Hydrolysed whey protein reduces muscle damage markers in Brazilian elite soccer players compared with whey protein and maltodextrin. A twelve-week in-championship intervention

Health parameters, performance and body composition effects produced by twelve weeks of intervention with hydrolysed whey protein in elite soccer players from a Brazilian team during an actual championship were compared. Twenty-four players were divided into three groups according to supplement: whey protein (WP), hydrolysed whey protein (HWP), or a non-protein placebo (maltodextrin, MALTO). Biochemical, anthropometric and performance tests were applied on week 0 and week 12 of the intervention. Intervention with hydrolysed whey protein resulted in significant decreases in the muscle damage indicators, creatine kinase (-42%) and lactate dehydrogenase (-30%), compared with increases in the MALTO group. Supplementation with whey protein showed no significant changes in these indicators compared with the MALTO group. Muscle mass showed no changes, and physical performance in an aerobic test was decreased in the HWP group compared with the MALTO and WP groups. These data suggest that the consumption of HWP decreases muscle damage. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.341192

Amino acids and sport: a true love story?

International audienceAmong a plethora of dietary supplements, amino acids are very popular with athletes for several reasons (e.g., to prevent nutritional deficiency, improve muscle function, and decrease muscle damages) whose purpose is to improve performance. However, it is difficult to get a clear idea of which amino acids have real ergogenic impact. Here, we review and analyze the clinical studies evaluating specific amino acids (glutamine, arginine, leucine, etc.) in athletes. Only english-language clinical studies evaluating a specific effect of one amino acid were considered. Despite promising results, many studies have methodological limits or specific flaws that do not allow definitive conclusions. To date, only chronic β-alanine supplementation demonstrated an ergogenic effect in athletes. Much research is still needed to gain evidence-based data before any other specific amino acid can be recommended for use in athletes