Thursday, May 21, 2009
White Tea extract induces lipolytic activity and inhibits adipogenesis in human subcutaneous (pre)-adipocytes.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The dramatic increase in obesity-related diseases emphasizes the need to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fat metabolism. To investigate how natural substances influence lipolysis and adipogenesis, we determined the effects of White Tea extract on cultured human subcutaneous preadipocytes and adipocytes. METHODS: For our in vitro studies we used a White Tea extract solution that contained polyphenols and methylxanthines. Utilizing cultured human preadipocytes we investigated White Tea extract solution-induced inhibition of triglyceride incorporation during adipogenesis and possible effects on cell viability. In vitro studies on human adipocytes were performed aiming to elucidate the efficacy of White Tea extract solution to stimulate lipolytic activity. To characterize White Tea extract solution-mediated effects on a molecular level, we analyzed gene expression of essential adipogenesis-related transcription factors by qRT-PCR and determined the expression of the transcription factor ADD1/SREBP-1c on the protein level utilizing immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: Our data show that incubation of preadipocytes with White Tea extract solution significantly decreased triglyceride incorporation during adipogenesis in a dose- dependent manner (n = 10) without affecting cell viability (n = 10). These effects were, at least in part, mediated by EGCG (n = 10, 50 muM). In addition, White Tea extract solution also stimulated lipolytic activity in adipocytes (n = 7). Differentiating preadipocytes cultivated in the presence of 0.5% White Tea extract solution showed a decrease in PPARgamma, ADD1/SREBP-1c, C/EBPalpha and C/EBPdelta mRNA levels. Moreover, the expression of the transcription factor ADD1/SREBP-1c was not only decreased on the mRNA but also on the protein level. CONCLUSIONS: White Tea extract is a natural source that effectively inhibits adipogenesis and stimulates lipolysis-activity. Therefore, it can be utilized to modulate different levels of the adipocyte life cycle.
Cereal with milk is better than sugar-filled sports drinks
In college, I once watched a kid eat two hotdogs with ketchup and a bowl of Lucky Charms for dinner. I was in awe. But maybe the gross stoner was onto something.
Because new findings in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition claim eating a bowl of cereal and milk works better before a workout than sports drinks.
For the study, scientists had 12 trained cyclists, 8 male and 4 female, go through a typical exercise routine, a brief warm-up followed by two hours of peddling at a comfortable pace.
Researchers say a bowl of whole grain cereal and milk recharged muscles just as good as sports drinks, calling it a better option for amateur athletes than pricey drinks, but here’s the catch.
The study was sponsored by the General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition. Clearly, there is a not-so hidden agenda here. A lot like a recent resport by the Wrigley Science Institute, which claims chewing gum helps control appetite and weight-gain.
Now, if I’m feeling picky before Yoga I grab a banana. Not cereal. Then again, I’m lactose intolerant. So having milk then squatting would not be a good idea.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The effects of a nutritionally enriched coffee drink on repeated flying 40-yd sprint performance
Background:
A double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial was performed to evaluate the effects of a nutritionally enriched coffee (NEC) drink compared to decaffeinated coffee (DC) on repeated flying 40-yard sprint performance.
Methods:
Physically active male and female volunteers (n = 13) completed 24 × 50 yard sprints following NEC and DC (counterbalanced). Sprints were completed in 2 halves(12 sprints per half) with 2 minutes recovery between each sprint and a 10-minute recovery period between halves. Acute-RPE (A-RPE) (0–10 omni scale) was recorded after every sprint and Session RPE (S-RPE) was recorded 20 min after completing each trial. Blood lactate ([LA]) was recorded at baseline and following sprints, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Additionally, a fatigue index (FI) was calculated as a percentage difference between mean sprint time and fastest sprint time.
