As a Registered Dietitian, I am continually intrigued by how we can optimize our nutritional intake and overall health. One of the most exciting areas of my profession is exploring the ever-emerging novel compounds that have the potential to revolutionize our dietary routines. Among these, a standout is the natural bioenhancer, Astragin.
This article aims to provide a detailed overview of Astragin from a dietitian’s perspective, focusing on its potential role in dietary routines, health maintenance, and the enhancement of other supplements. We will dissect its origin, delve into the science behind its touted benefits, evaluate current research, and take a balanced look at its potential side effects.
Table of Contents
What Is Astragin
AstraGin’s advantage is its natural compound, classified as a “nutrient amplifier” or bioenhancer, that has been shown to support nutrient absorption. “AstraGin” is a patented blend derived from two traditional Chinese medicinal herbs: Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng.
This combination was developed by NuLiv Science, which researches and develops proprietary and clinically validated nutraceutical ingredients.
Benefits of Astragin
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Astragins benefits lie in its capacity to enhance nutrient absorption. It does this by upregulating certain transport proteins responsible for nutrient uptake in our bodies. By increasing the effectiveness of these transport proteins, AstraGin can significantly boost the absorption of critical nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This function may help ensure that our bodies receive the maximum benefit from the foods and supplements we eat.
Support for Gut Health
Another noteworthy benefit is its potential role in supporting gut health. A healthy gut is crucial for overall well-being as it plays a pivotal role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Preliminary research suggests that it may support gut health by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal wall, possibly reducing inflammation and promoting optimal function.
Amplified Athletic Performance
AstraGin’s ability to enhance the absorption of nutrients and amino acids is particularly beneficial for athletes or those engaged in regular physical activity. Increasing the uptake of amino acids such as leucine promotes muscle synthesis and recovery. Consequently, it could enhance exercise performance and physical endurance, making it a popular ingredient in sports nutrition.
Improved Immune Function
Lastly, AstraGin may play a role in supporting immune function. This potential benefit stems from its origin—Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng are plants long used in traditional Chinese medicine for their immune-supporting properties. While more research is needed to fully understand the full impact on the immune system, it’s an area of promise and exploration in the realm of this nutrient amplifier.
Is Astragin Safe
Astragin has received the GRAS rating from the FDA, which stands for (Generally Regarded as Safe).
This means you could take 100 times the recommended dose, which would still be safe.
Please don’t misconstrue this and take more than the recommended dosage; this is simply a rating the FDA gives to products generally made with natural products.
How Does It Work
AstraGin works primarily by enhancing the function of transporters in your body’s cells. These transporters are proteins that play a critical role in nutrient absorption—they effectively allow nutrients from the food you eat to pass from your digestive system into your bloodstream, where they can be distributed and used throughout your body.
The key to its effectiveness is its ability to upregulate or increase these transporter proteins’ activity and expression. For example, AstraGin is known to increase the expression of certain transporters responsible for glucose absorption, such as SGLT1 and GLUT4. Doing this can enhance the absorption of important nutrients, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Specifically, studies have shown that astragin will enhance the absorption of certain amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, by up to 62%. This has implications for muscle growth and recovery like creatine, particularly for athletes or those engaged in regular exercise.
In addition to its direct role in nutrient absorption, AstraGin also appears to have anti-inflammatory effects and may support gut health by maintaining the health and integrity of the intestinal wall. This can further enhance nutrient absorption and promote overall well-being.
Dosage and Side Effects
It is typically considered safe for most individuals when used as recommended. However, the ideal dosage can vary depending on the individual’s health, age, and medical conditions; the company that produces it, NuLiv Science, typically recommends 25-50mg daily.
Despite its generally safe profile, like any supplement, it could cause side effects in some individuals. Most reported side effects are mild and may include digestive upset, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. These side effects are more likely if taken over the recommended dosage.
Also, because it’s designed to enhance the absorption of nutrients, it could potentially interact with certain medications by increasing their absorption and potency. Therefore, individuals on medication need to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement regimen.
While AstraGin is derived from Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng—plants with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine—it’s still relatively new in nutritional supplements. Therefore, long-term effects and interactions are not fully known, and more research is needed.
