| Why I Like BioTest's SPIKE! (Product description has been written in a testimonial format and is NOT an actual individual's testimonial!) I don't get tired anymore. It's a fact. Whether I'm cycling up some of these damn Southern California hills or mountains or whether I'm pumping out my 8th set of squats, I don't get tired; I want to keep on going. Why? Because I use Biotest's Spike. I first heard of the main ingredient in Spike from strength and conditioning coach Charles Poliquin. After his heart attack in the mid-nineties (something that Charles' European doctors believe was caused by a congenital magnesium deficiency), he was given, among other things, a vitamin-B derivative called thiamine di(2-methylpropionate) disulfide (T2D). After illness or major surgery, patients often suffer from asthenia, which is a collective term for weakness, loss of appetite and inability to concentrate, and T2D is often used in Europe to alleviate this condition. A recent study seems to have confirmed its benefits in this regard as half of a test group of patients treated with T2D exhibited a complete withdrawal of asthenic symptoms, with another fifth showing substantial improvement. That's cool, but I'm not suffering from asthenia, and it's unlikely that you are, either. Regardless, that same chemical given to Charles, T2D, is now the main ingredient in Spike. The compound has been used in Europe for over 20 years for a variety of reasons. European coaches will tell you that the substance increases physical resistance to fatigue, improves neuromuscular efficiency, learning and memory, and that it improves metabolic function of the cerebral cortex. Fans of the T2D report all those things, but also normalized sleep patterns and even better, improved visual acuity! Students, too, have long been in love with it because of its ability to enhance concentration and it's also quite effective in alleviating stress. There's also evidence to suggest that it has positive effects on long-term memory formation. While relatively unknown in America, life extension enthusiasts have long been intrigued by the molecule. Author John Morgenthaler describes T2D this way: "It has been shown to facilitate wakefulness, improve long-term memory, speed up reaction time, decrease anxiety, and increase overall resistance to stress." And then there's the strength and endurance thing. It's long been a secret weapon for European cycling pros. It also has a history as an underground bodybuilding supplement and was used by those who had connections to European pharmaceuticals. Users report instant increases in performance after just one dose. So what is T2D? In chemical terms, it's a precursor to the vitamin thiamine where two thiamine molecules are bound together by a disulfide bridge after opening of their respective thiazole rings. It's a hydrophobic molecule that easily passes the blood brain barrier. It has a half-life of about 5 hours, and it reaches a peak concentration in the blood in 1-2 hours. The only side effects reported in the literature are the occasional headache or allergic skin reaction, in addition to mild agitation in the elderly. The funny thing is, no one is sure how it works. It does increase neuronal membrane permeability, so this increased permeability might allow for some ionic changes that may in turn affect interactions between dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmissions in the prefrontal cortex. So, in short, it seems to affect "feel good" chemicals in the brain, thus its positive effects on behavior, cognition and attention. That explains (maybe) the brain enhancement stuff, but what about the positive effects on strength and endurance? One theory has to do with thiamine itself. The vitamin acts on cholinergic synaptic transmission and there's some evidence that thiamine-deficient animals can't increase acetylcholine release under conditions of increased physiological demand. In other words, when it's time for action, thiamine deficient animals can't manufacture the chemical needed for the transmission of nerve signals. The T2D in Spike has been observed to increase choline uptake by hippocampal neurons, thus resulting in an increase in synthesis and release of acetylcholine. That means it gives you more "go" when you need it! Aside from the increased energy, it also has a bizarre effect on my personality; it makes me, well, better. Spike increases by mental sharpness, my social skills, and it actually makes me feel good! All of this is why Spike has become one of my favorite Biotest supplements. It's hugely effective, doesn't give me that crude jittery buzz that I used to get with ephedrine, and since it's a derivative of thiamine, it might actually be good for me! Plus, it's not banned by any sports organization! Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one or two tablets once or twice per day, at least six hours apart. Take in the morning, or prior to intense physical activities, or situations requiring focused concentration. Do not take with any other stimulant or weight-loss supplement. Do not exceed FOUR (4) TABLETS in any 24-hour period. If you havenA't used this supplement previously, begin by taking one tablet per day for three days prior to increasing the dose. WARNING: Do not take with any other stimulant or weight loss supplement or any prescription or over-the-counter medicine. Do not use if you are under the age of 18 or elderly. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing or at risk of being treated for high blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, spasms, psychiatric disease, suffer from migraines, are allergic to theophylline, have asthma, or are taking asthma medication. Discontinue use if you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, or heart palpitations. If you have trouble sleeping, do not take within 6 hours of bedtime. Keep out of reach of children. Ingredients: Biotest GBX [guarana-berry extract (containing theophylline and caffeine)], T-MAX [Biotest proprietary thiamine di(2-methylpropionate) disulfide], natural caffeine, yohimbine HCl. Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmelose, calcium carbonate, sorbitol, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, maltodextrin, dextrose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, lecithin, FD&C yellow #5, FD&C yellow #6. Spike by BioTest - 16 tablets |
