Ultragen Recovery Drink

$54.95 USD

THE SCIENCE OF RECOVERY

Ultragen is the most advanced recovery mix ever developed.  Each serving provides clinically effective doses of the essential nutrients needed to accelerate recovery, increase energy levels, and consolidate gains so you can train harder and recover faster than ever before.  It's so effective, you’ll notice the difference the first time you try it.

No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. 

PERFORMANCE BENEFITS
✓Accelerates recovery
✓Refuels exhausted muscles & restores energy levels quickly
✓Improves workload capacity



Flavor

RECOVER LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Ultragen is engineered for overnight recovery following extreme efforts, providing a lifeline when hours of suffering leave you cross-eyed, delirious and empty. Refueling the tank with Ultragen boosts energy levels, accelerates recovery, and maintains immune function so you can consolidate gains, bounce back fast and be ready to do it again the next day.

PC: Justin Luau

EVERY SECOND COUNTS

This formula targets the essential 30-minute “glycogen window’’ after exercise that’s crucial for recovery. Ultragen is formulated with breakthrough technology that replaces important nutrients and depleted energy stores quickly. The net effect wards off over-training, helps you rebound for the next session, and gives your immune system the essential support it needs.

COME BACK STRONGER

The premium protein combination in Ultragen gives your body what it needs to speed recovery after you’ve gone deep into the red. 

The first, Whey Protein Isolate, rebuilds and refuels exhausted muscles with high levels of branched chain amino acids. 

The second, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, is enzymatically pre-processed, so it fastracks absorption by skipping the distress-inducing process of breaking down full whey protein molecules—faster delivery without punishing an already-taxed GI tract.

BCAAS FOR RECOVERY

Branched chain amino acids are elite recovery agents that kickstart muscle repair, but their effects extend well beyond that. They also preserve energy stores to combat post-workout fatigue, mediate lactic acid levels to reduce muscle burn, increase workload capacity, top off energy levels, and even reduce negative impact on immune functions. BCAAs ensure successful recovery, building higher levels of future performance.

“I use Ultragen immediately following my workout. Sometimes multiple times a day. It’s a game changer.  It makes a noticeable difference in my recovery, one that I can feel the next day if I’ve somehow missed it the previous day.“

Dr. Tommy Rivers Puzey, DPT, LMT

RESEARCH

MODULATES CORTISOL FOR MAXIMUM RECOVERY

Cortisol, known as the regulator of immune response, is a hormone controlled by the adrenal cortex. This powerful hormone is also known as an adrenalcorticol hormone, a glucocorticoid and hydrocortisone or simply cortisone. Cortisol has a catabolic (muscle breakdown) effect on tissue and is associated with a decrease in anabolic (muscle growth) hormones like IGF-1 and GH. Thus reducing levels of cortisol is ideal for an athlete to achieve tissue growth and positive adaptations to exercise training. Playing many different roles in the body, cortisol can have a negative impact on sleep, mood, sex drive, bone health, ligament health, cardiovascular health and athletic performance, potentially causing fatigue and inflammation. Its primary functions are to increase protein breakdown, inhibit glucose uptake and increase lipolysis (the breakdown of fats).

While cortisol in normal amounts is necessary for proper metabolic function, a chronically elevated cortisol level has adverse effects on health, mood, body composition, and performance. Elevated cortisol secretion from physical or mental stress causes fat, protein, and carbohydrates to be rapidly mobilized in order for the body to take action against the stressor. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ response. The mobilization of these nutrients in addition to epinephrine and a number of other endocrine hormones allows the body to take quick action when presented with stress. During this mobilization, cortisol and adrenaline increase while DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone decrease. Chronically elevated cortisol levels cause the body to enter a state of constant muscle breakdown and suppressed immune function, increasing the risk of injury while reducing muscle.

It is only with chronically elevated cortisol levels that performance will suffer, but the effect is dramatic. Excess cortisol suppresses the immune system, producing a greater risk of upper respiratory infections and depressed levels of testosterone. On top of that, the body will be in a catabolic state — breaking down muscle and storing fat. In addition to reducing muscle and getting sick, suppressed testosterone means suppressed recovery. Aerobic and anaerobic muscle fibers need time to repair and recover from hard workouts to improve their capacity to exercise. Elevated cortisol and suppressed testosterone do not allow maximized recovery, leading to slower performance gains. A Swiss study of elite male cyclists suggested that ratios of anabolic to catabolic hormones (ie. testosterone/cortisol or IGF-1/cortisol) may be useful markers for the detection of overtraining (Hug et al. 2003). In fact, scientists use this Free Testosterone/Cortisol ratio to evaluate an athlete’s training state. A ratio where cortisol is elevated indicates overtraining, so the modulation of this ratio can be key for those athletes who are susceptible to overtraining.

