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The purpose of this review was to determine whether past research provides conclusive evidence about the effects of type and timing of ingestion of specific sources of protein by those engaged in resistance weight training. Two essential, nutrition-related, tenets need to be followed by weightlifters to maximize muscle hypertrophy: the consumption of 1.2-2.0 g protein.kg -1 of body weight, and ≥44-50 kcal.kg-1 of body weight. Researchers have tested the effects of timing of protein supplement ingestion on various physical changes in weightlifters. In general, protein supplementation pre- and post-workout increases physical performance, training session recovery, lean body mass, muscle hypertrophy, and strength. Specific gains, differ however based on protein type and amounts. Studies on timing of consumption of milk have indicated that fat-free milk post-workout was effective in promoting increases in lean body mass, strength, muscle hypertrophy and decreases in body fat. The leucine content of a protein source has an impact on protein synthesis, and affects muscle hypertrophy. Consumption of 3–4 g of leucine is needed to promote maximum protein synthesis. An ideal supplement following resistance exercise should contain whey protein that provides at least 3 g of leucine per serving. A combination of a fast-acting carbohydrate source such as maltodextrin or glucose should be consumed with the protein source, as leucine cannot modulate protein synthesis as effectively without the presence of insulin. Such a supplement post-workout would be most effective in increasing muscle protein synthesis, resulting in greater muscle hypertrophy and strength. In contrast, the consumption of essential amino acids and dextrose appears to be most effective at evoking protein synthesis prior to rather than following resistance exercise. To further enhance muscle hypertrophy and strength, a resistance weight- training program of at least 10–12 weeks with compound movements for both upper and lower body exercises should be followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: β-Alanine (βA) has been shown to improve performance during cycling. This study was the first to examine the effects of βA supplementation on the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) during incremental treadmill running. Methods: Seventeen recreationally-active men (mean ± SE 24.9 ± 4.7 yrs, 180.6 ± 8.9 cm, 79.25 ± 9.0 kg) participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pre/post test 2-treatment experimental design. Subjects participated in two incremental treadmill tests before and after 28 days of supplementation with either βA (6.0 g·d- 1)(βA, n = 8) or an equivalent dose of Maltodextrin as the Placebo (PL, n = 9). Heart rate, percent heart rate maximum (%HRmax), %VO-2max@OBLA (4.0 mmol.L-1 blood lactate concentration) and VO-2max (L.min-1) were determined for each treadmill test. Friedman test was used to determine within group differences; and Mann-Whitney was used to determine between group differences for pre and post values (p < 0.05). Results: The βA group experienced a significant rightward shift in HR@OBLA beats.min-1 (p < 0.01) pre/post (161.6 ± 19.2 to 173.6 ± 9.9) but remained unchanged in the PL group (166.8 ± 15.8 to 169.6 ± 16.1). The %HRmax@OBLA increased (p < 0.05) pre/post in the βA group (83.0% ± 9.7 to 88.6% ± 3.7) versus no change in the PL group (86.3 ± % 4.8 to 87.9% ± 7.2). The %VO-2max@OBLA increased (p < 0.05) in the βA group pre/post (69.1 ± 11.0 to 75.6 ± 10.7) but remained unchanged in the PL group (73.3 ± 7.3 to 74.3 ± 7.3). VO-2max (L.min-1) decreased (p < 0.01) in the βA group pre/post (4.57 ± 0.8 to 4.31 ± 0.8) versus no change in the PL group (4.04 ± 0.7 to 4.18 ± 0.8). Body mass kg increased (p < 0.05) in the βA group pre/post (77.9 ± 9.0 to 78.3 ± 9.3) while the PL group was unchanged (80.6 ± 9.1 to 80.4 ± 9.0). Conclusions: βA supplementation for 28 days enhanced sub-maximal endurance performance by delaying OBLA. However, βA supplemented individuals had a reduced aerobic capacity as evidenced by the decrease in VO-2max values post supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adults over the age of 65 years are more prone to gastroesophageal reflux and, as such, are commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs inhibit gastric acid secretion which can have adverse effects on vitamin B12 absorption. This quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine whether chronic use (≥1 year) of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) results in decreased vitamin B12 in adults aged 68-94 years, as indicated by increased urinary methylmalonic acid (uM-MA). Methods: Fifteen men and women who had been using PPIs daily for a minimum of one year were recruited. Fifteen subjects not using PPIs were age (±3 years) and gender matched to the subjects taking PPIs. Tissue stores of vitamin B12 were determined using uM-MA. Results: The majority of subjects in this study resided in assisted care living facilities (55.66%) and the remaining subjects (43.33%) were free living. There were no significant differences in uM-MA levels between those using PPIs (Mdn = 1.1 μg uM-MA/mg creatinine), and those not using PPIs (Mdn = 1.1 μg uM-MA/mg creatinine) (p = 0.75). Conclusion: Chronic use of PPIs did not alter vitamin B12 in healthy individuals aged 68-94 years. Larger studies are indicated to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]