## What is Dark Katana NO CARB intra-workout and what is it for? Dark Katana NO CARB has been designed and developed for athletes who demand the most from every training session, even when cutting, during definition, or during periods of low-carb nutrition. A complete pre-workout in the form of an orange-flavoured powder which, when dissolved in water, provides essential amino acids, the new generation Peptistrong™ peptide and a phyto-blend rich in natural extracts that work in synergy to support mental focus, reactivity and pump (green coffee, green tea tit. 40% EGCG, turmeric, sour cherry, blueberry, black cabbage). The total absence of carbohydrates makes it perfect for cutting or definition phases, or for those following a low-carb protocol, while ensuring energy, fatigue reduction and recovery support. The Dark Katana NO CARB formula also supports hydration and proper plasma volume.## But what exactly does Dark Katana NO CARB intra-workout contain to make it so effective? Dark Katana NO CARB is composed of a complete and complex blend of ingredients and micronutrients, designed to work synergistically and provide maximum support for training, even during periods of low energy and increased fatigue. Its blend is formulated with: - L-leucine, L-citrulline, L-valine, L-isoleucine, L-threonine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine and L-tryptophan: a blend of essential amino acids to help meet protein requirements, promoting energy support during performance while helping to reduce fatigue and combat tiredness. (1);- PeptiStrong hydrolysed broad bean protein: a bioactive peptide obtained from hydrolysed broad bean protein that acts through the M-TOR and Phospho-S6 signalling pathways to increase muscle synthesis, reduce muscle catabolism via the Atregin and MURF-1 pathways, increase mitochondrial mass and optimise strength recovery. Hydrolysed broad bean proteins are a source of vegetable protein and are obtained through hydrolysis, a technique that breaks down complex proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, facilitating their assimilation by the body. This production process makes hydrolysed proteins easily digestible. These specific cell signalling peptides present in PeptiStrong act intelligently by using the body's natural signalling pathways to optimise cellular growth and recovery processes. Research on PeptiStrong suggests that these peptides contribute to increased muscle protein synthesis and energy, and to a reduction in muscle breakdown and inflammation induced by exercise (2;3;4). - Glycerol: a functional molecule for cell hydration, helping to prevent the loss of water and fluids that occurs during intense training. For this reason, glycerol is used, especially in endurance sports, as a useful aid to body rehydration and overall performance improvement (5);- Sodium and Potassium: minerals in citrate form, ideal for supporting hydration during intense and prolonged workouts and in cases of excessive sweating to restore the correct electrolyte balance. Potassium helps regulate fluid flow in cells, while sodium helps maintain osmotic balance between cells and extracellular fluid (6); - TruBeet: a patented and standardised formula with a high content of natural nitrates extracted from beetroot (Beta vulgaris). The formula is standardised to contain over 6% inorganic nitrate (vs. traditional beet extracts, which usually contain 1 to 3%), which allows for significantly reduced dosages. It also harnesses the natural power of polyphenols, which work in harmony with nitrates to support performance during exercise. Taking TruBeet facilitates the production of nitric oxide in tissues that are in hypoxic situations, such as muscles during exercise. Improved NO bioavailability has been shown to influence muscle function and physical performance by reducing the cost of oxygen in ATP synthesis and increasing muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery in hypoxic situations. TruBeet® has been clinically proven to improve end-of-race performance in endurance events after prolonged moderate-intensity exercise. The same study also found that TruBeet® can accelerate muscle deoxyhaemoglobin kinetics, improving oxygen extraction from muscles. (7) Zynamite: Zynamite® is a patented extract from the mango leaf, Mangifera indica, naturally rich in natural polyphenols and known for its nootropic and energising properties. Mangiferin, the bioactive molecule contained in mango leaves, is obtained from this extract. It is a natural and innovative ingredient that has been shown to support cognitive and physical performance, improving focus, endurance and muscle recovery. It appears to match caffeine in its effectiveness, with the advantage of