Cliffa Foster

Effects of ingestion of a commercially available thermogenic dietary supplement on resting energy expenditure, mood state and cardiovascular measures.

BackgroundIncreasing metabolism is a primary focus of many commercially available dietary supplements marketed to support weight management. Caffeine (e.g. anhydrous and herbal) and green tea are key ingredients in such products, augmenting resting energy expenditure (REE) and improving reported mood states (alertness, fatigue, focus, etc.). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a thermogenic dietary supplement (DBX) on REE, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), reported measures of alertness, focus, energy, concentration, fatigue, and hunger, as well as the general safety of the product based on electrocardiogram (ECG) and hemodynamic responses in habitual caffeine consumers.MethodsSix male and six female subjects (mean ± SD; 22.50 ± 3.22 years; 76.94 ± 14.78 kg; 22.7 ± 9.5% body fat), physically active (≥12 months), and moderate habitual caffeine consumers (<200 mg/day) received either two capsules of DBX containing 340 mg of total caffeine plus green tea extract, yerba mate extract, carnitine tartrate and other active ingredients or a placebo (PLC) in a double-blinded, crossover design. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), REE, RER and perceived mood states were measured at baseline and then hourly for four hours after ingesting either treatment.ResultsResting energy expenditure was significantly increased at all four time points and significant increases were determined for perceived alertness (p = 0.026) and focus (p = 0.05) at hour 1 and for energy at 1 and 2 hours after treatment for the DBX group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.017, respectively). Additionally, perceived fatigue was decreased at the hour 1 assessment (p = 0.010). No significant differences were seen between DBX and placebo for hunger, anxiety, HR, BP, ECG patterns or RER.ConclusionsThe results of this investigation support that the proprietary blend of this thermogenic aid is capable of increasing REE for four hours post-ingestion while supporting increased focus, alertness, and energy as well as decreasing fatigue without promoting anxiety or causing significant changes in HR, BP, or ECG measurements in habitual caffeine consumers.

The effects of a commercially available botanical supplement on strength, body composition, power output, and hormonal profiles in resistance-trained males

BackgroundFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a leguminous, annual plant originating in India and North Africa. In recent years Fenugreek has been touted as an ergogenic aid. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Fenugreek supplementation on strength and body composition.Methods49 Resistance trained men were matched according to body weight and randomly assigned to ingest in a double blind manner capsules containing 500 mg of a placebo (N = 23, 20 ± 1.9 years, 178 ± 6.3 cm, 85 ± 12.7 kg, 17 ± 5.6 %BF) or Fenugreek (N = 26, 21 ± 2.8 years, 178 ± 6 cm, 90 ± 18.2 kg, 19.3 ± 8.4 %BF). Subjects participated in a supervised 4-day per week periodized resistance-training program split into two upper and two lower extremity workouts per week for a total of 8-weeks. At 0, 4, and 8-weeks, subjects underwent hydrodensiometery body composition, 1-RM strength, muscle endurance, and anaerobic capacity testing. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and are presented as mean ± SD changes from baseline after 60-days.ResultsNo significant differences (p > 0.05) between groups were noted for training volume. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed among groups in changes in body fat (FEN: -2.3 ± 1.4%BF; PL: -0.39 ± 1.6 %BF, p < 0.001), leg press 1-RM (FEN: 84.6 ± 36.2 kg; PL: 48 ± 29.5 kg, p < 0.001), and bench press 1-RM (FEN: 9.1 ± 6.9 kg; PL: 4.3 ± 5.6 kg, p = 0.01). No significant interactions was observed among groups for Wingate power analysis (p = 0.95) or muscular endurance on bench press (p = 0.87) or leg press (p = 0.61). In addition, there were no changes among groups in any clinical safety data including lipid panel, liver function, kidney function, and/or CBC panel (p > 0.05).ConclusionIt is concluded that 500 mg of this proprietary Fenugreek extraction had a significant impact on both upper- and lower-body strength and body composition in comparison to placebo in a double blind controlled trial. These changes were obtained with no clinical side effects.

Acute effects of a commercially-available pre-workout supplement on markers of training: a double-blind study.

