Effects of a carbohydrate-protein-creatine supplement on strength performance and body composition in recreationally resistance trained young men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the commercially available multi-nutrient supplement "Cyclone" combined with a 12-wk progressive resistance training program (PRT) on body composition and strength performance in recreationally resistance trained (RRT) young adult males. Thirteen healthy male subjects were assigned to either a multi-nutrient formula Cyclone (CYC n=7) or a carbohydrate placebo (PL n=6). Both groups ingested CYC or PL in the morning and immediately after training. Before (T1) and after (T2) the 12 wks PRT; percentage body fat (%BF) and fat free mass (FFM) were determined. Maximum strength (1 RM) and repetitions to failure with 60% 1 RM (RTF60%) on bench press (BP) and parallel squat (SQ) were assessed. No significant increases in any of the performance or body composition variables were observed in either group. But, larger standardized effects sizes (ES) were observed for CYC compared to PL for 1 RM SQ (1.2 vs. 0.9); 1 RM BP (1.0 vs. 0.3); RTF60% SQ (1.1 vs. 0.2) and RTF60% BP (-0.3 vs. -0.09). Also, magnitude-based inferences demonstrated that CYC compared to PL was associated with a 78% likelihood of producing greater 1 RM BP improvements and 49% likelihood for greater improvements in RTF60% for both SQ and BP. Thus, the addition of CYC to a 12-wk PRT could be effective to potentiate upper body maximum strength or muscular endurance performance, but not body composition outcomes.