Effect of a Multi-Ingredient Post-Workout Dietary Supplement on Body Composition and Muscle Strength - A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Gerontology

Background:

• Aging is associated with sarcopenia and reduced physical function.
• Resistance training is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and strength in older adults.
• Nutritional strategies can augment the benefits of exercise in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of a multi-ingredient post-workout supplement versus a carbohydrate-only supplement on body composition, muscle, strength, and performance in aging individuals.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a supplement containing carbohydrates, leucine-fortified whey protein, creatine, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, and vitamin D3.

Main Methods:

• A 6-week parallel randomized controlled trial involving 20 physically active, aging participants (10 females, 10 males).
• Participants engaged in resistance training three times per week, consuming either a multi-ingredient post-workout supplement (PWS) or a carbohydrate-only comparator (COM) immediately after exercise.
• Body composition, muscle thickness, strength, and performance were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The PWS group significantly increased fat-free mass and reduced fat mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio compared to baseline.
• Waist circumference reduction was significantly greater in the PWS group than in the COM group.
• Both groups showed similar improvements in muscle thickness (vastus lateralis, elbow flexors), medicine ball throw, and endurance performance.
• The PWS group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in countermovement jump performance compared to the COM group.

Conclusions:

• A targeted multi-ingredient post-workout supplement significantly enhances body composition and vertical jump performance in aging, active individuals compared to carbohydrate supplementation alone.
• The multi-ingredient supplement did not yield additional benefits for muscle hypertrophy, upper body strength, or endurance performance over carbohydrate supplementation.
• This study highlights the potential of specific nutritional interventions to optimize training outcomes in older adults.