Results:
A 2 (trial) × 2 (treatment) repeated measures ANOVA revealed significantly (p = 0.03) faster (main effect) sprint time for NEC. Post-hoc analyses revealed significantly faster times (p ≤ 0.05) for sprints 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 17, while approaching significance at sprints 10 (p = 0.07) and 15 (p = 0.08). No main effect for A-RPE (p = 0.28) or [LA] (p = 0.15) was found. Results from a paired t-test revealed a significantly improved FI (p = 0.04) with NEC but no significant impact on S-RPE (p = 0.72).
Conclusion:
Results indicate that caffeine administered in a NEC drink can enhance repeated bouts of acute sprint performance possibly through delayed fatigue as evidenced in a dampened perceived exertion response (faster sprints with similar RPE).
My Take:
The findings of this study appear to give a reason for physically active males and females to consume nutritionally enriched coffee before any repeated bouts of sprints to enhance their performance by blunting their perception of fatigue. I don’t feel that regular gym goers who workout in the afternoon would be crazy about performance enhancing through coffee. However, this coffee could be beneficial for the morning rush gym rats. After reading this abstract I had a few questions. First would be could these results translate to elite athletes, I know for a fact that at Penn State when the football players come back from summer break they must run 15 40 yard dash all within .2 seconds of their best. If this nutritionally enhanced coffee could dull their perception of fatigue they might be able to pass this test easily. Also I am assuming that the participants consumed JavaFit coffee, how much coffee did the subjects consume? And how many mg of caffeine? Other than these questions it appears that this enhanced coffee may be very beneficial especially to gym goers early in the morning, one to offset fatigue and two psychologically ( I know I can’t function until I have my cup of coffee.)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
GPLC improves performance!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Effects of beta-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training on endurance performance and body composition in men; a double-blind tria
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2009, 6:5doi:10.1186/1550-2783-6-5
Published: 11 February 2009
Abstract: Intermittent bouts of high-intensity exercise result in diminished stores of energy substrates, followed by an accumulation of metabolites, promoting chronic physiological adaptations. In addition, -alanine has been accepted has an effective physiological hydrogen ion (H+) buffer. Concurrent high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and -alanine supplementation may result in greater adaptations than HIIT alone. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of combining -alanine supplementation with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on endurance performance and aerobic metabolism in recreationally active college-aged men. Methods. Forty-six men (Age: 22.2 ± 2.7 yrs; Ht: 178.1 ± 7.4 cm; Wt: 78.7 ± 11.9; VO2peak: 3.3 ± 0.59 l·min-1) were assessed for peak O2 utilization (VO2peak), time to fatigue (VO2TTE), ventilatory threshold (VT), and total work done at 110% of pre-training VO2peak (TWD). In a double-blind fashion, all subjects were randomly assigned into one either a placebo (PL – 16.5g dextrose powder per packet; n=18) or -alanine (BA – 1.5 g -alanine plus 15 g dextrose powder per packet; n=18) group. All subjects supplemented four times per day (total of 6g/day) for the first 21-days, followed by two times per day (3g/day) for the subsequent 21 days, and engaged in a total of six weeks of HIIT training consisting of 5-6 bouts of a 2:1 minute cycling work to rest ratio. Results. Significant improvements in VO2peak, VO2TTE, and TWD after three weeks of training were displayed (p<0.05). Increases in VO2peak, VO2TTE, TWD and lean body mass were only significant for the BA group after the second three weeks of training. Conclusions. The use of HIIT to induce significant aerobic improvements is effective and efficient. Chronic BA supplementation may further enhance HIIT, improving endurance performance and lean body mass.
Discussion: -alanine supplementation appeared to have a greater influence on VO2peak and VO2TTE, resulting in a significant (p<0.05) increase during the second three weeks of training, while no change occurred in placebo group. In addition, TWD significantly (p<0.05) increased during the last three weeks by 32% and 18% for the -alanine and Placebo groups, respectively. Improvements in VT were also reported for both training groups, however the placebo group demonstrated significant improvements during the last three week training phase (Table 1). Lastly, the present study also identified a significant change in lean body mass for the -alanine supplementing group after three weeks, with no change in the placebo group.
