.
The active ingredient of the drug helps to normalize and restore protein metabolism. The dietary supplement has high diuretic properties and helps enhance the regenerative abilities of the body.
Release form
The product is produced by many domestic pharmaceutical factories. The usual dosage per 1 tablet is 500 mg. Most drugs are called “Potassium Orotate”. The volume of packs is 10, 20, 30 pieces.
Domestic pharmacy supplements are not intended for bodybuilders. The instructions do not indicate that the drug is used for drying or weight gain. But if you know how to take potassium orotate when playing sports and correctly calculate the dosage, the result will be excellent.
There is a second option: order imported professional supplements. They are made specifically for bodybuilders. They contain the same substance as in pharmaceutical medications, but the instructions are intended specifically for athletes.
If domestic drugs are sold only in tablets, then special supplements for bodybuilders are made in the form of capsules and powder. The latter is convenient because you can control the dosage yourself. But the main thing is to comply with the norm.
Professional dietary supplements with mineral salt are not sold in pharmacies. They can be found in sports nutrition stores (but not always) or ordered online from America.
Indications for use of potassium orotate
Potassium orotate is used in bodybuilding to quickly gain muscle mass, and also as a means of burning excess fat . In addition, tablets are prescribed to patients for medical purposes.
The drug is indicated for liver diseases, including toxic forms of organ damage. Capsules are used in complex treatment together with other medications.
Indications:
- pathological processes in the liver and bile ducts caused by acute or chronic forms of intoxication;
- dystrophic changes in the heart muscle, including myocardial infarction, as well as heart failure of groups 2 and 3 - complex treatment;
- various types and forms of anemia;
- development of childhood dystrophy or malnutrition;
- the presence of rapidly developing muscular dystrophy;
- rehabilitation period after illnesses;
- the presence of arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation and extrasystole;
- high physical activity.
The medication can also be prescribed in any other cases associated with disruption of anabolic processes in the body.
In bodybuilding, a dietary supplement is used to build muscle mass, and also as a means of maintaining the body's endurance during high loads or training.
A few words about calcium, magnesium and zinc orotate
As mentioned above, minerals in the form of orotates are among the most effective in absorption. This applies not only to potassium, but also to calcium, magnesium and zinc orotates.
Calcium in bodybuilding is important primarily for bone health and, as is known, is rather poorly absorbed in free form. Calcium orotate is one of the most effective forms in terms of absorption.
In addition, an interesting property of calcium orotate is its possible weight loss benefits. This is evidenced by the anonymous author of one of the resources on the Internet, whose handwriting is a doctor or scientist, who tested the benefits of the drug for weight loss on his own experience and the experience of friends and acquaintances 27.
Zinc is important for immune system and bone health 28. Zinc deficiency leads to decreased concentrations of immune white blood cells and increased susceptibility to infections 29, decreased testosterone levels in men 30, and impaired growth hormone function 31.
Testosterone and growth hormone are anabolic hormones, the disruption of whose production due to a lack of zinc can affect strength performance and reduce the rate of muscle gain.
Much has already been said about magnesium above. It is extremely important for heart health and vascular elasticity 32. Magnesium deficiency can lead to cardiac dysfunction (arrhythmias, skipped heartbeats), decreased bone strength, chronic fatigue and muscle weakness.
The minerals calcium, magnesium, zinc as well as potassium play an important role in the functionality of the body of athletes; their orotates are among the most effective drugs in terms of absorption
Side effects and health hazards
In most cases, the capsules are well tolerated. However, occasionally it is possible to develop allergic reactions associated with intolerance to the components of the product. Such manifestations are temporary and go away on their own after discontinuation of the drug.
Other reactions:
- dyspeptic disorders - nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdominal area;
- dystrophic disorders in the liver.
If side effects develop, antihistamines may be prescribed as symptomatic therapy. If side effects develop, including those not noted in the instructions, you must stop taking the medication and consult a specialist.
How to take and in what doses?
Athletes take potassium orate together with other medications, this helps increase the effect several times. Additional tools are:
- Riboxin.
- Vitamin complexes.
- Folic acid supplement.
- Pyridoxine tablets.
