Amino Acids May Not Enhance Muscle Strength in Older Men

Amino Acids May Not Enhance Muscle Strength in Older Men

MUNCIE, Ind.--Supplementing with an amino acidcomplex may not improve muscle strength or size gains in older men, according toa study published in the July issue of Medicine & Science in Sports &Exercise (34, 7:1126-31, 2002) (www.ms-se.com).Researchers from Ball State University randomly assigned 17 older men (aged 65and older) to receive either an amino acid complex-- L-lysine, L-leucine, L-valine,L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine and L-methionine--orplacebo during 12 weeks of weight training. Results indicated all subjectsimproved with training; however, there were no differences between the groups.Researchers concluded whole muscle strength and size are not enhanced with apostexercise daily provision of amino acids.