eliminating the latter's side effects. The benefits of taking ZYNAMITE® are visible in improved physical and mental performance, faster reaction times, and increased focus and concentration (8);- Blend of plant extracts: a combination of seven plant-based ingredients (green coffee, green tea, turmeric, cherries, blueberries, broccoli and kale) that stimulate nitric oxide and, as studies have shown, are able to activate the body's nitric oxide production system. This blend is completely plant-based and nitrate-free, and is designed to deliver the benefits of nitric oxide so you can focus on your performance. In several acute double-blind studies, this blend has been shown to increase circulating nitric oxide levels in the blood for long-term support of the nitric oxide cycle (9). - Vitamin B6: This B-complex vitamin plays a role in protein and glycogen metabolism, participates in the regulation of hormonal activity and the production of red blood cells. It also plays an essential role in supporting the proper functioning of the immune system, stimulating cognitive function and counteracting ageing (10). - Vitamin B1: Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism: it plays a significant role in the process of converting glucose into energy (11).Dark Katana NO CARB is therefore a perfect intra-workout supplement to be used to support training in a comprehensive way: it provides energy, combats fatigue, helps sustain muscle pump, counteracts catabolism, hydrates cells and optimises concentration and mental performance. It is an indispensable ally for getting the most out of your workout.Scientific references1. _Ferrando AA, Wolfe RR, Hirsch KR, Church DD, Kviatkovsky SA, Roberts MD, Stout JR, Gonzalez DE, Sowinski RJ, Kreider RB, Kerksick CM, Burd NA, Pasiakos SM, Ormsbee MJ, Arent SM, Arciero PJ, Campbell BI, VanDusseldorp TA, Jager R, Willoughby DS, Kalman DS, Antonio J. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Effects of essential amino acid supplementation on exercise and performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2023 Dec;20(1):2263409. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2023.2263409. Epub 2023 Oct 6. PMID: 37800468; PMCID: PMC10561576._2. _The Journal of Nutrition 2023 153;6:1718-1729 Vicia faba Peptide Network Supplementation Does Not Differ From Milk Protein in Modulating Changes in Muscle Size During Short-Term Immobilisation and Subsequent Remobilisation, but increases Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates During Remobilisation in Healthy Young Men_3. Kerr, Alish, et al. ‘Improved Strength Recovery and Reduced Fatigue with Suppressed Plasma Myostatin Following Supplementation of a Vicia faba Hydrolysate, in a Healthy Male Population.’ _Nutrients 15.4 (2023): 986._4. Preclinical Evaluation of a Food-Derived Functional Ingredient to Address Skeletal Muscle Atrophy. Cal et al., Nutrients, 2020, Volume 12, Issue 8. Goulet ED, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Plante GE, Dionne IJ. A meta-analysis of the effects of glycerol-induced hyperhydration on fluid retention and endurance performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2007 Aug;17(4):391-410. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.17.4.391. PMID: 17962713._6. _Moss K, Kreutzer A, Graybeal AJ, Zhang Y, Braun-Trocchio R, Porter RR, Shah M. Nutrient Adequacy in Endurance Athletes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Apr 11;20(8):5469. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20085469. PMID: 37107749; PMCID: PMC10138386._7. Domínguez R, Cuenca E, Maté-Muñoz JL, García-Fernández P, Serra-Paya N, Estevan MC, Herreros PV, Garnacho-Castaño MV. Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017 Jan 6;9(1):43. doi: 10.3390/nu9010043. PMID: 28067808; PMCID: PMC5295087._8. _Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Forster J, Khan J, Wiebe JC, Gericke N, Kennedy DO. Acute Effects of a Polyphenol-Rich Leaf Extract of Mangifera indica L. (Zynamite) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study. Nutrients. 2020 Jul 23;12(8):2194. doi: 10.3390/nu12082194. PMID: 32717999; PMCID: PMC7468873. Boris V. Nemzer, Christoph Centner, Noemi Wiessler, Zb Pietrzkowski, John M. Hunter, Bruno Fink & Daniel König, A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomised, longitudinal study on the effects of a plant-based dietary supplement on Nitric Oxide and Mitochondrial metabolic activity, Journal of Food Research; Vol. 10, No. 2; 202_10. Manore MM. Vitamin B6 and exercise. Int J Sport Nutr. 1994 Jun;4(2):89-103. doi: 10.1123/ijsn.4.2.89. _PMID: 8054964._11. _Makarchikov AF. [Vitamin B1: metabolism and functions]. Biomed Khim. 2009 May-Jun;55(3):278-97. Russian. PMID: 19663002.
