Search

Introduction Several acute studies have suggested that leucine is a key amino acid to drive muscle protein synthesis. However, there are very few studies on the long-term effects of leucine supplementation on resistance training (RT)-induced gains in muscle mass and strength. We sought to determine the impact of 10 g of leucine on muscle mass and strength in response to RT in healthy young men. Methods Twenty-five, resistance-trained men (27 ± 5 yr; 78.4 ± 11.6 kg; 24.8 ± 3.0 kg·m) consuming 1.8 ± 0.4 g protein·kg·d, were randomly assigned to receive 2 × 5 g·d supplementation of either free leucine (LEU n = 12) or alanine (PLA n = 13) while undergoing a supervised 12-wk, twice-weekly lower-limb RT program. One-repetition maximum (leg-press 1RM) and muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the vastus lateralis were determined before (PRE) and after (POST) the intervention. Additionally, three 24-h dietary recalls were also performed at PRE and POST. Results Protein intake was roughly double that of the RDA in both groups and remained unchanged across time with no differences detected between groups. Similar increases were observed between groups in leg-press 1RM (LEU, 19.0% ± 9.4% and PLA, 21.0% ± 10.4%, P = 0.31) and mCSA (LEU, 8.0% ± 5.6% and PLA, 8.4% ± 5.1%, P = 0.77). Conclusions High-dose leucine supplementation did not enhance gains in muscle strength and mass after a 12-wk RT program in young resistance-trained males consuming adequate amounts of dietary protein.

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of symptoms related to eating disorders, disordered eating and body image perception, and attitudes toward eating in a group of elite male artistic gymnastics. Seventeen athletes took part in this quali-quantitative, cross-sectional study. Presence of eating disorders symptoms, and body image perception and satisfaction were assessed using validated questionnaires. Focus groups were held to discuss their attitudes toward eating and body image perception in more detail. Little to no evidence of symptoms consistent with eating disorders was observed, and this was supported by the qualitative data. However, some concerning practices and attitudes were described. Negative emotional eating cycles appeared prevalent (e.g. feelings of anger, stress and anxiety creating a desire to eat "junk foods", followed by guilt and regret). Body image perception and attitudes toward body weight's influence on performance varied widely. Some athletes expressed a desire to lose weight and believed that this would positively impact their performance, while others believed weight to be irrelevant and focused on feeling strong and vital. Athletes believed their female counterparts experienced far greater pressure to maintain low body weight and described some very concerning practices. We conclude that eating disorders and disordered eating did not appear to be prevalent among these elite male artistic gymnastics. However, some concerning attitudes and practices were observed and should be addressed with nutritional support programmes encompassing psychological and behavioural aspects of eating. These programmes should be extended to support staff and significant others, in addition to athletes.