By taking potassium orate together with the listed medications, the athlete achieves high levels of strength training.
Instructions for use: medication form - tablets.
- Therapeutic group: metabolism.
- Consists of: five hundred milligrams of KO, additives: potato starch, stearic acid, medical gelatin.
- Contraindications: poor kidney function, liver cirrhosis.
- Dosage: three tablets three times a day. The course lasts one month.
The tablets are taken one hour before meals and are allowed after meals after four hours. Chew the product thoroughly and drink plenty of water. Athletes can take up to six tablets per day. This is where the individual characteristics of a person come into play.
The amount of the drug consumed is distributed throughout the day. Morning, lunch, evening. After taking the drug for a month, you should take a break for up to three months. After this, the decision on the further use of tablets is made by the athlete himself, relying on the sensations in the body and changes in strength achievements.
Potassium orotate preparations
There are several of the most popular and effective drugs made on the basis of potassium orotate.
Name of the product | Manufacturer | Price |
Dietary supplement, tablets "Potassium orotate" | Russia, Irbit Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant | From 130 to 170 rubles. |
Dietary supplement tablets, "Oropur" | Russia, ABVA RUS | From 80 to 173 rubles. |
Dietary supplement tablets, “Potassium orotate” | Russia, CJSC "PFK Obnovleniye" | From 130 rub. |
Before using one of the drugs, you should consult a specialist.
Contraindications
The medicine should not be used for the following diseases and conditions:
- intolerance to the components of the product;
- liver cirrhosis with ascites.
The drug is used with caution in case of renal failure , as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding .
Instructions for use of potassium orotate
The tablets are intended for oral use. In this case, the product must be washed down with a sufficient amount of water . For medical purposes, the product is used in the following dosages: 1/2-1 capsule daily 2 to 3 times a day. The duration of treatment can be up to 40 days.
When gaining weight
Potassium orotate in bodybuilding must be used in accordance with training activities aimed at achieving a particular effect.
When gaining weight, it is recommended to take capsules to prevent the development of cardiovascular disorders that can occur against the background of increased physical activity.
The recommended dosage is from 3 to 4 tablets per day. The tablets should be taken one hour before meals on an empty stomach. The duration of taking the pills depends on the number of training days required to obtain and consolidate the results.
When drying
Drying causes catabolic processes in the body, and therefore, the drug is recommended to be taken only during peak training.
With active fat burning, there is an increase in the load on the heart, which can cause the athlete’s condition to worsen and cause depression of the myocardium. In this case, it is necessary to maintain normal activity of the cardiovascular system with the help of medication. The recommended daily dosage should be from 1.5 to 2 g daily.
The product must be taken on an empty stomach or 4 hours after eating.
During normal training
Capsules can be used in cases where the athlete does not alternate active training designed to gain weight with cutting . In this case, the tablets are used to maintain the general tone of the body, and also as a prophylactic agent.
Potassium orotate is widely used in bodybuilding as an alternative to potent hormonal drugs.
The daily dosage should be no more than 3-4 capsules. Take the dietary supplement 1 hour before meals or 4 hours after meals.
Application
This drug should be taken daily, with a time interval between adjacent courses. The tablets are intended for oral use: first chew well, and then drink with plenty of water. It is forbidden to overestimate the daily dosage, and smaller portions of steroids will not have any effect. Take a single dose of potassium orotate on an empty stomach or 30 minutes after a meal, but not more than 3 pills per day.
Detailed instructions for using potassium orotate in bodybuilding indicate that there is a drug interaction that helps solve all problems with an imperfect figure in the shortest possible time. The main thing is to choose the right recipe, not to violate the prescribed daily standards, and not to reduce physical activity for productive growth of muscle mass.
Drug interactions
- Potassium orotate is not recommended for use with other drugs that do not belong to the anabolic group, without prior consultation with a specialist. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the scope of application of the dietary supplement - as a metabolic agent in bodybuilding or for medical purposes.
- The medication causes a decrease in the absorption capacity of drugs such as tetracycline, sodium fluoride and iron. Also, the effectiveness of capsules is reduced with the simultaneous use of glucocorticoids, diuretics, muscle relaxants, and oral contraceptives.
