For today, we'll take another look at an unusual and lesser-known product. Actually, I can't even find such a product on the Czech market and I don't know why. For me it is a great pity, because it is a group of functional food supplements (in the Czech Czech Republic unfortunately much overlooked), which certainly have their purpose in the diet. Paradoxically, they are very popular abroad and I believe that in the near future it will reach us as well.
Specifically, it is the so-called GDA product (glucose disposal agent), which is supposed to manage the carbohydrates taken from the diet and work with them much more efficiently. This means that ingested carbohydrates should go more to muscle and glycogen, and much less to fat. This is of course the theory of how this type of supplement should work and whether it will actually work depends on a lot of factors such as using the right raw material, the quality of the raw material, the quantity of the raw material and much more. But personally, I've been using GDA products myself for a while now and I'm extremely happy with them. I am naturally sensitive to high carb intake and dietary supplements like these help me to effectively regulate my blood sugar levels and not have energy crashes afterwards.
Content of the review
I have a feeling that I've introduced Bigzone to you a few times recently, so I'll skip that boring part today. In short, it is a proven quality that has come to us from next door in Germany.
Of course, how I liked Bigzone's G.D.A, if I still use it to this day, how I used it, when or why. You can find all that out in today's review.You'll learn a lot more too, because this is a truly functional and overlooked product in my opinion that should be more prominent here in the Czech Republic, I want to see it in brands like Extrifit, Prom-in or Czech Virus. But now let's get down to the review itself.
Extremely functional and unique composition
In the introduction I already introduced what GDA products actually are and what they are used for. Let's now take a look at the individual ingredients and what their effects and representation in the composition are.
The first place in the composition of G.D.A. is taken by the extract of true Ceylon cinnamon. I don't need to introduce cinnamon to any of you, it is a very well-known spice that is commonly used in the kitchen. The important factor is that the manufacturer used Ceylon cinnamon and in a very high and effective quantity. Cinnamon has a positive effect on controlling blood sugar levels and much more. But that is its main benefit that we need in a GDA product.
Right at the second place, the Berberine plant extract is present in the formula, which is in a highly absorbable HCL form. This herb is not so well known in our country and it is very difficult to find it here in a high quality HCL form (there is really a diametric difference in absorbability). Berberine has a lot of health benefits, but again, the biggest one is the reason why it is here in theIt has a positive effect on blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity.
In third place is alpha lipoic acid in the formula, but of course it is in a unique form. That form is NA-R-ALA, a form that is again many times more absorbable and usable than conventional alpha lipoic acid, which is commonly sold in stores. Alpha-lipoic acid is primarily an antioxidant and again has a positive effect on insulin levels in the body and theIt also prepares the body beautifully for processing higher doses of carbohydrates during the day.
In fourth place in the composition is a substance called Kaempferol. Kaempferol is one of the most important and widespread flavonoids, which is present inpresent in various natural sources (apples, onions, leeks, citrus fruits.... Kaempferol is predominantly a powerful antioxidant that has countless health benefits. It helps prevent oxidative damage to cells, helps the body fight stress or even prevents the formation of cancer cells, for example. The most important is probably its ability to improve metabolism and regulate estrogen levels in the body.
Another flavonoid (found in natural food) Myricetin is included as an additional ingredient in the formula. It is again a very powerful antioxidant and is effective against free radicals and excessive stress. Like Kaempferol, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Its most important effect for us athletes is primarily the reduction of bad LDL cholesterol or the prevention of heart disease.
The penultimate ingredient in the composition is a substance called Fucoxanthin. It is found in nature as a pigment in brown seaweed. It is included in the product because it has a positive effect on fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Among other things, it also has a positive effect on a person's overall cardiovascular health (which is absolutely essential for athletes). It can also be effective against the increase of bad cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, but most importantly it regulates blood sugar levels very effectively.
The last functional component in the composition of GDA is the already known (but extremely underrated) mineral chromium. It is here in the form of classic chromium picolinate, which is easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Thanks to chromium, you will use all macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) from the food you eat much more efficiently and youm more of them will be stored in the muscle tissues and much less in the fat tissues. For me, chromium is an absolute must have product for every athlete. This is the complete G.D.A formula from Bigzon. It only remains to point out that the entire aforementioned mixture of ingredients is stored in a capsule consisting of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
Is the quantity of the contained substances sufficient?
