Athletes looking to get an edge may want to consider looking in an unlikely place: apples and ancient peat. In a recent study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, extracts from these sources increased ATP production and improved strength training.
Researchers gave 25 resistance-trained males either a placebo or 150/day of a proprietary blend of ancient peat and apple extract 45 minutes before exercise. For eight weeks, the group trained with the same exercises and then did two-week overreach and two-week taper periods. With the exception of a multivitamin and protein powder, supplements use was prohibited, and everyone followed a similar diet.
The researchers conclude, “The proprietary blend of ancient peat and apple extracts were capable of increasing lower body and total strength as well as lower body power output compared at an equal-volume, visually-identical placebo. Moreover, the supplement was able to prevent performance decrements commonly associated with increased training volume and overreaching.”