Safety:
In clinical studies involving the supplementation of 1,500- 1,700 mg of arachidonic acid per
day, general markers of health were also unaffected with 50 days of continuous use. This
includes no notable change in HDL, LDL, or total cholesterol values, immune system
response functioning, or platelet aggregation values.635 636 637 Furthermore, the investigation
response functioning, or platelet aggregation values.635 636 637 Furthermore, the investigation
at Baylor University demonstrated safety on all of the basic markers of health including lipids,
blood pressure, blood cell counts, immune system mediators, and liver enzymes. The study
also produced a strong trend for reduced IL-6 in the X-Factor supplemented group, which is
a principle inflammatory cytokine and stimulus for the hepatic production of C-reactive
protein. High levels of IL-6 are correlated with poor health and mortality, and are deemed
undesirable. The results suggest that while arachidonic acid may be “proinflammatory” in the
sedentary (inactive) state, when combined with resistance training, a reduction in systemic
inflammation may actually be noticed. It is speculated that an amplification of some of the
health-beneficial aspects of resistance exercise, namely the improved management of insulin,
may be responsible for reducing this inflammatory marker.
On a more general note, the American Heart Association announced its position on Omega-
6 EFA consumption in early 2010. In reviewing some of the more current data, they found
that diets low in Omega-6 fats were associated with an increased risk of heart disease
compared to diets with higher intakes. The paper also discusses arachidonic acid, and how
this essential fat is normally not proinflammatory, nor outwardly unhealthy to consume. The
American Heart Association now recommends that 5-10% of your calories each day come
from Omega-6 fats, including ARA. Diets rich in Omega-3’s are, of course, also healthy, but
not at the exclusion of Omega-6’s.
Side Effects:
Arachidonic acid (X-Factor) often produces an amplification of residual post-workout
(Delayed Onset) muscle soreness. Often recovery is slightly prolonged (perhaps an
additional day of rest is required), and the user may need to adjust their schedule
accordingly. This is due to an intensification of the normal physiological response to training,
and represents increased intensity of the anabolic cascade (and rate of muscle growth).
Those with existing minor muscle, connective tissue, or joint injuries may notice more pain,
due to the greater prostaglandin signaling caused by supplementation. While arachidonic acid
should not exacerbate the injury, if greater soreness interferes with one’s ability to train
comfortably, the supplement should be discontinued until the injury is healed. Arachidonic
acid supplementation may also produce a greater incidence of headaches in a small
percentage of users, which may be due to its effect as a vasodilator. Increasing daily water
consumption often alleviates this side effect. Additionally, arachidonic acid seems to produce
a very weak androgenic effect in some users, often producing minor oily skin. This may be
caused by a slight amplification of testosterone’s effect. It should not be strong enough to
concern females about virilizing side effects.
Contraindications:
Those with an existing medical condition related to inflammation may find that the added
arachidonic acid exacerbates symptoms of their disorder, and should avoid supplementation.
This supplement should only be used after the approval of a physician if someone is taking
medication, has an existing medical condition, or has a familial predisposition for
cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or any other disorder that may require the
limiting of dietary arachidonic acid. Also, as a potent growth-promoting agent, arachidonic
acid joins androgens (testosterone, anabolic steroids), growth hormone, IGF-1,
estrogens,and many other growth factors as potentially supporting the growth rate of certain
cancer cells if you have the disease. Dietary arachidonic acid intake has been generally
eliminated as a causative factor in cancer,638 639 just as testosterone level has been eliminated
as predictive of prostate cancer risk, however these types of growth-promoting agents
should be avoided in such diseased states unless approved by a physician. If you have
prostate cancer, for example, the last thing you want to start taking is a growth promoter like
testosterone. The same goes for arachidonic acid. The bottom line is that if you are in poor
health, you should probably not be taking this supplement. If you are healthy, you should be
able to use it with great safety.
Total Work, as recorded in the standard energy unit Joules, increased by 1,292J in
the group taking X-Factor, while Total Work increased 510J in the placebo
group.This is more than a 250% increase compared to placebo.
