Nutrition

The Latest on Pre/Post Workout Nutrition

Will Brink explains how consuming the right foods at the right time can positively affect body composition.

Most people are aware that nutrient timing is as important as nutrient composition. In other words, it is not just what you eat, but when you eat it that gives optimal results. As the man says, "Timing is everything." Consuming the right foods at the right time can positively affect body composition, which can mean more muscle and less body fat.

Health-conscious people are told to avoid simple carbohydrates and for good reasons. However, it is not true all the time and in every situation. Following a heavy workout, there is a metabolic "window" - so to speak - where the body preferentially shuttles glucose into the liver and muscles to replace lost glycogen via both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent transport mechanisms. Translated, this means your body will shuttle carbs and protein into the tissues you want (muscle) instead of storing them as fat after a workout.

To carry the analogy further. The metabolic window does not stay open indefinitely, so you need to take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts.

Several studies have found that a post-workout drink containing simple, high-GI carbs and protein increases protein synthesis dramatically. The two work synergistically to create an anabolic environment superior to either nutrient alone. Also, some recent work suggests that a pre-workout drink may be superior to a post-workout drink, and consuming both may be best of all!

Research looking at the issue has much attention in the sports nutrition world. One fascinating study, "Timing of amino acid-carbohydrate ingestion alters the anabolic response of muscle to resistance exercise." (Tipton et al. 2001)[1], compared the anabolic responses to carbohydrate and amino acid supplements taken either before or after resistance exercise. It is counterintuitive to think to taking in these nutrients before the workout is superior to post-workout, but according to this small study:

"...results indicate that the response of net muscle protein synthesis to the consumption of an EAC solution [carb/amino acid drink] immediately before resistance exercise is greater than that when the solution is consumed after exercise, primarily because of an increase in muscle protein synthesis..."

Since this study was published, several researchers have proposed that providing amino acids/protein and carbs both before and after a resistance workout represents the best of both worlds. Ivy & Portman (2004)^[2] present compelling evidence that the right mixture of nutrients, taken at critical points in the muscle growth cycle, will optimize improvements in muscle growth, strength, and power, as well as enhance recovery from exercise. Overall, there is a substantial body of scientific evidence to support using a blend of fast-acting carbs and amino acids/protein for both pre-and post-workout nutrition.

It is a "hot" topic among sports researchers. It is also a topic that seems to create endless speculation and conversation with non-scientists looking to get the most of their time in the gym. Everyone wants to hear the latest word, it seems.

So, what is the latest word?

The place to discover cutting-edge research on a topic is to attend conferences where researchers present their most recent findings. This is a much faster way of getting current info than reading scientific journals, as it can take many months (even years!) to publish the work researchers submit for review and publication. Each year, I attend various scientific conferences that apply to my interests, research, and business. I attended the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) conference in Las Vegas this year.

A session on the role of nutrition in exercise and recovery was exciting. One standout study, "Effects of protein and carbohydrate on anabolic responses to resistance training", looked at the effects of carbs, creatine, and whey - taken alone and in different combinations - on LBM or strength. The conclusion was that the combination of all three (whey, carbs, and creatine) was the most effective and that there appeared to be a true synergism between these nutrients.

This study also confirmed that these nutrients, taken both before and after training, have a greater effect on lean mass and strength than when taken at other times of the day. I do not think that comes as a big surprise to most people "in the know" about such things, but it is good to see it confirmed under controlled conditions.

The take-home lesson is this: if you want to optimize your nutrition to gain muscle mass and strength. It is vital to consume a combination of fast-acting carbs and protein during the workout "window."

Here is what I recommend: mix 30-50g of high-quality whey with 75-100g of high GI carbs (such as glucose, maltodextrin, etc.) and 3-5g of creatine monohydrate and drink half immediately before you hit the gym, and the other half immediately following your workout.

To make it extra simple, I use a pre-made carb drink (e.g. TwinLab Ultra Fuel, etc.) and add the whey and creatine to that and mix it up. You can "roll your own" of course by buying various carb powders in bulk. I like the convenience of the pre-made carb mixtures myself.

As you can see, I do not use a complicated formula for the amounts of protein, carbs, and creatine to take pre-and post-workout. Why? Because - while focusing on such minutiae would make me look smart - it probably will not affect you. Following the K.I.S.S. ("Keep It Simple, Stupid") system works best here. The above formula is more than sufficient to supply the nutrients required to take advantage of the metabolic window. Some people take it a step further by dividing the formula into three parts, to be consumed before, during and after the workout, but I do not see the need for that either. I doubt there are any real benefits to it, but more research is needed there.

This is not a miracle mixture, of course. If your training and nutrition over the rest of the day are not up to snuff, this pre-and post-workout drink will not make up for those shortcomings. In conjunction with a good training program and diet, combining pre-and post-workout nutrition will add to your success. And remember, it is not rocket science, so do not make it any more complicated than it needs to be.

References

TIPTON, K.D. et al. (2001) Timing of amino acid-carbohydrate ingestion alters anabolic response of muscle to resistance exercise. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab., 281 (2), p. 197-206.
IVY, J. and PORTMAN, R. (2004) Nutrient Timing. USA, Basic Health Publications

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

BRINK, W. (2003) The Latest On Pre/Post Workout Nutrition [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article034.htm [Accessed

About the Author

Will Brink has over 15 years of experience as a respected author, columnist, and consultant, in the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.


