by Matt Samansky
My product reviews thus far have remained fairly conservative. I’ve sampled dozens of pre-workouts, amino acid blends, and protein powders in order to provide you with the content you deserve. Full disclosure, boys and girls, we’re about to get edgy. Fasten your seat belts……things are about to get REAL! In my brief sabbatical from DigitalMuscle, I dipped into the hardcore, researching and experimenting with pro-hormones and andro-products. One such supplement being IronMag Labs’ Super DMZ 5.0.
I supplemented with IML’s Super DMZ 3.0 in 2013 and while I was still reaping the benefits of “newbie gains,” I found the third version of this product to be one of most effective to date. Strength, fullness, roundness, and muscular density, while maintaining a lean physique are all indicators that your supps are working and were all results experienced with 3.0.
When I received my bottle of Super DMZ 5.0 two months ago, I’ll be honest, I was skeptical. Any product that goes through five incarnations is sure to have some flaws. But each reformulated version of DMZ either replaced or improved an ingredient to meet the standards of the day. 2.0 added Methylstenbolone; 3.0 added Methyl 1-Testosterone; 4.0 introduced Laxogenin; and 5.0…well we’ll get to that.
To the untrained eye, the product label may appear to be gibberish. A mess of numbers and letters and hyphens cluttered together to create some form of a word. Thankfully, you have me to translate, so let’s attempt to decipher the 585mg. proprietary blend that is Super DMZ 5.0. (Yes, IML has created a proprietary blend and you all know my stance on prop blends. I believe in full disclosure but so do the copycats).
First up, we have 3b-undecyloxy-5a-androstane-17-one, commonly known as Reduced DHEA, or Androsterone. Through a two-step conversion, R-DHEA converts to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is responsible for making you men out there, well men! Increased DHT amplifies your masculine features like aggression and sex drive. R-DHEA is a “dry” compound as it promotes lean muscle gain without dreaded water retention.
Next up is 3a-enathoxy-5a-androstan-17-one, also known as 4-DHEA. With the popularization of andro-products, this compound is very common in pro hormone formulas nowadays. This powerful pro-hormone converts into Testosterone and is said to be 30% more bioavailable than injectables, allowing for a greater boost of the hormone in question.
Another pro-hormone that helps to create Super DMZ 5.0 is 3-beta-hydroxyetioallochotan-5-ene-17-one, commonly known as 5-DHEA. Whereas 4-DHEA is the mass builder of the family, 5-DHEA is the more athletic younger brother, yielding a myriad of positive effects for the user. In addition to its testosterone boosting properties, 5-DHEA-has been shown to enhance endurance, increase insulin sensitivity, alleviate depression, improve immune function, increase libido, reduce cortisol levels, increase T3/T4 levels, and enhance acute inflammatory response to training.
This trio of steroidal compounds offers an incredible bang for your buck as each can be purchased individually for $50-$80 per bottle!
Before we discuss the next ingredient, we must understand one of the modern bodybuilders’ worst enemies. Myostatin is the single most catabolic gene in the body and directly opposes protein synthesis. The growth of muscle tissue is halted in subjects plagued with elevated Myostatin levels.
Enter Epicatechin.
Aside from being a popular antioxidant found in tea leaves and cocoa, Epicatechin is also a powerful plant sterol that helps blunt Myostatin. One of the many benefits of Epicatechin is that it promotes the speedy growth and regeneration of muscle tissue beyond “normal” potential.
Staying with Epicatechin for a minute, this compound also elicits a high level of nitric oxide production, which is not only sought after for its vasodilating properties, but for its positive effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health
Dindoylmethane is one of the new additions to the fifth incarnation of DMZ providing hormone support and estrogen regulation. Although this compound makes Super DMZ 5.0 a much safer product, I recommend post-cycling with an anti-estrogen.
Finally, the pairing of Piperine and 6,7-dihydroxybergamottin (DHB) act as the respective hot fudge and cherry on top to the Super DMZ sundae as they both increase absorption, extends the half-life, and maximizes effectiveness of the ingredients within the product.
Nutrient delivery is an aspect of supplementation that some companies tend to overlook. Consumers fail to recognize that without optimal delivery systems, the compounds of a supplement would sit idly in the body due to low oral bioavailability. Thankfully, IML supplies the nutrients and offers a built-in delivery system to the muscles through esterification.
Esterification is the chemical reaction of an alcohol with an acid to create an ester or an “extension” of the molecule. Esters are commonly found in Testosterone products to increase the rate of absorption within the body. By adding an enanthate ester to their featured product, Iron Mag Labs has increased the bioavailability of Super DMZ 5.0 by 30%!
The Scorecard
Safety: Are pro-hormones safe? Let me answer that question by saying they have been illegalized for a reason. Having said that, no one person has ever died from introducing exogenous anabolics into his/her body. Like anything else, taking too much of anything increases the probability for harmful side effects. Personally, I did not experience anything like increased aggression, gynecomastia, etc. but will deduct 2 points for the sake of potential to occur. 23/25.
Quality: When it comes to ingredient descriptions, I provide as much information as possible in my supplement reviews. Having said that, there are some things I just don’t know, especially when the product under review is a proprietary blend. Yes, each of the compounds used to create the anabolic cocktail that is Super DMZ 5.0 are of the utmost quality, consumers like you and me are left in the dark regarding quality. For that reason, I deducted 3 points. 22/25.
Effectiveness: Over the past (roughly) three-weeks, Super DMZ 5.0 has supplemented my diet at a dose of 3 capsules spread evenly throughout the day. My first serving is ingested in the morning with my first meal, followed by the second around mid-day, and the final dose pre-workout at approximately 5:00 p.m. Although the label recommends a dose of 1-2 servings per day, my research convinced me to push the envelope, and I’m glad I did. Each of my lifts have increased by 10-20% and overall, I have gained 15 lbs. of (what I believe to be) pure muscle. Aside from hypertrophic benefits, Super DMZ 5.0 is virtually side-effect free. Increased aggression, lethargy, nor insomnia were ever an issue for me throughout the cycle, a claim most other pro-hormones are unable to make. 25/25.
Price: Customers can purchase the 60 serving bottle of Super DMZ 5.0 for $129 direct from IronMagLabs.com. At three capsules daily, my own personal cycle filled the duration of 20 days. I believe an optimal cycle lasts anywhere from 6-8 weeks, making 2-3 bottles necessary. That will cost upwards of $400, a sum that many might be weary of dolling out. Having said that, one bottle should do the trick with an intense training regiment and solid meal plan. 23/25.
Overall: 2014 and 2015 were tough years for companies in the hardcore market of the supplement industry. The government began its crackdown on pro-hormones and designer steroids, rendering many popular products illegal. Despite the ban, IronMag Labs rose to the occasion and released Super DMZ 5.0 without missing a beat. They did not stumble, in fact, they improved upon previous incarnations of an already effective product to create one of the most sought after hardcore supplements on the market. 93/100.
Is there a hardcore supplement on the market you are weary to try? Shoot me a Facebook post, tweet, email, etc. and let me know! I may be willing to be your guinea pig, and give my unbiased (and critical) opinion. And in the spirit of full disclosure, IML is a sponsor of Digital Muscle, but you can be sure that my reviews are not influenced by anything or anyone. All companies are warned in advance that my reviews will reflect my personal opinion, regardless of circumstances, friendships, sponsorships, etc..