Effect of Dietary Supplements on Lean Mass and Strength Gains with Resistance Exercise: A Meta-Analysis

Overview

• Authors: Steven L. Nissen, Rick L. Sharp
• Affiliation: Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, USA.
• Publication: J Appl Physiol (1985). Published in Feb 2003.
• DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00755.2002

Purpose of Study

• Examine which dietary supplements improve lean mass and strength gains during resistance training.
• Inclusion of peer-reviewed studies from 1967-2001 with set experimental criteria (at least 3-week duration and resistance training 2+ times a week).

Methodology

• Analysis included studies where lean mass and strength were converted to percent change per week.
• Effect size was calculated for each variable to normalize data for meta-analysis.
• Focus on 6 supplements that had more than 2 studies meeting inclusion criteria.

Key Findings

• Supplements with Significant Effects:
  • Creatine: Increased net lean mass by 0.36%/week and strength by 1.09%/week.
  • Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB): Increased net lean mass by 0.28%/week and strength by 1.40%/week.
  • Both findings were statistically significant (P < 0.05).
• Supplements without Significant Effects:
  • Chromium, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Androstenedione, Protein: No significant effect on lean mass or strength gains.

Conclusion

• Creatine and HMB have sufficient data supporting their effectiveness in augmenting lean mass and strength gains with resistance training.

Related Literature

• Studies focusing on creatine and HMB in resistance training.
• Meta-analysis on HMB supplementation effects.

MeSH Terms and Substances

• MeSH Terms: Dietary Supplements, Body Composition, Weight Lifting, etc.
• Substances: Creatine, HMB, Chromium, Androstenedione, Dehydroepiandrosterone, etc.

Useful Links

• Full Text Source - Atypon