Pycnogenol Prevents Muscle Cramps
Fatigue causes most muscle cramps by increasing the excitability of muscles and nerves. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals produced naturally during metabolism that contributes to fatigue, DNA destruction, immune system breakdown and aging. Free radical production increases during exercise and contributes to muscle fatigue and cramping. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E help neutralize free radicals. Pycnogenol is an antioxidant derived from pine trees that helps regenerate vitamin C and possibly other antioxidants. Italian researchers showed that pycnogenol decreased cramping in normal subjects, athletes, diabetics and patients suffering from claudication (leg pain due to blood vessel disease). The subjects took 200 milligrams of pycnogenol per day for five weeks. It may be a good supplement for gym rats who have problems with cramping following intense workouts. (Angiology, 57: 331-339, 2006)
Fatigue causes most muscle cramps by increasing the excitability of muscles and nerves. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals produced naturally during metabolism that contributes to fatigue, DNA destruction, immune system breakdown and aging. Free radical production increases during exercise and contributes to muscle fatigue and cramping. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E help neutralize free radicals. Pycnogenol is an antioxidant derived from pine trees that helps regenerate vitamin C and possibly other antioxidants. Italian researchers showed that pycnogenol decreased cramping in normal subjects, athletes, diabetics and patients suffering from claudication (leg pain due to blood vessel disease). The subjects took 200 milligrams of pycnogenol per day for five weeks. It may be a good supplement for gym rats who have problems with cramping following intense workouts. (Angiology, 57: 331-339, 2006)
