The Effects Of A Multi-ingredient Ergogenic Supplement On Body Composition Following High-volume Resistance Training

Abstract

In addition to resistance training (RT) methodology, nutrient intake remains a critical factor for the support of skeletal muscle metabolism, performance, and adaptation. Despite the traditional debate regarding the ideal type, timing, and quality of nutrients for recovery and/or performance, the consumption of exogenous substances like branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), beta-alanine, creatine, glutamine and various plant-based compounds, like piperine have previously shown to support performance, recovery, or metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle. This has largely enabled the use of multi-ingredient ergogenic supplements (MIES) that incorporate a single blend of these substances with the intent of obtaining a synergistic ergogenic effect. What remains unclear is the efficacy by which a MIES blend of such ingredients facilitates the adaptive changes in body composition during a high-volume RT regimen. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a proprietary MIES comprised of BCAA, beta-alanine, creatine hydrochloride, glutamine, and black pepper fruit extract on body composition during 6 weeks of high-volume RT. METHODS: Male and female subjects completed a 6 week RT program 3 days a week with 48 hours of rest between each session. EXP (n=16) and Placebo (PLA) (n=23) groups consumed one serving of the experimental MIES or placebo, respectively immediately post-workout and before sleep on training days, and two servings during rest days. Body composition was measured pre- and post-training via Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. RESULTS: EXP (+1.7 ± 0.3 kg, p<0.001) and PLA (+1.5 ± 0.2 kg, p<0.001) demonstrated an increase in total body mass. EXP demonstrated a greater increase in lean mass than PLA (EXP= 2.1 ± 0.3 kg vs. PLA= 1.1 ± 0.3 kg) (p=0.03). Fat mass was significantly greater in EXP (-0.4 ± 0.2 kg vs. PLA= +0.4 ± 0.2 kg) (p=0.02). EXP exhibited a decrease in body fat percentage (1.2 ± 0.3 % units) (p=0.01) while PLA showed no change. Post-training body fat percentage was lower in EXP than PLA. There were no between-group differences for average daily training volume each week. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of MIES comprised of BCAA, beta-alanine, creatine hydrochloride, glutamine, and black pepper fruit extract may enhance body composition changes during high-volume RT.