The influence of 8 weeks of whey-protein and leucine supplementation on physical and cognitive performance

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010 Oct;20(5):409-17. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.20.5.409.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of whey-protein and leucine supplementation to enhance physical and cognitive performance and body composition. Thirty moderately fit participants completed a modified Air Force fitness test, a computer-based cognition test, and a dual-energy X-ray-absorptiometry scan for body composition before and after supplementing their daily diet for 8 wk with either 19.7 g of whey protein and 6.2 g leucine (WPL) or a calorie-equivalent placebo (P). Bench-press performance increased significantly from Week 1 to Week 8 in the WPL group, whereas the increase in the P group was not significant. Push-up performance increased significantly for WPL, and P showed a nonsignificant increase. Total mass, fat-free mass, and lean body mass all increased significantly in the WPL group but showed no change in the P group. No differences were observed within or between groups for crunches, chin-ups, 3-mile-run time, or cognition. The authors conclude that supplementing with whey protein and leucine may provide an advantage to people whose performance benefits from increased upper body strength and/or lean body mass.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adaptation, Physiological / drug effects
  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Composition / drug effects
  • Body Composition / physiology
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Dietary Proteins / metabolism
  • Dietary Proteins / pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Leucine / metabolism
  • Leucine / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Military Personnel
  • Milk Proteins / metabolism
  • Milk Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Muscle Strength / drug effects
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / growth & development
  • Whey Proteins

Substances

  • Dietary Proteins
  • Milk Proteins
  • Whey Proteins
  • Leucine