ZMA, otherwise known as Zinc Magnesium Aspartate, was the brainchild of Victor Conte, who originally pimped his zinc product as a cure for acne, but later touted its benefits to athletes as a testosterone booster. He even cited a study showing that the stuff boosts testosterone.
One problem: Victor was one of the authors of the study.
Later, world champion athletes started using – and promoting – ZMA, claiming that it was the secret weapon behind their recent victories.
Another problem: we later found out that Victor was secretly giving steroids to these athletes.
Recently, a group of German researchers studied Conte’s own brand of ZMA and it’s effects on androgen levels, and found that it did absolutely, literally, nothing. Nothing at all. Take away the steroids and the hype, and we find that Conte, his athletes, and his supplements, are all ineffective.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Jan;63(1):65-70. Epub 2007 Sep 19.
CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that the use of ZMA has no significant effects regarding serum testosterone levels and the metabolism of testosterone in subjects who consume a zinc-sufficient diet.
Anthony Roberts is the author of numerous books and articles, both online and off, dealing with all areas of performance enhancing drugs. Additionally he has worked as a coach, trainer, consultant, and nutritional supplement designer. His forthcoming book is Generation S, and slated for release in the Fall of 2009. 