Novedex XT; Staight from the people who tested it...

[JitWit]

This entry was written by Jean Jitomir MS, RD and Darryn Willoughby, PhD. Dr. Willoughby is the scientist who ran the Novedex trials at Baylor University (the same studies cited in Gaspari ads now). Jean is a PhD student at Baylor, specializing in Exercise Nutrition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bodybuilders and sportsmen are always looking for a competitive "edge" and new ways to pack on muscle. Steroids and other anabolic compounds are effective. However, the available compounds are often impure, unpredictable, and illegal. To fill the void, a slew of supplement companies cropped up, and they all claim to have the most novel and potent mass-building formulations. Unfortunately, very few companies have the funding or consideration to test their products in a scientific trial.

As consumers become more informed and the competition in the supplement industry increase, supplement companies are compelled to back their products with scientific evidence. There are some researchers who stand out this area of research.

Dr. Willoughby built his reputation in the scientific community with muscle signaling research, and his work significantly influences the recommendations for practical aspects of training and supplement formulations. In recent years, he has also conducted a significant amount of supplement testing.

Novedex XT is a Gaspari product designed to increase endogenous testosterone levels, build muscle, and lean out the physique?it was also a supplement under investigation in Dr. Willoughby?s lab. He chose to test this supplement because, though a number of supplement products being sold were claiming to increase circulating testosterone, no research had been published to support or refute these claims.

The Background

1. Novedex XT is a supplement that has an aromatase inhibitor (AI). Aromatase is the enzyme that converts androstenedione to E1 and testosterone to E2. Therefore, and AI is designed to work by two different mechanisms

Retention of circulating testosterone, since it is not converted to E2
Increased endogenous production of testosterone, since the E2 feedback to the pituitary is also blunted

2. The study was placebo-controlled, double-blind, and used the dosage recommended on the back of the bottle.

3. The 16 men who were included in the study were 1) already weight-training for at least 3 years; 2) an average of 26 years; and 3) cleared with a medical screening before enrolled in the study.


4. The study looked at the effects of Novedex XT on body composition, circulating hormones, and clinical safety and biochemical markers 1) before starting the supplement; 2) after 4 weeks of supplementation; 3) after 8 weeks of Novedex XT; and 4) after 3 weeks of stopping supplement use. It did not assess strength directly.


The Results

1. At the dosage recommended on the packaging, Novedex XT significantly raised total and free testosterone and DHT levels in normal, weight-trained young men after 8 weeks of supplementation.

Including a 283% increase in total testosterone, 625% increase in free testosterone, 566% increase in DHT, and a 483% increase in the testosterone: estrogen ratio

2. Body fat was significantly reduced, though total body weight stayed the same

3.5% of body fat (by weight) was lost

3. Along with the significant increase in serum androgens, estrogen is only slighted elevated, which indicated that the supplement blunted aromatase activity.

The enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen was inhibited, which allowed for an increase in circulating testosterone, without taking any external androgens

4. No abnormal changes occurred in whole blood and serum clinical chemistry markers

After 8 weeks of supplementation, the men did not have changes in circulating safety markers, like LDL (bad) cholesterol), immune cells, or liver enzymes.

5. Novedex XT effectively increases circulating androgen levels and, when combined with a heavy resistance training program, may lead to increases in muscle strength and mass.

Based on previous research, AI are highly effective for correcting the low testosterone levels of men who are low, e.g., aging men


FAQ: Side Effect Concerns Noted on Forums

Though no negative side effects were reported by the 16 men in the clinical trial, there are some concerns that I noted while searching through the Novedex forums, which I want to address here.

It must be understood, however, that forums are purely testimonial and the writers are ALMOST NEVER just taking one supplement. The young men in the clinical trial were excluded if they took any supplements, other than a multivitamin for several months before the study.

Many men use an AI after a cycle of steroids to ramp up endogenous production of testosterone. Clearly, if the men were taking hormones right before taking the supplement, their symptoms could easily be attributed to the steroids or the reaction the body has to stopping a cycle of outside hormones.

