Abstract
Periods of intense training can elicit an acute decline in performance and body composition associated with weakened hormone profiles. This study investigated the effects of a multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS) on body composition and hormone levels in college athletes following a six-week training protocol. Twenty male college athletes were equally assigned to MIPS and placebo (PLA) groups for supplementation (three pills, twice daily) in conjunction with resistance training and specialized sports training (e.g., nine total sessions/week) for six weeks. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry determined body composition at weeks 0 and 6. Serum samples collected at weeks 0 and 6 determined free testosterone (FT), total testosterone (TT), IGF-1 and total estrogen (TE) levels. PLA experienced a significant decline in lean body mass (LBM) (−1.5 kg; p < 0.05) whereas the MIPS sustained LBM. The MIPS increased TT 21.9% (541.5 ± 48.7 to 639.1 ± 31.7) and increased FT 15.2% (13.28 ± 1.1 to 15.45 ± 1.3 ng/dL) (p < 0.05). Conversely, PLA decreased TT 7.9% (554.5 ± 43.3 to 497.2 ± 39.1 ng/dL), decreased FT 17.4% (13.41 ± 1.8 to 11.23 ± 2.55 ng/dL), and decreased FT:E 12.06% (p < 0.05). These findings suggest the MIPS can prevent decrements in LBM and anabolic hormone profiles during intense training periods.
Highlights
Testosterone is an anabolic, androgenic steroid hormone, which, like other steroid hormones, is derived from cholesterol
The current study’s purpose was two-fold: (I) to examine the efficacy of a multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS) on lean body mass and hormonal profiles in college athletes during the season; and (II) to investigate the effects of a MIPS on hormone levels during high levels of specialized sports training combined with resistance training
While the dose of these ingredients is proprietary, they approximate the clinical doses used in previous research which have shown that a range of 300–600 mg of fenugreek [10] as well as tribulus [13], 50 mg of zinc [14,15], and 30 mg of magnesium can support testosterone levels [16]
Summary
Testosterone is an anabolic, androgenic steroid hormone, which, like other steroid hormones, is derived from cholesterol. Higher testosterone levels have been demonstrated to contribute to increased muscle growth and activation of the nervous system, resulting in enhanced power and strength, mood, libido, and several other benefits [1]. The current literature suggests that as little as a 10% decline in testosterone concentration can significantly reduce gains in strength and muscle hypertrophy [2]. There are conflicting results regarding the anabolic role of testosterone in strength training-induced adaptations [3,4] while other studies have demonstrated positive association of testosterone response on functional performance and body composition [5,6]. A growing interest in herbal ingredients to increase testosterone levels among athletic populations remains. With treatment or supplementation with multi-ingredient performance supplements (MIPS) that contain multiple herbal ingredients
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