Fenugreek is a seed whose active substance, present in it at 0.5 % of its dry weight, is a particular amino acid: 4-hydroxy-isoleucine.

Function

  4-Hydroxy-isoleucine amplifies insulin secretion and thus, potentially, the anabolic response to training, as well as recovery and supercompensation. In some cases, insulin secretion can even be increased tenfold.

Negative notes

  As it is easy to see, fenugreek can cause unhealthy weight gain, insulin resistance and reactive hypoglycaemia. Athletes who need to monitor their body weight with some finesse may therefore derive more problems than solutions from taking fenugreek.

Form and posology

  Commercially available fenugreek supplements are in the form of tablets or powders with which infusions and decoctions can be prepared (the difference between infusion and decoction is that in infusion the supplement is added to boiling water, whereas in decoction it is heated with the water). It is recommended to take 2mg of 4-hydroxy-isoleucine when an insulin peak is desired.