according to this x-factor should be bad for growth

[biggun2181]

read underneath series 2 prostaglandins...



Prostaglandins

LNA and LA are metabolized into eicosanoids. Eicosanoids can be further classified as Leukotrienes, Prostaglandins, Thromboxanes. For the purpose of this article, we will only examine prostaglandins.

Prostagladins are hormone like chemicals that regulate cellular activity. Prostagadins (PGs) are categorized into one of three groups, depending on which fatty acid they were metabolized from. The groups are, Series 1 PG's, Series 2 PG's, and Series 3 PG's.

Series 1 PG's

Series 1 PG's are formed from Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), (Which is converted from LA). Series 1 PG's are labeled as "Good" prostagladins. This is because they improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation, among other cellular functions [3]. Perhaps the most crucial effect is preventing arachidonic acid (AA) from being released by cells. The reason why this is so important is because AA is what makes Series 2 PG's.

Some of the main reasons why Series 1 PG's are so important to bodybuilders and those concerned with their health are:

• Muscle cell protein synthesis is increased
• Insulin Sensitivity is enhanced (Meaning less insulin is needed to deliver glucose)
• Elevates Growth Hormone secretion [4]

Series 2 PG's Series 2 PG's are labeled as "Bad" prostagladins. As said eariler, Series 2 PG's are made from arachidonic acid. They facilitate sodium retention, inflammation, and the formation of blood clots [3]. Series 2 PG's also increase cortisol release, a very catabolic hormone. Anyone interesting in building muscle does not want this to happen.

okay biochem guys what gives?

[NNM1989]

subscribed...this is VERY interesting.

[Aeternitatis]

AA is the precursor to ALL prostaglandins, not just one type. The conversion to series 2 is dependent on other factors. Many, many people have tried bringing this up in the past just to be clearly proven wrong. Besides, the proof is in the pudding: I have used X-Factor as well as many others and the common thing reported among us all is... SICK GAINS!

[Grunt76]

Aeternitatis, I'm curious as to the context of its use: PCT, Stacked with androgens, or alone?

I think that makes a HUGE difference. I'm kinda scared as to what it would do in PCT as the body is already geared towards catabolism, but then again I could very well be dead wrong...

[cable626]

interesting........subscribed. i won't even TRY to take a stab at this problem lol

[Aeternitatis]

Aeternitatis, I'm curious as to the context of its use: PCT, Stacked with androgens, or alone?

I think that makes a HUGE difference. I'm kinda scared as to what it would do in PCT as the body is already geared towards catabolism, but then again I could very well be dead wrong...

During PCT, I think X-Factor would help immensley with keeping gains. First, it can increase androgen receptor density which can make any PH cycle more effective. This of course will help you get the most bang for your tired out endo-tesosterone buck during PCT. Also, it increases protein synthesis, so assuming you have some good recovery prods during PCT (such as XTEND), you may even continue to gain. max_von used X-Factor during an SD cycle and had it go through into PCT. I remember him saying that it helped a lot in retaining mass.

As mentioned earlier, it is very powerful when stacked with androgens.

And alone, X-Factor is, IMO, better than a trans 1test/4ad cycle (this is from experience).

[italionstallion]

During PCT, I think X-Factor would help immensley with keeping gains. First, it can increase androgen receptor density which can make any PH cycle more effective. This of course will help you get the most bang for your tired out endo-tesosterone buck during PCT. Also, it increases protein synthesis, so assuming you have some good recovery prods during PCT (such as XTEND), you may even continue to gain. max_von used X-Factor during an SD cycle and had it go through into PCT. I remember him saying that it helped a lot in retaining mass.

As mentioned earlier, it is very powerful when stacked with androgens.

And alone, X-Factor is, IMO, better than a trans 1test/4ad cycle (this is from experience).

The only thing to consider is that during an androgen cycle and during PCT all healthy fats should be high and in doing so, would decrease the effectiveness of x factor if taken at the same time

[Aeternitatis]

Yep, you're gonna have to weigh the pros and cons yourself on that one. All I can say is it's been done before. Whether you wanna risk it, I don't know... but it would lead to some serious gains for sure.

[BigMattTx]

The only thing to consider is that during an androgen cycle and during PCT all healthy fats should be high and in doing so, would decrease the effectiveness of x factor if taken at the same time

EXACTLY. I would rather save some CEE to start with PCT and run some Sesathin/Fish Oil to get cholesterol values back to normal.

