Epicatechin - What It Is And Does It Help Build Muscle?

Killer Labz is well-known for its high-energy, hardcore pre workout supplements and its extensive line of natural muscle builders. 

 

Today, we’re taking an up close look at one of truly exceptional all-natural muscle growth supplements in epicatechin. 

 

What is Epicatechin? 

Epicatechin is a molecule found in dark chocolate that is advertised as a myostatin inhibitor. Myostatin is a devious little myokine in the body that suppresses muscular growth. Its arch-rival is another protein called follistatin, which supports muscle growth because it hinders myostatin signaling. 

 

Unfortunately as we age, myostatin levels rise and follistatin levels decline, which is one of the many reasons why older individuals have a harder time building muscle. But, recent research has shown that ingestion of epicatechin has led to significant changes in the follistatin-myostatin ratio. 

 

Does Epichatichan Work for Building Muscle? 

Scientific investigations into the potential muscle-building properties of epicatechin have revealed that it[1,2,3,4,5]: 

 

  • Increased muscle growth and strength 
  • Boosts endurance 
  • Reduces fatigue 
  • Improves glucose tolerance 
  • Enhance nitric oxide production 

 

Together these effects suggest that supplementing with epicatechin could enhance training performance, ultimately yielding greater gains in size and strength. 

 

Where to find Epicatechin Supplements? 

Brute EAA combines epicatechin with mTOR-stimulating EAAs as well as another powerful all-natural muscle building supplement in Laxobulk™ to create a truly revolutionary amino acid supplement. The addition of these natural muscle growth supplements increases anabolic processes in the body allowing for enhanced recovery and extreme muscle growth. 

 

 

References 

  1. Gutierrez-Salmean G, Ciaraldi TP, Nogueira L, et al. Effects of (−)-epicatechin on molecular modulators of skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2014;25(1):10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.09.007. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.09.007.  
  1. Grassi, D; Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons.; Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L’Aquila; 2005  
  1. Nogueira, L., Ramirez-Sanchez, I., Perkins, G. A., Murphy, A., Taub, P. R., Ceballos, G., Villarreal, F. J., Hogan, M. C. and Malek, M. H. (2011), (–)-Epicatechin enhances fatigue resistance and oxidative capacity in mouse muscle. The Journal of Physiology, 589: 4615–4631. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2011.209924.  
  1. Fraga CG, Litterio MC, Prince PD, Calabró V, Piotrkowski B, Galleano M. Cocoa flavanols: effects on vascular nitric oxide and blood pressure. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2011;48(1):63-67. doi:10.3164/jcbn.11-010FR.  
  1. Barnett, Christopher F; “Pharmacokinetic, Partial Pharmacodynamic and Initial Safety Analysis of (−)-Epicatechin in Healthy Volunteers”; Food & Function; 6.3 (2015): 824–833 
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