The effects of eight weeks of heavy resistance training and branched chain amino acid and carbohydrate supplementation on muscle performance and body composition.

Abstract

Branched chain amino acid supplements are becoming one of the more popular and well known supplements currently on the market. It is thought that branched chain amino acids support the body during resistance training by supplying the muscles with an excess supply of branched chain amino acids in order to quickly repair muscle, supplying the muscles with energy, and increasing muscle protein synthesis. This study evaluated how eight weeks of supplementation with branched chain amino acids and carbohydrates affected body composition and muscle performance in untrained males between the ages of 18 and 35. In other short term studies there are significant improvements that can be made with supplementation (Kerksick, et al., 2006). This study evaluated the long term effects that may be seen with supplementation.