In a single-blind, matched group design: branched-chain amino acid supplementation and resistance training maintains lean body mass during a caloric restricted diet

Abstract

BackgroundAthletes and active adults many times have the goal of improving/maintaining fitness while losing weight and this is best achieved by caloric restriction in combination with exercise. However, this poses a risk for lean tissue loss, which can limit performance. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement, in conjunction with heavy resistance training and a carbohydrate caloric-restricted “cut diet” on body composition and muscle fitness.MethodsSeventeen resistance-trained males (21–28 years of age) were randomized to a BCAA group (n = 9) or a carbohydrate (CHO) group (n = 8) who both received their respective supplement during the 8 weeks of a prescribed body building style resistance training protocol. Subjects were prescribed a hypocaloric diet (based upon pre-intervention analysis) that was to be followed during the study.ResultsThe BCAA group lost fat mass (−0.05 ± 0.08 kg;p < .05) and maintained lean mass, while the CHO group lost lean mass (−0.90 ± 0.06 kg; p < .05) and body mass (−2.3 ± 0.7 kg; p < .05). Both groups increased 1RM squat, but the increase in the BCAA group (15.1 ± 2.2 kg; p < .05)was greater (P < 0.05) than the CHO group. The BCAA group increased 1RM bench press (7.1 ± 1.6 kg; P < 0.05), while the CHO group decreased strength (−3.7 ± 2.3 kg; P < 0.05). The only change in muscular endurance was an increase in repetitions to fatigue (5.3 ± 0.2; p < .05) in the CHO group.ConclusionThese results show that BCAA supplementation in trained individuals performing resistance training while on a hypocaloric diet can maintain lean mass and preserve skeletal muscle performance while losing fat mass.

Effects of Tao‐Hong‐Si‐Wu decoction on acute blood stasis in rats based on a LC‐Q/TOF‐MS metabolomics and network approach

“…When acute blood stasis models were structured, l ‐tryptophan significantly increased and tryptophan metabolism was altered. l ‐Leucine participates in valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and regulates blood glucose to provide energy to the body (Dudgeon, Kelley, & Scheett, ). Like valine and isoleucine, leucine is a branched‐chain amino acid.…”

Protein Recommendations for Weight Loss in Elite Athletes: A Focus on Body Composition and Performance

“…Figure 2 shows the rates of myofibrillar protein synthesis in the 0-4.5 hr period reported by Churchward-Venne et al in the W25, W6 + High-Leu, and W25 groups (Churchward-Venne et al, 2014). Dudgeon et al (2016) placed young resistance-trained males on a carbohydrate energy restricted "cut diet" with heavy resistance training for 8 weeks and participants consumed 14 g BCAA before and after each workout or a carbohydrate control. The control group lost approximately 0.90 ± 0.6 kg LBM, while the LBM in the BCAA group did not change (0.4 ± 0.7 kg), and the control group lost approximately 1.4 ± 0.4 kg fat mass, while the BCAA group lost 0.6 ± 0.5 kg fat mass.…”

The effect of the branched-chain amino acids on the in-vitro activity of bovine intestinal alkaline phosphatase

“…The use of these supplements particularly in a "sports"/fitness context has also shown considerable growth in recent years (Close et al 2016). The branched chain amino acids; L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine are popular supplements reputed to stimulate MPS (Jackman et al 2017), preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss strategies (Dudgeon et al 2016), and to augment recovery after resistance training (Howatson et al 2012). The current study sought to determine the in-vitro effects of these substances on IAP.…”