- The simultaneous use of diuretics with potassium-sparing properties, as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, may cause symptoms indicating an increased level of potassium in the blood.
- The combined use of the drug and cardiac glycosides leads to a decrease in the toxic effect of the second group of drugs.
- The medicine can be used in combination with folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin E.
- The level of absorption of tablets may be slightly reduced when combined with drugs that have an astringent and enveloping effect.
Features of administration and dosage
Bodybuilders combine potassium orotate with other medications to increase its effectiveness. As an addition to the drug the following are used:
- Riboxin;
- Various vitamin and mineral complexes;
- Riboflavin;
- Folic acid;
- Pyridoxine and others.
This combination allows you to achieve higher rates of strength training.
For medical purposes, potassium orotate is taken before meals (1 tablet 30 minutes before meals) or after meals (no earlier than 4 hours later). The tablet should be chewed thoroughly and washed down with water. In sports, the number of tablets may be different: 3-5 tablets, with individual characteristics and after consultation with a doctor, the maximum dose can be 6 tablets/day. The required amount of the drug should be divided into several doses and taken throughout the day (before breakfast, lunch and dinner). The course of treatment lasts no more than one month. After this, you need to take a 2-month break, and then - optionally, repeat it or not. Whether or not to repeat the course is decided by the bodybuilder himself, focusing on his well-being, training results and strength effects.
Potassium orotate is a medicine that is well tolerated by the human body and does not cause side effects. In some cases, dermatitis may appear in the form of a mild allergy. It goes away immediately after the athlete stops taking the drug or uses antihistamines.
Special instructions and warnings
- It is not recommended to take the medicine simultaneously with food due to the development of interaction between the components of the drug and food.
- The medication is not used as potassium replacement therapy. When taking the tablets, it is recommended to constantly measure potassium levels in the blood.
- When prescribing the drug for diseases of the liver or bile ducts, it is additionally recommended to follow dietary nutrition table No. 5.
- The product contains lactose, and therefore it is prohibited for use in the presence of glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, as well as congenital galactose intolerance.
- The medication can be prescribed during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.
- The drug does not have a negative effect on the ability to drive vehicles or carry out work that requires the speed of psychomotor reactions.
Transfer and synthesis
An example of this action can be seen in muscle tissue, where we find high rates of ATP transfer, but low rates of purine synthesis. Although the concentration of high-energy compounds such as ATP was low and transport was high in places, the reverse synthesis rates were just the opposite. An excellent example of this is the heart (myocardium) - uracil and cytosine (pyrimidine bases) have a turnover of about 7 and 14% per hour with adenine nucleotides such as ATP having a turnover of only 2%.
Increasing muscle demand for ATP reduces total adenine nucleotide and total pyrimidine synthesis where metabolites are located. These metabolic reservoirs can be significantly reduced as a result of myocardial or skeletal muscle ischemia (insufficient blood supply), and certain metabolic diseases. But they are most important for athletes trying to reach the next level with repeated, high-intensity exercise.
Synthesis of orotic acid and carnosine
The effects of carnosine on pH (muscle acidity) control and the associated enhancement of high-intensity exercise have been well studied. During exercise, excessive lactate production is part of the process of extreme fatigue. However, the protons produced at the same time limit further action. As a result of the research work, a clear pathway was identified for the conversion of potassium orotate to β-alanine and carnosine in skeletal muscle tissue.
Useful combination: potassium orotate and riboxin
Potassium orotate in bodybuilding is recommended to be used in conjunction with other pharmaceuticals to enhance their effect.
Riboxin belongs to the class of anabolic drugs. The product is often used in conjunction with potassium orotate. The drug takes part in the synthesis of glucose, increasing the body's energy reserves and having a positive effect on metabolic processes occurring in the myocardium.
Effect of the ligament on the body:
- general strengthening of the immune system;
- prevention and strengthening of the cardiovascular system;
- prevention of liver disorders;
- diuretic properties;
- acceleration of metabolic processes.
Also, the combination of tablets leads to stimulation of restoration processes in the muscles and tissues.
