Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Ancient Peat

Also known as: Ancient Peat, ElevATP, peat extract, apple extract blend, Ancient Peat Extract

Overview

Ancient Peat Extract is a natural supplement derived from ancient peat deposits, often combined with apple extracts in proprietary blends like ElevATP. It is not a single chemical entity but a complex mixture of organic compounds from these natural sources. Primarily marketed as an ergogenic aid, its main application is to enhance cellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which is crucial for energy metabolism. This increased ATP availability is believed to improve athletic performance, including strength, power output, and muscle adaptations during resistance training. While research is in its early stages, some small-scale randomized controlled trials suggest its potential benefits in healthy, resistance-trained individuals. The supplement is typically consumed orally, with a common dosage of 150 mg per day. Its mechanism of action is thought to involve the enhancement of mitochondrial ATP synthesis pathways within muscle cells, thereby boosting energy availability during physical exertion.

Benefits

Ancient Peat Extract, particularly in proprietary blends with apple extract, has shown promising but preliminary evidence for enhancing athletic performance. Several studies indicate statistically significant improvements in strength and power. For instance, a 12-week resistance training study demonstrated significant increases in 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength for squat and deadlift, as well as vertical jump peak power and velocity, in healthy resistance-trained males compared to a placebo group. While Wingate test peak power showed trends favoring the supplement, it did not reach statistical significance. When combined with other ingredients like extended-release caffeine and B vitamins, it has also been associated with improved body composition (muscle accretion and fat loss) over 12 weeks of resistance training, though this effect cannot be solely attributed to ancient peat. The benefits are primarily observed in healthy, resistance-trained males aged 20-30 years, with effects accruing over several weeks of consistent supplementation and training. The magnitude of these improvements is statistically significant but generally modest, indicating a potential but not dramatic enhancement.

How it works

Ancient Peat Extract, often in combination with apple extracts, is believed to enhance mitochondrial ATP production, thereby increasing the availability of cellular energy. This mechanism primarily targets skeletal muscle mitochondria, improving energy metabolism during exercise. While the exact molecular targets are not fully specified in the literature, the blend is thought to optimize the efficiency of ATP synthesis pathways. By boosting ATP levels, the supplement aims to provide more readily available energy for muscle contraction, leading to improved strength, power, and endurance during physical activity. The oral administration allows the active compounds to interact with the body's energy systems, supporting enhanced performance.

Side effects

Based on available research, Ancient Peat Extract, particularly in the form of proprietary blends like ElevATP, appears to have a favorable safety profile. No significant adverse events have been reported in randomized controlled trials involving healthy adults over durations up to 12 weeks. Common, uncommon, or rare side effects have not been documented in the existing literature. There are no established drug interactions, though caution is advised when combining it with stimulants such as caffeine, as it is often included in multi-ingredient pre-workout formulas. Contraindications for its use have not been established due to limited data. Furthermore, there is no available safety data for special populations, including pregnant or lactating women, pediatric populations, or individuals with pre-existing clinical conditions. Therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Ancient Peat Extract, specifically the proprietary blend with apple extracts (e.g., ElevATP), is 150 mg daily, as demonstrated in clinical studies. This dosage appears to be optimal based on current evidence. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but studies have used 150 mg daily without reporting adverse effects. For optimal timing, supplementation is typically recommended once daily, often approximately 45 minutes prior to training sessions to maximize its ergogenic effects during exercise. The supplement is commonly available in oral capsules or powder forms containing the proprietary blend. Absorption factors are not extensively studied, but it is generally taken orally. It is often combined with other ingredients like caffeine and B vitamins in multi-ingredient supplements, which may contribute to synergistic effects.

FAQs

Is Ancient Peat safe?

Current evidence from small randomized controlled trials suggests that Ancient Peat Extract is safe for healthy adults when used for up to 12 weeks, with no significant adverse events reported.

Does it improve strength?

Yes, studies indicate that Ancient Peat Extract can lead to modest but statistically significant improvements in strength and power, particularly in resistance-trained individuals.

When should it be taken?

It is typically recommended to take Ancient Peat Extract once daily, approximately 45 minutes before a training session, to align with its potential performance-enhancing effects.

Is it better alone or combined?

Studies often use Ancient Peat Extract in combination with apple extract; some formulations also include caffeine and B vitamins, suggesting potential synergistic benefits when combined.

Are benefits immediate?

The benefits of Ancient Peat Extract, such as improvements in strength and power, accrue over several weeks of consistent supplementation combined with regular resistance training.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4950767/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of 150 mg of ancient peat and apple extract on strength and power adaptations during 12 weeks of resistance training in 25 resistance-trained males. The study found significant improvements in 1RM squat, deadlift, vertical jump peak power, and velocity in the supplement group compared to placebo, suggesting its efficacy as an ergogenic aid. However, the study was limited by its small sample size and the use of a proprietary blend.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4901467/ – This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a multi-ingredient supplement containing ancient peat, apple extract, extended-release caffeine, and B vitamins on body composition in 21 resistance-trained subjects over 12 weeks. The findings indicated improvements in body composition, including muscle accretion and fat loss, in the supplement group. A limitation is that the effects cannot be solely attributed to ancient peat due to the multi-ingredient formulation.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/6/1823 – This acute randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement, including ancient peat and apple extract, on performance during repeated sprints in 17 recreationally active men and women. The study reported an increase in mean power output and bar velocity, suggesting acute performance benefits. However, the study was limited by its small sample size and the multi-ingredient nature of the supplement, making it difficult to isolate the effects of ancient peat.