The Future of Sports Nutrition Is Here!

Selected Studies from the First Annual International Society of Sports Nutrition Conference

By Real SOLUTIONS Research Editors

"The Future of Sports Nutrition Is Here!" was the title of the first Annual International Society of Sports Nutrition conference held in Las Vegas in June of this year. Many of the industry's leading minds, including Jose Antonio, Ph.D.; Doug Kalman, MS, R.D.; Thomas Incledon, MS, RD, LD, LN, CSCS; Tim Ziegenfuss, Ph.D., CSCS; Jeffery Stout, Ph.D., CSCS, FACSM; and Richard Kreider, Ph.D., were not only presenting their most recent findings on supplementation and enhanced performance but were also attending to absorb the most cutting-edge information available in the world of sports nutrition.

Many leading supplement brands were in attendance as well, and iSatori Technologies was proud to be a major sponsor of the event to ensure we are constantly one step ahead in the sports nutrition field.

During this two-day conference and exposition, several areas were covered, ranging from nutrition to improved body composition to exercise to the safety of creatine right through to nutrition for children... Below are a few of the more interesting abstracts presented at the conference. (We figured we'd spare you from reading through some of the more boring scientific findings... studies that wouldn't add much benefit to your lifestyle anyway.) A few of our interpretations will probably startle you, particularly if you have been using a certain recently "over-hyped" nitric-oxide-producing supplement.

If you'd rather skip our interpretations of the studies and instead opt for the full electronic copy of the actual abstracts presented at this year's conference (from the Sports Nutrition Review Journal), then visit:
http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/site/admin/pdf/ISSN%20Abstracts%20SNRJ%201-1-S1-14-2004b.pdf

"Early Post Exercise Carbohydrate + Protein Ingestion Enhances Exercise Performance 6 Hours Later"

All you cycling enthusiasts out there who are used to consuming large amounts of carbohydrates and avoiding protein... please read on. John Berardi and his fellow researchers determined that a liquid carbohydrate and protein drink consumed immediately after exercise could improve subsequent cycling performance. These drinks were consumed between one and two hours after exercise, again revealing the importance of getting both protein and carbohydrates into your body after exercise.

CONCLUSION: Cyclists largely ignore protein consumption and focus predominantly on carbohydrate intake for recovery. However, it turns out a 2:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio is often better.

(Supported in part by a grant from MET-Rx USA, Worldwide, Biotest, Weider Nutrition, and Kellogg Canada, Inc.)

"Effects of a Single Dose of Xenadrine-NRG on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Responses in Males and Females"

This study was based on 20 healthy males and 30 healthy females to see if Xenadrine-NRG affected heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure responses for four hours after a single dose of the product. Unfortunately, the study did not test if the product improved metabolic rate, exercise performance, or body composition.

CONCLUSION: The good news is that Xenadrine-NRG did not appear to have any significant effects on the cardiovascular system, but more research is certainly needed to see if it lives up to its marketing claims.

(Supported in part by a research grant from Cytodyne LLC, Hicksville, NY.)

"Analysis of the Safety of the Curves'™ Fitness and Weight Loss Program High Protein Diets"

Curves, aimed specifically at females, is one of the fastest growing gym chains in the U.S. This study was designed to see if their moderate- to high-protein weight-loss programs were safe and effective. One hundred and fifty-four women took part in the study and followed a 14-week diet and exercise program or exercise and no diet or a low-calorie, high-carbohydrate, high-protein, or very high protein diet. The exercise program consisted of subjects participating in a supervised Curves 30-minute resistance training circuit program that was interspersed with callisthenic exercises, performed three days per week.

CONCLUSION: The conclusion was simply that the moderate- and high-protein Curves diets appeared to be well tolerated. Not a whole lot of information was available on the actual weight loss experienced, but at least this supports the fact that high-protein diets are safe for men and women.

(Sponsor: Curves International, Waco, TX.)

"Effects of Arginine Alphaketoglutarate Supplementation on Body Composition and Training Adaptations"

Okay, now we get to an interesting one (of four conducted on this particular supplement)! You know the leading nitric oxide product you or your workout buddy have been spending over $80 on? Well, the science proves it just doesn't work—at least it doesn't live up to the claims its marketers (e.g., Mr. Ed Byrd) have been making.