Effect of the drug on the body:
Uracylcarboxylic acid is a pyrimidine derivative in nucleic acids (in the cell nucleus in the form of DNA and RNA chains), which takes part in the formation of new protein structures in ribosomes.
Because of this phenomenon, the drug is used as an anabolic steroid, to accelerate metabolism and disorders of protein synthesis, as well as for the treatment of diseases such as: hypoalbuminemia (decreased synthesis of certain types of protein) for liver diseases and liver failure due to toxin poisoning, for myopathic disorders in the heart that occurred as a result of myocardial pathology (inflammation of the muscular layer of the heart - myocarditis, heart attack, left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmia).
There is a noticeable improvement in appetite when consuming Potassium Orotate. It has a mild diuretic effect, also has a good effect on recovery processes in the body, and increases the tolerance of certain types of medications.
Concomitant use of potassium orotate with other drugs
To improve the anabolic effect and enhance the effect of the drug, additional agents are used. Often the dietary supplement is used together with asparkam. This combination enhances the effectiveness of training and strengthens the cardiovascular system without causing side effects.
Also, the dietary supplement can be used in conjunction with mildronate. In addition to increasing the anabolic effect, the combination of drugs leads to a strengthened immune system, increased vigor and increased physical activity.
The combined use of several additional drugs at once is also allowed. The most effective combination is a combination of potassium orotate, riboxin and mildronate. The complex interaction of active components enhances the effectiveness of each product.
Substance activity during physical activity
This suggests that there is a mechanism for increased force production following the addition of orotate, as well as many other beneficial effects. This is good news for all powerlifters!
So what might be its potential uses and combinations as a dietary supplement?
One possible use in combination with creatine is the undisputed champion in sports nutrition. Creatine is a vital component for the regeneration and maintenance of ATP during intense muscle contractions. Its effect on improving performance has been shown in peer-reviewed studies.
The most effective nutrients that work well with orotate are magnesium. The mineral magnesium appears to be deficient in humans, and increased losses through sweat and urine production increase the incidence of deficiency in those who exercise regularly.
Basic mechanisms of orotic acid, according to instructions
- Improvement and maintenance of SPS swimming pools
- Increased glucose intake.
- Enlarged ribose moieties, resulting in increased ribose formation.
- Increased carnosine capacity.
- Supports and enhances muscle hypertrophy (via supporting RNA synthesis during growth).
- Increases uridine levels at the base of DNA, which increases muscle contractility.
Analogues of potassium orotate
Potassium orotate in bodybuilding is used only if the components of the product are well tolerated. However, in the presence of allergic reactions, the dietary supplement can be replaced with other drugs that have a similar effect and effect.
Analogues:
- Asparkam. This medication belongs to the group of metabolic drugs, the action of which is aimed at replenishing the lack of potassium and magnesium in the body. The active ingredients of the drug are potassium and magnesium aspartate. The medicine is available in the form of tablets for oral administration and is intended to improve and restore metabolic processes. The medication is prescribed as part of complex therapy aimed at eliminating ischemic disorders, heart failure, arrhythmia, and also to replenish the lack of potassium in the body. Contraindications to taking the drug are allergic reactions and increased potassium levels in the blood. The daily dosage is 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day. The duration of use of the drug should not exceed 1 month. If necessary, course therapy can be repeated. The cost of capsules varies from 32 to 85 rubles. per package.
- Panangin . This pharmaceutical drug is produced on the basis of potassium and magnesium aspartate and is available in the form of enteric film-coated tablets. The drug belongs to the class of antiarrhythmic drugs and replenishes the lack of potassium and magnesium in the body. Capsules improve cellular metabolism and prevent the development of disorders in the cardiovascular system. Indications for taking tablets are the following conditions and diseases: heart rhythm disturbances, chronic forms of heart failure, rehabilitation after the use of cardiac glycosides. The product has extensive contraindications. Therefore, before using the capsules, it is recommended to consult a specialist. 1-2 pieces are prescribed per day. 3 times. In this case, the maximum permissible daily dosage should not exceed 3 capsules. The duration of the course is set by a specialist. The cost of a package (50 pcs.) ranges from 128 to 160 rubles.
