Results from a new study on dietary supplements, completed by ISU researchers, will help slow down the loss of muscle caused by aging and diseases that involve muscle atrophy.

The study done by Rick Sharp, professor of health and human performance, and Steve Nissen, professor of animal science, found that the use of the dietary supplements creatine and HMB (b-hydroxy-b-methylbutyrate) provide significant increases in net lean mass and strength gain when combined with resistance training.

The study was published in the January 2003 issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Sharp and Nissen studied and reviewed scientific research conducted between 1967 and 2001 on more than 250 dietary supplements, Nissen said. He said the criteria for review required each supplement to have more than two scientifically sound studies published, have involved resistance training and have been conducted for at least three weeks per study.

“Essentially, what we did was make a review article of summaries and studies,” Sharp said.

From these summaries and studies, Nissen said he and Sharp found creatine and HMB to have a positive effect because the two have an additive effect when used together.

Research showed creatine swells muscle cells by bringing in water through osmosis. This swelling stimulates the cell to create more protein, Sharp said. He also said HMB slows the breakdown of muscles by decreasing the rate at which proteins are broken up.

“It’s like building and breaking down at the same time,” Nissen said. “If you slow down the breakdown, you end up with a net gain.”

They also found the supplements only work with resistance training, Sharp said. “If you put on one pound from working in the gym and you use [creatine and HMB], you will end up putting on two pounds.” Nissen said.

Sharp and Nissen both said they haven’t found any side effects or dangers in taking creatine or HMB. Both said the two dietary supplements are naturally produced in the body and that the body is familiar with handling them both.

Sharp did say, however, that taking any supplement depends on a person’s health status.

“People should consult a physician on taking dietary supplements, even though most are over the counter,” he said.

The significance of this research will help to benefit anyone seeking to gain more muscle, Nissen said. Both Nissen and Sharp said they are interested in how this research will delay and offset the loss of muscle during aging.

According to WebMD.com, creatine is considered a dietary supplement and therefore is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration.

Creatine can cause dangerously high levels in blood pressure for people who take too much of it. Due to the possible rise in blood pressure, people with heart defects should not take creatine, the Web site said.

According to www.creatinemonohydrate.net, side effects of creatine use include dehydration, gastrointestinal distress, high blood pressure, muscle strains and cramps.

Nissen also said the studies that have been done did not take into account prolonged use, or use of more than the dose recommended by creatine manufacturers.

Dustin Pogones, creatine user and senior in management, said with careful use, creatine can be beneficial.

He also said he sees more growth in muscle when taking creatine. He said he is not sure if it is totally safe but has never been told that it is dangerous.

“I’ve seen more benefits than [negative] side effects,” he said.