Potassium orotate is widely used in sports and bodybuilding to gain muscle mass, maintain heart function, strengthen the immune system, speed up recovery, etc.
However, the wide popularity of this drug is accompanied by information about its uselessness. A common phenomenon in the world of sports pharmacology.
In this article we will talk about what potassium orotate is, what scientific research says about its benefits in sports and bodybuilding, what are the indications for its use and possible side effects.
Main thoughts:
Potassium orotate is positioned as a drug with a general stimulating effect; in sports and bodybuilding it is taken to gain muscle mass and strengthen the cardiovascular system
Potassium orotate is one of the most effective forms of potassium supplements in absorption and can be indicated for use in sports and bodybuilding in case of potassium deficiency
Potassium is one of the minerals that ensures the propagation of nerve impulses in the body and the contraction of muscle cells. Its deficiency can cause muscle cramps and pain, as well as heart rhythm disturbances.
Orotate is involved in the creation of proteins in the body, but the benefits of taking it for gaining muscle mass in bodybuilding are questionable
Potassium and magnesium orotate improves the functional reserve of the cardiovascular system and helps withstand heavy loads in sports
Orotate speeds up wound healing and may be useful for faster recovery after exercise
Taking potassium orotate in sports and bodybuilding may be useful in states of potassium deficiency or increased risk of its formation, as well as during high physical activity to ensure increased heart functionality
Indications for the use of potassium orotate: athletes and bodybuilders when taking NOT potassium-sparing diuretics for drying the body, those who use diuretics to lower blood pressure and diseases in which potassium deficiency develops
An overdose of potassium is dangerous to health; potassium orotate is one of the safest drugs in terms of the risk of overdose
Scientific research in mice suggests that a diet enriched with orotate increases the risk of fatty liver and liver cancer.
The minerals calcium, magnesium, zinc as well as potassium play an important role in the functionality of the body of athletes; their orotates are among the most effective drugs in terms of absorption
Benefits for the body
Potassium orotate (mineral salt) is a compound of potassium and orotic acid. The substance belongs to the category of non-steroidal anabolic elements, accelerates the process of gaining muscle mass, which is why it is so valued by athletes.
Orotic acid is involved in protein synthesis; when taken, muscles grow faster than usual. But laboratory experiments confirmed that the substance works this way only in conjunction with potassium. Therefore, it is not worth taking acid separately.
But this is not the only benefit of potassium orotate in sports. The substance also produces the following actions:
- improves liver function and appetite;
- supports immunity;
- accelerates recovery after intense training;
- normalizes protein metabolism;
- strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
The substance has a mild diuretic effect. This is convenient for those who are drying out. Athletes who have taken potassium orotate note that the drug gives them strength and allows them to increase their load.
Asparkam and Riboxin in bodybuilding
Asparkam is known for being taken to lose weight. Asparkam is a complex drug. It contains components such as potassium and magnesium aspartate. Potassium is added for normal metabolism needed by muscle cells. Magnesium takes part in protein metabolism and transports the amount of energy the body needs.
While athletes are performing exercises, asparkam becomes a very useful drug, as it reduces fatigue, therefore, the exercises are more effective. Optimal performance helps build muscle mass and gain beautiful definition. In order to avoid fluid retention in the body, asparkam is usually combined with diuretics. Such a tandem will make it possible to retain the necessary nutrients in the body and will only be beneficial for your body.
Doctors advise taking asparkam gradually, one or two tablets three times a day. The course of taking asparkam itself depends only on the athlete’s body and is determined based on the results of an analysis of the bodybuilder’s health status.
Indications for use
Bodybuilders who actively train and periodically undergo cutting often face the problem of potassium deficiency. Muscle pain, weakness, and chronic fatigue appear. With an unbalanced low-calorie diet, the deficiency of the substance increases, and taking diuretics accelerates the process of washing out its remnants.
Potassium deficiency can lead to serious problems with the cardiovascular system. Sometimes they end in cardiac arrest.
