HICA is considered as an anti-catabolic substance, as an end product of leucine metabolism in human muscle and connective tissues, also known as leucic acid or DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylvaleric acid. Like the BCAAs, some foodstuffs produced by fermentation, e.g. certain cheeses, wines and soy sauce contain HICA.

HICA is a powerful, natural stimulator of muscle growth, supporting gains in strength and muscle development while also staving off the soreness in the joints and muscles.

•Supports gains in muscle and strength

•Decreases symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

•Promote recovery from workout

What is the “Delayed onset of muscle soreness” (DOMS)

The delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is the sensation of muscular discomfort and pain during active contractions that occurs in a delayed fashion after strenuous exercise. Subjects with DOMS have painful, tender, and swollen muscles with reduced range of motion of adjacent joints especially after unaccustomed exercise. These symptoms develop 24 to 48 hours after exercise, and they disappear within 5 to 7 days.

The pathophysiology of DOMS remains still undetermined, but it has been reported that after strenuous exercise muscle cell damage and inflammatory cells are observed in damaged muscle.

Decreased the whole body DOMS symptoms

The present study investigated the effects of HICA supplementation on body composition, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and physical performance of athletes during a training period. HICA is highly effective on DOMS symptoms and may help reduce muscle soreness, allowing you to train harder.

Unlike prohormones or anabolic steroids, HICA activates anabolic and anti-catabolic pathways without directly affecting your body’s hormonal balance.

Increased lean body mass

HICA can reverses muscle catabolism which is the metabolic process that results in a breakdown and decrease of muscle mass. HICA also increases the synthesis of new skeletal muscle proteins.

As an important nutritional component, when taken by weight training athletes, HICA provide for retention of lean body mass, which helps to avoid loss of independence and functionality, as well as to improve quality of life especially in the elderly at risk of sarcopenia and frailty.

Tips & Data

In the HICA group there was a mean increase of 400 g (~2%) and in placebo a decrease of 150 g (< 1%) account the short duration of the experiment period the difference between the groups.

Safety & Dosage

HICA is totally natural and non-hormonal and is not a precursor or prohormone of any anabolic hormone or testosterone. There are currently no reported side effects of HICA. Acceptable dosages seem to be around 1.5g/d.