In Vivo and in Vitro Anabolic Potential of Essential Amino Acids Following Resistance Exercise

In Vivo and in Vitro Anabolic Potential of Essential Amino Acids Following Resistance Exercise

This study seeks to investigate the anabolic potential of a dileucine-enriched essential amino acid (EAA) formulation compared with a branched chain amino acid (BCAA) alternative and a collagen beverage on muscle protein anabolism and catabolism following a bout of resistance exercise training. To do this, investigators will employ a novel 'breath test' method developed in our laboratory as well as blood and urine sampling. The results of this study will allow us to better understand the anabolic potential of dileucine which could have implications for people engaging in regular resistance training (such as athletes) as well as people that need to preserve muscle mass (older people who are susceptible to anabolic resistance and sarcopenia, or muscle wasting).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Trained individuals currently performing structured exercise (e.g., running, weightlifting, team-sport activity) at least 2 days per week for the previous 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to perform physical activity as determined by the PAR-Q
• Inability to adhere to protocol guidelines (e.g., alcohol, habitual diet)
• Regular tobacco use
• Illicit drug use (e.g., growth hormone, testosterone, etc.)
• Diagnosed medical condition under the care of a physician (e.g. type 2 diabetes)
• Inability to abstain from supplements (e.g. protein, creatine, HMB, BCAA, phosphatidic acid, etc.) at least three weeks before the trial
• Individuals on any medications known to affect protein metabolism (e.g., corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or prescription-strength acne medications)
• Participants that are amenorrheic (females only)
• On medications that may interfere with protein metabolism (e.g. anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone therapy)
• Regular tobacco use (e.g. daily use of oral or inhaled tobacco)
• Illicit drug use (e.g. growth hormone, testosterone, etc.)
• Inability to comply with the study protocol as judged by the investigators