- Methyluracil . This pharmacological agent is produced in various forms - tablets, cream, suppositories. The active ingredient of the drug is methyluracil. The components of the drug help improve trophism and enhance natural regenerative properties. The medication exhibits a metabolic effect, enhances and strengthens the body's immune forces. The medicine has extensive indications and is used for the development of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and gastric ulcer. And also in case of damage to the skin or mucous membranes. The drug is often prescribed in the presence of pancreatitis, toxic damage to the body, or fractures. Contraindications to taking the drug are the following signs and conditions: high sensitivity to the components, children under 3 years of age, some forms of leukemia, hemoblastosis, lymphogranulomatosis, the presence of tumors in the bone marrow. The daily dosage of capsules is 0.5 g 4 times a day. Take the tablets with or after meals. The duration of the course is set individually. The cost of packaging is from 197 rubles.
- Inozie F. This medicine belongs to the group of metabolic drugs produced on the basis of inosine. The medication is available in the form of an injection solution for intravenous administration. The action of the active substances of the drug is not aimed at improving metabolic processes and protecting the myocardium. In this case, the solution exhibits high antiarrhythmic and antihypoxic properties. The medicine is prescribed for various diseases of the cardiovascular system, for surgical interventions on the kidneys, as well as for the development of kidney disorders - cirrhosis, various forms of hepatitis, fatty liver. Restrictions on taking the solution are allergic reactions, children under 18 years of age, gout, and the presence of hyperuricemia. The daily dosage is 200 mg of the drug 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment varies from 10 to 15 days. If necessary, treatment can be repeated after a break. The cost of the solution is 800 rubles.
- Idrinol . This drug is produced in the form of capsules and is classified as a drug with metabolic activity. The active component of the tablets is meldonium dihydrate. The medication is used for various types of stress, including mental stress. The action of active substances is aimed at enhancing the regenerative abilities of cells, as well as protecting them from toxic effects. It is forbidden to use capsules in the presence of hypersensitivity, during pregnancy, in childhood under 18 years of age, as well as with intracranial pressure. The daily dosage is 2 tablets 1-2 times. The duration of therapy is determined by the treating specialist and averages from 10 to 14 days. The cost of the drug varies between 170-280 rubles. per package.
Before taking a similar product as a supplement when doing bodybuilding, you must make sure that there are no allergic reactions to the components that make up potassium orotate and consult a specialist.
When should I take it?
It is necessary to recognize the obvious truth: the entire pharmaceutical doping industry is significantly overvalued. Therefore, I would recommend that you use this drug only when you feel the need.
Of course, if you are a billionaire, and the small percentage by which potassium orotate will accelerate muscle growth is much more valuable to you than money, go for it. For those who care not only about muscle growth, but also about the state of their wallet, I would recommend taking the supplement:
On mass
In the first case, we are talking about accelerated anabolism. In addition, as you know, the heart is one of the most problematic muscles of a bodybuilder. During the period of mass gain, we sharply increase weight, which affects the functioning of the heart muscle.
If we add to this the prohibitive load, heavy training stress and the lack of cardio, which is very often neglected in the autumn-winter period, after several such “mass gains” we will get the so-called sports heart - the main muscle will no longer cope with the load that you give it.
Perhaps surgery can solve the problem. But it’s better to prevent than to treat, right? I'm sorry, what? Not interested in heart health? Talk only about muscles? Then perhaps you'll be wondering about the health of your heart muscle after I tell you that heart problems can limit your training progress?
Drying
As for drying, the situation here is generally similar. The more cardio, the more workouts, and the fewer calories you consume, the more likely it is that the myocardium will begin to wear out. And here potassium orotate, again, is a prophylactic agent.
But the drug should be used only in the peak drying phase. As we said above, the substance is an anabolizer - it triggers anabolic processes in our body. But fat burning is a catabolic process. This means that by taking the supplement on an ongoing basis during drying, we become like a motorist who presses on both the gas and the brake at the same time.
For the right athletes
Many amateurs train without a pronounced weight-cut cycle. From a health point of view, this strategy is the most correct.