Assessment of the Efficacy of a Low-Dose Iron Supplement in Restoring Iron Levels to Normal Range among Healthy Premenopausal Women with Iron Deficiency without Anemia.

(1) Background: Iron deficiency without anemia (IDWA) is a prevalent health concern in premenopausal women. Oral supplementation of iron may be a viable solution to improve blood-iron status in women; however, the effects of a high-dose iron-supplement regimen have been associated with gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-dose liquid fermented iron-bisglycinate supplement (LIS) on improving blood-iron status in premenopausal women with IDWA without increasing constipation or gastrointestinal distress. (2) Methods: 85 premenopausal women with IDWA (ferritin < 70 ng/dL and hemoglobin > 11.0 g/dL) took a LIS (27 mg) or a placebo (PLA) for 8 weeks. Blood draws were taken at Wk0 and Wk8 of the study to measure serum-iron markers. In addition, surveys of gastrointestinal distress were administered at Wk0, Wk4, and Wk8 while the profile of mood states (POMS) was surveyed at Wk0 and Wk8. (3) Results: Compared to the placebo, the LIS was able to increase serum ferritin (p = 0.03), total serum iron (p = 0.03), and mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.02), while exhibiting no significant interaction in subjective gastrointestinal distress (p > 0.05). No significant effects were detected for POMS (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Supplementing with LIS appears to improve blood-iron status without causing significant gastrointestinal distress in premenopausal women with IDWA.

Proteins and Amino Acids Treated with Atmospheric Plasma Show Significantly Increased Bioavailability in Humans.

BACKGROUND: Muscle mass is an important determinant of metabolic health and physical function. It has previously been demonstrated that the postprandial rise in circulating essential amino acids acts as the main stimulus for muscle protein synthesis (MPS). The current study investigated the postprandial plasma essential amino acid (EAA) and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) responses of (1) Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (HWPI) compared to plasma treated non-hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (PT-NHWPI), (2) standard branch-chain amino acids (S-BCAA) compared to plasma treated branch-chained amino acids (PT-BCAA), (3) standard pea protein (S-PP), compared to plasma treated pea protein (PT-PP), and (4) HWPI compared to PT-PP. METHODS: Ten subjects (24.6 ± 5.3 years; 178.8 ± 8.1 cm; 78.6 ± 10.1 kg) participated in a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial comparing four separate protein conditions (HWPI, PT-NHWPI, S-PP, PT-PP). A separate cohort of ten subjects (26.4 ± 7.4 years; 178.8 ± 5.9 cm; 85 ± 12.3 kg) participated in a double-blind randomized, crossover trial comparing two branch-chain amino acid conditions: S-BCAA and PT-BCAA. All conditions were administered following a 7-day washout. Plasma EAA and BCAA concentrations were assessed from blood donated by subjects at pre-consumption, 30-, 60-, 90-, 120-, and 180 minutes post-consumption. RESULTS: Blood plasma levels of total EAA and BCAA concentration were significantly greater in all treated conditions at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120 minutes post consumption (P < .05). There were no differences between PT-PP and HWPI. DISCUSSION: All proteins significantly elevated EAAs, and BCAAs from basal levels. However, we conclude that the consumption of the treated proteins significantly raises blood levels of EAAs, and BCAAs to a greater extent across multiple dairy, vegan, and isolated BCAA conditions. Moreover, atmospheric plasma treatment of a vegan protein source makes its amino acid response similar to whey. Thus, protein supplementation with that has undergone Ingredient Optimized® atmospheric plasma treatment technology may be highly beneficial for improving the blood plasma amino acid response.

