• 1. What does the product do?

First Order™ is a Pre-, During, and Post-Workout formula.  It is a scientifically formulated supplement that enhances anaerobic exercise performance, speeds up recovery, and improves mental acuity.  By combining the latest nutrient timing science with the precise ratio of ingredients such as Beta-Alanine(1-3), alpha-GPC (Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine)(4, 5), phosphatidylserine(6, 7), Rhodiola Rosea(8), and Gingko biloba(9, 10), First Order™ is an excellent pre-, during, and post-workout supplement that can tremendously enhance your workouts.  First Order™ helps your body maintain optimal pH balance in your muscles so that you can train harder and longer.  It also enhances mental acuity while supporting growth hormone and lowering cortisol levels.

• 2. Beta-alanine is a key ingredient in First Order™.  Why didn’t you use carnosine instead?

Good question.  Less than half of carnosine is made up of beta-alanine and is therefore an inefficient source of beta-alanine.  The other ‘half’ of carnosine is histidine. And you already have plenty of histidine in your muscles.  So your best bet is to supplement with beta-alanine!

• 3. How does it affect the brain, the body?

First Order™ has a precise ratio of neural agents such as alpha-GPC and Gingko biloba that have been shown to positively affect mental function.  For instance, alpha-GPC is known in science circles as a ‘choline’ donor.  By increasing levels of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter in our bodies), you can improve cognitive or brain functioning.

• 4. What are the long-term benefits?

The long-term benefits can only be acquired through consistent and focused exercise program and proper nutrition.  First Order™ is a ‘tool’ that you can use to further enhance your exercise and eating plan.  With First Order™, you can improve your mental and physical abilities and hence derive long-term value and benefits.  However, it is imperative that maintain these positive habits or else you will lose the benefits you’ve acquired.

• 5. Should I take it before during or after exercise and why?

In a word, Yes!  First Order™ is a Pre-, During, and Post-Workout formula that enhances anaerobic exercise performance, speeds up recovery, and improves mental acuity.  One of First Order™’s key ingredients is Beta-Alanine.(1-3)  This amazing amino acid can help buffer lactic acid and therefore improve your ability to exercise.  It’ll take you longer to get exhausted and therefore you’ll be able to work out harder and longer.  And guess what, the side effect of this is a loss of body fat and an increase in lean body mass!

• 6. How long does it last? If I do a 2.5 hour bike ride do I need to take it again after so much time?

In order to get the full effect of First Order™, you need to take it consistently for at least 2-3 weeks?  Why?  Because First Order™’s key ingredient, beta-alanine, requires consistent use before you can realize the full benefits of this special amino acid. For instance, dietary supplementation with  3.2 grams and 6.4 grams daily of beta-alanine (as multiple doses of 400 or 800 mg) for 4 weeks resulted in significant increases in muscle carnosine estimated at 42% and 64%, respectively.(11)  So whether you do a 2 mile run, 2.5 hour bike ride, or a 3 hour paddle, it is best to take First Order™ consistently, before, during and after exercise.  However, if you find it inconvenient to consume it during exercise (e.g. if you are a runner and you can’t really carry First Order™ with you), then it is best in that situation to consume it before and after you train.

• 7. How long does it last in the body? Is one dose good for how long?

One dose of First Order™ can improve endurance exercise performance in the short-term.  However, for maximal benefits, you need to consistently use First Order™ for at least 2-3 weeks.  The benefits last as long as you consistently supplement with First Order™.  If you stop taking First Order™ (e.g. go ‘cold turkey’), the benefits will remain for a few weeks.

• 8. Is there any cumulative effect and/or resistance to the product after taking it for awhile?

No. There is no ‘resistance’ to the product if you’ve taken it for a while.  In fact, consistency is the key!  You want to take it regularly. 

• 9. What is the tingling effect and is it to be a concern?

First of all, there is no concern for the ‘tingling effect.’  Scientists technically refer to this sensation as "sensory paresthesias" (i.e., burning, tingling, prickling, sometimes with numbness/tingling and "pins and needles" sensation). The onset of symptoms after consuming beta-alanine occur within about 15-20 minutes of administration. It lasts a few minutes to a couple hours depending on dose and individual response.  It can be felt in the face, fingers, etc.  The actual tingling is caused when beta-alanine ‘binds’ to receptors on your skin that also modulate the sensations described previously.  Again, it is of no clinical significance. 

• 10. Can I combine First Order™ with other supplements like caffeine, fat burners, Accelerade®?

Yes, you can combine First Order™ with other supplements; in fact, some have found that adding more calories (ex. Protein powder drinks) to the ingredients in First Order™ can decrease or eliminate the tingling effect caused by the presence of beta-alanine.

• 11. Is there a dosage based on how much you weigh?

The scientific studies suggest a range of 3 to 6 grams daily.(1-3, 11-14) It is however best that you take First Order™ in divided doses (e.g. pre-, during and post-exercise).  Don’t try and take 3 servings all at once!

• 12. How much can I take in a day? Is there a limit?

