Effect of a supplement containing primarily beta alanine, arginine, creatine malate, and glycerol monostearate on exercise-induced changes in lean mass of the arms

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acute ingestion of a supplement containing primarily beta alanine, arginine, creatine malate, and glycerol monostearate (MORPH™) on exercise-induced changes in lean mass of the arms.

Methods

Using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design, eight healthy men (mean ± SD age, height, weight: 23.6 ± 3.0 y, 180.3 ± 6.9 cm, 81.8 ± 6.9 kg,) were randomly assigned to ingest one serving of MORPH™, and on a separate day placebo, along with 12 ounces of water. Verification of ingredient purity and potency by an external laboratory is pending. Thirty minutes after consumption, subjects completed a standardized workout for the elbow flexors and extensors (i.e., six sets × 12–15 reps of biceps curls alternated with six sets × 12–15 reps of lying triceps extensions). Weight loads, rest periods between sets, and tempo of execution were tightly controlled from trial to trial. Body composition was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) prior to supplementation and immediately following the final set of resistance exercise. Twenty-four hours before each trial, subjects were required to refrain from exercise and follow a standardized diet. Data were analyzed via ANOVA and statistical significance was accepted at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Acute resistance exercise increased the lean mass (LM) of the arms in both trials (MORPH™: +13.5%; 8807 ± 824 [baseline] to 9999 ± 954 grams [post], placebo: +7.6%; 9066 ± 813 [baseline] to 9753 ± 860 grams [post], P < 0.004), but the increase was significantly greater in MORPH™ (P < 0.003) (Figure 1). In contrast, no statistically significant interactions were noted for fat mass or systemic hemodynamics (heart rate, systolic or diastolic blood pressure).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Within the framework of the current experimental design, these preliminary data indicate that acute supplementation with a product containing primarily beta alanine, arginine, creatine malate and glycerol monostearate (MORPH™) augments resistance exercise-induced increase in lean mass of the arms without negatively affecting systemic hemodynamics. Future studies should confirm and refine these results in a larger sample size, determine the effects of daily supplementation with MORPH™ on body composition and performance during prolonged (i.e., 4–8 weeks) resistance training, and clarify the mechanisms by which this multi-ingredient product exerts these effects.