Astragin and Athletic Performance
AstraGin has been receiving increasing attention for its potential ability to optimize athletic performance. The basis of this interest lies in its capacity to enhance nutrient absorption, specifically those nutrients pivotal to muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance.
Improved Amino Acid Uptake
Its ability to increase the absorption of certain amino acids, such as arginine, citrulline, and leucine, is particularly interesting for athletes. These amino acids play key roles in muscle protein synthesis, which is how the body rebuilds and strengthens muscle tissue.
Arginine and citrulline are precursors to nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to increase blood flow during exercise, leading to better muscle oxygenation, nutrient delivery, and improved exercise performance.
Conversely, Leucine directly triggers muscle protein synthesis, leading to muscle growth and faster recovery after workouts. By enhancing the uptake of these amino acids, AstraGin could potentially boost workout effectiveness and speed up recovery times.
Enhanced Energy Production
In addition to amino acids, it enhances the absorption of glucose—the body’s primary energy source—by upregulating the expression of glucose transporters. Doing so ensures the body has an adequate energy supply, which is critical for optimal athletic performance.
Support for Muscle Recovery
Exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation can lead to muscle soreness and slow recovery. Some research suggests that AstraGin might possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation, promote faster muscle recovery, and improve overall exercise outcomes.
As exciting as these potential benefits are, it’s important to remember that more research is needed to fully understand its impact on athletic performance. Furthermore, individual responses can vary, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a sports nutritionist before integrating any new supplement into your routine.
Astragin and Digestive Health
A person’s gut plays a large role in how healthy they feel regularly.
You can eat all the right foods, but it doesn’t matter how healthy your diet is if your gut isn’t healthy enough to break down those foods into macronutrients and deliver them throughout the body.
This is especially true for amino acids to reach the muscles, organs, and ligaments to repair any damage; you need a healthy gut to ensure total body health.
People with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) fail to receive all the nutrients from food due to how mRNA affects the gut. mRNA is the enzyme most capable of transporting nutrients in the body through your gut.
Astragin will help people with this problem.
The Increase Of Absorption Of Nutrients When Taking Astragin
| Category | Name | % Increase Of Absorption |
| Amino acids | Arginine | 67% |
| Agmatine | 36% | |
| Beta-Alanine | 25% | |
| Citrulline | 45% | |
| Creatine | 33% | |
| Leucine | 58% | |
| Peptides | 41% | |
| Tryptophan | 53% | |
| Fatty Acids | Flax Seed Oil | 58% |
| Fish Oil | 100% | |
| Omega 7 | 39% | |
| Misc | Curcumin | 92% |
| Folate | 50% | |
| Glucosamine | 23% | |
| Glucose and ATP production | 18% |
Case Study Results
- Amino acid absorption increases by 62%
- Vitamin absorption increases by 50%
- Glucose absorption increases by 57%
- Increases insulin sensitivity by 38%
- ATP production raises by 18%
- A decrease in blood sugar by 19%
Astragin and Cognitive Function
AstraGin’s potential influence on cognitive function is an emerging area of research, with its primary function of enhancing nutrient absorption providing the basis for such exploration. At the same time, there isn’t a wealth of direct evidence linking AstraGin to improved cognitive function. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the potential lies in its ability to increase the uptake of nutrients that play a key role in brain health and function.
Enhancing Nutrient Absorption
Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, are essential in maintaining and promoting cognitive health. Enhancing the absorption of these crucial nutrients indirectly supports cognitive function. For example, by boosting the uptake of omega-3 fatty acids—essential for brain health..
Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation has been linked to cognitive decline and several neurological disorders. Some studies suggest that AstraGin may have anti-inflammatory properties. By potentially reducing inflammation, it aids in maintaining cognitive health.
Implications of Improved Gut Health
A growing body of research explores the connection between the gut and the brain, often called the “gut-brain axis.” AstraGin’s potential to support gut health might indirectly affect cognitive function. A healthy gut contributes to a healthy brain by producing neurotransmitters and regulating inflammation.
