Effects of arachidonic acid supplementation on training adaptations in resistance-trained males.
BACKGROUND
To determine the impact of AA supplementation during resistance training on body composition, training adaptations, and markers of muscle hypertrophy in resistance-trained males.


METHODS
In a randomized and double blind manner, 31 resistance-trained male subjects (22.1 +/- 5.0 years, 180 +/- 0.1 cm, 86.1 +/- 13.0 kg, 18.1 +/- 6.4% body fat) ingested either a placebo (PLA: 1 g.day-1 corn oil, n = 16) or AA (AA: 1 g.day-1 AA, n = 15) while participating in a standardized 4 day.week-1 resistance training regimen. Fasting blood samples, body composition, bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), leg press 1RM and Wingate anaerobic capacity sprint tests were completed after 0, 25, and 50 days of supplementation. Percutaneous muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis on days 0 and 50.


RESULTS
Wingate relative peak power was significantly greater after 50 days of supplementation while the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 was significantly lower after 25 days of supplementation in the AA group. PGE2 levels tended to be greater in the AA group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups in body composition, strength, anabolic and catabolic hormones, or markers of muscle hypertrophy (i.e. total protein content or MHC type I, IIa, and IIx protein content) and other intramuscular markers (i.e. FP and EP3 receptor density or MHC type I, IIa, and IIx mRNA expression).


CONCLUSIONS
AA supplementation during resistance-training may enhance anaerobic capacity and lessen the inflammatory response to training. However, AA supplementation did not promote statistically greater gains in strength, muscle mass, or influence markers of muscle hypertrophy.
Roberts
Michael D
MD
Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
Iosia
Mike
M
Department of Health, Exercise Science and Secondary Education, Lee University, Cleveland, TN, USA.
Kerksick
Chad M
CM
Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
Taylor
Lem W
LW
Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA.
Campbell
Bill
B
School of Physical Education and Exercise Science, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
Wilborn
Colin D
CD
Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX, USA.
Harvey
Travis
T
Department of Physical Education, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, USA.
Cooke
Matthew
M
Department of Health, Human Performance & Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Rasmussen
Chris
C
Department of Health, Human Performance & Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Greenwood
Mike
M
Department of Health, Human Performance & Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Wilson
Ronald
R
Department of Health, Human Performance & Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Jitomir
Jean
J
Department of Health, Human Performance & Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Willoughby
Darryn
D
Department of Health, Human Performance & Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
Kreider
Richard B
RB
Department of Health, Human Performance & Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.