Category Archives: Skeletal Muscle

Pea Protein and Post-Exercise Muscle Damage

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Post-exercise protein may significantly reduce the damage to skeletal muscle following intense exercise. When compared to a placebo, most proteins seem to have a beneficial effect, with only small differences existing between the type of proteins. This makes sense because … Continue reading →

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Pea Protein for Resistance Training

Posted on November 24, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Leguminous seeds (pulses) are a rich source of amino acids, although they are low in the essential amino acid methionine. However, supplements of pea protein are available and they are sold as beneficial at causing muscle growth following resistance training. … Continue reading →

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Beta Alanine: Is It An Effective Ergogenic Aid?

Posted on November 10, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Beta alanine is a popular dietary supplement that may have some ergogenic properties. In particular, beta alanine can be converted to carnosine in humans where it accumulates in skeletal muscle and may act to buffer acidic pH conditions during and … Continue reading →

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Lysine, Protein, Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone and Muscle Health

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Lean tissue is associated with health and those with higher amounts of lean tissue are conferred better health. Optimising the amount of bone and muscle is therefore important for health. Calcium, along with vitamin D, lysine and protein can all … Continue reading →

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L-Glutamine for Strength in the Elderly

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Robert Barrington

L-glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that has a number of functions in humans. In particular L-glutamine is associated with improved glycaemic control, reduced oxidative stress and improvements in muscle mass. The latter perhaps is experienced because L-glutamine may have … Continue reading →

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Does D-Aspartate Supplementation Reduce Oestrogen Levels?

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Robert Barrington

D-aspartate (D-aspartic acid) is a supplement that may have a number of effects on mammalian hormonal regulation. One controversial aspect of D-aspartate supplementation is whether or not the supplements are able to elevate testosterone in healthy men. This effect would … Continue reading →

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L-Lysine: Skeletal Muscle

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Evidence supports a role for L-lysine in preventing the degradation of skeletal muscle. One of the mechanisms by which this may occur is through suppression of autophagic proteolysis by the L-lysine metabolite L-saccharphone. L-lysine may therefore be a useful nutritional … Continue reading →

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DHEA Supplements and Weight Training

Posted on March 27, 2023 by Robert Barrington

As individuals age there are hormonal changes that result in diminishing muscle mass. One of these changes for both men and women are falling testosterone levels. Muscle mass is inversely associated with mortality and although the cause and effect is … Continue reading →

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Is Mycoprotein Research Bad Science?

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Mycoprotein is a mould that is produced from the fungus Fusarium venenatum. It is high in protein and as a result is often touted as a replacement for animal protein. However, despite the high protein content mycoprotein has low levels … Continue reading →

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Creatine Monohydrate Stimulates Protein Synthesis

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Robert Barrington

The most well known explanation for the performance enhancing effect of creatine monohydrate is that it allows improvements in energy metabolism by causing accumulation of creatine in skeletal muscle, which increases the buffering capacity for ATP. However, there may be … Continue reading →

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