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Velositol and Whey Protein Combined Shown to Increase Performance Outcomes
Study indicated patented chromium ingredient from Nutrition21 + whey protein offered benefits beyond protein alone.
By: Sean Moloughney
Editor
Nutrition21, LLC presented new research at the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s (ISSN) 17th Annual Conference and Expo showing that Velositol—a patented complex of chromium picolinate, chromium histidinate, and amylopectin—added to 15 grams of whey protein performed better than 30 grams of whey protein alone.
Prior clinical research has shown that adding Velositol to a single 6 gram dose of whey protein increased baseline exercise-induced muscle protein synthesis by 48% vs. a 24% increase from the same dose of protein alone. The goal of this new clinical study was to extend these findings by examining chronic changes in muscle strength, fat-free mass (FFM), whole-body protein balance, and exercise performance during eight weeks of resistance training.
The randomized, active-controlled, double-blind study, presented as a poster at the ISSN conference, enrolled 35 recreationally active male subjects between 35 and 55 years of age. All of the subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups: an active group (2 grams Velositol + 15 grams whey protein), a low-dose comparator group (15 grams of whey protein), or a high-dose comparator group (30 grams of whey protein).
The subjects consumed the supplement immediately following exercise on training days, and at the same time of day on non-training days. At 0, 4, and 8 weeks, the study researchers assessed body composition (4C via DEXA, Bod Pod, Bioimpedance), whole-body protein balance (15N-alanine), and upper/lower body performance [one rep max (1RM) and repetitions to failure (RTF) on bench press and squat, vertical jump power].
Velositol + 15 grams of whey protein not only significantly outperformed 15 grams of whey protein (alone), but also 30 grams of whey protein (alone) in several athletic performance measurements, including muscle endurance, strength and power. These improvements were evident in as little as four weeks, the company said.
“These findings showed that the addition of Velositol to whey protein significantly increases performance outcomes, such as squat strength, reps to failure, vertical power, and vertical jump height, perhaps by modifying or optimizing muscle fiber physiology, as well as earlier adaptations in whole-body protein balance,” said James Komorowski, chief science officer, Nutrition21. “This research adds another important layer of substantiation for Velositol, which translates to real performance benefits.”