Amino Acids May Not Enhance Muscle Strength in Older MenAmino Acids May Not Enhance Muscle Strength in Older Men

Amino Acids May Not Enhance Muscle Strength in Older Men

MUNCIE, Ind.--Supplementing with an amino acidcomplex may not improve muscle strength or size gains in older men, according toa study published in the July issue of Medicine & Science in Sports &Exercise (34, 7:1126-31, 2002) (www.ms-se.com).Researchers from Ball State University randomly assigned 17 older men (aged 65and older) to receive either an amino acid complex-- L-lysine, L-leucine, L-valine,L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine and L-methionine--orplacebo during 12 weeks of weight training. Results indicated all subjectsimproved with training; however, there were no differences between the groups.Researchers concluded whole muscle strength and size are not enhanced with apostexercise daily provision of amino acids.