In bodybuilding and performance enhancement, several drugs are making headlines, and Meldonium is particularly one of those. Meldonium was originally developed to treat ischemic heart conditions. However, it started garnering attention for its potential benefits in boosting physical endurance and recovery in bodybuilders and athletes.
In this blog you will learn everything about Meldonium, including its history, working action, recommended dosage, benefits, and side effects.
What is Meldonium?
Meldonium, often known by its trade name Mildronate, is used to treat angina (chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscles do not get enough blood and oxygen), myocardial infarction (heart attack), and chronic heart failure (a condition in which the heart is unable to pump and meet the body’s needs).
Meldonium is thought to enhance Low-oxygen conditions specifically caused by ischemia or high-altitude exposure. It improves the demand for oxygen and supply in the cells affected by low-oxygen issues by leveraging oxygen-efficient metabolic pathways.
History of Meldonium
A scientist named Ivars Kalvins at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis first introduced Meldonium in the 1970s. At that time, the drug was under research for its ability to elevate growth in animals.
Lately, it was administered to Soviet soldiers to increase their stamina at high altitudes during their war in Afghanistan. After a while Meldonium was registered to treat conditions related to coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and cerebrovascular disease (a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels in the brain), particularly in Russia.
Meldonium gained attention worldwide again in 2016 when Maria Sharapova failed her doping test for this drug. She has been taking the medicine for 10 years due to magnesium deficiency, irregular heartbeat, and a family history of diabetes.
WADA banned Meldonium on January 1, 2016, due to its performance-enhancing effects on athletes, giving an unfair advantage over other competitors.
Who Uses the Mildronate (Meldonium)?
Mildronate is used by various groups of people for different purposes. For instance, a person with an ischemic heart condition might utilize it to get rid of heart-related issues. On the other hand, a bodybuilder may use it to enhance their overall stamina and reduce fatigue during physical exertion.
How Does Mildronate Work?
Mildronate primarily works by blocking the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine dioxygenase( the precursor to L-carnitine production in the body) which leads to a reduction in carnitine synthesis.
This whole process shifts the energy production from fatty acid oxidation to glucose oxidation. Glucose oxidation requires less oxygen and enhances the efficiency of energy production under low-oxygen conditions, particularly in ischemic tissues.
How Does Meldonium Help in Performance Enhancement?
Meldonium potentially enhances overall health by increasing oxygen delivery to the body cells. It enhances the body’s ability to use oxygen more efficiently during intense physical activity. It helps maintain higher levels of exertion with less fatigue by improving the flow of blood and oxygen to muscles.
This increased flow of oxygen supports better endurance and stamina, which is necessary for various forms of physical performance.
One of the ways in which Meldonium works is by reducing muscle fatigue. It does so by minimizing the buildup of lactic acid, which is the byproduct of intense exercise. It leads to muscle soreness and decreased performance.
Meldonium helps individuals perform greatly and more intensely by reducing lactic acid accumulation in muscle areas.
Potential Benefits And Side Effects Of Meldonium For Bodybuilders:
Meldonium is used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and endurance. However, like any other drug Meldonium also possesses some benefits and side effects, which are mentioned below.
- Enhanced Endurance
Bodybuilders who do intense workouts might face problems with muscle endurance. Meldonium may help improve endurance by increasing the oxygen delivery to the muscles. It may also improve the stamina which ultimately enhances more sets and repetitions.
- Reduced Fatigue
During intense workouts, your muscles produce energy anaerobically when the oxygen is already limited. It produces lactic acid as a byproduct. When lactic acid starts to accumulate in the muscles it causes a burning sensation, leading to muscle fatigue.
Meldonium helps reduce muscle fatigue by minimizing lactic acid buildup during intense workouts. When no fatigue is involved, a bodybuilder may better focus on their workout sessions.
- Faster Recovery
It may also aid in recovery between periods of physical exertion. It speeds up recovery and promotes blood circulation. This further helps in clearing the metabolic waste products from muscles and delivers essential nutrients to the body.
- Increased Training Intensity
With reduced fatigue, faster recovery, and increased endurance a bodybuilder can more effectively focus on their training sessions. They can prolong their training sessions and achieve their desired bodybuilding results.
Meldonium Side Effects
You can use Meldonium if only your doctor prescribes you. Using Meldonium without any reason might lead to severe health conditions. A few of the potential side effects that you might encounter with Meldonium are as follows:
Cardiovascular Effects
- Changes in blood pressure (either increased or decreased).
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeats.
- Possible heart rate disturbances.
Neurological Effects
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Restlessness or agitation.
- Possible sleep disturbances, such as insomnia.
Gastrointestinal Effects
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Indigestion or upset stomach.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
Recommended Dosage For Meldonium
For adults, the recommended dosage of Meldonium (Mildronate)is typically 500mg. It can be taken as one dose in the morning or split into two doses of 250mg that you can take twice daily.
Note: The perfect dosage depends on your condition. You should take the dosage after consulting with your doctor to prevent any harmful effects.
Where to Buy Meldonium?
If you are interested in buying Meldonium you can purchase it from Science. bio. The online store has authentic products. All the products are 1st and 3rd party-tested and offer you impressive results.
Final Thoughts
Meldonium improves body stamina and endurance in bodybuilders. It may also help them in recovery. However, the primary function of the medicine is to treat the heart conditions. Therefore, it is always best to consult your doctor before taking it for other purposes.
FAQs
What Does Meldonium Do?
Meldonium acts as a metabolic modulator, influencing how some hormones process energy. It accelerates or slows down enzymatic reactions in the body. The modulation can help optimize energy in the body cells.
Is Meldonium a Steroid?
No, Meldonium is not a steroid! it is a body-enhancer drug that is used in treating chronic heart conditions as well as to improve body stamina.
What Does Meldonium Do to the Body?
Meldonium improves the demand for oxygen to the body cells where its supply is low. Body cells that are affected by low-oxygen conditions might receive appropriate oxygen when using Meldonium.