I consulted with Dr. Willoughby to address some of the potential side effects that are discussed on the Novedex boards. His responses are highlighted by ** below.

1. Hair loss and acne. Novedex XT significantly increases DHT, a hormone that is associated male pattern baldness (MPB) and acne. If you do not have a genetic predisposition to MPB, the supplement is unlikely cause a negative side effect in this regard; however, if MPB is typical on your mother?s side of the family, the increase in DHT may be a concern for you.

*This is likely since we observed DHT levels to increase dramatically. Therefore, as with Anabolic Steroids (AS), guys who are prone to male pattern baldness should be aware. Also, older guys with increased prostate cancer risk (or with family histories) should also be aware* [that increased levels of circulating DHT may leave you more susceptible to DHT side effects*

Anecdotally, I noticed many men with acne side effects had good results when they reduced their dose to 2 pills per day, versus the 4 pills recommended?


2. Reduced libido?

*This does not really does not make much sense. We actually saw an increase in estradiol (but not significantly); therefore, Novedex XT blunt aromatase activity, but is NOT a complete inhibitor. Therefore, even though estradiol increased, so did T levels such that the T/estradiol ratio is maintained. So, the libido issue is a non-issue. Actually, Novedex should help to restore libido.*

Many men are taking this Novedex as post-cycle therapy in an attempt to prevent rebound effects (though the name resembles a drug name intended for that purpose, the supplement is not marketed for the purpose of post-cycle therapy). In any case, the so-called ?side effects? of the Novedex in term of reduced libido are more likely due to a slump in natural T production.


3. Is the fact that Novedex doesn?t completely inhibit aromatase a good thing?

*The fact that Novedex is an incomplete inhibitor (but T/E is still robustly maintained) is good.*

4. I saw some posts alluding to Novedex blunting the sensitivity of androgen receptors; is there any truth to that?


*...This is possible but would not by any more of issue than those from AS. This is why Novedex should be cycled (per the manuturer?s recommendations)?.not to stay on any longer than 8 weeks.*

5. Many men claimed it wouldn?t be useful simply for gaining mass and should only be used to minimize side effects post-cycle. Is this true?

*It should be useful for gaining mass if someone was only taking this and not AS. Of course, those taking AS will get more mass than with Novedex, and providing a post-cycle regimen (such as with the drug Nolvadex) makes sense. But, in people who do NOT take AS and would like a boost in their T levels, then Novedex would certainly help with mass.*

When I discussed the product with some friends who are taking AS, they commented that they "didn?t think that even a several-fold increase in circulating T could be beneficial for building muscle mass, given that the needed dose of supplemental androgens is dramatically higher."

With that in mind, it is also important to remember that taking just a little AS doesn?t make sense. You must shut down natural androgen production (e.g. no balls) and then supplement on top of that amount to achieve supra-physiological levels of circulating androgens. Since Novedex works by maximizing natural T production, it is not accurate to compare straight mg of "supplement" to a natural increase in circulating free testosterone. Though supplementing with AS will produce greater muscular gains that an over the counter supplement, the two are not the same and cannot really be compared to one another.

[Free Weight Friedel]

bump for some good info to read.

[Vandizzle]

Has anyone who took this noticed any hair loss??? Because i already have receeding hair lines and if i try novedex i dont want to speed up the process.

[khaualaman74]

this stuff killed my libido when i get off of it for some reason.. it finally went back to normal but it must have been a rebound effect of strogen soaring and T going down when i came off ot it..

[fitnfirm]

Hi Jean ! Hope all is well with you

[lambpasty]

Great post, I'm sure plenty of people have been curious about this product.

Originally Posted by Vandizzle

Has anyone who took this noticed any hair loss??? Because i already have receeding hair lines and if i try novedex i dont want to speed up the process.

...

Hair loss and acne. Novedex XT significantly increases DHT, a hormone that is associated male pattern baldness (MPB) and acne.

