Leucine metabolites do not induce changes in phase angle, bioimpedance vector analysis patterns, and strength in resistance trained men

• Published in: Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism Vol. 46; no. 6; pp. 669 - 675
• Main Authors: Campa, F, Matias, C.N, Teixeira, F.J, Reis, J.F, Valamatos, M.J, Toselli, S, Monteiro, C.P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 1840 Woodward Drive, Suite 1, Ottawa, ON K2C 0P7 NRC Research Press 01.06.2021; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Acids; Age; bioelectrical impedance; BIVA; body composition; calcium; composition corporelle; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; Electrophysiology; entraînement en résistance; Exercise physiology; graphique R-Xc; high protein diet; lean body mass; Leucine; males; Mens health; metabolism; Metabolites; Muscle strength; Physiological aspects; Physiological research; placebos; R-Xc graph; resistance training; Sports nutrition; Strength training; Portugal; composition corporelle; body composition; resistance training; entraînement en résistance; graphique R-Xc; BIVA; R-Xc graph
• ISSN: 1715-5312; 1715-5320; 1715-5320
• DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0915

We aimed to assess the effects of off-the-shelf leucine metabolite supplements on phase angle (PhA), bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) patterns and strength during an 8-week resistance training protocol. Fifty-three male participants were allocated into 4 groups: α-hydroxyisocaproic acid (n = 12, age = 30.9 ± 9.3 years), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid (n = 12, age = 31.0 ± 9.3 years), calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (n = 15, age = 32.1 ± 5.2 years) or placebo (n = 14, age = 28.9 ± 6.6 years). Bioimpedance parameters and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for back squat and bench press were assessed at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8. Additionally, fat-free mass and fat mass were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. No statistically group by time interactions were found, even adjusting for age. PhA and vector did not change over the training period, while time-dependent increases were observed for 1RM back squat and 1RM bench press. A direct association was observed between PhA and 1RM bench press changes (whole sample), while PhA and strength were correlated throughout the study, even when adjusting for fat-free mass and percentage of fat mass. Leucine metabolites have no effect on PhA, BIVA patterns or strength during an 8-week resistance training program, in resistance trained subjects. The trial was registered at ClincicalTrials.gov: NCT03511092. Novelty: Supplementation with leucine metabolites is not a supplementation strategy that improves bioelectrical phase angle, cellular health, and strength after an 8-week resistance training program. When consuming a high protein diet, none of the α-hydroxyisocaproic acid, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid, and calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate metabolites resulted in an ergogenic effect in resistance trained men.