My Take on it.I would like to see the study repeated on trained subjects to see if that affects the results. Additionally I would like to see the training intensities and volumes to be equal between groups. Although not statistically significant, it was stated that the BA group trained consistently at higher workloads and durations than the placebo groups and this could certainly effect body composition as well as other physiological responses.Nevertheless, I shall be trying this supplement on myself and then may suggest it to my clients!
Creatine Ethyl Ester is not superior to Creatine Monohydrate
This study examined how a seven-week supplementation regimen combined with resistance training affected body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength and power, serum and muscle creatine levels, and serum creatinine levels in 30 non-resistance-trained males. In a double-blind manner, participants were randomly assigned to a maltodextrose placebo (PLA), creatine monohydrate (CRT), or creatine ethyl ester (CEE) group. The supplements were orally ingested at a dose of 0.30 g/kg fat-free body mass (approximately 20 g/day) for five days followed by ingestion at 0.075 g/kg fat free mass (approximately 5 g/day) for 42 days. Results showed significantly higher serum creatine concentrations in PLA (p = 0.007) and CRT (p = 0.005) compared to CEE. Serum creatinine was greater in CEE compared to the PLA (p = 0.001) and CRT (p = 0.001) and increased at days 6, 27, and 48. Total muscle creatine content was significantly higher in CRT (p = 0.026) and CEE (p = 0.041) compared to PLA, with no differences between CRT and CEE. Significant changes over time were observed for body composition, body water, muscle strength and power variables, but no significant differences were observed between groups. In conclusion, when compared to creatine monohydrate, creatine ethyl ester was not as effective at increasing serum and muscle creatine levels or in improving body composition, muscle mass, strength, and power. Therefore, the improvements in these variables can most likely be attributed to the training protocol itself, rather than the supplementation regimen.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
High School Kids Suspended for POSSESSION of Creatine
http://www.vindy.com/news/2009/feb/13/struthers-8212-lennard-burke-jr-a-sophomore/
Published: Friday, February 13, 2009
By William k. Alcorn
STRUTHERS — Lennard Burke Jr., a sophomore at Struthers High School, was still waiting Thursday for the results of his appeal of a 10-day suspension for possessing a muscle-building supplement containing creatine in school.
The 15-year-old’s appeal Wednesday before Schools Superintendent Robert Rostan lasted about five minutes, during which time he and his father, Lennard Sr., presented his case.
Burke Sr. said Rostan did not make an immediate decision and said he would mail his decision to the family.
Burke Jr. was suspended beginning Feb. 4, and could be expelled from school, for possession of the supplement that his father says is neither a prescription nor an over-the-counter medicine.
“We don’t have a problem with the school setting policy. We just don’t think creatine was a banned substance when my son was suspended,” Burke Sr. said.
Burke Sr. said that if the suspension escalates into expulsion he would also appeal that decision.
In a related matter, Burke Sr. said he and his wife, Gina, plan to pursue complaints filed with the Ohio Department of Education against Joseph Fuline, associate high school principal, and Mary Ann Meadows, high school principal.
Burke said the complaints are the result of a confrontation between him and his wife and the school officials the day of Burke Jr.’s suspension. Burke said he does not believe he and his wife were treated professionally.
Burke Sr. said his son is a student-athlete. It’s not all about football and weight lifting. He just wants to get back to school and be a student.
alcorn@vindy.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Meltdown: Thermogenic Effect of an acute ingestion of a weight loss supplement.
The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a weight loss supplement on resting oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory quotient (RQ), caloric expenditure (kcal), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) in healthy and physically active individuals.
Methods
Ten subjects (5 male, 5 female; 20.2 ± 1.2 y; 172.2 ± 8.9 cm; 71.5 ± 17.2 kg; 17.3 ± 2.6% body fat) underwent two testing sessions administered in a randomized and double-blind fashion. During each session, subjects reported to the Human Performance Laboratory after at least 3-h post-absorptive state and were provided either 3 capsules of the weight loss supplement (SUP), commercially marketed as Meltdown® or 3 capsules of a placebo (P). Subjects then rested in a semi-recumbent position for three hours. VO2 and HR were determined every 5 min during the first 30 min and every 10 min during the next 150 min. BP was determined every 15 min during the first 30 min and every 30 min thereafter. The profile of mood states was assessed every 30 min.
