Impact of Amino Acids to Enhance Anabolism After Home-based Exercise

Impact of Amino Acids to Enhance Anabolism After Home-based Exercise

An adequate quantity of lean body mass is vital for optimal health and performance, and is accrued when net protein balance (NPB) is positive. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and when consumed following resistance exercise, significantly improve NPB.

However, no study has investigated how a supplement of all of the essential amino acids (EAA) affects NPB following resistance exercise in a free-living, home-based setting, particularly when compared to a supplement of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA).

Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the impact of a novel EAA supplement on anabolism (e.g., NPB) as compared to BCAA and placebo supplements following home-based resistance exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-35 years
• Recreationally active; currently performing structured exercise (e.g., running, weight lifting, team-sport activity) at least 2 days per week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body Mass Index: >29.9kg/m^2
• Inability to perform physical activity as determined by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
• Inability to adhere to protocol guidelines (e.g., alcohol, habitual diet)
• Regular tobacco use
• Illicit drug use (e.g., growth hormone, testosterone)
• Diagnosed medical condition under the care of a physician
• Inability to abstain from supplements (e.g., protein, creatine, HMB, BCAA, phosphatidic acid) at least three weeks before and during trials
• Individuals on any medications known to affect protein metabolism (e.g., corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescription-strength acne medications)