A literature review of hormonal responses to exercise by Steinacker et al. (2003) suggested that with glycogen deficiency, cortisol levels are elevated and induce a “myopathy-like state” in skeletal muscle. And it’s not only what is eaten but when. Breakfast is a necessity, which will help regulate blood sugar and cortisol prior to workouts. In a recent paper by Dr. Mark Davis and Dr. Adrienne Brown, it was clearly demonstrated that ingesting carbohydrates during exercise modulates many of the endocrine hormones, including cortisol. To ensure that glycogen stores are not depleted, carbohydrates should be ingested while exercising along with a high-quality recovery drink with high levels of carbohydrates immediately following exhaustive exercise. The bottom line: endurance training should not be attempted on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet.

A high dose of B vitamins and calcium can help regulate the endocrine hormones necessary for proper cortisol control. Supplementing with 4+ grams of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 6+ grams glutamine following exhaustive exercise can have a dramatic effect on cortisol. In fact, in a 25-week study of intercollegiate swimmers, the group supplementing with BCAAs and glutamine showed a significant decrease in serum cortisol. A study done by Stone entitled “Effects of Vitamin C on cortisol and the Testosterone: cortisol ratio” showed a decrease in cortisol levels in 17 junior elite weight lifters. This study also showed that the individuals taking vitamin C (an extra gram a day) improved their testosterone to cortisol ratio by over 20%. This type of decrease in cortisol can lead to increased muscle and connective tissue hypertrophy and enhanced recovery from training. Since vitamin C also decreases the chance of suffering from a cold or flu infection by 30% and may aid in collagen synthesis, it would be wise to take some extra vitamin C when involved in an intense training program. Beta-Carotene, which is often times used for healthy skin function, may also minimize cortisol levels according to Dr. Sapse. He suggested this in an abstract he presented at the 1997 conference on cortisol and anti-cortisols.

CONTAINS GLUTAMINE TO PREVENT OVERTRAINING

Intense physical exercise drains glutamine stores faster than the body can replenish them. When this occurs, the body breaks down muscles and becomes catabolic. There is evidence that supports glutamine supplementation for recovery, glycogen storage, synthesis of other amino acids and reduction of the catabolic effects of over-training.

With reduced glutamine levels, performance and recovery are also compromised. It’s been proven that glutamine levels in the serum are dramatically reduced following exhaustive exercise.

Glutamine has also been shown to aid in recovery and recuperation in addition to boosting immune function. It accomplishes this as one of the building blocks for the body’s most powerful antioxidant, glutathione, and may possibly cause extra growth hormone release with just a 4-gram oral dosage.

A strict and strenuous training program, which does not allow for enough recovery time, may cause an athlete to experience over-training syndrome (OTS). Researchers have effectively correlated OTS to amino acid imbalances. Decreased performance, decreased mood, and increased incidence of infections characterize these amino acid imbalances caused by OTS.

Athletes who exercise extensively and are suffering from OTS may become immuno-suppressed. This can lead to increased infection and upper respiratory illness. In addition, recent clinical trials have shown that overtrained endurance athletes suffer from chronic low plasma glutamine levels. Maintaining normal levels of intramuscular glutamine is critical in preventing the breakdown of skeletal muscle and catabolism (the breakdown of muscle).

There is also strong evidence that glutamine acts as an immuno-stimulant, which reduces the incidence of infection during training and racing.  The best time to take a glutamine or glutamine peptide supplement is right after a hard exercise session since glutamine stores in muscle can be depleted up to 40% after exhaustive exercise.

INCLUDES BCAAS TO PREVENT CENTRAL FATIGUE

Branched Chain Amino Acids are also associated with a syndrome termed central fatigue. Following exhaustive exercise, BCAAs are depleted from the working muscle and from the circulating pool of amino acids. This depleted state causes an imbalance of the BCAA to Tryptophan (another amino acid) ratio. 

When BCAAs are low, Tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin) is more readily available and can cause increases in serotonin. Low levels of BCAAs cause an increase in serotonin, which causes a feeling of sleepiness and lethargy It is this imbalance that can cause an athlete to become lethargic and almost sleepy. Supplementing with higher levels of BCAAs will help stop the Tryptophan/serotonin mechanism. 

All whey protein supplements contain Tryptophan, however, only some will actually disclose an amount on the label. An effective supplement should contain at least three grams of BCAAs and minimal levels of tryptophan.

SUPPLEMENT FACTS



Use Directions: Mix two scoops with 18fl. Oz of water immediately following long or exhaustive exercise.
Easy to use: Spoon mixable all natural formula is completely instantized so you don’t have to fight clumps.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Scoops (91g) makes 18 fluid ounces
Amount Per Serving %DV
Calories 320
Calories from fat 0
Total fat 0 g 0%
Cholesterol 0 g 0%
Total Carbohydrate (100% from Dextrose) 60g 22%
Total Sugars 60 g **
Includes 60 g Added Sugars 120%
Protein (from Whey Protein Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein) 20 g 40%
Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) 1250 mcg RAE 139%
Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol) 5 mcg (200 IU) 25%
Vitamin B1 (as thiamin mononitrate) 8 mg 667%
Vitamin B2 (as riboflavin) 8.5 mg 650%
Niacin (as niacinimide) 20 mg 125%
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) 8 mg 470%
Folate (as folic acid) 330 mcg DFE 83%
Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg 250%
Biotin 150 mcg 500%
Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate) 20mg 200%
Calcium (as Calcium carbonate and from Whey Isolate ) 500mg 38%
Phosphorous (from Milk Isolate) 105mg 11%
Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) 250mg 60%
Zinc (as zinc oxide) 7.5mg 68%
Chloride (as sodium and potassium chloride) 150mg 7%
Sodium (as sodium chloride and from Milk Isolate and Whey Isolate) 350mg 15%
Potassium (as potassium chloride and from Whey Isolate) 200mg 4%
BCAA’s† (Leucine, Valine, Iso-Leucine) 4.5g *
Glutamine† 6g *
*Daily Value Not Established
**Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