Mineral salt helps not only support the body, but also compensate for the lack of potassium. This means that the heart and blood vessels are reliably protected.
It is recommended to drink potassium orotate when playing sports and especially during such activities as:
- fat burning workouts (cutting);
- muscle building;
- classes without peak loads.
The instructions for preparations with mineral salt also say that they should be taken in case of chronic physical overexertion.
Release form
The product is produced by many domestic pharmaceutical factories. The usual dosage per 1 tablet is 500 mg. Most drugs are called “Potassium Orotate”. The volume of packs is 10, 20, 30 pieces.
Domestic pharmacy supplements are not intended for bodybuilders. The instructions do not indicate that the drug is used for drying or weight gain. But if you know how to take potassium orotate when playing sports and correctly calculate the dosage, the result will be excellent.
There is a second option: order imported professional supplements. They are made specifically for bodybuilders. They contain the same substance as in pharmaceutical medications, but the instructions are intended specifically for athletes.
If domestic drugs are sold only in tablets, then special supplements for bodybuilders are made in the form of capsules and powder. The latter is convenient because you can control the dosage yourself. But the main thing is to comply with the norm.
Professional dietary supplements with mineral salt are not sold in pharmacies. They can be found in sports nutrition stores (but not always) or ordered online from America.
Riboxin in bodybuilding - reviews about it
Riboxin is often taken not only by athletes who want to gain muscle mass, but also by those who want to lose weight and gain definition. This drug is a good way to lose excess weight under the right conditions. Most of the information about him comes from such people. But, of course, it is impossible to lose 5-10 kg only on inositol without a proper diet, so you can meet a certain number of disappointed people.
Riboxin in bodybuilding - reviews about it
When taking Riboxin, you need to remember that the proper effect of this drug can only be obtained with intense training in the gym. If you do nothing, then in the end there will be no results. But if everything is done correctly, exhausting work on machines and training with a barbell will give the desired effect for both men and women.
Preparations with potassium orotate
Many domestic medicines based on this component are similar. The dosages are the same, only the manufacturers differ.
Table 1. Domestic supplements with potassium orotate
| Manufacturer | Packaging volume | Minimum (from) price in rub. |
| Irbit Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant | 20 | 128 |
| 30 | 168 | |
| CJSC "PFK Renewal" (Renewal) | 20 | 130 |
| ABVA RUS | 10 | 79 |
| 20 | 110 | |
| 30 | 173 |
Instructions for use
Potassium orotate does not need to be taken continuously. We have already written that the drug is recommended to be taken in 3 cases: weight gain, cutting and regular training. Let's look at each in detail.
Weight
Potassium orotate is suitable as a means to gain muscle mass and improve athletic performance. It promotes rapid growth of biceps, etc. But you won’t be able to become a real bodybuilder with this compound.
Gaining weight doesn't just mean eating more protein foods. During the “buildup”, training becomes intense, which affects the cardiovascular system. It’s especially hard on the heart if an athlete ignores cardio and only does strength exercises.
In order for the main organ to cope with stress, you need to take potassium orotate during the “buildup”. If this nuance is ignored, the quality of training will decrease, and heart problems will appear.
Drying
Drying is active fat burning, which refers to catabolic processes. Therefore, it is necessary to take potassium orotate only during the peak, since the drug is an anabolic steroid.
Crazy drying marathons are no less harmful to the heart. Mineral salt helps maintain the health of the myocardium and does not allow it to wear out quickly.
Non-peak workouts
This regimen is suitable for those who regularly go to the gym, but do not alternate between cutting and building muscles. With such training, you can do small courses of 3-4 weeks, then a break of several months, repetitions (if necessary).
General recommendations for admission
The supplement must be taken on an empty stomach. You can eat after half an hour. Another option for taking the supplement is 4 hours after meals.
The maximum daily dosage is 1.5-2 g. If you consider that one tablet contains 500 mg, then 3-4 pieces will be required per day. They are not chewed, but washed down with plenty of water.
