Archive for September 1st, 2010

Amino Acid Leucine No Aid to Muscle Recovery

NORMAN, Okla.—Adding leucine to a pre- and post-exercise carbohydrate beverage does not provide benefit on muscle recovery after resistance exercise, according to a new study (J Strength Cond Res. 2010;24(8):2211-19. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181dc3a10). Leucine is an essential amino acid that plays a role in muscle protein synthesis. Researchers in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, recruited resistance-trained men (n=17) and women (n=3) for their study looking at the impact of supplemental leucine on selected markers of muscle damage, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and squat performance after lower-body resistance training (six sets of squats to fatigue). Subjects consumed a carbohydrate beverage with or without 22.5 mg/kg-1 of leucine 30 minutes before and immediately after squat exercise, in a randomized, double blind fashion. The subjects repeated the exercise at 72 hours to test recovery.
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Fish Oil Supports Muscle Recovery

WOLLONGONG, Australia—Supplementation with fish oil may improve skeletal muscle function and recovery, according to a new study (Br J Nutr. ePub 9 Aug 2010. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114510002928). Researchers from the University of Wollongong, Australia, noted fish oil modulates the fatty acid composition of muscle membranes; such changes in heart membrane composition have been linked to enhanced mechanical performance and modulations in oxygen consumption. They sought to determine whether changing skeletal muscle membrane composition in the legs could impact muscle function.
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Ultra-Endurance Running May Not Be Good for the Heart

ScienceDaily – In 2009, a study was conducted in UK by Liverpool John Moores University and the Countess of Chester Hospital to assess the effects of running in ultra-endurance races. Typically aimed at super-fit and experienced athletes, these races are held over distances exceeding 50 miles (80 kilometres).

The conclusions, presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s Congress 2010 in Stockholm, suggest that some damage is likely to occur to the heart muscle of competitors, while 12 percent of the study group showed signs of significant cardiac damage.

Commenting on the reasons for the research, Professor John Somauroo of the Countess of Chester Hospital said, “Previous studies into the effects of ultra-endurance exercise examined changes to the shape and function of the heart, and also changes in sensitive markers of cardiac damage including use of the cardiac Troponin I blood test.
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Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Solo Slim® Found to Contain an Undeclared Drug Ingredient

EZVille, Ltd. of Ronkonkoma, NY, has been informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that FDA lab analysis of Solo Slim® distributed by the company was found to contain an undeclared drug ingredient. Solo Slim® was found to contain Didesmethyl Sibutramine. Sibutramine is an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. The FDA has not approved Solo Slim®, therefore the safety and effectiveness of the product is unknown.
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DHA Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the War Against Obesity

Dietary intake of DHA omega 3 essential fatty acids is woefully lacking all around the world. In populations that have adequate access to other foods this correlates strongly with the world-wide obesity epidemic. A new study reviews the multiple mechanisms by which omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA, can combat the obesity epidemic.
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