Effects Of a-hydroxyisocaproic Acid On Body Composition, Doms And Performance In Athletes

Abstract

a-Hydroxyisocaproic acid (a-HICA) is an end product of leucine metabolism in human tissues such as muscle and connective tissue. According to the clinical and experimental studies, a-HICA can be considered as an anti-catabolic substance. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a-HICA supplementation on body composition, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and physical performance of athletes during a training period. METHODS: Fifteen healthy male football players (age 22.1±3.9 yr) volunteered for the 4-week double-blind study during an intensive training period. The subjects in the group HICA (n=8) received 583 mg of sodium salt of a-HICA (corresponding 500 mg of a-HICA mixed with liquid three times a day for 4 weeks, and those in the group PLACEBO (n=7) received placebo (650 mg of maltodextrin) three times a day for the same period. According to a training schedule they practiced football four times a week, strength training two times a week and had one football game a week during the study. The subjects were required to keep diaries on training, food and symptoms of DOMS. Body composition was evaluated with DEXA before and after the 4-week period. Muscle strength and running velocity were measured with field tests. Statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA. RESULTS: The a-HICA supplementation increased compared to placebo significantly lean whole body mass (p<0.001) and whole body muscle mass (p<0.01) while fat mass remained constant. The muscle mass of lower extremities increased by 400g in HICA but decreased by 150g in PLACEBO. The a-HICA supplementation decreased significantly (p<0.01) the whole body DOMS symptoms in the 4th week of the treatment when compared to placebo. Muscle strength and running velocity did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The a-HICA supplementation increases muscle mass and decreases muscle soreness during an intensive training period in athletes.