With products like this, the amount of substances contained is essential to be able to tell whether the supplement will actually have an effect. In the case of Bigzon's G.D.A in the recommended daily dosage (that is 3 capsules at a time) the amount of functional substances is really high. In a lot of cases I would say unnecessarily high, so often 3 capsules won't even be needed at all and you will be able to manage it on your own (depending on the amount of carbs in a given meal). Since the formula is extremely effective, I would feel free to start with just 1 capsule a day with a meal that has around 50g of carbs to begin with. If a given meal has between 50-100g carbs I would include two capsules and above 100g carbs I would already use the recommended 3 capsules.
This way I am sure you will get the maximum desired effect of the GDA supplement.
How, when and why did I take G.D.A?
To make taking the supplement as simple as possible, I only took it twice a day and always at No.times when controlling my blood sugar is the most important thing for me and I want to get the most out of the carbohydrates I take in. The first time I took G.D.A was in conjunction with a pre-workout meal, which for me is usually more carbohydrate-based (unless I'm on a diet).
I followed the dosage as per my aforementioned aid and that was up to 50g of carbs 1 capsule. I have to say that I really felt a big difference after incorporating the product. Before, when I wasn't using G.D.A, I very often (always) used to have rapid fluctuations in my blood sugar levels and I used to be very tired after a carbohydrate meal. But that doesn't exist anymore.
The other time I used to take the product was along with a post workout meal, when I would again have a large serving of carbs. I included it again for the exact same reason as I did with the pre-workout meal. Simply put, to get the carbs where they need to go and that is into the muscles and glycogen.
Another time when it would be beneficial to take a GDA product is along with a planned cheat meal, for example. This way, again, more nutrients could be stored in the muscles rather than fat stores.
For me, these times are the most appropriate times to take GDA to make the most of its potential.
Also, if you have a steadily high carb intake throughout the day, feel free to dose 1 capsule in the morning, 1 capsule at noon, 1 capsule in the evening.
Proven effect, but unfortunately you won't feel it much on yourself
In a way, the very special and iconic thing about GDA supplements is the fact that they are proven to work (it has been provenproven in many scientific studies), that they really have their uses in the diet, but yet you rarely notice it on them. The paradox is that you basically do not feel or see this effect. This could be a problem for a lot of people, because why take a dietary supplement that you don't feel a visible change in, right? However, the effect is there and big. But it works gradually, slowly, and most importantly, long term.
Apparently, only those individuals who are highly sensitive to carbohydrates, and often have fluctuating blood sugar levels, will notice such a rapid effect as I felt. I am one of them, and therefore I know how effective these supplements are when taken correctly.
Very reasonably priced for a top G.D.A product
Bigzone G.D.A is manufactured by the manufacturer in only one single pack which has 90 capsules. A pack will set you back 899,- , which is a very good price (consideringconsidering the top-notch ingredients), which personally put a smile on my face.I know that it seems like a lot of money to many people, but for the effect, effect and usability that this supplement has, I would pay a lot more.
If you stick to the recommended daily dosage, which is 3 capsules a day, the whole pack will last you 30 days. So one dose will cost 30,-.
But to be realistic, how many of you will really need to take 3 capsules a day? The bare minimum I would say. Unless you consume 500g of carbs a day, the full dosage won't be needed.
And even if you did take those 3 capsules a day, the total price for G.D.A still seems pretty low by its standards to me. In short, I'm getting more and more excited about this product.
Who should take the product? Conclusion.
What do you think, is it worth investing in G.D.A from Bigzon? With a dietary supplement like GDA, this answer is extremely individual. I dare say that for example, for 80% of our readers the product will be absolutely useless and they will not benefit from it in any way. On the other hand, for the other 20% it will be one of the most important supplements they will have in their arsenal. You already know my opinion on this product. I am a big proponent of it, but that doesn't mean I will recommend the product to everyone it doesn't. I certainly don't recommend it to the average exerciser, the GDA reader, for them it will be a big waste. But I do want to appeal to advanced, professional exercisers and competitors (bodybuilders) to consider using GDA products and help me bring it to the forefront even on the noCzech scene, because it's really the icing on the cake that that's going to take you a few percent further and make you a little bit better.As a professional you should definitely get GDA and you won't regret it. Once you start, you won't want to stop, trust me.