Research Corner - Q&A Kynoselen Supplement by Scott Pullen | Date Released : 18 Jul 2002 0 comments Print Close Question: I am writing to acquire some more detailed information about a substance called kynoselen. I know it is used on horses, but in some "hardcore" magazines, it is being promoted for use by humans because of its so called "anabolic effect." How exactly does this work? Beside the fact that it is made for horses not humans, how else is this harmful, if at all? Answer: Kynoselen is a French drug used in horses and dogs to treat muscular dystrophies and as a performance enhancer. It is delivered in an intramuscular form, which limits the problems associated with oral digestion, absorption and delivery. Because strength and size athletes often have a "what is good for a horse must be good for me" attitude, supplement marketers have played upon this by offering a legal, stateside oral preparation called Kyno-H. Although it does contain the same vitamin and mineral core (though I am not certain the amounts are identical), it fails to mention that the equine version contains a drug element called heptaminol, which is conspicuously absent from the supplement. As best as I can tell, heptaminol acts similarly to ephedrine: as a myocardial stimulant and a bronchodilator. Additionally, it raises blood pressure and affects catecholamine release and calcium metabolism. But as stated, the supplement sold here in the USA does not contain this drug. That leaves the other ingredients as possible agents to enhance performance. These include potassium and magnesium aspartates. Aspartates are used as mineral transporters and may be involved with reducing fatigue. One can certainly make a case for a hard training athlete benefiting from magnesium supplementation. A properly designed multivitamin and mineral formula should cover the athlete's needs for magnesium, as well as B-12 and potassium (other ingredients in Kyno-H). Data on potassium and magnesium aspartate effectiveness is mixed, with positive studies showing fatigue resistance as measured by time to exhaustion. Studies that did show a benefit used high doses (greater than two grams per day). As is typical in bogus drug rip-off supplements aimed at bodybuilders, the benefits cited relate to the drug and not the supplement. Among the ridiculous, unsubstantiated claims on one web site selling the Kyno-H supplement, one true statement did stand out. It started, "Now, there's no scientific study to prove this..." In the end, it appears that what is sold is an expensive vitamin and mineral supplement with bogus claims that should be redundant if the athlete is taking a multivitamin and mineral formula. Back to top About the author: Scott Pullen Being a natural bodybuilder made Scott Pullen learn and apply nutrition, exercise and supplementation in a way many may never need to, but it also fueled a career in the fitness industry that has spanned over 20 years. Scott left an early career path in clinical/public health nutrition to focus on those seeking health promotion and fitness. He has developed and implemented individual training programs for thousands of clients as a trainer and educated tens of thousands of fitness enthusiasts working as an educator for Apex Fitness, dotFIT LLC and as a Master Instructor for NASM since 1997. Scott brings to the fitness industry a unique blend of academic and practical experience, having worked in virtually every capacity in the health club environment. In addition, Scott was chosen as the team nutrition consultant for the New York Yankees in 2007. Scott’s true passion is presenting and educating, adding humor and real life application to his presentations. Scott has a BS in Human Nutrition & Dietetics and his MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, with an emphasis on rehab science. Additionally, he has his NASM CPT, CES and PES. Full Author Details Related content Content from Scott Pullen There is no related content. Please click here to see more... | Vegetarian Muscle Building Scott Pullen | Articles Herbs - Inherent Risks and Apparent Benefits Scott Pullen | Articles Weight Loss Physiology Scott Pullen | Articles Tribulus Terrestris and Ginkgo Biloba Scott Pullen | Articles Weight Loss - Overeating or Poor Metabolism? Scott Pullen | Articles Glycemic Index Scott Pullen | Articles Overweight Teens Scott Pullen | Articles Hyponatremia and Fitness Scott Pullen | Articles L-Glutamine Scott Pullen | Articles Diet for Menopause and Hormonal Problems Scott Pullen | Articles Protein Intake for Hypertrophy Scott Pullen | Articles Apple Cider Vinegar Scott Pullen | Articles Endometriosis Scott Pullen | Articles Kynoselen Supplement Scott Pullen | Articles Exercise, Free Radicals and Antioxidants Scott Pullen | Articles Steroid Withdrawal Scott Pullen | Articles Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Scott Pullen | Articles Birth Control and Weight Gain Scott Pullen | Articles Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Scott Pullen | Articles Niacin Scott Pullen | Articles Female Training: Toning Issues Scott Pullen | Articles Glucosamine and Arthritis Scott Pullen | Articles Carbs at Night Scott Pullen | Articles The Myth of Carbohydrates Scott Pullen | Articles Why Does My Client Gain Weight on 1000 Calories a Day Scott Pullen | Articles The Truth About Weight Loss Scott Pullen | Articles Insulin Resistance and Obesity: Are Carbs the Culprit? Scott Pullen | Articles Aspartame Scott Pullen | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top