In-depth Analysis of Weider Prime

By Dr. Alberto Sacristán

Weider Prime is a very interesting product with a unique profile of components for sports supplementation. Its composition includes adaptogenic ingredients, mycotherapy (the use of mushrooms as a health supplement), as well as minerals and vitamins.

Before detailing the benefits of each of Weider Prime's components and their potential application in professional activity, it is necessary to clarify a few concepts.

We speak of an adaptogen when a plant has the property of helping the body adapt to its environment at the time of use. Well-known plants within this concept include ginseng, eleuthero, etc. The use of these plants with adaptogenic capabilities has been employed for many years in various clinical situations. Common prescriptions include transoceanic travel, for patients with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, etc. On the other hand, it is important to differentiate an adaptogen from a stimulant. Stimulants include caffeine or guarana. An adaptogen does not have a specific action. Rather, an adaptogen aims to achieve homeostasis of the organism in environmental situations that may be contrary or adverse, such as a long journey, physical activity, or in a stressful situation.

Mycotherapy is simply the use of fungi or their principles in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. The term mycotherapy was coined in Spain in 2006 and is now widely used globally. In general, fungi and mushrooms contain more than 150 active compounds in their structure. When consumed, they provide the best bioavailable alpha and beta glucans, enzymes, natural antibiotics, B-group vitamins, minerals (Selenium, Zinc), essential amino acids, and other nutrients that help maintain homeostasis or balance in the body.

Individual analysis of Weider Prime components

Ashwagandha Extract:

Ashwagandha extract comes from a plant native to India, used in Ayurvedic Medicine for a very long time to stimulate physical and mental functions. It is an adaptogenic plant that acts on the body and mind, allowing maximum adaptation in highly demanding situations. As it does not have a stimulating action or act directly on the brain or heart, it has no side effects such as nervousness or tachycardia. Ashwagandha extract is an adaptogen with several studies on physical performance, which I will summarize below.

• The research by Choudhary et al. (2015) describes an improvement in cardiorespiratory endurance. A randomized, double-blind study was conducted to assess this parameter in 50 healthy athletes. It also observed a significant improvement in physical and psychological health.
• The research by Wankhede, S et al. (2015) describes improvements in three distinct parameters. First, it reduces body fat percentage; second, it promotes a significant increase in maximum strength load; and third, it achieves a significant increase in muscle size. Furthermore, the study observed that supplementation with Ashwagandha extract significantly reduced creatine kinase, a parameter used as a marker of muscle damage caused by physical exercise. This effect can be interpreted as achieving better muscle recovery.
• Other studies on Ashwagandha extract by Choudhary, D et al. and Chandrasekhar, K et al. explain that it has a significant effect on stress. It was shown to reduce stress and anxiety according to various psychometric scales, and on the other hand, it managed to decrease serum cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by more than 20%.
• Due to these actions described for Ashwagandha extract, this adaptogen is the star active ingredient in Weider Prime.

Cordyceps extract:

• Cordyceps is another relevant component of Weider Prime and is also an adaptogen. It is a parasitic fungus of a lepidopteran, originating from Tibet, where it grows at altitudes above 5000 meters. In Tibetan medicine, it is considered a vital energy tonic.
• The main components of this fungus are polysaccharides (cordycepic acid) galactomannan, mannitol, adenosine, etc. The main active ingredient is adenine, whose action is to transfer energy in the form of ATP, in addition to functioning as a neuromodulator of the central nervous system. It is also rich in B and E vitamins.
• Regarding exercise-related actions, Cordyceps stimulates the immune system; through its action on the central nervous system, it modulates stress and anxiety levels. In studies (Hu, Z; 2013) with athletes, it has been shown to improve sports performance by increasing muscle power and promoting the elimination of lactic acid after exertion, thus shortening recovery time. It increases or favors oxygen utilization and ATP production, achieving an energy boost. Additionally, it leads to an increase in testosterone levels, with a favorable physiological anabolic effect.

Vitamin-D:

• ​Since 1890, the importance of sun exposure as a preventive measure against its deficiency has been known. It has been known as the "sunshine vitamin." Already in 1967, Dr. W. F. Loomis described that, more than a vitamin, it behaved like a hormone. Several studies indicate a deficiency in the Spanish population. Perhaps this is because there is not as much sun exposure as we think, as we work in offices daily, hidden from the sun, and when we go outside, we are warmly dressed, so we don't get much sun either. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to certain problems such as rickets, osteoporosis, poor muscle development, nervous irritability, etc.
• Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels promotes calcium absorption in the intestine, as well as phosphorus in the small intestine. A decrease in intake and therefore in blood vitamin D levels is associated with an increased risk of stress fractures, decreased athletic performance, and immune system alterations.

Vitamin-B6 and B12:

• Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, discovered in 1935, has a primarily enzymatic biological function. It is involved in a large number of biochemical and biological reactions necessary for the maintenance of the organism. It is an essential cofactor in protein metabolism, which is why this vitamin is added to quality protein supplements. It participates in the formation of certain neurotransmitters. It improves cardiac metabolism, making energy acquisition at the myocardial level more efficient. It improves muscle performance.
• Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin, discovered in 1929, has various functions. On the one hand, it aids in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the body. It is involved in protein formation, thus helping in muscle anabolism. It helps in detoxification by participating in the formation of choline and methionine.
• A deficiency of these vitamins can lead to anemia in athletes and other health consequences, in addition to reducing endurance during physical exercise and performance.

Zinc:

• It is a powerful catalyst, essential in protein synthesis, which is why it has been incorporated into Weider Prime. Zinc-dependent enzymes help to couple amino acids. It regulates the formation of T4 lymphocytes, thus playing a vital role in the immune system. Due to its enzymatic functions, Zinc has a very broad therapeutic and nutritional action, but in terms of exercise, its role in muscle energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and the immune system stands out.

Chromium:

• It is a glucose tolerance factor, involved in the synthesis of amino acids and thus in muscle maintenance. It regulates blood cholesterol levels. Intense physical exercise, as with other minerals, increases chromium losses. Supplementation of this mineral in cases of deficiency improves athletic performance due to its anabolic effects.

Choline Bitartrate:

• ​Choline is closely related to the utilization of fats and cholesterol, preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis). It improves memory and mental activity. It prevents the formation of gallstones.

Piperine:

• It is a substance found in the outer layer of black pepper. Although it has antioxidant and slimming properties due to increased thermogenesis, its most important action is to increase the bioavailability of other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, etc.

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Bibliography:

1. Choudhary, B. et all. Efficacy of Ashwagandha in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. Ayu, 36 (1), 63.
2. Chen J, et all. A study on the antioxidant effect of Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide in rat brain tissues. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2013 Oct 3;10(6):481-4.
3. PhD Louise Burke. Nutrición en el Deporte, un enfoque práctico. Panamericana 2009. Madrid.
4. Benito Peinado PJ. Alimentación y nutrición en la vida activa: ejercicio y deporte. Uned-2013; 518-520.