Although the connection between AstraGin and cognitive function is intriguing, it’s essential to note that more research is needed to understand and validate this relationship fully.
How Does Astragin Help Make Your Immune System Stronger
It helps strengthen your immune functions by healing ulcerated epithelial cells and decreasing the amount of inflammation in the intestinal mucosal lamina propria that gathers the lymphoid tissue, T cells, plasma cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages.
Astragin and Skin Health
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption For Your Skin
AstraGin’s main function is to enhance the absorption of critical nutrients, such as vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, which are all crucial for skin health. Vitamins like A, C, and E, and amino acids like collagen, are the building blocks for healthy skin, helping to maintain its elasticity, combat aging signs, and promote overall skin health.
Gut-Skin Axis
Research has also explored the link between gut health and skin health, commonly known as the “gut-skin axis.” The premise is that a healthy gut contributes to healthy skin, as the gut is integral in nutrient absorption, immune function, and inflammation regulation, all impacting skin health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Emerging research suggests that AstraGin might possess anti-inflammatory properties and benefit skin health. Many skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, are characterized by inflammation.
By potentially reducing inflammation, AstraGin might help manage these conditions and promote overall skin health.
However, it’s important to reiterate that more research is needed to fully understand and validate AstraGin’s potential benefits for skin health. As with any supplement, it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or who are currently on medication.
Promotes Protein Synthesis
When astragin is added to a protein shake, it will help increase the bio-availability of the protein; this means the number of peptides and amino acids from the protein that are transported by your bloodstream into your muscles will increase.
It also increases protein synthesis activity in your body, meaning a higher percentage of muscle building and repair will occur.
Protein is important in the body’s biological actions, and the essential and nonessential amino acids are the building blocks of it all.
They give cells their structure, repair broken tissues, and build muscles and ligaments.
Astragin increases the absorption of amino acids and peptides to help these processes become more efficient.
It has also increased the absorption rate of creatine, beta-alanine, leucine, arginine, agmatine, peptides, and tryptophan.
When Should You Take Astragin
It’s most effective when you take it as a pre-workout about 30 to 45 minutes before your workout.
Taking Astragin increases your blood flow, bringing more oxygenated blood to your muscles and organs, giving you more energy.
The more oxygen your muscles have will translate into higher amounts of endurance, allowing you to workout longer at a higher intensity.
How Long Does It Take To Work
Once you ingest astragin, it only takes about 20 to 40 minutes to work, depending on how much you’ve eaten.
I like to take it as a pre-workout supplement, so I take it before my workout and, on off days, take it in the morning.
It has a residual effect of 24 hours, so whether you’re taking it for your diet, as a pre-workout, or as a probiotic, it will not hurt any of these benefits.
To get the most out of it, you should take it daily, and after about two weeks, you will be noticing the full benefits it provides.
How Much Does It Cost
Cost per serving averages around $2, so if you only use it as a pre-workout five times a week, then you’re looking at $40 per month, but if you’re using it as a daily nutrient booster, it’ll cost you around $60 per month.
Conclusion
AstraGin, a potent blend derived from astragalus root and Panax notoginseng, represents a significant advancement in dietary supplements. Primarily recognized for enhancing nutrient absorption, it’s gaining popularity as a key ingredient in pre-workout mixes. By augmenting the absorption of essential amino acids (EAAs) like l-glutamine, l-arginine, and l-carnitine, AstraGin powder supports muscle growth, recovery, and energy metabolism, making it a favored ally for fitness enthusiasts.
This grape-flavored enhancer plays well with other pre-workout staples such as creatine HCL, amplifying the effects of these ingredients in products like Crea Gainz. The potential benefits extend beyond workout optimization. For instance, AstraGin’s influence on l-arginine absorption can support heart health as l-arginine is crucial in maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
While preliminary research suggests possible roles in managing conditions such as diabetes and osteoarthritis, more studies are needed to validate these findings. Regardless, the potential of AstraGin, extracted from the time-honored astragalus root, is clear, and it’s on its way to becoming a significant player in the dietary supplement market. As always, consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Thank you for the breakdown. Clarified everything I was looking for.