Malnutrition and the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the available literature for associations between nutrition and outcomes after operative treatment of long bone and long bone periarticular fractures. DATA SOURCES: Systematic review of English-language articles in the MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane computerized literature databases (through December 2015) using PRISMA guidelines. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort studies (retrospective and prospective) involving long bone and long bone periarticular fractures that included the effect of nutritional status on fracture union, time to union, and any related soft-tissue complication were eligible for review. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently extracted data from the selected studies using a standardized data collection form with predefined data fields for demographics, interventions, study methods, complications, and management outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: Although one of the original aims of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis, the available literature did not offer sufficient data for meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although our systematic review demonstrates a possible role for oral nutritional supplementation and vitamin supplementation in the orthopaedic trauma patient, there remains a need for well-designed trials to clarify this role. There is likely benefit to multidisciplinary approaches to nutritional optimization in the orthopaedic trauma patient, and this should be explored further in forthcoming work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Effects of Beef, Chicken, or Whey Protein After Workout on Body Composition and Muscle Performance.

Sharp, MH, Lowery, RP, Shields, KA, Lane, JR, Gray, JL, Partl, JM, Hayes, DW, Wilson, GJ, Hollmer, CA, Minivich, JR, and Wilson, JM. The effects of beef, chicken, or whey protein after workout on body composition and muscle performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2233-2242, 2018-The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of postworkout consumption of beef protein isolate (Beef), hydrolyzed chicken protein (Chx), or whey protein concentrate (WPC), compared with a control on body composition and muscle performance during 8 weeks of resistance training. Forty-one men and women were randomized into 4 groups: WPC (m = 5, f = 5; age [years] = 19 ± 2, height [cm] = 171 ± 10, mass [kg] = 74.60 ± 14.19), Beef (m = 5, f = 5; age [years] = 22 ± 4, height [cm] = 170 ± 7, mass [kg] = 70.13 ± 8.16), Chx (m = 5, f = 6; Age [years] = 21 ± 2, height [cm] = 169 ± 9, mass [kg] = 74.52 ± 13.83), and Maltodextrin (control) (m = 4, f = 6; age [years] = 21 ± 2, height [cm] = 170 ± 9, mass [kg] = 73.18 ± 10.96). Subjects partook in an 8-week periodized resistance training program. Forty-six grams of protein or a control were consumed immediately after training or at similar times on off-days. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to determine changes in body composition. Maximum strength was assessed by 1 repetition maximum for bench press (upper body) and deadlift (lower body). Power output was measured using cycle ergometer. Whey protein concentrate (52.48 ± 11.15 to 54.96 ± 11.85 kg), Beef (51.68 ± 7.61 to 54.65 ± 8.67 kg), and Chx (52.97 ± 12.12 to 54.89 ± 13.43 kg) each led to a significant increase in lean body mass compared with baseline (p < 0.0001), whereas the control condition did not (53.14 ± 11.35 to 54.19 ± 10.74 kg). Fat loss was also significantly decreased at 8 weeks compared to baseline for all protein sources (p < 0.0001; WPC: 18.70 ± 7.38 to 17.16 ± 7.18 kg; Beef: 16.43 ± 5.71 to 14.65 ± 5.41 kg; Chx: 17.58 ± 5.57 to 15.87 ± 6.07 kg), but not the control condition (16.29 ± 7.14 to 14.95 ± 7.72 kg). One repetition maximum for both deadlift and bench press was significantly increased for all treatment groups when compared with baseline. No differences in strength were noted between conditions. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that consuming quality sources of protein from meat or WPC lead to significant benefits in body composition compared with control.

Analysis of different innovative formulations of curcumin for improved relative oral bioavailability in human subjects.