Results
Area under the curve analysis revealed a significant 28.9% difference in VO2 between SUP and P for the three hour study period. In addition, a significant difference in energy expenditure was also seen between SUP (1.28 ± 0.33 kcal·min-1) and P (1.00 ± 0.32 kcal·min-1). A trend (p = 0.06) towards a greater utilization of stored fat as an energy source was also demonstrated (0.78 ± 0.23 kcal·min-1 and 0.50 ± 0.38 kcal·min-1 in P and SUP, respectively). Significant elevations in HR were seen during hours two and three of the study, and significantly higher average systolic BP was observed between SUP (118.0 ± 7.3 mmHg) and P (111.4 ± 8.2 mmHg). No significant differences were seen in diastolic blood pressure at any time point. Significant increases in tension and confusion were seen in SUP.
Conclusion
Results indicate a significant increase in energy expenditure in young, healthy individuals following an acute ingestion of a weight loss supplement. In addition, ingestion of this supplement appears to modify mood and elevate HR and systolic BP following ingestion
Reference
Thermogenic effect of an acute ingestion of a weight loss supplement
Jay R Hoffman , Jie Kang , Nicholas A Ratamess , Stefanie L Rashti , Christopher P Tranchina and Avery D Faigenbaum
Department of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718, Ewing, New Jersey 08628, USA
My take on it?
I had always thought that Ephedra was a nifty weight loss supplement so I wondered how long it would be before someone tried to do an end run around the FDA ban on it.
The supplement studied here (Meltdown) contains synephrine, which certainly sounds like it is related to ephedrine . . . but the authors don't make that clear.
Whilst more studies will no doubt be done on this one, I think the side effects of increased anxiety and confusion may be problematic, not to mention the increased Systolic BP. Additionally there seems to be an increase in vasoconstriction (hence the increased SBP), that could be problematic if this supplement were used in conjunction with exercise in the heat.
Monday, January 5, 2009
JISSN Announces New Editors-in-Chief

The JISSN announces that Jose Antonio, Ph.D. and Douglas Kalman, R.D., Ph.D. will take over the helm of Editor in Chief for the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Under the previous leadership of Dr. Richard Kreider, of Texas A & M, the JISSN has grown to be the leading source of scientic information in the sports nutrition and supplements category. Click here to read the latest studies in the JISSN.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Milk Your Workout for all It’s Worth—5 Wheys Low-Fat Dairy is a Nutrient Powerhouse

1. Provides carbohydrates in the form of sugar
2. Good source of high quality protein, but is also low in fat
3. Protein content also has branched-chain amino acids
4. Contains liquid and electrolytes
5. Inexpensive and convenient
1. Provides carbohydrates in the form of sugar
After a workout, the body needs recovery food to completely benefit from the exercise. Carbohydrates are important after a workout for a few reasons. First of all, they help to maintain blood sugar, especially for people who are likely to experience hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) symptoms; Type 2 diabetics fall into this category. Also, sugar is a potent stimulator of insulin. Following a workout, insulin binds to recpetors on the muscle and sends a“signal” that it is time to make protein. An insulin spike right after a workout tells the genes for making muscle proteins to become activated.
Finally, sugar is a good source of carbohydrate for the quick replacement of glycogen stores. This is especially important for athletes (of any age and competition level) who will be playing in a tournament or several matches back to back. Athletes “hit the wall” when muscle glycogen is depleted; the sooner carbohydrate makes it to your muscles, the better. Skim milk contains the two-unit sugar lactose.
Also, sweetened low-fat milk products are also good to have after a workout. One study, conducted by Karp and his colleagues, compared low-fat chocolate milk to either a traditional hydration drink or another carbohydrate-containing beverage in between two hard endurance workouts. The athletes who got the chocolate milk were able to exercise longer in the second bout. In addition to chocolate milk, low-fat ice cream or low-fat yogurt are also good choices.
