Jerry Brainum breaks down the straight facts behind the popular supplement Turkesterone – and how it fails as an anabolic substance.
In the effort to be the best in the world, individuals will search high and low for the best way to get an edge over the competition. In bodybuilding this can take many forms including searching for the key secret workout plan, discovering a new posing trick, or finding a new supplement that increases gains. Ecdysteroids are a class of substance that are often marketed as a legally anabolic supplement. Most popular of these substances is Turkesterone. But does it really work? In our latest episode of Straight Facts, Jerry Brainum explains why Turkesterone fails as an anabolic substance.
In no secret in the bodybuilding world that anabolic steroids are used to increase muscle growth and recovery. But the truth of the matter is that steroids are illegal to use for recreational activity and often banned in most professional sports. So there will always be individuals looking for the next new substance that acts like steroids – but is legal. For example, many have turned to SARMs, which have a more of a grey area legally compared to steroids – at least in the United States.
This is also where Turkesterone comes in. Turkesterone is a legal supplement that can be purchased over the counter. It is part of a class of substances called Ecdysteroids and has gained popularity as an anabolic supplement by athletes over the past few decades. But does Turkesterone really work? Jerry Brainum turns to past studies – and a more recent study to break down the truth behind this controversial over the counter substance.
Is Turkesterone Anabolic?
The short answer is – no, Turkesterone shows no proven record of being anabolic. Jerry Brainum digs back through past studies on insects and rodents that showed promise for anabolic effects – but it has never been proven in human consumption. Up until recent, Turkesterone was never studied specifically – but many other Ecdysteroids have gone through trials that yielded little to no results.
So how did we get here? Why is this supplement seen as an anabolic option by athletes and bodybuilders? It started due to the chemical makeup behind Ecdysteroids. They contain a similar structure to testosterone. But just because the structure is similar – doesn’t mean the effects are. Which is why scientists took it to studies for proof. The ultimate human trials were disappointing for anyone hoping to find a healthy and legal way to boost muscle protein synthesis in a serious way.
Debunking The Myths Behind Turkesterone
There will be those who doubt the accuracy of past studies behind Ecdysteroids. For one, most studies do not focus on Turkesterone specifically. Perhaps that specific substance does work compared to others. This is why Jerry Brainum turns to a much more recent study that focus specifically on Turkesterone.
Ironically, this study was only done on rodents. While other past Ecdysteroid studies seemed to show some slight promise in rodents – this study found that the substance did not reach any anabolic pathway for the mice. Therefore – there was no way it could have an anabolic effect on muscle protein synthesis.
Deniers will also point out that these studies were not done on humans. Furthermore, the mice were not put through exercise. Perhaps this substance, like steroids, needs exercise to show results. Jerry Brainum debunks this line of thinking as well. He points to a 1966 study that proved once and for all that testosterone, even when not exercising, increased muscle mass. Yes, exercise is vital to reach more noticeable levels. But the important point is that anabolic substances will work with or without exercise. Turkesterone does not.
The Placebo Effect
So why do so many people still swear by Turkesterone if it has no proven effect? Why do so many people believe it works? Even Joe Rogan has given time on his podcast discussing with Andrew Huberman about Turkesterone. This is a big platform that can influence a lot of people.
Jerry Brainum believes that this is simply the placebo effect. In fact, he thinks for some people, Turkesterone really does help them increase muscle size. Not because of the actual chemical makeup of the substance but instead because of the psychological boost it gives users who think it works.
Brainum goes on to say that just because a person believes they saw results from the supplement, doesn’t mean that is proof. There are many factors to account for – which is why studies are done in the first place. Correlation does not equal causality.
Is Turkesterone bad for you? It doesn’t seem so. But Jerry Brainum is convinced after looking at the data – this supplement does not have an anabolic effect. It’s a waste of money and energy that can be better spent elsewhere.
Wrap Up
Ultimately, there is no damage being done if you take Turkesterone. But it won’t be helping your gains either beyond a possible placebo effect. You can watch Jerry Brainum go into detail and break down the facts behind Turkesterone in our latest episode of Straight Facts above. Make sure to check out new episodes every Wednesday only on Generation Iron or wherever podcasts are downloaded!