Search Results (2)

Objective: The present study investigated the relationship between protein and amino acid supplementation and various associated aspects among recreational gym goers at 2 gymnasiums in Oradea (Romania). Methods: A total of 165 gym goers (110 men and 55 women, most of them 18–30 years old) with high educational levels were included in the present study, which was conducted as face-to-face interviews. Results: Participants were divided into 4 groups: protein supplement users (PSUs, 42/165), creatine supplement users (CSUs, 38/165), L-carnitine supplement users (LcSUs, 37/165), and protein + creatine + L-carnitine supplement users (PCLcSUs, 48/165). Most consumers were young (18–30 years) and preferred the triple combination. Females consumed PS and CS (38.2% and 34.5%, respectively), while the most-used NSs by males were PCLcS (36.4%) and LcS (27.3%). Obese gym goers opted for LcS consumption (r = 0.999, p < 0.05). Creatine and L-carnitine were consumed for force training (65.79 and 62.16%), while PCLcS and PS were used in cardio + force and force training in equal measures (42.86 and 47.92%, respectively). Most PSUs were gym goers for 7–12 months and more than 1 year (r = 0.999 and r = 0.952, respectively, p < 0.05), while PCLcSUs had a training frequency of at least 5 times a week (r = 0.968, p < 0.05). Muscle mass growth was the primary training focus for all NS users (57.89%), followed by muscular tonus (40.54%, p < 0.05). Almost 30% of one-only NS users reported various side effects, whereas all PCLcSUs claimed side effects (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Age and gender were key factors in diet type, training type, frequency, duration, scope, NS type, and dose intake. The frequency of side effects substantially depended on the kind of NS and the dose consumed. The present study’s results highlight the need for health professionals’ advice and monitoring in personalized diets and protein and amino acid supplementation in recreational gym goers. Full article

Objective: Most recreational gym-goers independently consume nutritional supplements (NSs) without physician advice and a personalized diet. The present study examines the preference for nutritional supplements (NSs) based on protein and amino acids of 218 recreational gym-goers (males and females aged 18–60). It also investigates the NS’s impact on resistance training (RT) performance. Methods: All participants (n = 218) were regular members of two gym centers in Oradea. Baseline data and information about daily diet and supplement preferences were obtained through face-to-face interviews. At the same time, RT performance was assessed by measuring 1RM in six exercises three times (W0, W4, and W8). Results: Our findings reveal that 24.3% of participants did not consume NSs, while the majority (75.6%, p < 0.05) used them to improve their physical condition; men were more likely to consume NSs than women (83.3% vs. 63.9%, p < 0.05). Gym-goers were grouped based on their NS consumption: L-carnitine, creatine, whey protein (WP), and triple combination; the non-supplemented group was the control. The combination substantially correlated with a balanced diet, 3001–3500 and >3500 calories/day; creatine was appreciably associated with 2001–2500 calories/day; L-carnitine was associated with 151–200 g protein/day, while control was considerably linked with a vegetarian diet and <1000 calorie/day (r > 0.900, p < 0.05). The results showed that almost all participants exhibited progressive muscle strength improvements. As an overview, 1RM substantially varied with NS consumed, body weight status, and gender (p < 0.0001), except for the pull-up count, which varied with NS and gender (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 1RM significantly varied with age (deadlift and pull-ups), daily protein consumption (back squats, biceps, and triceps), daily calories (back squats), and diet type (biceps, triceps, and pull-up exercises), p < 0.05. On the other hand, most NSs associated with RT exercises led to a general increase in body weight. Only L-carnitine decreased it. Conclusions: Resistance training records of recreational athletes are significantly influenced by age, gender, body weight status, NS type, and daily diet features (p < 0.05). Our findings highlight the essential role of professional guidance in nutritional supplementation associated with a suitable diet for optimal RT performance of recreational athletes. Full article