BackgroundPre-workout supplements containing numerous ingredients claim to increase performance and strength. Product-specific research is important for identifying efficacy of combined ingredients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a proprietary pre-workout dietary supplement containing creatine monohydrate, beta-alanine, L-Tarurine, L-Leucine, and caffeine, on anaerobic power, muscular strength, body composition, and mood states.MethodsIn a double-blind, randomized, matched-pair design, twenty male subjects (mean ± SD; 22.4 ± 9.5 yrs, 76.9 ± 11.2 kg, 22.7 ± 9.5% body fat), consumed either 30 g of a pre-workout supplement (SUP) or maltodextrin placebo (PLC) 30 minutes before a resistance training workout, after completing baseline testing. Body composition was determined via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Subjects completed 12 vertical jumps for height (VJ) and one repetition maximum (1RM) and repetitions to failure lifts on bench (BPM) and leg press (LPM). Finally, subjects completed a Wingate power test on a cycle ergometer [mean power (WMP) and peak power (WPP)]. After baseline testing, participants completed eight days of supplementation and four split-body resistance-training bouts. Side effect questionnaires were completed daily 30 minutes after consuming the supplement. Subjects completed post-supplement testing on Day 8. Data were analyzed utilizing a 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA [treatment (PLC vs SUP) × time (T1 vs T2)] and ninety-five percent confidence intervals.ResultsThere were no significant treatment × time interactions (p > 0.05). There were no significant changes in %body fat (%BF; ∆-0.43 ± 0.58; p = 0.920), fat mass (∆-2.45 ± 5.72; p = 0.988), or lean body mass (LBM; 10.9 ± 12.2; p = 0.848). 95% CI demonstrated significant LBM increases for both groups. There was a main effect for time for WPP (∆100.5 ± 42.7W; p = 0.001), BPM (∆8.0 ± 12.9 lbs; p = 0.001), and LPM (∆80.0 ± 28.8 lbs; p = 0.001), with no significant differences between treatments. There was no significant difference in mood states between groups or over time.ConclusionThe proprietary pre-workout blend combined with eight days of training did not significantly (ANOVA) improve body composition or performance. While not significant, greater gains in LPM were demonstrated in the SUP group for lean body mass and lower body strength. Future studies should evaluate more chronic effects of proprietary pre-workout blends on total training volume and performance outcomes.

Effects of a weight loss supplement on body composition and markers of metabolism in overweight male and female adults

Background Various weight loss supplements are commercially available and are composed of a wide variety of ingredients. Combined with a low calorie diet, some dietary supplements could possibly lead to changes in metabolism and/ or suppression of appetite that could lead to improved body composition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ingesting a commercially available dietary supplement and its effects on body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), hunger, and various blood markers in free-living, overweight individuals. Methods

The effects of ß-alanine on body composition and performance measures in collegiate females

Background s-alanine has ergogenic potential based on its relationship with carnosine. Carnosine is rapidly degraded into s-alanine and histidine as soon as it enters the blood. So there is no advantage to using direct carnosine supplementation. Previous studies have demonstrated that taking s-alanine orally is effective at increasing intramuscular carnosine levels. The resistance training athlete may experience a higher training volume. This proposed benefit would increase work capacity and decrease time to fatigue. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate recreationally active collegiate females, following an 8 week strength training program while consuming either s-alanine (BA) or placebo (PL) for body composition and performance changes. Methods

Effects of ingesting Dyma-Burn Xtreme, a thermogenic dietary supplement on metabolic rate and subjective measures of mood state

Background Many supplements on the market today contain ingredients that claim to increase metabolism and enhance fat loss. Green tea extract and caffeine have well known thermogenic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of proprietary thermogenic dietary supplement Dyma-Burn Xtreme, containing a blend of ingredients including caffeine, green tea extract, raspberry ketones and L-carnitine, on resting energy expenditure and subjective measures of alertness, focus, energy, fatigue, concentration, and hunger. Methods In a double-blind, crossover design 6 male and 6 female subjects (N = 12, 22 ± 9.5 yrs, 171 ± 11.2 cm, 76.9 ± 11.2 kg, 22.7 ± 9.5), consumed either a 2 capsule serving of Dyma-Burn Xtreme (DBX) or placebo (PLC). Subjects arrived at the lab on a 12 hour fast at 8:00am and had a baseline resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and mood state questionnaire assessed. Subjects then consumed either DBX or PLC and REE and RER were assessed in a supine position for 25 minutes, and questionnaire were assessed at 1-hour (1HR), 2-hours (2HR), 3-hours (3HR), and 4-hours (4HR) post consumption. All data was analyzed utilizing a 2X5 ANOVA and one-way ANOVA’s were used in the case of a significant interaction. A Kruskal Wallis one-way analysis of variance was used for all survey data. A significance value of 0.05 was adopted throughout. Results A significant time effect and group x time interaction effect were observed among groups for changes in REE (p > 0.05). Post-hoc analyses revealed REE levels were

Effects of Torabolic supplementation on strength and body composition during an 8-week resistance training program