† Typical Amino Acid profile
Glutamine 6000mg
Isoleucine 1163mg
Leucine 2135mg
Valine 1211mg
Tyrosine 806mg
Threonine 1135mg
Alanine 866mg
Glycine 392mg
Aspartic Acid 1817mg
Cystine/Cystein 272mg
Serine 1054mg
Lysine 1738mg
Methionine 479mg
Phenylalanine 806mg
Proline 1597mg
Tryptophan 324mg
Histidine 476mg

Q&A

Q: How does Ultragen work?

A: Ultragen’s many components are designed to work synergistically in order to fully maximize recovery, providing clinically effective doses of the right nutrients to the right place at the right time. Each serving of Ultragen delivers clinically effective doses of the most advanced proteins available, the fastest-acting carbohydrates, glutamine, BCAAs, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. In addition, Ultragen integrates the latest nutritional technology in order to maximize recovery and provide the right nutrients to the right place during the 30-minute “window of opportunity” following exercise.

Q: What is the 30-minute glycogen “window of opportunity?”

A: Research has shown that there is a critical 30-minute glycogen window (called the “window of opportunity”) immediately following exercise when insulin sensitivity is at its highest and exhausted muscles essentially open the door to nutrients.

Q: Why does Ultragen contain 60 grams of dextrose per serving?

We use dextrose in Ultragen because it functions as an insulin shuttle to pull protein, vitamins, minerals, BCAA’s, and other essential recovery agents into cells quickly to optimize training-related muscle and endurance adaptations.

Q: Can I take Ultragen during racing and training?

A: The proteins, glutamine, BCAAs, and electrolytes in Ultragen will fuel the body with what it needs to finish strong in long races. The high calories, high glycemic carbs, fast proteins and high levels of all 5 electrolytes make Ultragen the best “during” drink on the market, even though it’s designed for post-recovery applications. Everything in Ultragen is absorbed super fast and hence is very easily digested. Too many other drinks are developed as complex carbohydrate mixes that have a number of different sugars and hence are absorbed in different rates. A serving can be ingested during a race without resulting in a feeling of fullness during the ride. However, it is recommended that a serving of Ultragen be taken during the second half of a long workout before using it in a race.

Q: Is Ultragen Gluten-Free?

A: Yes, all Ultragen flavors are Gluten-Free.

Q: Why does Ultragen mix so well compared to other recovery drinks?

A: Ultragen is an advanced formulation with technically superior ingredients. The low molecular weight proteins are engineered using cross-flow microfiltration, a process that retains all the protein and beneficial micro-fractions and minimizes any fats and carbohydrates. This technology results in a protein which dissolves better in water. The entire Ultragen formula is manufactured using a process called agglomeration, a process which improves each molecule’s ability to dissolve in water, making the powder spoon-mixable.   The most important thing to note is that a powder’s dissolvability is directly proportional to its ability to be absorbed by the stomach.  If it clumps in a glass it will also clump in your stomach.   Clumps in the stomach slow down absorption and cause gastric distress. Drinks which are already fully dissolved in a liquid will be more completely absorbed and will minimize any gastric distress.

Q: What kind of proteins are in Ultragen?

A: Ultragen is formulated using a unique time-responsive protein matrix to maximize absorption through the entire spectrum of rapid recovery time. Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH) is a pre-digested, small molecular weight complete protein and the fastest protein absorbed due to its small size and pre-digested peptide chains. Ion exchange Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is also a low molecular weight protein, absorbed more slowly than WPH. Combining these two protein forms allows WPH and WPI to be absorbed during that critical first 30 minutes, delivering the appropriate building blocks during the best window for recovery.

Q: When should I use Ultragen?

A: During the last hour of a workout or race to ensure maximum performance with minimal damage; immediately following a 1-2 hour workout for maximum recovery (provided the body has been properly fueled during the workout); and during the last hour as well as immediately following a workout longer than three hours to ensure a strong finish and solid recovery.

Q: Is Ultragen Lactose-Free?

A: Ultragen is not lactose-free but it is very low lactose, not enough to elicit Lactose Intolerance symptoms in even the most sensitive persons. There is 0.9 g/100g Sugars, which is all lactose in whey protein. At 20 g/serving, that works out to 0.18 grams/serving, or 180 mg. Thus, the lactose amount is trivial at 180 mg – this includes the WPH, which has the same amount of lactose but less amount.