If you've already got a receding hairline then the increase in DHT levels might cause that to accelerate.

[Vandizzle]

I figured so but i just asked to see if anyone is in my situation and taking it and have noticed the loss. I guess im going to try it and if i noticed a high amount of hair loss then ill stop.

[LakunaKoil]

Is the OP affiliated ?

Trying to understand why she would post this

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by LakunaKoil

Is the OP affiliated ?

No she's a researcher. She probably posted it because of all the ingnorant **** that goes down in this place. Here's a great example: http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/sh...hp?t=106691711

[LakunaKoil]

Originally Posted by deserusan

No she's a researcher. She probably posted it because of all the ingnorant **** that goes down in this place. Here's a great example: http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/sh...hp?t=106691711

Interesting that still no one can explain the high rate of libido loss while on ATD

"2. Reduced libido?

*This does not really does not make much sense."

(Spellcheck is your friend)

[dmangiarelli]

Originally Posted by LakunaKoil

Is the OP affiliated ?

Trying to understand why she would post this

This entry was written by Jean Jitomir MS, RD and Darryn Willoughby, PhD. Dr. Willoughby is the scientist who ran the Novedex trials at Baylor University (the same studies cited in Gaspari ads now). Jean is a PhD student at Baylor, specializing in Exercise Nutrition.

I find it difficult to believe that Gaspari did not contribute financially to this study.

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by LakunaKoil

Interesting that still no one can explain the high rate of libido loss while on ATD

"2. Reduced libido?

*This does not really does not make much sense."

Actually it has been explained numerous times and if you spent less timetrolling on here and actually SEARCHED for something you might be able to find it.

[LakunaKoil]

Originally Posted by deserusan

Actually it has been explained numerous times and if you spent less timetrolling on here and actually SEARCHED for something you might be able to find it.

If its been explained so many times.... then why is the OP stating





"This does not really does not make much sense."


Has no one explained it to her ?

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by LakunaKoil

If its been explained so many times.... then why is the OP stating





"This does not really does not make much sense."


Has no one explained it to her ?

Joel,

You can give to ****s about anything anyone has to say here. You are sociopath with nothing better to do then turn the screws on companies. Seriously dude, get a life. She is entitled to her view on the matter since she does work under the researcher who conducted the study.

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by dmangiarelli

This entry was written by Jean Jitomir MS, RD and Darryn Willoughby, PhD. Dr. Willoughby is the scientist who ran the Novedex trials at Baylor University (the same studies cited in Gaspari ads now). Jean is a PhD student at Baylor, specializing in Exercise Nutrition.

I find it difficult to believe that Gaspari did not contribute financially to this study.

There is a difference between funding a study and paying people to do a study. Seriously dude, what's up with you popping up in all the Novedex XT threads? Is Anabolic Innovations hurting for cash or something?

[LakunaKoil]

Originally Posted by deserusan

Joel,

You can give to ****s about anything anyone has to say here. You are sociopath with nothing better to do then turn the screws on companies. Seriously dude, get a life. She is entitled to her view on the matter since she does work under the researcher who conducted the study.

Dan,

It is interesting how you are so judgemental toward anyone "trolling" or "stirring drama" , yet when you personally feel the need to do it , its all good ....

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...1&postcount=51

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by LakunaKoil

Dan,

It is interesting how you are so judgemental toward anyone "trolling" or "stirring drama" , yet when you personally feel the need to do it , its all good ....

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...1&postcount=51

Joel,

You don't serve a purpose here and seriously are a sociopath. So you find a post of mine from a thread to prove what? What about your other screen name which was banned and negged beyond belief by EVERY moderator on the forum. They did that because you don't contribute a damn and are slowly creeping back to your old ways of just being an annoying prick.

Get a life dude.

[LakunaKoil]

Originally Posted by deserusan

Joel,

You don't serve a purpose here and seriously are a sociopath. So you find a post of mine from a thread to prove what? What about your other screen name which was banned and negged beyond belief by EVERY moderator on the forum. They did that because you don't contribute a damn and are slowly creeping back to your old ways of just being an annoying prick.