Contraindications
Basically, potassium orotate is recommended to be taken in two cases: during the period of weight gain or during the “drying” period. In the first case, we are talking about a sharp and significant increase in body weight, which negatively affects the functioning of the heart. Add to this strength training and lack of cardio and we can say goodbye to a healthy heart.
Read more: ASCORBIC ACID DRAGEE 50 - instructions for use, price, reviews and analogues
It is much better to prevent this and help the heart cope with the load by using orotic acid. During the “drying” period, the body undergoes intense cardio training and a calorie deficit.
This means that the heart will also wear out faster. However, potassium orotate should be taken only in the peak phase, since if you do this constantly, there is a risk of not getting any results from the “drying”.
Acid has few contraindications, however, they still exist. You should not take the drug if you are hypersensitive to it. Also, this remedy should not be used by people with acute and chronic liver damage and ascites.
Overdose and side effects
If you take more tablets than you need, you may feel fever, weakness, and nausea. In especially severe cases, paralysis of the limbs, clouding of reason, and heart rhythm disturbances begin. An overdose can result in death.
Laboratory studies have also shown that orotic acid increases liver weight and can lead to cirrhosis or cancer. Therefore, we recommend not to take the drug constantly, but only in short courses and with mandatory breaks.
If you are hypersensitive to the components, an allergic reaction is possible: rash, itching, runny nose. If symptoms worsen or do not go away after stopping the medication, you should consult a doctor.
Concomitant use with other drugs
Some substances can improve the effect of mineral salt.
Table 2. Combinations of potassium orotate (abbr. KO) with other drugs
| Medicines | Effect | How to drink | Course duration |
| KO + riboxin | Riboxin and potassium orotate in bodybuilding help support the body and heart during drying | Take 0.2 g of Riboxin 3-4 times a day . If the body absorbs the drug well, then you can gradually increase the dosage to 2.5 g per day and divide it into 3-4 doses. Together with Riboxin you need to take potassium ortate | No more than 4 weeks with a break of 2-3 months |
| KO + asparkam | Supports contractility of the heart muscle | Take 2-3 tablets in 2-3 doses. Despite the fact that the compound contains little potassium, if too large doses of asparkam, which also contains this trace element, are consumed, an overdose is possible | 1-1.5 months, then a break |
| KO + riboxin + asparkam | Beneficial effect on the heart, blood vessels, improves endurance | Start taking Riboxin as indicated above. Add asparkam (2-3 tablets per day) and potassium orotate (3-4 tablets each) | 4 weeks (no more) |
| KO + mildronate | Increases performance, has a cardioprotective effect, supports the body under heavy loads | Take 0.5-1 g of mildronate per day (divided into 2 doses). At the same time, you should drink mineral salt | 4-6 weeks |
Combinations of drugs help well with intense training. The main thing is to remember the admission rules and do not forget about breaks between courses.
You can learn more about the benefits of Riboxin and Asparkam from this video:
Reviews for the drug
Orotic acid is a vitamin that affects metabolism, speeding it up.
It has been scientifically proven that it significantly accelerates protein synthesis. The drug also has a positive effect on the functioning of organs such as the heart and liver and helps reduce cholesterol levels. In bodybuilding, potassium orotate has successfully established itself as a drug that restores after training and stimulates the body in general. However, acid is not an anabolic, so you should not expect active muscle growth from it. In addition, by itself it will not provide particularly visible results, so potassium orotate is almost always taken in combination with additional supplements.
To achieve the maximum possible effectiveness, potassium orotate in bodybuilding can be used with some auxiliary means. For example, tocopherol acetate is also used to enhance the antioxidant effect. During “drying”, riboxin is added to the acid, which helps maintain cardiac activity during intense cardio training.
To speed up metabolism, B vitamins can be added to the drug. Orotic acid also combines well with asparkam; this union allows you to maintain the contractility of the heart muscle.
According to many famous athletes, potassium orotate has a beneficial effect on the process of building muscle mass. The low price and almost complete absence of adverse side effects makes the drug very popular among bodybuilders.
