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Abstract
Introduction
Supplementation with Rhodiola Rosea (RR) and Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) has been shown to improve aerobic performance, but their influence on concurrent training (resistance training plus high intensity interval training) outcomes has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with a multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS) containing RR and CS during a 14-week training and testing program on body composition, weekly exercise training outcomes, overall training and performance outcomes, and hormone profiles.
Methods
Active college-aged men (N = 21) were stratified into either a MIPS or a placebo (PLA) group. Both groups completed 14 weeks of training and testing. Body composition, overall training outcomes, and blood sample collection occurred at weeks 0, 7, and 14, while training performance was evaluated weekly.
Results
Both groups improved (p < 0.05) percent body fat (-1.3%), bench press (+4%) and squat strength (+8%), with no difference between groups. Serum cortisol concentrations significantly decreased (-11%) but there were no differences between groups. No other changes in blood hormone profiles occurred. Weekly exercise performance data suggests that MIPS improved sprint performance, bench press lifting volume, and total workload, but this did not lead to improved overall training performance compared to PLA over the14-week study.
Conclusion
Despite MIPS improving certain aspects of weekly training performance, supplementation with MIPS for 14 weeks did not improve body composition, overall training and performance outcomes, or blood biomarkers of health in response to concurrent training in young men compared to PLA. This study was registered with clinicaltrials. gov (NCT02383017).
Acknowledgements
Onnit labs (Austin, TX) provided a research grant to MJO and VK and donated both the MIPS and Placebo for this study.
Authors would also like to acknowledge the participants and volunteers that made this project possible.
Author contributions
This study was designed and carried out by V.C.K. and M.J.O. Data was collected by V.C.K. and M.J.O. Blood samples were analyzed by C.J.T. Data was analyzed by all authors. All Authors contributed to the editing of this manuscript and approved the final submission.
Declaration of interest
V.C.K. currently works for Onnit Labs (starting May 2017). However, data collection and analysis were complete by December 2016. None of the other authors have any other conflicts of interests.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Vince C. Kreipke, PhD
Vince C. Kreipke received his PhD in Exercise Physiology with a focus in Sports Nutrition in 2016 from Florida State University. During this time, his research focused on the efficacy of dietary interventions, such as nutritional supplementation and protein intake, and exercise on body composition, metabolism, and human performance. More recently, Dr. Kreipke has expanded his research to include the role of various dietary ingredients to enhance other aspects of daily living, such as cognitive performance and general health.
Robert J. Moffatt, PhD
Dr. Moffatt retired in 2019 from the Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences at Florida State University. His research primarily focused on the effects of lifestyle choices on health markers, body composition, and exercise performance.
Charles J. Tanner, MA
Charles J. Tanner is an Instructor & Associate Director of the Human Performance Laboratory at East Carolina University. His research interests include exercise metabolism, protocol development and validation, and the use of novel technologies in exercise science.
Michael J. Ormsbee, PhD
Michael J. Ormsbee is the Associate Director of the Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine and an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences at Florida State University. He is also an honorary research fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. His research expertise involves the interaction of exercise training, nutrition, and supplementation to improve metabolism and achieve optimal body composition, human performance, and health in athletic and clinical populations.