November 17/San Antonio/Computer Business Week -- According to a study from the U.S., "The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of whey-protein and leucine supplementation to enhance physical and cognitive performance and body composition. Thirty moderately fit participants completed a modified Air Force fitness test, a computer-based cognition test, and a dual-energy X-ray-absorptiometry scan for body composition before and after supplementing their daily diet for eight weeks with either 19.7g of whey protein and 6.2g leucine (WPL) or a calorie-equivalent placebo (P)."

"Bench-press performance increased significantly from Week 1 to Week 8 in the WPL group, whereas the increase in the P group was not significant. Push-up performance increased significantly for WPL, and P showed a nonsignificant increase. Total mass, fat-free mass, and lean body mass all increased significantly in the WPL group but showed no change in the P group. No differences were observed within or between groups for crunches, chin-ups, 3-mile-run time, or cognition," wrote T.B. Walker and colleagues, United States Air Force.

The researchers concluded, "The authors conclude that supplementing with whey protein and leucine may provide an advantage to people whose performance benefits from increased upper body strength and/or lean body mass."

Walker and colleagues published the results of their research in International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ("The Influence of 8 Weeks of Whey-Protein and Leucine Supplementation on Physical and Cognitive Performance." International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2010;20(5):409-417).

For additional information, contact T.B. Walker, U.S.F., Research Laboratory, San Antonio, Tex.

From the November 29, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition