Both anaerobic and endurance exercises increase phosphate needs. Studies (Dale G, et al) show pathologically low levels of blood phosphate in some individuals after intense exercise or endurance events. Repeated studies of phosphate supplementation that it buffers lactic acid (Kreider RB et al; Miller GW et al).

Phosphate supplementation raises the level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), the enzyme that unloads oxygen into muscle. Studies from various labs have shown repeatedly that phosphate supplementation reliably raises blood levels of 2,3-DPG (Farber M, et al; Cade R, et al; Stewart I et al). Phosphate supplementation, through its incorporation into numerous enzymes in energy production, improves the production and use of glycogen for fuel. There is evidence that supplemental phosphate has this effect (Chasiotis D.).

The phosphates in VANTAGE are in the form of sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium: thereby providing phosphates plus a proper balance of essential macrominerals/electrolytes to maintain peak performance.

The synergistic and combined biochemical effects of VANTAGE (phosphate supplementation) on performance are dramatic. Results from various studies have shown that phosphate supplementation reduced lactic acid accumulation, increased 2,3-DPG production during exercise, increased VO2 Max by 11-12% and increased time to exhaustion by 20%.

One study tested both anaerobic and endurance exercise (Kreider RB, et al). During anaerobic phosphate trials, maximal power output increased by 17%. That's equivalent to adding 51 lbs to a 300 lb maximum bench press. During the aerobic phosphate trials, time for the 40 km time trial on the ergometer bicycle was reduced by 3.5 minutes.

VANTAGE also contains L-Carnosine in its amino complex - Carnosine is the main buffer of muscle acid.

ammonia scavengers (OKG & KIC)
A second inhibitor of exercise, happening simultaneously with the accumulation of acidity, is accumulation of ammonia. All anaerobic and endurance exercises produce a lot of ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to all cells, reduces the formation of glycogen, and inhibits the energy cycle. The higher your blood ammonia the poorer your performance. So the second ingredient a successful ergogenic supplement has to do is to reduce ammonia accumulation.

L-Ornithine Alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG), which has the same carbon skeleton as glutamine, not only provides a substrate for glutamine, but contains virtually no ammonia. Far from adding to the ammonia burden, OKG acts in the body as an ammonia scavenger (Michel H, et al). OKG is crucial to reducing the ammonia burden. OKG also acts as a strong releaser of growth hormone, provides a ready source of glutamine, an anti-catabolic, and a support for the immune system.

Similarly, Ketoisocaproate, the keto-acid derivative of Leucine (amino acid), contains no ammonia. High protein diets essential to fast increase in muscle and strength, produce increasing amounts of ammonia from metabolism during intense training. Studies show that ketoisocaproate acts as a strong ammonia scavenger (Sapir G, et al). Ketoisocaproate is a big benefit for improved performance. In addition to scavenging ammonia, it spares muscle protein and promotes protein synthesis. Combination of KIC, OKG and other co-factors in the VANTAGE, provide the most potent anti-catabolic mix of amino acids yet known to science.