PURPOSE: The optimal health benefits of curcumin are limited by its low solubility in water and corresponding poor intestinal absorption. Cyclodextrins (CD) can form inclusion complexes on a molecular basis with lipophilic compounds, thereby improving aqueous solubility, dispersibility, and absorption. In this study, we investigated the bioavailability of a new γ-cyclodextrin curcumin formulation (CW8). This formulation was compared to a standardized unformulated curcumin extract (StdC) and two commercially available formulations with purported increased bioavailability: a curcumin phytosome formulation (CSL) and a formulation of curcumin with essential oils of turmeric extracted from the rhizome (CEO). METHODS: Twelve healthy human volunteers participated in a double-blinded, cross-over study. The plasma concentrations of the individual curcuminoids that are present in turmeric (namely curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) were determined at baseline and at various intervals after oral administration over a 12-h period. RESULTS: CW8 showed the highest plasma concentrations of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and total curcuminoids, whereas CSL administration resulted in the highest levels of bisdemethoxycurcumin. CW8 (39-fold) showed significantly increased relative bioavailability of total curcuminoids (AUC0-12) in comparison with the unformulated StdC. CONCLUSION: The data presented suggest that γ-cyclodextrin curcumin formulation (CW8) significantly improves the absorption of curcuminoids in healthy humans.

Oral Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) Administration Increases Postexercise ATP Levels, Muscle Excitability, and Athletic Performance Following a Repeated Sprint Bout.

OBJECTIVE: Oral adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) administration has failed to increase plasma ATP levels; however, chronic supplementation with ATP has shown to increase power, strength, lean body mass, and blood flow in trained athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ATP supplementation on postexercise ATP levels and on muscle activation and excitability and power following a repeated sprint bout. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design, 42 healthy male individuals were given either 400 mg of ATP as disodium salt or placebo for 2 weeks prior to an exercise bout. During the exercise bout, muscle activation and excitability (ME, ratio of power output to muscle activation) and Wingate test peak power were measured during all sprints. ATP and metabolites were measured at baseline, after supplementation, and immediately following exercise. RESULTS: Oral ATP supplementation prevented a drop in ATP, adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) levels postexercise (p < 0.05). No group by time interaction was observed for muscle activation. Following the supplementation period, muscle excitability significantly decreased in later bouts 8, 9, and 10 in the placebo group (-30.5, -28.3, and -27.9%, respectively; p < 0.02), whereas ATP supplementation prevented the decline in later bouts. ATP significantly increased Wingate peak power in later bouts compared to baseline (bout 8: +18.3%, bout 10: +16.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Oral ATP administration prevents exercise-induced declines in ATP and its metabolite and enhances peak power and muscular excitability, which may be beneficial for sports requiring repeated high-intensity sprinting bouts.

The Effects of Fortetropin Supplementation on Body Composition, Strength, and Power in Humans and Mechanism of Action in a Rodent Model.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Fortetropin on skeletal muscle growth and strength in resistance-trained individuals and to investigate the anabolic and catabolic signaling effects using human and rodent models. METHODS: In the rodent model, male Wistar rats (250 g) were gavage fed with either 1.2 ml of tap water control (CTL) or 0.26 g Fortetropin for 8 days. Then rats participated in a unilateral plantarflexion exercise bout. Nonexercised and exercised limbs were harvested at 180 minutes following and analyzed for gene and protein expression relative to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ubiquitin signaling. For the human model, 45 (of whom 37 completed the study), resistance-trained college-aged males were divided equally into 3 groups receiving a placebo macronutrient matched control, 6.6 or 19.8 g of Fortetropin supplementation during 12 weeks of resistance training. Lean mass, muscle thickness, and lower and upper body strength were measured before and after 12 weeks of training. RESULTS: The human study results indicated a Group × Time effect (p ≤ 0.05) for lean mass in which the 6.6 g (+1.7 kg) and 19.8 g (+1.68 kg) but not placebo (+0.6 kg) groups increased lean mass. Similarly, there was a Group × Time effect for muscle thickness (p ≤ 0.05), which increased in the experimental groups only. All groups increased equally in bench press and leg press strength. In the rodent model, a main effect for exercise (p ≤ 0.05) in which the control plus exercise but not Fortetropin plus exercise increased both ubiquitin monomer protein expression and polyubiquitination. mTOR signaling was elevated to a greater extent in the Fortetropin exercising conditions as indicated by greater phosphorylation status of 4EBP1, rp6, and p70S6K for both exercising conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Fortetropin supplementation increases lean body mass (LBM) and decreases markers of protein breakdown while simultaneously increasing mTOR signaling.

