The Effect of a Multi-ingredient Supplement on Resistance Training-induced Adaptations

INTRODUCTION Resistance exercise training (RET) induces muscle hypertrophy that, when combined with co-temporal protein ingestion, is enhanced. However, fewer studies have been conducted when RET is combined with multi-ingredient supplements. PURPOSE We aimed to determine the effect of a high-quality multi-ingredient nutritional supplement (SUPP) versus an isonitrogenous (lower protein quality), isoenergetic placebo (PL) on RET-induced gains in lean body mass (LBM), muscle thickness and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). We hypothesized that RET-induced gains in lean body mass (LBM) and muscle CSA would be greater in SUPP versus PL. METHODS In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, twenty-six (13 male, 13 female) healthy young adults (22 ± 2 years [mean ± SD]) were randomized to either the SUPP group (n=13; 20g whey protein, 2g leucine, 2.5g creatine monohydrate, 300 mg calcium citrate, 1000 IU vitamin D) or the PL group (n=13; 20g collagen peptides, 1.4 g alanine, 0.6 g glycine) groups, ingesting their respective supplements twice daily. Measurements were obtained before and after a 10-week linear progressive RET program. RESULTS Greater increases in LBM were observed for SUPP versus PL (SUPP: +4.1 ± 1.3kg, PL: +2.8 ± 1.7kg, p<0.05). No additive effect of the supplement could be detected on vastus lateralis muscle CSA, but SUPP did result in increased biceps brachii muscle CSA and thickness (p<0.05). CONCLUSION We conclude that when combined with RET, the consumption of SUPP increased lean body mass and upper body cross-sectional area and thickness to a greater extent than to that observed in the PL group of healthy young adults.