ZMA is a supplement blend containing Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6. ZMA has shown to have positive benefits for strength training, testosterone, and muscular endurance.
We created a guide on the Best ZMA supplements.
Read the guide first if you don’t know what ZMA is or why you should consider adding ZMA to your supplement stack.
If you don’t want to read, get the ZMA supplement above created by Optimum Nutrition; the best combination of high-quality and decent price.
When Should you Take ZMA?
Take ZMA about an hour before bed on an empty stomach.
The Magnesium in ZMA helps regulate sleep and can make you drowsy. Bad for taking during the day, great for taking at night after a long, stressful day.
ZMA is a great alternative to Melatonin, the light regulating hormone which, if added to the body via supplement can turn-off the bodies natural Melatonin production making sleep difficult when no longer using Melatonin.
Some patients in studies on ZMA reported feeling nauseous if they took ZMA with food–knowledge to consider.
Since ZMA comes in capsule form, you’ll need to take a few pills for the full effect. Optimum ZMA, listed above, requires taking 3 pills for men and two pills for women.
ZMA is not a replacement for Zinc, Magnesium, or vitamin B6. Make sure to consume plenty of whole foods as supplements are not a replacement for food but help fill the gaps in your nutrition.