2. Good source of high quality protein, but is also low in fat
Once the muscles get the signal to increase protein synthesis, they need a steady stream of building blocks, or amino acids, to complete the process. Amino acids are obtained from protein in food. Milk is an especially good source of protein because it contains both quick-absorbing whey and slower-absorbing casein. Both of these protein types are shown to increase protein synthesis after a workout; however, some researchers think that the muscle-building benefits of each protein are maximized when the two are taken together. Unfortunately, many high quality protein sources are in solid form and also packaged with a lot of extra fat. Fat slows the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach into the small intestine, so having too much fat after a workout slows the adsorption of much-needed sugars and amino acids into the blood. This is why high-fat post-workout drink may not be a good choice. Low-fat dairy is one of the few natural, high-quality protein, low-fat post workout options.
3. Protein content also has branched-chain amino acids
Not all amino acids are created equal. Some cannot be made in the body and are considered “essential.” Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and the BCAA leucine, in particular, are special for a couple of reasons. First of all, the muscle prefers to use BCAA as fuel during a workout; the body will break down your own muscle mass to get them if your supply if insufficient, since all BCAA are essential amino acids. Also, the BCAA leucine, like insulin, tells the muscles to make more structural proteins, so leucine is both a nutrient and a “signal.” Low-fat milk is a great source of leucine; specifically, milk contains about 0.8g of leucine per 8oz (240mL) cup. Typically, sports nutrition experts recommend about 1.5-2 grams of leucine following a workout; therefore, 2 cups of fat-free milk would put you the ball park by providing 1.6 grams of muscle-building leucine.
4. Contains liquid and electrolytes
Until recently, it was assumed that the best post workout hydration source is an fruity electrolyte drink. However, a recent article published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that low-fat milk promotes hydration after exercise better than either commonly used sports drink or water.
5. Inexpensive and convenient
Last, but certainly not least, you shouldn’t have to go out of your way to give your body what it needs after a hard day and an even harder workout. Low-fat milk, ice cream and yogurts are everywhere! In summary, according to Karen Kafer, RD, National Dairy Council, “[Milk is a] nutrient-rich package…for athletes: protein, carbohydrates, fluid and electrolytes, and vitamins and minerals. The vitamin and mineral package in milk includes calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, niacin and potassium. Together these help with strong bones, convert energy to fuel working muscles and maintain fluid and mineral balance."
Jean offers nutrition coaching for weight loss, muscle gain, or any of your personal goals at her office in the Alico building in downtown Waco, TX. She also offers personal training services at Ironhorse gym on the corner of Franklin and 17th, which is also very convenient to downtown. Contact information can be found on her personal website.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Top 10 Most Accessed Articles in 2008 for the JISSN
1. Accesses 10592 | Research article ![]() ![]() Effects of eight weeks of an alleged aromatase inhibiting nutritional supplement 6-OXO (androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione) on serum hormone profiles and clinical safety markers in resistance-trained, eugonadal males Dan Rohle, Colin Wilborn, Lem Taylor, Chris Mulligan, Richard Kreider, Darryn Willoughby Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2007, 4:13 (19 October 2007) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] |
2. Accesses 9098 | Review ![]() ![]() International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Nutrient timing Chad Kerksick, Travis Harvey, Jeff Stout, Bill Campbell, Colin Wilborn, Richard Kreider, Doug Kalman, Tim Ziegenfuss, Hector Lopez, Jamie Landis, John L Ivy, Jose Antonio Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:17 (3 October 2008) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] [Cited on BioMed Central] |
