NOW Foods Sports Nutrition, ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B-6), Enhanced Absorption, Sports Recovery*, 180 Capsules

This is a great combo of zinc and magnesium, catalyzed with aspartic acid and Vitamin B6 (increases absorbability). The label recommends a daily dosage of 3 capsules for men and 2 for women. I take mine before bed & find it helps me sleep more soundly. ZMA also may help your body build its stores of testosterone (good for men AND women), which can help with energy levels, mental "brightness," and muscle recovery after exercise.Personally, I'm cautious with my zinc supplementation. Though I know I need to supplement it, I'm careful to use a Zinc Assay (like this; Liquid Zinc Assay by Premier Research Labs (8 fl oz)) to moderate how much I take, to be careful not to overdose. Why? Although zinc's an essential mineral that can help boost immunity, it has a dark side. TOO much for too long can cause negative neurological effects (please Google or see Wikipedia for more info).Typically, I'll use a bottle of ZMA, as per instructions, then take about a one to two week break (using just a chelated magnesium supplement instead), and then return to ZMA. I do a zinc assay, as previously mentioned, about every six weeks to help me decide when I need to "back off."I like ZMA, because it seems to help me manage my weight (regardless of diet). When I take it, I have a better lean muscle profile. I also seem to have better concentration when my zinc levels are adequate.Love this trusted brand; ZMA's one of my favorite foundational supplements; highly recommended!---Ingredients, as per the label:As per 3 capsule serving (for men):15 mg B6 (from Pyridoxine HCL)450 mg Magnesium Aspartate30 mg Zinc (from Zinc mono-l-methionine and zinc aspartate)----2400 mg ZMA (complex of zinc mono-l-methionine, magnesium/zinc aspartate, and pyroxidine HCL)---Have a question about this supplement? Leave a comment & I'll be happy to help you, if I can.

I’ve noticed an improvement in muscle recovery, energy, and better sleep since taking zma. This is my third bottle and I intend to keep ordering. Price is more than fair.

Great for sleep aid to recover

The NOW Foods ZMA is a good quality recovery supplement, effective depending on what you are looking for. Personally, I previously had good results with magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 separately, but somehow the combination didn't do for me the magic trick. Still, it's a supplement worthwhile testing and I am generally satisfied with NOW Foods supplements from the regular and sports line.For me ZMA works just as a sports recovery supplement, after a hard workout.Usually with magnesium I see a slight improvement in sleep management, but ZMA was plain awful for my sleep. I started taking ZMA before sleep (as directed) and I had the worst two weeks of sleep in a longtime. I am a small female and taking 2 pills before sleep caused a lot of vivid dreams and sleep unrest; taking 1 pill was better, but I felt groggy in the morning and waking up was harder even after a long sleep..Afterwards, I switch to taking 1 pill after workouts and only then I actually started seeing the benefits. I tried taking 2 pills if I sweat really hard and it's a longer than usual workout, but I get too jittery.While it's not a miracle worker, ZMA did somewhat improved my muscle recovery after hard workout. I get less muscle sore and stiffness, while getting back my stamina faster (my mind and body is usually a little restless after taking ZMA). I think this is mostly due to the B6, which always has worked for me in terms of workout recovery and energy. I can't say I felt much improvement in endurance and strength.Otherwise, ZMA slightly helped with immunity, but standalone zinc supplements worked better for me. Usually I get seasonal allergies, I rarely get a cold, so for me help with immunity means I got less symptoms (or milder) with my allergies.Personally I didn't felt any difference from taking it on an empty stomach or with a meal, but since I took them after workouts my stomach was usually rather empty (but I usually eat 30-60 minutes after my workouts).The capsules are easy to take (I don't have problems taking larger pills) and I didn't noticed any reflux or stomach issues while taking the pills.