Overview:
Myogenix AfterShock arguably created the category for the modern post workout mega stack.

The approach: The basic approach taken by Myogenix AfterShock to post maximize gains post workout is BCAA's + Creatine+Antioxidants+nitric oxide production+glutamine+joint repair. Myogenix has covered a lot of ground with the formula and covered it well. The basic post workout approach is very solid, particularly given the additional panel for preventing oxidative damage to the muscles post workout. This is such a critically neglected area in post workout supplementation. Kudo's also to Myogenix for putting 7 grams of BCAA'S in Myogenix AfterShock and listing the amount of the label. You need more than 5 grams to have the desired effect, and many products leave you guessing as to the true amount with proprietary formulas, not so with Myogenix Aftershock.

The Science:
The ingredient profile of Myogenix Aftershock for the most part have decent science to back up the claims of workout recovery, muscle growth, recovery and repair. Lets look at them individually.

Myogenix AfterShock ingredients.

L-Norvaline:
L-Norvaline inhibits the enzyme arginase. Arginase and L-arginine compete with each other for NOS, so the idea here is this makes more NOS production available through the L-arginine pathway. L-Norvaline's influence on NOS production is well documented in the scientific literature. The inclusion of L-Norvaline in Myogenix AfterShock to increase Nitric Oxide is a novel approach, particularly given that sustained intake of L-Arginine has been shown to promote insulin resistance. Myogenix avoids the insulin resistance issue by boosting Nitric Oxide in this way.

Branch Chains
New research shows Leucine serves as a key cellular signal for protein synthesis in conjunction with the action of insulin. While insulin initiates protein transport into the cell, leucine functions as a signal to increase the rate of protein synthesis, magnifying the effect of insulin. Taking leucine post workout enhances recovery and the creation of muscle tissue in conjunction with insulin.

New discoveries have also highlighted the importance of branch chains on the enzymatic pathways that signal muscle growth. Post workout, branch chains seem to affect two key enzymes that exert control over muscle growth, mTOR, a kinase enzyme that functions on other proteins, and p70 S6 kinase, an enzyme that controls key processes necessary for cell migration (i.e., muscle growth).

Glutamine
Myogenix Aftershock contains a couple of novel forms of l-glutamine, presumably for improved absorption and delivery. One of the important functions of glutamine is in the formation of white blood cells. A little known effect of exercise is that it alters the production and and function of white blood cells, which play a vital role in controlling inflammation. Post exercise inflammation is a key limiting factor to muscle growth and recovery. Glutamine acts as a key inflammatory regulator by increasing the production of white blood cells.

Kre-Alkalyn
Kre Alkalyn is a ph buffered form of creatine, intended to deliver superior absorption of creatine. While the ability of creatine to enhance muscular strength and cell volume is well established, new research indicates an additional benefit. Creatine supplementiation increases iGF-1 levels within the muscle. This increase in iGF-1 occurs even without dietary changes.

MSM and Glucosamine
The inclusion of MSM in Myogenix AfterShock, together with Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate is a vital combination. MSM is a potent anti-inflammatory that aids in the formation of L-methionine and L-cysteine, which are critical to healthy joints, skin and nails.

Anti-Oxidant Blend Exercise induced inflammation limits muscle growth due to the formation of toxic compounds such as Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE's). Post exercise, reduction of inflammation is critical for optimal recovery. Myogenix AfterShock wisely targets post exercise inflammation as a key to optimal recovery and muscle growth.

Research.
1. Arginine stimulates cdx2-transformed intestinal epithelial cell migration via a mechanism requiring both nitric oxide and phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase. Rhoads JM, Liu Y, Niu X, Surendran S, Wu G.

2. High glucose augments arginase activity and nitric oxide production in the renal cortex. Ishii N, Ikenaga H, Carmines PK, Aoki Y, Ogawa Z, Saruta T, Suga T.

3. Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Köhnke R.

4. Effect of creatine supplementation and resistance-exercise training on muscle insulin-like growth factor in young adults. Burke DG, Candow DG, Chilibeck PD, MacNeil LG, Roy BD, Tarnopolsky MA, Ziegenfuss T.