Performance
Epicatechin
Also known as: (-)-Epicatechin, Cocoa flavanol
C
Evidence
Cocoa flavanol that may inhibit myostatin, the muscle growth limiter. Supports muscle development and blood flow.
Primary uses
- Myostatin inhibition
- Muscle growth
- Blood flow
- Nitric oxide
How it works
- May inhibit myostatin
- Increases follistatin
- Nitric oxide support
- Mitochondrial biogenesis
Dosage
- Typical range
- 100-200mg daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- 8+ weeks for potential effects
- Special populations
- Muscle building, natural athletes
Forms
- Capsule
Safety
Common side effects
- Well tolerated
Contraindications
- None
Evidence notes
Promising mechanism, limited clinical data in humans
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
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