3. Accesses 8778 | Commentary ![]() ![]() International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise Thomas W Buford, Richard B Kreider, Jeffrey R Stout, Mike Greenwood, Bill Campbell, Marie Spano, Tim Ziegenfuss, Hector Lopez, Jamie Landis, Jose Antonio Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2007, 4:6 (30 August 2007) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] [Cited on BioMed Central] |
4. Accesses 8714 | Poster presentation ![]() ![]() Effect of a combination dietary supplement product (Bounce-Back™) on the signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness after eccentric exercise: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study Jay Udani, Betsy Singh, Elizabeth Sandoval Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5(Suppl 1):P24 (17 September 2008) [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF] |
5. Accesses 8121 | Commentary ![]() ![]() International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise Bill Campbell, Richard B Kreider, Tim Ziegenfuss, Paul La Bounty, Mike Roberts, Darren Burke, Jamie Landis, Hector Lopez, Jose Antonio Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2007, 4:8 (26 September 2007) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] [Cited on BioMed Central] |
6. Accesses 6598 | Research article ![]() ![]() Fat intake and injury in female runners Kristen E Gerlach, Harold W Burton, Joan M Dorn, John J Leddy, Peter J Horvath Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:1 (3 January 2008) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] |
7. Accesses 6264 | Research article ![]() ![]() Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals Matthew Cooke, Mike Iosia, Thomas Buford, Brian Shelmadine, Geoffrey Hudson, Chad Kerksick, Christopher Rasmussen, Mike Greenwood, Brian Leutholtz, Darryn Willoughby, Richard Kreider Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:8 (4 March 2008) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] |
8. Accesses 6194 | Review ![]() ISSN Exercise & Sport Nutrition Review: Research & Recommendations Richard B Kreider, Anthony L Almada, Jose Antonio, Craig Broeder, Conrad Earnest, Mike Greenwood, Thomas Incledon, Douglas S Kalman, Susan M Kleiner, Brian Leutholtz, Lonnie M Lowery, Ron Mendel, Jeffrey R Stout, Darryn S Willoughby, Tim N Ziegenfuss Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2004, 1:1-44 (10 May 2004) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
9. Accesses 6080 | Research article ![]() ![]() Effect of carbohydrate-protein supplement timing on acute exercise-induced muscle damage James P White, Jacob M Wilson, Krista G Austin, Beau K Greer, Noah St John, Lynn B Panton Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:5 (19 February 2008) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] [Cited on BioMed Central] |
10. Accesses 5993 | Research article ![]() ![]() The effects of creatine pyruvate and creatine citrate on performance during high intensity exercise Ralf Jäger, Jan Metzger, Karin Lautmann, Vladimir Shushakov, Martin Purpura, Kurt-Reiner Geiss, Norbert Maassen Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:4 (13 February 2008) [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [PubMed] [Related articles] |
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Recovery from a cycling time trial is enhanced with carbohydrate-protein
| |
Published: | 24 December 2008 |
Abstract (provisional)
Background: In this study we assessed whether a liquid carbohydrate-protein (C+P) supplement (0.8g/kg C; 0.4g/kg P) ingested early during recovery from a cycling time trial could enhance a subsequent 60 min effort on the same day vs. an isoenergetic liquid carbohydrate (CHO) supplement (1.2g/kg). Methods: Two hours after a standardized breakfast, 15 trained male cyclists completed a time trial in which they cycled as far as they could in 60 min (AMex) using a Computrainer indoor trainer. Following AMex, subjects ingested either C+P, or CHO at 10, 60 and 120 min, followed by a standardized meal at 4h post exercise. At 6 h post AMex subjects repeated the time trial (PMex). Results: There was a significant reduction in performance for both groups in PMex versus AMex. However, performance and power decreases between PMex and AMex were significantly greater (p<0.05)> Conclusions: Under these experimental conditions, liquid C+P ingestion immediately after exercise increases fat oxidation, increases recovery, and improves subsequent same day, 60 min efforts relative to isoenergetic CHO ingestion.