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Most people are aware that nutrient timing is as important as nutrient composition. In other words, it is not just what you eat, but when you eat it that gives optimal results. As the man says, "Timing is everything." Consuming the right foods at the right time can positively affect body composition, which can mean more muscle and less body fat. Health-conscious people are told to avoid simple carbohydrates and for good reasons. However, it is not true all the time and in every situation. Following a heavy workout, there is a metabolic "window" - so to speak - where the body preferentially shuttles glucose into the liver and muscles to replace lost glycogen via both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent transport mechanisms. Translated, this means your body will shuttle carbs and protein into the tissues you want (muscle) instead of storing them as fat after a workout. To carry the analogy further. The metabolic window does not stay open indefinitely, so you need to take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts. Several studies have found that a post-workout drink containing simple, high-GI carbs and protein increases protein synthesis dramatically. The two work synergistically to create an anabolic environment superior to either nutrient alone. Also, some recent work suggests that a pre-workout drink may be superior to a post-workout drink, and consuming both may be best of all! Research looking at the issue has much attention in the sports nutrition world. One fascinating study, "Timing of amino acid-carbohydrate ingestion alters the anabolic response of muscle to resistance exercise." (Tipton et al. 2001)[1], compared the anabolic responses to carbohydrate and amino acid supplements taken either before or after resistance exercise. It is counterintuitive to think to taking in these nutrients before the workout is superior to post-workout, but according to this small study: "...results indicate that the response of net muscle protein synthesis to the consumption of an EAC solution [carb/amino acid drink] immediately before resistance exercise is greater than that when the solution is consumed after exercise, primarily because of an increase in muscle protein synthesis..." Since this study was published, several researchers have proposed that providing amino acids/protein and carbs both before and after a resistance workout represents the best of both worlds. Ivy & Portman (2004)^[2] present compelling evidence that the right mixture of nutrients, taken at critical points in the muscle growth cycle, will optimize improvements in muscle growth, strength, and power, as well as enhance recovery from exercise. Overall, there is a substantial body of scientific evidence to support using a blend of fast-acting carbs and amino acids/protein for both pre-and post-workout nutrition. It is a "hot" topic among sports researchers. It is also a topic that seems to create endless speculation and conversation with non-scientists looking to get the most of their time in the gym. Everyone wants to hear the latest word, it seems. So, what is the latest word? The place to discover cutting-edge research on a topic is to attend conferences where researchers present their most recent findings. This is a much faster way of getting current info than reading scientific journals, as it can take many months (even years!) to publish the work researchers submit for review and publication. Each year, I attend various scientific conferences that apply to my interests, research, and business. I attended the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) conference in Las Vegas this year. A session on the role of nutrition in exercise and recovery was exciting. One standout study, "Effects of protein and carbohydrate on anabolic responses to resistance training", looked at the effects of carbs, creatine, and whey - taken alone and in different combinations - on LBM or strength. The conclusion was that the combination of all three (whey, carbs, and creatine) was the most effective and that there appeared to be a true synergism between these nutrients. This study also confirmed that these nutrients, taken both before and after training, have a greater effect on lean mass and strength than when taken at other times of the day. I do not think that comes as a big surprise to most people "in the know" about such things, but it is good to see it confirmed under controlled conditions. The take-home lesson is this: if you want to optimize your nutrition to gain muscle mass and strength. It is vital to consume a combination of fast-acting carbs and protein during the workout "window." Here is what I recommend: mix 30-50g of high-quality whey with 75-100g of high GI carbs (such as glucose, maltodextrin, etc.) and 3-5g of creatine monohydrate and drink half immediately before you hit the gym, and the other half immediately following your workout. To make it extra simple, I use a pre-made carb drink (e.g. TwinLab Ultra Fuel, etc.) and add the whey and creatine to that and mix it up. You can "roll your own" of course by buying various carb powders in bulk. I like the convenience of the pre-made carb mixtures myself. As you can see, I do not use a complicated formula for the amounts of protein, carbs, and creatine to take pre-and post-workout. Why? Because - while focusing on such minutiae would make me look smart - it probably will not affect you. Following the K.I.S.S. ("Keep It Simple, Stupid") system works best here. The above formula is more than sufficient to supply the nutrients required to take advantage of the metabolic window. Some people take it a step further by dividing the formula into three parts, to be consumed before, during and after the workout, but I do not see the need for that either. I doubt there are any real benefits to it, but more research is needed there. This is not a miracle mixture, of course. If your training and nutrition over the rest of the day are not up to snuff, this pre-and post-workout drink will not make up for those shortcomings. In conjunction with a good training program and diet, combining pre-and post-workout nutrition will add to your success. And remember, it is not rocket science, so do not make it any more complicated than it needs to be. References TIPTON, K.D. et al. (2001) Timing of amino acid-carbohydrate ingestion alters anabolic response of muscle to resistance exercise. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab., 281 (2), p. 197-206. IVY, J. and PORTMAN, R. (2004) Nutrient Timing. USA, Basic Health Publications Page Reference If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is: BRINK, W. (2003) The Latest On Pre/Post Workout Nutrition [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article034.htm [Accessed About the Author Will Brink has over 15 years of experience as a respected author, columnist, and consultant, in the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.