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Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Safety of a dose-escalated pre-workout supplement in recreationally active females

Authors: Roxanne M Vogel, Jordan M Joy, Paul H Falcone, Matt M Mosman, Michael P Kim, Jordan R Moon

Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Pre-workout supplements (PWS) have increased in popularity among athletic populations for their purported ergogenic benefits. Most PWS contain a “proprietary blend” of several ingredients, such as caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitrate in undisclosed dosages. Currently, little research exists on the safety and potential side effects of chronic consumption of PWS, and even less so involving female populations. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the safety of consuming a dose-escalated PWS over a 28-day period among active adult females.

Methods

34 recreationally active, adult females (27.1 ± 5.4 years, 165.2 ± 5.7 cm, 68.2 ± 16.0 kg) participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either 1 (G1) or 2 (G2) servings of a PWS daily or remain unsupplemented (CRL) for a period of 28 days. All were instructed to maintain their habitual dietary and exercise routines for the duration of the study. Fasting blood samples, as well as resting blood pressure and heart rate, were taken prior to and following the supplementation period. Samples were analyzed for hematological and clinical chemistry panels, including lipids.

Results

Significant (p < 0.05) group by time interactions were present for absolute monocytes (CRL −0.10 ± 0.10; G1 + 0.03 ± 0.13; G2 + 0.01 ± 0.12×10E3/uL), MCH (CRL −0.13 ± 0.46; G1 + 0.36 ± 0.52; G2 -0.19 ± 0.39 pg), creatinine (CRL 0.00 ± 0.05; G1 -0.06 ± 0.13; G2 -0.14 ± 0.08 mg/dL), eGFR (CRL −0.69 ± 5.97; G1 + 6.10 ± 15.89; G2 + 14.63 ± 7.11 mL/min/1.73), and total cholesterol (CRL −2.44 ± 13.63; G1 + 14.40 ± 27.32; G2 -10.38 ± 15.39 mg/dL). Each of these variables remained within the accepted physiological range. No other variables had significant interactions.

Conclusion

The present study confirms the hypothesis that a PWS containing caffeine, beta-alanine, and nitrate will not cause abnormal changes in hematological markers or resting vital signs among adult females. Although there were statistically significant (p < 0.05) group by time interactions for absolute monocytes, MCH, creatinine, eGFR, and total cholesterol, all of the results remained well within accepted physiological ranges and were not clinically significant. In sum, it appears as though daily supplementation with up to 2 servings of the PWS under investigation, over an interval of 28 days, did not adversely affect markers of clinical safety among active adult females.

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Title: Safety of a dose-escalated pre-workout supplement in recreationally active females
Authors: Roxanne M Vogel
Jordan M Joy
Paul H Falcone
Matt M Mosman
Michael P Kim
Jordan R Moon
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1550-2783
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0074-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Safety of a dose-escalated pre-workout supplement in recreationally active females

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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