Thermogenic Supplement Ratches Up Metabolism
Jean Jitomir , Erika Nassar , Julie Culbertson , Jen Moreillon , Thomas Buford , Geoffrey Hudson , Matt Cooke , Richard Kreider and Darryn S Willoughby
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:23doi:10.1186/1550-2783-5-23
| |
Published: | 16 December 2008 |
Abstract (provisional)
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a thermogenic supplement, Meltdown, on energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and hemodynamics before and after maximal treadmill exercise. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 12 male participants underwent two testing sessions after consuming either the Meltdownor placebo supplement. While in a fasted state, participants rested for one hour, orally ingested either Meltdown or placebo, rested for another hour, performed a maximal treadmill exercise test, and then rested for another hour. Throughout the testing protocol resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were assessed. Meltdown increased REE significantly more than placebo at 45 min (1.44 + 0.25 vs. 1.28 + 0.23 kcal/min; p= 0.003), 60 min (1.49 + 0.28 vs. 1.30 + 0.22 kcal/min; p= 0.025), and 120 min (1.51 + 0.26 vs. 1.33 + 0.27 kcals/min; p = 0.014) post-ingestion. Meltdown significantly decreased RER at 30 min (0.84 + 0.03 vs. 0.91 + 0.04; p = 0.022) and 45 min post-ingestion (0.82 + 0.04 vs. 0.89 + 0.05; p = 0.042), and immediately post-exercise (0.83 + 0.05 vs. 0.90 + 0.07; p = 0.009). Furthermore, over the course of the evaluation period, area under the curve assessment demonstrated that REE was significantly increased with Meltdown compared to placebo (9,925 + 1,331 vs. 8,951 + 2,961 kcals; p = 0.043), while RER was significantly less than placebo (5.55 + 0.61 vs. 5.89 + 0.44; p = 0.002) following ingestion. HR and BP were not significantly affected prior to exercise with either supplement (p > 0.05) and the exercise-induced increases for HR and BP decreased into recovery and were not different between supplements (p > 0.05). These data suggest that Meltdown enhances REE and fat oxidation more than placebo for several hours after ingestion in fully rested and post-exercise states without any adverse hemodynamic responses.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
ISSN Publishes Position Statement on Nutrient Timing
The second tenet reads, "During exercise, carbohydrate [CHO]should be consumed at a rate of 30 - 60 grams of CHO/hour in a 6 - 8 % CHO solution (8 - 16 fluid ounces) every 10 - 15 minutes. Adding protein [PRO] to create a CHO:PRO ratio of 3 - 4:1 may increase endurance performance and maximally promotes glycogen re-synthesis during acute and subsequent bouts of endurance exercise."
The eighth tenet reads, "Nutrient timing incorporates the use of methodical planning and eating of whole foods, nutrients extracted from food, and other sources. The timing of the energy intake and the ratio of certain ingested macronutrients are likely the attributes which allow for enhanced recovery and tissue repair following high-volume exercise, augmented muscle protein synthesis, and improved mood states when compared with unplanned or traditional strategies of nutrient intake."
To read all eight tenets, click here.
http://www.poweringmuscles.com/Sports-Science-61,Issn_Publishes_Position_Statement_On_Nutrient_Timing.html
Beta-Alanine improves performance in the elderly
Sport Supplement May Help Shield Seniors From Falls
Beta-alanine boosts muscle, balance, study finds

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 19 (HealthDay News) -- The dietary supplement beta-alanine (BA) -- widely used by athletes and body builders -- improves muscle endurance in the elderly, according to U.S. researchers.
The finding "could have importance in the prevention of falls, and the maintenance of health and independent living in elderly men and women," said study author Jeffrey Stout of the University of Oklahoma.
Related News
BA is an amino acid that helps form carnosine, which plays a major role in normal muscle function during intense exercise. The more BA, the higher carnosine levels in muscles, the researchers said.
In this study, Stout and his colleagues assessed the fitness levels of 26 elderly men and women before and after they took BA supplements or placebo pills for 90 days.
They found a 67 percent improvement in the fitness levels of those who took BA, compared to a 21.5 percent improvement in the placebo group.
"Our data suggest that 90 days of BA supplementation increased physical working capacity in elderly men and women," the study authors wrote. "These findings are clinically significant, as a decrease in functional capacity to perform daily living tasks has been associated with an increase in mortality, primarily due to increased risk of falls."
The study was published online this month in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.