Methods 47 Resistance trained men completed all phases of testing. Subjects were matched according to body weight and randomly assigned to ingest in a double blind manner 75 g of dextrose (N = 15, 20 ± 1.1 yrs, 177 ± 6 cm, 87 ± 11 kg, 16 ± 5.6 %BF), 75 g of dextrose/5 g creatine in powdered form (N = 14, 21 ± 4 yrs, 181 ± 7.1 cm, 89 ± 12 kg, 18 ± 5.5 %BF) or 900 mg BIOCREAT/3.5 g creatine capsules (N = 17, 21 ± 2 yrs, 179 ± 6 cm, 85 ± 10 kg, 15 ± 6 %BF). Subjects participated in a supervised 4-day per week periodized resistance-training program split into two upper and two lower extremity workouts per week for a total of 8-weeks. At 0, 4, and 8-weeks, subjects were tested on body composition via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, 1 RM strength, muscular endurance, and anaerobic capacity. Statistical analyses utilized a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures for all criterion variables (p ≤ 0.05). Data are presented as mean ± SD changes from baseline values.

A Purported Detoxification Supplement Does Not Improve Body Composition, Waist Circumference, Blood Markers, or Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Healthy Adult Females

ABSTRACT Numerous popular “detoxification” supplements claim to promote the removal of harmful compounds from the body, thereby alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms, improving body composition, and enhancing overall health. The present double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of a purported detoxification supplement in healthy young adult females. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a multi-ingredient supplement or placebo daily for four weeks. The supplement contained 1,350 mg/serving of a proprietary blend of papaya leaf, cascara sagrada bark, slippery elm bark, peppermint leaf, red raspberry leaf, fenugreek seed, ginger root, and senna leaf. Body composition, waist circumferences, symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, and blood safety markers were evaluated before and after supplementation. Twenty-two participants completed the study, and data were analyzed via two-way mixed ANOVA and t tests. No beneficial or harmful effects of supplementation were found for body composition, waist circumference, gastrointestinal symptoms, or blood markers. These results indicate that consuming a commercially available dietary supplement that purportedly provides detoxification and body composition benefits is apparently safe in healthy young adult females but does not provide any beneficial effects for body composition or gastrointestinal symptoms.

A Pilot Study Examining the Effects of 8-Week Whey Protein versus Whey Protein Plus Creatine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance Variables in Resistance-Trained Women

Aims: We performed a pilot study examining the effects of whey protein and creatine supplementation (PRO + CRE group) versus whey protein supplementation (PRO group) alone on body composition and performance variables in a limited number of resistance-trained women. Methods: Seventeen resistance-trained women (21 ± 3 years, 64.7 ± 8.2 kg, 23.5 kg/m2, 26.6 ± 4.8% body fat, >6 months of training) performed a 4-day per week split-body resistance training program for 8 weeks. Subjects ingested either 24 g PRO (n = 9) or 24 g whey plus 5 g creatine monohydrate (PRO + CRE, n = 8) following each exercise bout. At baseline (T1), 4 weeks (T2) and 8 weeks (T3), body composition was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), strength measures (leg press and bench press one repetition maximum) and lower-body power measures were determined. Results: DXA lean mass increased from T1 to T3 in both groups (PRO: +2.5 kg, p < 0.001; PRO + CRE: +2.5 kg, p < 0.001), although no differences between groups were observed. Compared to T1 values, performance measures similarly increased in both groups from T1 to T3 although, no between-group differences were observed. Conclusions: PRO + CRE did not enhance training adaptations compared to PRO, albeit studies employing longer-term interventions with larger sample sizes are needed in order to confirm or disprove our findings.

Acknowledgement to the Reviewers

Aguilera, Concepción Alcain, Francisco J. Alexy, Ute Almiron Roig, Eva Anderson Berry, Ann Apalasamy, Y.D. Asemi, Zatollah Backx, Evelien Badr, Gamal Ballmer, Peter Barbaresko, Janett Barres, Romain Baumgartner, Jeannine Bernabe-Garcia, Mariela Bertrand-Michel, Justine Ble-Castillo, Jorge L. Boehm, Volker Brazeau, Anne-Sophie Breij, Laura M. Breton, Irene Brighenti, Furio Brittenham, Gary Brouwer, Ingeborg Brouwer-Brolsma, Elske Bruno, Richard S. Burguete-Garcia, Ana I. Calder, Philip Campanile, Fabio Cesare Carlson, Susan E. Catena, Andrés Cepeda Lopez, Ana Carla Cercamondi, Colin Cheng, Guo Chourdakis, Michael Chu, Filmer Chuang, Shu-Chun Clifton, Peter Czech-Kowalska, Justyna Davies, Peter Decsi, Tamás de Hollander, Ellen de Luis, Daniel de Oliveira, Alessandro de Roos, Nicole Domienik-Karlowicz, J. Duarte, Cristiana