The Effects of a Novel Taurine-L-Malic Acid Complex on Indices of Recovery after an Exercise Protocol Inducing Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a novel dietary supplement (Maltor™) on indices of muscle recovery after a delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) protocol. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, subjects consumed the treatment (i.e., 5 g. Maltor™ – a complex of taurine and L-malic acid in an approximately 2:1 ratio) and placebo (i.e.,1 g of sodium citrate and 4 g of maltodextrin) daily over 14 days. Subjects were instructed to consume the treatment or placebo for 14 days. After 14 days of consumption, subjects performed a DOMS protocol based on their 1-RM. Inflammatory markers, arm circumference, strength, subjective and objective measures of pain were assessed 24hr, 48hr and 72hrs after DOMS protocol. Results: A statistically significant difference was found for the assessment of pain threshold via the pressure algometer (p=0.5). Subjects in the treatment group exhibited a higher pain threshold two days post-DOMS (i.e., delta score data). We found no significant differences between groups for arm circumference, 1-RM (p=0.66), pain assessed by VAS (0.94), or arm circumference (p=0.91) between the groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between groups for Interleukin-6 (p=0.85) and C-reactive protein (p=0.48), key markers of inflammation. Conclusions: Based on this preliminary investigation, two weeks of consuming taurine-L-malic acid complex may diminish delayed-onset muscle soreness in exercise-trained males as assessed by an algometer (i.e., assessment of pain threshold).