Effects of Arachidonic Acid Supplementation on Acute Anabolic Signaling and Chronic Functional Performance and Body Composition Adaptations.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of arachidonic acid (ARA) supplementation on functional performance and body composition in trained males. In addition, we performed a secondary study looking at molecular responses of ARA supplementation following an acute exercise bout in rodents. METHODS: Thirty strength-trained males (age: 20.4 ± 2.1 yrs) were randomly divided into two groups: ARA or placebo (i.e. CTL). Then, both groups underwent an 8-week, 3-day per week, non-periodized training protocol. Quadriceps muscle thickness, whole-body composition scan (DEXA), muscle strength, and power were assessed at baseline and post-test. In the rodent model, male Wistar rats (~250 g, ~8 weeks old) were pre-fed with either ARA or water (CTL) for 8 days and were fed the final dose of ARA prior to being acutely strength trained via electrical stimulation on unilateral plantar flexions. A mixed muscle sample was removed from the exercised and non-exercised leg 3 hours post-exercise. RESULTS: Lean body mass (2.9%, p<0.0005), upper-body strength (8.7%, p<0.0001), and peak power (12.7%, p<0.0001) increased only in the ARA group. For the animal trial, GSK-ß (Ser9) phosphorylation (p<0.001) independent of exercise and AMPK phosphorylation after exercise (p-AMPK less in ARA, p = 0.041) were different in ARA-fed versus CTL rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ARA supplementation can positively augment strength-training induced adaptations in resistance-trained males. However, chronic studies at the molecular level are required to further elucidate how ARA combined with strength training affect muscle adaptation.

Co-ingestion of Nutritional Ergogenic Aids and High-Intensity Exercise Performance.

Many sports involve repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. High-intensity exercise is compromised, however, by the early onset of exercise-induced fatigue. Metabolic by-products, ion dysbalance and amount of phosphocreatine are considered the main peripheral causes of fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Intake of nutritional ergogenic aids is commonplace to enhance performance of high-intensity exercise by offsetting the potential mechanisms of fatigue. Creatine, probably one of the best known nutritional aids to enhance performance of high-intensity exercise, has convincingly substantiated its ergogenic potential. Although multi-ingredient supplements are now common, the justification for effectiveness is mostly based on observations with single intake of those ingredients. In this narrative review, the main focus is on the evidence of the effect of co-ingestion of ergogenic aids on performance of high intensity exercise for which the single intake has shown beneficial effects on high-intensity performance.

Interaction of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate Free Acid and Adenosine Triphosphate on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Power in Resistance Trained Individuals.

Lowery, RP, Joy, JM, Rathmacher, JA, Baier, SM, Fuller, JC Jr, Shelley, MC II, Jäger, R, Purpura, M, Wilson, SMC, and Wilson, JM. Interaction of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid and adenosine triphosphate on muscle mass, strength, and power in resistance trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1843-1854, 2016-Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation helps maintain performance under high fatiguing contractions and with greater fatigue recovery demands also increase. Current evidence suggests that the free acid form of ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB-FA) acts by speeding regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle after high-intensity or prolonged exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of HMB-FA (3 g) and ATP (400 mg) administration on lean body mass (LBM), strength, and power in trained individuals. A 3-phase double-blind, placebo-, and diet-controlled study was conducted. Phases consisted of an 8-week periodized resistance training program (phase 1), followed by a 2-week overreaching cycle (phase 2), and a 2-week taper (phase 3). Lean body mass was increased by a combination of HMB-FA/ATP by 12.7% (p < 0.001). In a similar fashion, strength gains after training were increased in HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented subjects by 23.5% (p < 0.001). Vertical jump and Wingate power were increased in the HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented group compared with the placebo-supplemented group, and the 12-week increases were 21.5 and 23.7%, respectively. During the overreaching cycle, strength and power declined in the placebo group (4.3-5.7%), whereas supplementation with HMB-FA/ATP resulted in continued strength gains (1.3%). In conclusion, HMB-FA and ATP in combination with resistance exercise training enhanced LBM, power, and strength. In addition, HMB-FA plus ATP blunted the typical response to overreaching, resulting in a further increase in strength during that period. It seems that the combination of HMB-FA/ATP could benefit those who continuously train at high levels such as elite athletes or military personnel.