Get a life dude.

You just burned a bridge

Negged

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by LakunaKoil

You just burned a bridge

Negged

I really don't give a crap Joel. My guess is that you'll be banned again and deep in the red even quicker. Just a guess.

[dmangiarelli]

Originally Posted by deserusan

There is a difference between funding a study and paying people to do a study. Seriously dude, what's up with you popping up in all the Novedex XT threads? Is Anabolic Innovations hurting for cash or something?

No actually I liked the product as a stand alone. I don't think it belongs in a PCT ...

[LakunaKoil]

Originally Posted by deserusan

I really don't give a crap Joel. My guess is that you'll be banned again and deep in the red even quicker. Just a guess.

As long as you ,browndustin, Matty, and Martel are unbanned then I have nothing to worry about

Goodnight !

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by dmangiarelli

No actually I liked the product as a stand alone. I don't think it belongs in a PCT ...

It just amazes me how you have been popping up in many Novedex XT related threads lately since becoming a rep for Anabolic Innovations. I don't comment on your PCT products and trust me you don't want me to.

[dmangiarelli]

Originally Posted by deserusan

It just amazes me how you have been popping up in many Novedex XT related threads lately since becoming a rep for Anabolic Innovations. I don't comment on your PCT products and trust me you don't want me to.

I haven't been popping up in any "Novedex XT" threads. I reply to questions about PCT. If it happens to involve Novedex XT I give my opinion on it's inclusion in PCT. I also hold the same opinion on Activate Xtreme, Regnensen and host of other test boosters.

As I said above, I like Novedex XT. In fact, if you look around at "Novedex XT" threads you will see I have posted positively about the product as well as SizeOn and Halodrol Liquigels. I did a log of NXT/HLG's and a very positive review. I also reviewed SizeOn and gave it a very positive review.

[deserusan]

Originally Posted by dmangiarelli

I haven't been popping up in any "Novedex XT" threads. I reply to questions about PCT. If it happens to involve Novedex XT I give my opinion on it's inclusion in PCT. I also hold the same opinion on Activate Xtreme, Regnensen and host of other test boosters.

As I said above, I like Novedex XT. In fact, if you look around at "Novedex XT" threads you will see I have posted positively about the product as well as SizeOn and Halodrol Liquigels. I did a log of NXT/HLG's and a very positive review. I also reviewed SizeOn and gave it a very positive review.

Actually you have been. Here is someone asking about Novedex XT and you are pushing Cycle Support:

http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/sh...hp?t=106645991

Here you are putting Novedex XT down specifically:

http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/sh...hp?t=106691711

What's your purpose in this thread?

Your facts are way off as noted. I do thank you for your previous support but that does not mean I will overlook any rep being overzealous when it comes to putting our products in a negative light. If you are going to offer advice at least make sure it is factually correct.

[extremenergy3]

Originally Posted by Vandizzle

Has anyone who took this noticed any hair loss??? Because i already have receeding hair lines and if i try novedex i dont want to speed up the process.

Dude... I'm worried about it too. I don't have any signs of MPB but it's prevalent on my mom's side. My ma said they started losing hair at about 30. Scurred!

Originally Posted by Vandizzle

I figured so but i just asked to see if anyone is in my situation and taking it and have noticed the loss. I guess im going to try it and if i noticed a high amount of hair loss then ill stop.

True. Nothing wrong with asking some questions. After reading this, I was about to ask the same!

Originally Posted by deserusan

No she's a researcher. She probably posted it because of all the ingnorant **** that goes down in this place. Here's a great example: http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/sh...hp?t=106691711

rofl true.

[Elliptical Envy]

Big thumbs up here.

[Ivan36]

is novedex xt good to take by itself or do you have to stack it with something?

[MattyH7688]

lots of thumbs down exchanged in this thread