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22.12.2017

EMIQ, an anabolic compound based on quercetin

Supplements containing the quercetin analogue EMIQ have been available from online stores for a few years. These supplements speed up muscle growth in strength training and rehabilitation programmes, according to an animal study published by researchers working for the Japanese confectionery company Morinaga [morinaga.co.jp] in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

EMIQ
EMIQ is short for enzymatically modified iso-quercetin. Manufacturers make EMIQ by cutting the rhamnose molecule away from rutin using enzymes, and replacing it with 1 to 8 glucose molecules.

The quercetin in EMIQ is absorbed 17 times better than free quercetin. [Biol Pharm Bull. 2009 Dec;32(12):2034-40.]

Study
The researchers surgically deactivated the calf muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) in male mice. This meant that the plantaris muscle had to take over the task of the two deactivated muscles [Overload]. Some of the mice were given EMIQ in their food.

The human equivalent of the dose used - based on someone weighing 70-90 kg - would be about 21-36 mg EMIQ per day.

Mice in control groups were given a fake operation, in which no muscles were deactivated [Sham]. The experiment lasted 3 weeks.

Results
After the operation the plantaris muscle became heavier.

But the muscle circumference increased more in the mice that had been given EMIQ, as the figure above shows.

The Japanese gave the mice food that consisted for 20 percent of protein, most of which was soya based. The researchers repeated their experiments, but then gave the mice food consisting for 20 percent of whey protein. When this type of protein was used the dose at which EMIQ became effective was ten times higher.

That is probably because the amino acids in whey make the body remove quercetin more quickly. EMIQ probably works better on an empty stomach, taken in a time frame in which you are not consuming proteins.

Conclusion
"EMIQ supplementation intensified the fiber hypertrophy of the plantaris muscle in mice induced by compensatory overload," the Japanese wrote.

"Given that muscle fiber hypertrophy is beneficial not only in athletes but also in the elderly with locomotive syndrome, EMIQ can be an effective supplement for various sub-populations in need of muscle fiber hypertrophy and maintenance."

Source:
J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Sep 2;14:32.

More:
Rutin boosts endurance capacity 10.12.2015
Half a gram of rutin a day can fight fat 09.12.2015
Animal study shows that rutin supplement is anti-catabolic in bone tissue 18.03.2012

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