Supplement Improves Sports Inflammation

STORRS, Conn.A nutritional formula containing branched chain amino acids, taurine, anti-inflammatory plant extract and B vitamins helped improved inflammatory status, strength, power and energy while decreasing pain in active adults participating in a recent study conducted at the Human Performance Laboratory, University of Connecticut. The results were published in the Sept. 7 issue of Nutrition Journal (2011;10(1):90).

Researchers sought to examine the effect of a multi-nutrient supplement containing on inflammatory status, endothelial function, physical function, and mood in middle-aged individuals.  As part of a balanced, randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, 31 active men (N=16, mean age 56+/-6.0 yrs) and women (N=15, mean age=52+/-7.5 yrs) took a placebo supplement for 28 days, undertook a one-week washout period then took the multi-nutrient supplement for 28 days. They completed weekly logs (PROMIS-57, KOOS) and underwent testing of brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD), blood measures, and physical performance on vertical jump, handgrip strength, and balance (dispersion from center of pressure).

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly decreased in both men (from 1.2 +/- 0.2 to 0.7+/-0.4 pg * mL-1) and women (from 1.16+/-0.04 to 0.7+/-0.4 pg * mL-1), while perceived energy improved for both men (placebo: 1.8 +/- 0.7; supplement: 3.7+/-0.8 AUC) and women (placebo: 1.2 +/- 0.7; supplement: 2.8+/-0.8 AUC). Further, only the men experienced decreases in alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (from 108.9+/-38.6 to 55.5+/-22.2 ug * mL-1), creatine kinase (from 96+/-34 to 67+/-23 IU * L-1), general pain, and joint pain; the men also had showed increased performance in vertical jump power (from 2642+/-244 to 3134+/-282 W) and grip strength (from 42.1+/-5.9 to 48.5+/-4.9 kg). The women showed improved anxiety and balance (from 0.52+/-0.13 to 0.45+/-0.12 cm).

The researchers concluded the multi-nutrient supplement is effective in improving inflammatory status in both men and women, markers of pain, joint pain, strength, and power in men only, and both anxiety and balance (a risk factor for hip fracture) in women. They suggested such a multi-nutrient supplement may help middle-aged individuals to prolong physical function and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.