The leading nitric oxide marketer claims their product increases nitric oxide synthesis and enhances blood flow, oxygen delivery, and glucose uptake to muscle leading to greater gains in strength and muscle mass during training. For this reason, nitric oxide-stimulating supplements have become popular among resistance trained athletes. While there is some theoretical rationale as to its potential ergogenic (performance-enhancing) value, the effects of AAKG supplementation during training had yet to be determined.

Now, fortunately, this new study examined the effects of the leading nitric oxide supplement (produced by Ed Byrd of Medical Research Institute) during training on body composition and training adaptations in 35 experienced resistance trained men (30 to 50 years).

Subjects took four grams of the supplements three times daily (12 g/d) for eight weeks during standardized training. Ladies and Gentleman, that is 12 g per day—certainly well above the amount recommended on the label (approximately four times more). At 0, 4, and 8 weeks, subjects performed a one-rep max bench press, a 50-repetition MVC isokinetic leg extension endurance test, a Wingate 30-second anaerobic capacity test, and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill.

What were the results? I quote, "No significant differences were observed between groups in changes in body mass, fat free mass, fat mass, or percent bodyfat."

To give the product a little credit, though, changes in bench press one-rep maximum, sprint peak power, and time to peak power were significantly greater in the AAKG group, though NO differences were observed in average power or total work. And NO significant differences were observed in isokinetic leg extension peak torque, max repetition total work, time to peak torque, total work, work fatigue, or average power during the muscular endurance test or maximal oxygen uptake.

CONCLUSION: Results indicate that AAKG supplementation may augment one-rep max strength and sprint power in response to training but does not appear to significantly affect body composition.

(Sponsor: Medical Research Institute, San Francisco, CA.)

"Effects of Arginine Alphaketoglutarate Supplementation on Markers of Catabolism and Health Status"

Remember the claims of AAKG products preventing your hair from turning gray or its anti-aging yadda, yadda, yadda or its cure-all, life-changing properties, etc...?

Well, guess what? It doesn't do that either!

This study examined the effects of AAKG supplementation during training on markers of health status in experienced resistance trained men (30 to 50 years old). Serum and whole blood samples were assayed for a comprehensive check of clinical health markers.

CONCLUSION: AKG supplementation does not appear to significantly affect markers of catabolism or adversely affect general markers of health.

Besides the two additional studies conducted on this supplement, there is really nothing more to be said. Our suggestion: spend your hard-earned money wisely or save it for more effective, results-producing, clinically proven products!

(Sponsor: Medical Research Institute, San Francisco, CA.)

"Effect of JavaFit™ Extreme on Metabolic Rate, Substrate Utilization, and Cardiovascular Safety"

Those of you who like your java with a kick and with maybe some weight-loss properties should try JavaFit Extreme (JFE)—coffee with a little extra bite. The study showed that a single dose of brewed JFE has dose-dependent thermogenic properties in healthy subjects. In addition, JFE may suppress appetite and increase the oxidation (that is, burning) of bodyfat. Finally, at the doses studied, JFE does not appear to have any negative effects on the cardiovascular system as determined by measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG for up to three hours after ingestion.

Starbucks, watch out! There just may be a Javalution coming.

(Sponsor: Supported in part by a grant from Javalution Coffee Company, Inc, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.)

Conclusion

There are additional abstracts on the ISSN website, which were presented at the conference, and we highly recommend you visit the site at http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org. This group of individuals is the leader in the sports nutrition industry, and they've definitely set the stage for what's hot and progressive and what is just smoke and mirrors. It goes without saying that we're proud to be associated with them.

Mark your calendar! Here's a listing of the ISSN's up-coming events and expos:

• Oct 8, 2004, Atlanta, GA—GNC Show of Strength and the ISSN
• June 16-18, 2005—The 2nd Annual International Society of Sports Nutrition Conference and Expo at the Wyndham New Orleans at Canal Place.

For more information about ISSN, please visit them at: http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/site/index.php.

• Next Article: "Fat-Burner Supplement Q&A's"
• Back to Issue 34 Table of Contents

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