Aminos Support Muscle Development in Strength Training

BRUSSELS, Belgium—Supplementation with essential amino acids can positively affect muscle mass gains during strength training, particularly among people with lower initial strength or low nitrogen balance, according to a new study (Eur J Appl Physiol. ePub 2010 Jun 3. DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1520-9). Researchers from the Université Libre de Bruxelles  examined the effect of amino acid supplementation on muscle mass, architecture and strength in the early stages of a heavy-load strength exercise program. The 12 week trial included 29 young men who received a placebo or amino acids, and anthropometric techniques were used to assess the effect of training on muscle mass. Training resulted in significant increases in muscle mass and strength in both groups. However, subjects taking the amino acids had greater increases in muscle strength as well as changes in muscle architecture.