[Aeternitatis]

EXACTLY. I would rather save some CEE to start with PCT and run some Sesathin/Fish Oil to get cholesterol values back to normal.

And that's fine. You for one don't want to take the risk. I think some people will though. I know for a fact that some people have. And in terms of maximizing a cycles effectiveness and maximizing muscle retention during PCT, nothing works better than X-Factor. But, as mentioned, the risks go up.

[BigMattTx]

I agree.

For me, the cost-benefit ratio would not be great enough. The cost is spending an extra $100 and lengthening recovery time. The benefit is retaining more mass and maybe putting on a little extra, which can be done with some CEE. X-Factor is a great product but it is somewhat comparable to Anabolics in terms of gains and I would much rather use it standalone.

[Aeternitatis]

I agree.

For me, the cost-benefit ratio would not be great enough. The cost is spending an extra $100 and lengthening recovery time. The benefit is retaining more mass and maybe putting on a little extra, which can be done with some CEE. X-Factor is a great product but it is somewhat comparable to Anabolics in terms of gains and I would much rather use it standalone.

I understand where you're coming from, but you cannot compare the on-cycle beneits of X-factor to CEE. Not even remotely close.

Though I too would persoanlly use X-factor standalone; but I also don't use AAS.

[TooPowerful4u]

AA is the precursor to ALL prostaglandins, not just one type. The conversion to series 2 is dependent on other factors.

Which factors would it be dependant on????

[Grunt76]

In the last few months I've seen a few reports of muscle tears. These things happen. Interestingly, many of the people to whom this happened had used X-Factor pretty recently. Coincidence? Thoughts? Theory?

[Aeternitatis]

In the last few months I've seen a few reports of muscle tears. These things happen. Interestingly, many of the people to whom this happened had used X-Factor pretty recently. Coincidence? Thoughts? Theory?

After speaking to an X-Factor devotee who experienced a rather serious pectoral tear, I'm leaning in the direction of accelerated strength gain causing users to put up more weight than they're ready to handle.

Similar to the way that steroids will cause surges in strength which can lead to various muscular, ligament, et cetera injuries.

Certain people will have to check themselves ad make sure they aren't training too hard for their own good. Most of the time, X-factor will increase strength and otehr aspects of performance without a concurrent increase in recovery abilities. Essentially this means that in those who like to go ape **** in the gym, the potential for overtraining and even serious injury increases.

Before I understood this, I overtrained while using X-Factor. It was my first cycle and gains were incredible (size, strength, intensity). I went balls to the wall and ended up having to take a week off from training due to overstressing my system.

If you do train super hardcore and intend to use XF, I highly suggest stacking it with creatine and BCAA cause those to things will go a long way towards helping with recovery. A good antioxidant blend like DS Vigor will also help quite a bit.

[NiteHawk]

I wonder if X-Factor is legal in natural bodybuilding shows?

[Grunt76]

I wonder if X-Factor is legal in natural bodybuilding shows?

Why would it not be? Of course it is.

[Aeternitatis]

I wonder if X-Factor is legal in natural bodybuilding shows?

There are no restrictions on X-Factor in any sporting event.

[doggzj]

Would be cool if AA worked with fish oil and sesamin. Pretty worthless that it can't

[Aeternitatis]

Would be cool if AA worked with fish oil and sesamin. Pretty worthless that it can't

You got that statement switched around.

But more importantly, you're stuck in narrow view mode (probably partially responsible to the early X-Factor recommendations).

X-Factor and Sesathin work well together and form one of the sickest most effective total body recomp stacks ever. Add in some ephedrine and you're in for the best cycle you've ever had short of straight up AAS.

Fish oil is greatly overrated. Its effects have been exceedingly exaggerated. But more importantly, one isn't expected to cut all so-called "healthy fats". Fish oil is not to be supplemented while on X-Factor but fish can be consumed a couple of times per week. If you are desperately paranoid about living without some fish oil, we recommend no more than 1 cap per day. If desired, Melting Point can also be added if MAJOR fat loss is a priority.

The problem is, we need to strike a certain balance otherwise the fishoil "out competes" the AA. But this balance is different in everyone. It is much easier (and less expensive to the consumer) to just recommend limiting intake rather than trying to tolerance map and end up wasting an entire cycle to find your personal balance.