Influence of HMB supplementation and resistance training on cytokine responses to resistance exercise.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a multinutritional supplement including amino acids, ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB), and carbohydrates on cytokine responses to resistance exercise and training. METHODS: Seventeen healthy, college-aged men were randomly assigned to a Muscle Armor™ (MA; Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, OH) or placebo supplement group and 12 weeks of resistance training. An acute resistance exercise protocol was administered at 0, 6, and 12 weeks of training. Venous blood samples at pre-, immediately post-, and 30-minutes postexercise were analyzed via bead multiplex immunoassay for 17 cytokines. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of training, the MA group exhibited decreased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-10. IL-1ß differed by group at various times. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta (MIP-1ß) changed over the 12-week training period but did not differ by group. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of resistance training alters the cytokine response to acute resistance exercise, and supplementation with HMB and amino acids appears to further augment this result.

The effects of 12 weeks of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and power in resistance-trained individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies utilizing beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation in trained populations are limited. No long-term studies utilizing HMB free acid (HMB-FA) have been conducted. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of HMB-FA supplementation on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, body composition, strength, and power in trained individuals. We also determined the effects of HMB-FA on muscle damage and performance during an overreaching cycle. METHODS: A three-phase double-blind, placebo- and diet-controlled randomized intervention study was conducted. Phase 1 was an 8-week-periodized resistance-training program; Phase 2 was a 2-week overreaching cycle; and Phase 3 was a 2-week taper. Muscle mass, strength, and power were examined at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 to assess the chronic effects of HMB-FA; and assessment of these, as well as cortisol, testosterone, and creatine kinase (CK) was performed at weeks 9 and 10 of the overreaching cycle. RESULTS: HMB-FA resulted in increased total strength (bench press, squat, and deadlift combined) over the 12-week training (77.1 ± 18.4 vs. 25.3 ± 22.0 kg, p < 0.001); a greater increase in vertical jump power (991 ± 168 vs. 630 ± 167 W, p < 0.001); and increased lean body mass gain (7.4 ± 4.2 vs. 2.1 ± 6.1 kg, p < 0.001) in HMB-FA- and placebo-supplemented groups, respectively. During the overreaching cycle, HMB-FA attenuated increases in CK (-6 ± 91 vs. 277 ± 229 IU/l, p < 0.001) and cortisol (-0.2 ± 2.9 vs. 4.5 ± 1.7 µg/dl, p < 0.003) in the HMB-FA- and placebo-supplemented groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HMB-FA enhances hypertrophy, strength, and power following chronic resistance training, and prevents decrements in performance following the overreaching.

Effects of 8 weeks of Xpand® 2X pre workout supplementation on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, lean body mass, and strength in resistance trained males.

