So I just started taking X-factor, RPM, Drive, Purple Wrath and Muscle Milk. I have a few questions to ask anyone who has taken these.
X-factor: I'm currently taking 3 pills a day; 1 morning, 1 pre-w/o, and 1 a few hours before bed. My question is, does this stuff keep you up at night? I havent been able to sleep at night since I started taking it....
Take this for what it is worth:
Science Links Japan | Arachidonic Acid Improves Brain Function and Sleep in Elderly People
Arachidonic Acid Improves Brain Function and Sleep in Elderly People
Accession number;06A
Title;Arachidonic Acid Improves Brain Function and Sleep in Elderly People
Author;KISO YOSHINOBU(Suntory Ltd., JPN)
Journal Title;Bio Ind
Journal Code:Y0746A
ISSN:
VOL.23;NO.7;PAGE.)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.4, REF.5
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;Japanese
Abstract;It is known that intracerebral levels of arachidonic acid are lower in the elderly than in the young. It has recently been found that the cerebral functions of the elderly are improved by administering arachidonic acid for a month as a supplement. It is also clarified that arachidonic acid is useful for improving the sleep and wake rhythm by animal experiments using aged animal models. In addition, it is confirmed that the elderly people increase their activities when they are awake as a whole by the intake of arachidonic acid. It indicates that since arachidonic acid increases activities in the daytime and improves the quality of wake, it improves sleep quality during the night.
RPM:[/B] I take 3 pre-workout and after about 15 minutes after consumption, I get this burning feeling in my body. It's almost an itchy feeling and my skin starts tingling. It stops when I start working out. Does this happen to anyone else?
I seriously doubt that what you have described can be attributable to RPM. One reason is that these effects are not part of the "sides" one would typically expect from RPM. Furthermore, you also take X-Factor and Purple Wraath pre-workout. My conjecture is that Beta-Alanine in Purple Wraath is the source of the effects. Please my justification below.
Purple Wraath contains Beta-Alanine, L-Histidine, and Niacin (although the amount of Niacin is negligible).
Niacin, especially in its form as nicotinic acid, not nicotinamide or niacinamide, can produce an expansion of blood vessels, creating a feeling known as the "niacin flush", a completely harmless sensation, indicating improved blood flow. The flush can produce a redness of the skin. Since Purple Wraath contains niacinamide, and in a small quantity, the effects you experienced definitely did not come from niacin.
Now to Beta-Alanine.
Carnosine is a multi-functional di-peptide made up of Beta-Alanine and L-Histidine. Purple Wraath contains both Beta-Alanine and L-Histidine, so they should raise cellular concentrations of carnosine after a period of consumption. Cellular carnosine (beta-alanine/histidine) saturation occurs after about one month of beta-alanine/histidine supplementation.
There is no beta-alanine "flush" in the sense of the skin turning red, as in the niacin case. However, there is a tingling (called paraethesia) or itching of the skin. This is not an allergic reaction. It is a normal body reaction to the consumption of beta alanine, once the compound has been absorbed into the blood stream. The precise mechanism here is not fully known. However, there are two theories.
1) The tingling is initiated by beta alanine binding to nerve receptors. These nerve receptors are excited, making them fire off at random. The situation of many of these nerve cells just below the surface of the skin creates a prickling, pins-and-needles, sensation at certain spots on the skin. 2) As a nitric-oxide potentiator (not generator), beta Alanine magnifies the action of nitric oxide, making its effects stronger and longer-lasting. Consequently, after the consumption of beta alanine, when the body produces nitric oxide, its effects will be amplified, making us feel the extra blood flowing through the capillaries close to the surface of the skin.
The intensity of the tingling is dose-dependent and ceases after serum beta-alanine levels are saturated.
Neither the niacin flush nor the beta-alanine tingling sensation should be a cause for worry.
So, to summarize, you have no problems with Drive or RPM. Be sure, though, not to take RPM less than five or so hours before sleep, as this may interfere with sleeping, due to the methlyxanthine/caffeine content.
The tingling sensation you get from Purple Wraath is completely harmless and should disappear after saturation is reached.
