A Comparison of the Effects of a High Carbohydrate vs. a Higher Protein Milk Supplement Following Simulated Mountain Skirmishes

Abstract

This study compared the effects of a higher protein supplement manufactured from milk vs. a commercially available higher carbohydrate supplement on serum markers of muscle damage, anaerobic exercise, choice reaction time, and body composition during 2 weekends of vigorous hikes with simulated mountain skirmishes. Thirty-five university students, including Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets and athletes, carried 25% of their body weight (up to 26.4 kg) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday hikes. Supplementation and Wingate tests followed each hike, and choice reaction testing preceded and followed each hike. Blood samples were obtained and body compositions were measured pre- and postweekend. Increased cortisol, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, creatine phosphokinase, and aldolase suggested the exercise regimen induced muscle damage and inflammation, which was attenuated during the second weekend of hikes. Absolute anaerobic capacity was somewhat greater following consumption of the milk supplement (p = 0.082). Body compositions did not change significantly during this study. Choice reaction times decreased following hikes and were significantly faster following consumption of the carbohydrate supplement (p < 0.04). Supplements including milk proteins and carbohydrates may improve endurance exercise and decision-making abilities of military personnel and endurance athletes.

A systematic review of performance-enhancing pharmacologicals and biotechnologies in the Army

“…This finding was derived from one study and should be viewed cautiously because the authors of the study failed to take into account training effects and poorly described the results and tools used to assess sleepiness. A similar result was observed with protein supplements (attention, decision-making) 22. Melatonin and temazepam both showed improvement in one cognitive domain—vigilance 15 23.…”

“…In a study of 67 active-serving Army personnel with PTSD, performance on a global function cognitive test strongly favoured prazosin over placebo 7. A study of general Army personnel in simulated mountain skirmishes strongly favoured protein supplementation over carbohydrate supplementation (active control) in performance on choice visual reaction time test 22. Finally, a study of general Army personnel in a cold exposure setting favoured levothyroxine group over the placebo group for performance on POMS test 9…”

Does Protein Supplementation Support Adaptations to Arduous Concurrent Exercise Training? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Military Based Applications

“…The reported mean age of participants ranged between 18 and 31 years. Intervention durations ranged from one day to six months with seven studies using a standardised concurrent endurance and resistance training programme [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ], two studies using a military training programme [ 51 , 58 ] and two studies using an acute loaded march protocol [ 59 , 60 , 61 ].…”

“…The majority of studies supplemented participants with whey protein in the form of a beverage, except one which used a protein bar [ 59 ], with the most common strategy being to provide an absolute bolus dose of protein ranging between 20–50 g. One study provided an additional dose of whey protein relative to body mass (2.4 g·kg −1 ·day −1 ) [ 54 ]. Crowe et al [ 53 ] provided participants with a leucine supplement (45 mg·kg −1 ·day −1 ).…”

Current dietary supplement use of Australian military veterans of Middle East operations

“…However, the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements have long been debated ( 2 ) . Carbohydrate and/or protein drinks can offer benefits during an extended period of intensive exercise ( 3 , 4 ) , or iron and calcium supplements can be beneficial for persons with low dietary intakes of these nutrients ( 5 ) . Due to the high physical demands commonly experienced by military personnel, they choose to use dietary supplements to improve energy levels, performance, muscle strength and endurance, and to promote general health ( 6 ) .…”