BACKGROUND: Xpand® 2X is a proprietary blend comprised of branched chain amino acids, creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine (CarnoSyn®), quercetin, coenzymated B-vitamins, alanyl-glutamine (Sustamine®), and natural nitrate sources from pomegranate and beet root extracts purported to enhance the neuromuscular adaptations of resistance training. However to date, no long-term studies have been conducted with this supplement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS) on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, lean body mass and lower body strength in resistance-trained males. METHODS: Twenty resistance-trained males (21.3 ± 1.9 years) were randomly assigned to consume a MIPS or a placebo of equal weight and volume (food-grade orange flavors and sweeteners) in a double-blind manner, 30 minutes prior to exercise. All subjects participated in an 8-week, 3-day per week, periodized, resistance-training program that was split-focused on multi-joint movements such as leg press, bench press, and bent-over rows. Ultrasonography measured muscle thickness of the quadriceps, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) determined lean body mass, and strength of the bench press and leg press were determined at weeks 0, 4, and 8 of the study. Data were analyzed with a 2 × 3 repeated measures ANOVA with LSD post hoc tests utilized to locate differences. RESULTS: There was a significant group-by-time interaction in which the MIPS supplementation resulted in a significant (p < 0.01) increase in strength of the bench press (18.4% vs. 9.6%) compared with placebo after 4 and 8 weeks of training. There were no significant group by time interactions between MIPS supplementation nor the placebo in leg press strength (p = .08). MIPS supplementation also resulted in a significant increase in lean body mass (7.8% vs. 3.6%) and quadriceps muscle thickness (11.8% vs. 4.5%) compared with placebo (group*time, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that this MIPS can positively augment adaptations in strength, and skeletal muscle hypertrophy in resistance-trained men.

Effect of calcium ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) with and without resistance training in men and women 65+yrs: a randomized, double-blind pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests CaHMB may impact muscle mass and/or strength in older adults, yet no long-term studies have compared its effectiveness in sedentary and resistance training conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of CaHMB supplementation and resistance training (3 d wk(-1)) or CaHMB supplementation only in ≥65 yr old adults. METHODS: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled, trial occurred in two phases under ad libitum conditions. Phase I consisted of two non-exercise groups: (a) placebo and (b) 3 g CaHMB consumed twice daily. Phase II consisted of two resistance exercise groups: (a) placebo and resistance exercise and (b) 3 g CaHMB consumed twice daily and resistance exercise (RE). Strength and functionality were assessed in both phases with isokinetic leg extension and flexion at 60°·s(-1) and 180°·s(-1) (LE60, LF60, LE180, LF180), hand grip strength (HG) and get-up-and-go (GUG). Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure arm, leg, and total body lean mass (LM) as well as total fat mass (FM). Muscle Quality was measured for arm (MQ(HG)=HG/arm LM) and Leg (MQ60=LE60/leg LM) (MQ180=LE180/leg LM). RESULTS: At 24 weeks of Phase I, change in LE60 (+8.8%) and MQ180 (+20.8%) for CaHMB was significantly (p<0.05) greater than that for placebo group. Additionally, only CaHMB showed significant (p<0.05) improvements in total LM (2.2%), leg LM (2.1%), and LE180 (+17.3%), though no treatment effect was observed. Phase II demonstrated that RE significantly improved total LM (4.3%), LE60 (22.8%), LE180 (21.4%), HG (9.8%), and GUG (10.2%) with no difference between treatment groups. At week 24, only CaHMB group significantly improved FM (-3.8%) and MQHG (7.3%); however there was no treatment main effect for these variables. CONCLUSION: CaHMB improved strength and MQ without RE. Further, RE is an effective intervention for improving all measures of body composition and functionality.

The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance.

Consumption of moderate amounts of animal-derived protein has been shown to differently influence skeletal muscle hypertrophy during resistance training when compared with nitrogenous and isoenergetic amounts of plant-based protein administered in small to moderate doses. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine if the post-exercise consumption of rice protein isolate could increase recovery and elicit adequate changes in body composition compared to equally dosed whey protein isolate if given in large, isocaloric doses.

International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB).

Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) bases the following position stand on a critical analysis of the literature on the use of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) as a nutritional supplement. The ISSN has concluded the following. 1. HMB can be used to enhance recovery by attenuating exercise induced skeletal muscle damage in trained and untrained populations. 2. If consuming HMB, an athlete will benefit from consuming the supplement in close proximity to their workout. 3. HMB appears to be most effective when consumed for 2 weeks prior to an exercise bout. 4. Thirty-eight mg·kg·BM-1 daily of HMB has been demonstrated to enhance skeletal muscle hypertrophy, strength, and power in untrained and trained populations when the appropriate exercise prescription is utilized. 5. Currently, two forms of HMB have been used: Calcium HMB (HMB-Ca) and a free acid form of HMB (HMB-FA). HMB-FA may increase plasma absorption and retention of HMB to a greater extent than HMB-CA. However, research with HMB-FA is in its infancy, and there is not enough research to support whether one form is superior. 6. HMB has been demonstrated to increase LBM and functionality in elderly, sedentary populations. 7. HMB ingestion in conjunction with a structured exercise program may result in greater declines in fat mass (FM). 8. HMB's mechanisms of action include an inhibition and increase of proteolysis and protein synthesis, respectively. 9. Chronic consumption of HMB is safe in both young and old populations.

Rehabilitation of an osteochondral fracture using blood flow restricted exercise: a case review.

OBJECTIVES: In this case review we report on a bodybuilder who used a practical model of blood flow restriction (BFR) training to successfully rehabilitate himself following an injury to his right knee. RESULTS: The patient originally thought he had torn his meniscus however repeat radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an osteochondral fracture. The patient initially sought out a low load alternative to help with the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. However, following rehabilitation with low load BFR resistance training, radiographs indicated that the bone had begun to heal suggesting that this type of training may also benefit bone. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this case review provides evidence that practical BFR using knee wraps can serve as an effective stimulus during rehabilitation from a knee injury.

ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate free acid reduces markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and improves recovery in resistance-trained men.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of short-term supplementation with the free acid form of b-hydroxyb-methylbutyrate (HMB-FA) on indices of muscle damage, protein breakdown, recovery and hormone status following a high-volume resistance training session in trained athletes. A total of twenty resistance-trained males were recruited to participate in a high-volume resistance training session centred on full squats, bench presses and dead lifts. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 3 g/d of HMB-FA or a placebo. Immediately before the exercise session and 48 h post-exercise, serum creatine kinase (CK), urinary 3-methylhistadine (3-MH), testosterone, cortisol and perceived recovery status (PRS) scale measurements were taken. The results showed that CK increased to a greater extent in the placebo (329%) than in the HMB-FA group (104%) (P»0·004, d » 1·6). There was also a significant change for PRS, which decreased to a greater extent in the placebo (9·1 (SEM 0·4) to 4·6 (SEM 0·5)) than in the HMB-FA group (9·1 (SEM 0·3) to 6·3 (SEM 0·3)) (P»0·005, d » 20·48). Muscle protein breakdown, measured by 3-MH analysis, numerically decreased with HMB-FA supplementation and approached significance (P»0·08, d » 0·12). There were no acute changes in plasma total or free testosterone, cortisol or C-reactive protein. In conclusion, these results suggest that an HMB-FA supplement given to trained athletes before exercise can blunt increases in muscle damage and prevent declines in perceived readiness to train following a high-volume, muscle-damaging resistance-training session.

Efficacy of ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate supplementation in elderly and clinical populations.

Muscle loss is common during aging and chronic diseases, such as cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Moreover, muscle loss has been correlated with decreased physical function, quality of life, and mortality in these populations. Therefore, interventions to counteract muscle loss in the elderly and clinical populations are needed. Recently, the efficacy of the leucine metabolite, ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB), to maintain muscle mass has been investigated in these populations. Many studies have found increases in lean mass and strength in the elderly and clinical populations when using HMB; however, not all studies have found beneficial effects of HMB supplementation. The present review summarizes published human studies investigating the efficacy of HMB supplementation in the elderly and clinical populations. In addition, the mechanisms by which HMB may exert its effects are summarized and future research directions are suggested.