Zinc and magnesium, often shorthanded as "ZMA," is one of the most talked-about combinations in sports nutrition. Here's the research behind it, and what BIG Z adds on top of the basics.
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What Is "ZMA" And Why Zinc Plus Magnesium?
"ZMA" isn't a single ingredient, it's shorthand for a zinc and magnesium combination, originally built around zinc monomethionine aspartate and magnesium aspartate taken before bed. Both minerals are genuinely essential. Zinc is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions including immune function and hormone regulation, magnesium is involved in muscle relaxation, nervous system regulation, and energy metabolism. Both are also commonly under-consumed, and heavy training increases how much is lost through sweat, which is the basic rationale for supplementing them, particularly for athletes training hard.
The Research Behind It
The case for zinc and magnesium supplementation in trained athletes traces back to a study of 27 NCAA football players over an 8-week spring practice period.1 The supplemented group showed meaningful increases in free testosterone and IGF-1, along with greater strength gains, compared to placebo, results that helped establish zinc and magnesium as a staple recovery pairing in strength sports.
Who This Helps Most
Zinc and magnesium supplementation is most useful for people training hard enough to be running through their reserves, heavy sweat losses, high training volume, or a diet that's light on these minerals, the exact profile of the athletes in the research above. If that sounds like your training load, topping up both minerals through the night is a straightforward, low-effort piece of a recovery routine.
Beyond Classic ZMA: What Else Is In BIG Z
BIG Z goes further than a basic zinc-magnesium combination. Alongside zinc citrate and a magnesium gluconate and bisglycinate blend, both well-absorbed forms, it includes 600mg of Levagen+® (a form of palmitoylethanolamide) and 30mg of Affron® saffron extract, ingredients aimed more directly at the sleep and recovery side. Available as capsules or powder, same formula either way.
Zinc & Magnesium FAQs
Eddie's take: "I've trained hard enough for long enough to know when I'm running low on something, zinc and magnesium are two of the easiest things to let slip deep in a training block. BIG Z is there to close that gap every night."
Beast BIG Z
BIG Z - Advanced Nighttime Formula
30 Servings£34.99
Recovery starts while you sleep.
Beast Pharm BIG Z is an advanced night-time formula containing two premium forms of Magnesium (Gluconate and Bisglycinate), Zinc Citrate, 600mg Levagen®+ (PEA with LipiSperse®), and 30mg Affron®, the world's most clinically studied saffron extract.
Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.† Magnesium and Zinc contribute to normal muscle function and protein synthesis.†† Most ZMA products give you cheap oxide forms at low doses. BIG Z uses the bioavailable forms, at the doses that actually work, with two additional premium ingredients most competitors don't even know exist.
Available in capsules and powder.
†Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. ††Magnesium and Zinc contribute to normal muscle function and protein synthesis.
Directions
Take 3 Capsules, 30 mins before bedtime.
Ingredients
Magnesium Gluconate, 90% Palmitoylethanolamide with LipiSperse® (as Levagen®+) Magnesium Bisglycinate, Zinc Citrate, Crocus sativus 3.5% Saffron extract (as Affron®), E470b (Bulking agent), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC Capsule)
90 Capsules. No artificial colours.
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
BIG Z Powder Advanced Nighttime Formula
30 Servings£34.99
Recovery starts while you sleep.
Beast Pharm BIG Z is an advanced night-time formula containing two premium forms of Magnesium (Gluconate and Bisglycinate), Zinc Citrate, 600mg Levagen®+ (PEA with LipiSperse®), and 30mg Affron®, the world's most clinically studied saffron extract.
Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.† Magnesium and Zinc contribute to normal muscle function and protein synthesis.†† Most ZMA products give you cheap oxide forms at low doses. BIG Z uses the bioavailable forms, at the doses that actually work, with two additional premium ingredients most competitors don't even know exist.
Available in capsules and powder.
†Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. ††Magnesium and Zinc contribute to normal muscle function and protein synthesis.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (3g) with 250ml to 350ml of water.
Consume 1 serving per day, 30 mins before bedtime. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Ingredients
Magnesium Gluconate, 90% Palmitoylethanolamide with LipiSperse® (as Levagen®+) Magnesium Bisglycinate, Zinc Citrate, Crocus sativus 3.5% Saffron extract (as Affron®), Maltodextrin, Cherry Flavouring, Citric acid, Sweetener (Sucralose), Silicon Dioxide.
NET WT. 90g No artificial colours.
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
References
- Brilla, L. R., & Conte, V. (2000). Effects of a novel zinc-magnesium formulation on hormones and strength. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 3(4), 26-36.
This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are under 18, or are sensitive to stimulants.
