Fortified, Non-Fortified Sports Recovery Drinks Equally Effective

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Consumption of a fortified post-exercise energy drink combined with a strength training program may not increase gains in fat-free mass (FFM), muscle strength and endurance, or anaerobic performance any better than a carbohydrate-only drink plus strength training program, according to a study published in the May issue of Nutrition (20, 5:420-7, 2004) (www.elsevier.com/locate/nut).

The randomized, double blind study involved 33 subjects approximately 20 years of age. All subjects participated in strength training program four days a week for 10 weeks and consumed either a fortified post-exercise drink with whey protein, amino acids, creatine and carbohydrates, or a carbohydrate-only post-exercise drink after each strength training session. Measurements of body composition, muscle strength and endurance, and anerobic performance were taken at the start of the study and again after completing the 10-week strength training program. In both groups, FFM increased after 10 weeks of strength training and supplementation. There was no statistically significant difference in FFM gain between groups; however, there was a trend toward a greater increase in FFM in the fortified-drink group compared to the carbohydrate-only drink group, suggesting the need for longer-term studies. Performance variables including muscle strength and endurance and anaerobic performance also improved, but there were no differences between groups.