There is no reason to take more than the suggested dose of First Order™.  It is best to consume it pre-, during, and post-exercise.

• 13. Why is this product good for recovery?

First Order™ enhances anaerobic exercise performance, speeds up recovery, and improves mental acuity.  In particular, First Order™ helps your body maintain optimal pH balance in your muscles so that you can train harder and longer. By allowing you to recover quicker between sets in the weight room or intervals on the track, you’ll get the benefits of working out much quicker.

• 14. Why is it a good post work out supplement is the real question?

Because First Order™ utilizes the science of nutrient timing, it makes for an excellent post-workout supplement.  The scientifically formulated ingredients in First Order™ will help your mind and body recover and therefore allow you to train harder next time you are in the gym or on the track.  We’d recommend that you also consume a protein shake post-workout, such as Tight Curves. 

• 15. When I take First Order™ before my workout, what should I expect?

You can expect immediate results from First Order™.  For instance, acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise capacity in young healthy test subjects.(8)  Rhodiala is one of the key ingredients in First Order™. 

• 16. Is there anything in the product that would be outlawed by the NCAA? Olympics?

There are no ingredients in First Order™ that are ‘banned’ by the IOC or NCAA.  Thus, as an individual athlete, you can take First Order™ to help you gain that competitive edge.

• 17. Is there an age limit on the product, in other words can my 11 year old take it before a swim race?

This is an issue that should be dealt with between parents and their kids.  It is recommended that for teenagers and pre-pubescent children, that a regular exercise program and eating ‘healthy’ foods (e.g. unprocessed carbohydrate, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins) is the best strategy until they are older.  We would recommend that you wait until you’re 18 years old prior to taking First Order™.

• 18. Are there any pre existing health issues that would be a problem if someone took First Order™?

The Gingko Biloba found in First Order™ may be problematic for those who are on MAO-inhibitor drugs [ask your physician if you are taking these types of medicines]; Also, Gingko acts as an anti-platelet activating factor, therefore, use caution with anticoagulants. 

• 19. Should I take the product on an empty stomach?

Yes.  It is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

• 20. How long before I workout should I take the product?

You should exercise within 15 minutes after consuming the product.

• 21. How long after I workout should I take the product?

You should take it IMMEDIATELY after your workouts.

• 22. Who can benefit from taking First Order™?

Anyone interested in gaining lean body mass, increasing exercise performance (esp. in anaerobic sports), and those who have reached a training plateau and want to break through it to achieve greater gains in fitness, performance and lean body mass.

• 23. How is First Order™ different than a fat burner? Red Bull? Accelerade?

First Order™ is different from fat burners in that it doesn’t contain caffeine (e.g. Red Bull).  However, it helps you exercise harder and longer and therefore, you ultimately end up burning more fat!  Accelerade is primarily a hydration beverage that also contains protein (for recovery).  You can use First Order™ with both fat burners or hydration beverages.  The effects of combining them may in fact help your overall exercise performance.

24. Why is First Order™ a great post-workout supplement?
By taking advantage of the post-workout window (i.e. your muscles just want to take in as many nutrients as possible), our product can provide you with the needed metabolic support for improving exercise capacity.  We’d also recommend that you supplement First Order with Tight Curves™ (for women). Stay tuned for our next generation protein powder for the serious athlete.

 

Scientific References
1. J. R. Stout et al., Amino Acids 32, 381-6 (Apr, 2007).
2. R. F. Zoeller, J. R. Stout, A. O'Kroy J, D. J. Torok, M. Mielke, Amino Acids  (Sep 5, 2006).
3. J. R. Stout et al., Amino Acids  (Nov 30, 2006).
4. G. P. Ceda et al., Horm Metab Res 24, 119-21 (Mar, 1992).
5. S. Govoni, F. Battaini, L. Lucchi, A. Pascale, M. Trabucchi, Ann N Y Acad Sci 695, 307-10 (Sep 24, 1993).
6. D. Benton, R. T. Donohoe, B. Sillance, S. Nabb, Nutr Neurosci 4, 169-78 (2001).
7. P. Monteleone, L. Beinat, C. Tanzillo, M. Maj, D. Kemali, Neuroendocrinology 52, 243-8 (Sep, 1990).
8. K. De Bock, B. O. Eijnde, M. Ramaekers, P. Hespel, Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 14, 298-307 (Jun, 2004).
9. A. Walesiuk, E. Trofimiuk, J. J. Braszko, Pharmacol Rep 57, 176-87 (Mar-Apr, 2005).
10. B. Singh et al., Altern Ther Health Med 10, 52-6 (Jul-Aug, 2004).
11. R. C. Harris et al., Amino Acids 30, 279-89 (May, 2006).
12. C. A. Hill et al., Amino Acids 32, 225-33 (Feb, 2007).
13. J. R. Stout et al., J Strength Cond Res 20, 928-31 (Nov, 2006).
14. J. Hoffman et al., Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 16, 430-46 (Aug, 2006).