In this article, we’ll find out is it better to take ZMA in the morning or is there an ideal time window to take it.
The question of when is as important as what is in the supplement. If you take ZMA in the morning, that can change your whole mood and energy during the day.
Nevertheless, it’s recommended to take ZMA on an empty stomach. Well, just like before going to sleep; your stomach is also empty in the morning, so, you should read further to decide when to take it.
Also, keep in mind that supplements can’t replace whole foods ever. Feed your body by calculating your macros (Protein, Carbs, and Fat) and also your micros. (vitamins, minerals, trace elements, phytochemicals, and antioxidants) Without proper recovery; there is no point in having a grueling fitness session. Take pride in your work and eat a high protein diet; check the article below to learn more:
21 Super Low Fat High Protein Foods for Weight Loss
So, is there a difference between taking ZMA in the morning or at night?
Before we answer that question, let’s briefly define what ZMA is:
What is ZMA?
ZMA stands for zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. It’s an energizing supplement for athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts.
What are the benefits of ZMA?
Zinc is a mineral that’s essential for protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and growth. Magnesium is important for heart health, metabolism, and bone health. So, both help you in numerous ways.
Most Americans get enough of two of the components of ZMA which are zinc and vitamin B6. However, more than 50% of them don’t get enough magnesium. (1) So, taking ZMA can solve that huge problem and put you in a healthier position than half of the population of the USA. If you want to see a similar statistic on potassium consumption in the USA, check the article below:
11 Nutrient Foods High in Potassium – Thin Line Between Chaos & Order
Should you Take ZMA in the Morning or Before Sleep?
First of all, you should know that only one capsule of ZMA during the day is enough for you. Taking more can actually do more harm than good. Track your ZMA supplementation diligently.
So, is it better to take ZMA in the morning?
Some people consider taking ZMA in the morning worse than before going to sleep because they are already drowsy in the mornings. Also, some people reject taking supplementation right after waking up because it makes them feel nauseous. Still, some people love taking ZMA in the mornings because it gives them a lot of energy. It seriously depends on the individual.
However, we can’t ignore that; taking ZMA before going to bed can improve your sleep quality. This increase in quality will translate to better recovery and more energy. Some people with sleep problems said that after taking ZMA their sleep quality got better and deeper. (2)
If you want to see another supplement option to improve your sleep, check the article below:
Sleep Better – When is the Best Time to Take Vitamin D?
If you want to improve your sleep without supplements, check this article:
Sleep Like a Baby – The Link Between Pistachios and Melatonin
Read this Section Before Starting to Take ZMA!
Besides when is the best time to take ZMA, don’t forget to take it on an empty stomach; so, about 2 hours later your meal or supplementation.
Also, taking other kinds of minerals such as iron and calcium can interfere with your zinc and magnesium consumption. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat any food or take any supplementation with iron or calcium when you take ZMA; just don’t forget to leave a gap between them.
What else should you watch out for before taking ZMA?
Well, ZMA can increase testosterone levels significantly. Make sure that taking other supplements does correlate with your ZMA intake. If you have doubts, see your doctor before starting ZMA supplementation.
There are lots of ZMA brands but they are not all equal. Keep in mind that, regular ZMA supplements have 30 mg of zinc, 450 mg of magnesium, and 10.5 mg of vitamin B6 for men; 7 mg of vitamin B6 for women.
Speaking of women taking ZMA supplements, they should only take 1 ZMA capsule during the day and also choose ZMA supplements for women to not experience faster body hair growth. It’s all because ZMA boosts testosterone levels.
Check our ZMA supplement recommendation below for both men and women:
This ZMA supplement has 450 mg of magnesium which will support your sleep quality and also improve your metabolism, protein synthesis, and muscle nerve function. There is 30 mg of high absorbing zinc also to help you sleep better, improve your bodily functions and your testosterone levels.
Also, 11 mg of vitamin B6 will help your body with the production of melatonin -for improving sleep-, serotonin, and norepinephrine –for improving your mood-. Also, vitamin B6 helps both zinc and magnesium.
Finally, there is 200mg of L-Theanine in Z-Matrix to relax your body and mind. Your brain calming neurotransmitters will improve and your stress will be lower after taking this supplement. It’s anti-anxiety.
Conclusion
If you suffer from sleepless nights, taking ZMA before going to bed can help you. However, if you want to feel energized after you wake up; taking ZMA in the morning could be ideal.
Just experiment a little bit to find out when is the best time for it. Comment your findings below to help everybody.
Thank you for reading.
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