Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

0

Just came across this supplement today while looking at a "Paleo" energy gel... I'm not that intersted in the energy gel itself (or whether it's Paleo or not), but rather the ingredient PEAK ATP. They market it as, "Peak ATP: Elevates APT levels to create more energy naturally".

On the PEAK ATP website they have a description describing it as, "Produced through a proprietary fermentation process, PEAK ATP delivers the exact molecule the human body needs to create energy. Extensive scientific evidence shows that PEAK ATP has a dramatic effect on circulation without adversely affecting heart rate or blood pressure. PEAK ATP has applications for energy, athletic performance and anti-aging".

They have a page of research studies showing it's benefits (I'm not sure all are done using this product specifically, or just ATP in general)... So, what do you guys think about using this supplement? Is this a way to fuel your muscles without creating the huge blood sugar spike when using typical gels? Does it require loading, like creatine?

Additionally: If anyone currently or in the past has used anything with ATP in it, you're first hand experience would be great to hear...

edited Jun 6 at 11:46

asked Jun 5 at 17:39

jjtitus
878●3●10

1

Doesn't creatine, which is well known to work, and is dirt cheap, do the same kind of thing, which is to provide extra ATP so that you can work out a little bit longer than usual? – raydawg Jun 6 at 13:46

I believe creatine is utilized in the phosphocreatine system to basically "recycle" ADP back into ATP... So yes, creatine definitely works, but the focus here is on oral ATP since I've noticed it creeping into a number of products lately. – jjtitus Jun 6 at 17:30

Sam Knox · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-05 19:51:36Z UTC

4

I looked at the research page. As far as I can tell, not one of the studies cited evaluates the effect of oral ATP administration on human skeletal muscle or performance. There seems to be some evidence that it can improve circulation, but the leap from improved circulation to increased energy isn't supported.

This might be the reason why: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2253504/

Training studies, apparently, show little or no benefit from oral ATP.

I vote for "total marketing hype".

edited Jun 5 at 19:51

answered Jun 5 at 19:40

Sam Knox
3,729●2●13

Hmmm, if you check the FAQ section they make it seem like oral ATP does increase exogenous ATP, which the studies show results in increased performance... "How does PEAK ATP elevate the body's extracellular ATP levels? After ingestion, PEAK ATP is broken down into adenosine and inorganic phosphate. Following rapid absorption by the gut, these compounds are incorporated into and expand the body's liver ATP pools. Detailed experimental animal studies have demonstrated that the turnover of the expanded liver ATP pools supply the necessary precursor, adenosine, for red blood cell ATP synthesis." – jjtitus Jun 5 at 20:05

Cont. "In sum, exogenously administered ATP elevates liver ATP pools, which in turn yields elevated red blood cell ATP pools. Subsequently, the expanded red blood cell ATP pools are slowly released into the blood plasma (extracellular). Animal and human studies have both conclusively shown that oral administration of ATP elevates ATP levels in liver, red blood cells and blood plasma." – jjtitus Jun 5 at 20:05

Nice link, I guess even with elevated liver/red blood cell/blood plasma levels of ATP its not quite the same as ATP stored in the muscle itself... and it appears that with regards to ATP, rat/mice studies do not correlate with human studies. – jjtitus Jun 5 at 20:27

It should also be noted that the authors do not address chronic loading (I don't know why, seems like it's a logical alternative to acute dosing), where Jordan et al. saw an increase in training volume after 14 days of continuous oral ATP administration... maybe the biggest benefit is with chronic loading to increase volume, possibly decrease recovery time (train harder, build additional muscle)? – jjtitus Jun 5 at 20:44

1

@jjtitus: The thing is that the amounts of ATP actually stored in muscles cells is tiny. Even if they were doubled, it would still be a very small amount. Especially if oral ATP is broken down to muscle ATP building blocks, you'd have to wonder if oral ATP is better than just supplementing creatine, for example. – Sam Knox Jun 5 at 23:35

show 2 more comments

CW · Answer 2 · 2012-09-11 16:35:37Z UTC

I have been taking ATP as a supplement for almost 20 years because of a genetic disorder. I take it in the form of injections and sublingual tablet from Douglas Labs. If I do not take the supplement fall into a fugue, become bedridden, seizures, and coma or death. My body's mitochondria does not make sufficient ATP to live and be active.

The brain, heart, and liver are your biggest users of ATP. Signs of low ATP are memory loss, calf pain, problems performing mathmatic formulations, fatgue, nausea, muscle pain ---to start with.

Because of my genetic problems creatine and ribose do not work for me. My proton pump is damaged in the elctron chain transport....

Bill1102inf · Answer 3 · 2012-09-11 17:05:23Z UTC

0

Ill inject some and let you know how it goes.

answered Sep 11 at 17:05

Bill1102inf
7,510●7●26

Fred · Answer 4 · 2012-12-07 01:07:41Z UTC

-1

There is a new product out that is proving to be effective in the production of ATP. It does not have the actual ATP molecule in its formula, the ingredients are designed to increase ATP production via the Krebs Cycle where most of our ATP is produced naturally without supplementation.

answered Dec 7 at 1:07

Fred
1

2

Yep, the product is called food. – Mscott Dec 7 at 6:18

Yep, food, the Krebs Cycle works through and from 7 enzymes (proteins) which require specific substrates to enhance their activity and function properly. Without adequate substrate supply of all 7, the Krebs Cycle will not work at its maximum efficiency. Combine this with stress, lack of sleep, a daily diet short of nutrients, etc., maximum production of ATP will be deficient. The best product is Power ATP www.topatp.com. They have a money back guarantee, check it out. Because it works, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, the positive side effects are amazing. - Fred – Fred Dec 18 at 20:15

Power ATP's new website is www.poweratp. It will be up in a few weeks. – Fred Mar 11 at 19:16

PEAK ATP…? Total Marketing Hype or the Next Big Performance Supplement?

4 Answers