Showing Results for Muscle Enhancement
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9/15/2020
Preventing Muscle Loss with Leucine?
Do supplements with leucine (a branched-chain amino acid or BCAA) prevent muscle loss when muscles are immobilized (such as in a leg brace)? See what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review.
1/27/2021
Curcumin for Reducing Muscle Soreness?
Can taking curcumin (from turmeric) reduce muscle soreness related to exercise – and does it enhance muscle strengthening from exercise? See what a new study found in the Muscle Soreness and Recovery section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks for turmeric/curcumin.
12/07/2019
Vitamin D & Muscle
If you are looking to increase muscle mass, make sure you're getting adequate vitamin D. Raising deficient levels has been shown to increase muscle in seniors, and more recently, in men and women in their 40s. For details see the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
12/09/2017
Creatine Pumps Up Muscles
Giving creatine during a resistance-training program significantly boosted muscle size more than placebo in a recent study — and certain muscles increased in size more than others. Learn more in the "What It Does" section of the Muscle & Workout Supplements Review (Creatine & BCAAs). (Also see our Top Picks and Cautions and Concerns for creatine).
2/23/2022
Leucine for Muscle Loss?
Did leucine supplementation improve physical function in people ages 70 and older with age-related muscle loss in a recent study? Find out in the Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review.
Also see our answer to the question: Which vitamins and minerals should someone over 70 take?
2/25/2022
HMB for Muscle Loss in Older People?
Can HMB supplementation improve muscle mass and strength in older people? Find out what research suggests, including who is most likely to benefit, in the HMB section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review.
4/07/2022
Pickle Juice for Muscle Cramps?
Can drinking pickle juice help relieve muscle cramps and are there safety concerns? Find out in our updated article about Supplements for Muscle Cramps.
4/19/2022
Pickle Juice Works for Muscle Cramps
A recent study found that pickle juice reduced the severity of cramps (e.g., in the calves and feet). Get the details, including the dosage, timing, and type of pickle juice used in our article about Supplements for Muscle Cramps.
Also find out if a product called HOTSHOT might be beneficial for muscle cramps.
4/26/2022
Krill Oil & Muscle Strength
Supplementing with krill appeared to improve muscle strength in older men and women in a recent study. See the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review for details.
12/22/2018
Curcumin for Muscle Soreness
Does curcumin reduce muscle inflammation or soreness from intense exercise? Find out what recent studies have shown in the Muscle Soreness and Recovery After Exercise section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products.)
12/25/2018
Vitamin D for Muscle
Vitamin D increased muscle mass in older men and women with low levels of vitamin D in a recent study. Get the details in the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)
1/12/2019
Maintaining Muscle With Fish Oil?
Can taking fish oil prevent muscle loss when a limb is immobilized, such as in a brace? Find out what a recent study showed in the "Strength and Muscle" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.)
4/15/2015
Muscle Supplements and Testicular Cancer
A study of men who have used muscle-building supplements shows a disturbing increase in the risk of testicular cancer. More information is in the Muscle Enhancers (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids) Review >>
9/02/2015
Vitamin D Increases Strength
A recently published review of clinical studies found that supplementing with vitamin D can improve muscle strength in young, healthy men and women. This has also been found in older individuals and may relate to the fact that vitamin D receptors occur in skeletal muscle. However, this benefit may be limited to vitamin D deficient individuals. Get the details in the "Muscle, balance and falls" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
1/24/2016
Leucine Protects Muscle In Middle-Aged
A recent study found that active, middle-aged people restricted to bed rest for several days lost significantly less muscle mass and function if given a leucine supplement along with their meals. Fat gain was also reduced. Get the details, including our tests of leucine-containing supplements, in the Muscle Enhancers Review >>
4/28/2017
Vitamin D for Muscle and Balance?
Why did a recent study show that both high and low-dose vitamin D didn't improve muscle strength or balance in women despite the fact that other studies have shown vitamin D to help? The likely answer has to do with the vitamin D status (i.e., blood levels) of the people chosen to participate in these studies. To find out what you should do to improve your balance and reduce your chance of falling, see the "Muscle, Balance and Falls" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
6/23/2018
Vitamin D for Strength?
Muscles contain vitamin D receptors, but does giving high-dose vitamin D to women deficient in vitamin D improve their muscle strength? Get the answer in the recent update to the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review.
7/24/2018
Vitamin D and Leg Muscle Strength
Giving a moderate amount of vitamin D to women deficient in vitamin D was shown to improve leg muscle strength. A much higher dose did not. Get the details, including dosage, and learn about vitamin D for strength and balance in the Muscle, Balance, and Falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.)
6/19/2021
Glutamine and Exercise
Can glutamine supplementation decrease muscle breakdown from exercise? See what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among muscle and workout products.
8/27/2019
Whey Protein for Muscle Gain and Fat Loss?
Did drinking whey protein after resistance exercise help prevent muscle loss and reduce body fat in obese women? See what a recent study found in the Building and maintaining muscle section of the Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders and shakes.
1/12/2020
Collagen vs. Whey for Muscle
Does taking collagen protein increase muscle as well as whey protein? Find out what a recent study showed in the "Building Muscle" sections of both the Protein Powders Review and the Collagen Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders and Top Picks for collagen.
7/23/2017
Does MSM Help Joints and Muscles?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is commonly in supplements for joint and muscle pain, although the evidence behind it has been limited. Its effectiveness in reducing pain, muscle damage, and oxidative stress was recently evaluated in people running a half-marathon. See the results in the "What It Does" section of the Joint Health Supplements Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Boswellia), which includes our Top Picks among products.
4/26/2022
B-12 for Nighttime Leg Cramps
Raising lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 may help with nighttime leg cramps according to some reports. Get the details in the B-12 section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.
For information about other supplements that may help, see our answer to the question: Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?
2/18/2022
Do Vitamin D & Whey Protein Help After a Stroke?
Can taking vitamin D and whey protein after a stroke help improve muscle strength and physical function? Find out what a recent study suggests in the Muscle, balance and falls section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.
Also see our article about supplements and stroke risk.
3/31/2022
Spinach for Muscle Strength?
Can supplementing with spinach extract improve muscle strength in older adults? Find out what a recent study showed in the What They Do section of our Greens and Whole Food Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among greens and whole foods products.
1/25/2022
Urolithin-A – A New Supplement for the Elderly?
Urolithin-A can improve the function of mitochondria (the “powerhouses” inside our cells). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked with various age-related diseases. Find out if taking urolithin-A improved muscle function in recent study of elderly people in our new article: Does urolithin A reduce age-related muscle decline?
4/15/2015
Vitamin D and Statin-Related Muscle Pain
Taking high doses of vitamin D may reduce statin-related muscle pain in people with low blood levels of vitamin D, according to a new study. Get more information and our test reports on vitamin D supplements in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
5/24/2015
Fish Oil Increases Muscle/Strength
Last week we reported that vitamin D could help increase strength -- this week it's fish oil. A recent study found that taking a high dose of fish oil led to increases in muscle and strength in older individuals -- without additional exercise. As reported earlier, a lower of dose of fish oil may improve results of exercise. For the details, including specifics about the fish oil used, see the Fish Oil Supplements Review >>
3/22/2016
Curcumin for Muscle Soreness?
Some studies show that curcumin (from turmeric) can reduce muscle soreness after exercise. However, a more recent study failed to show this benefit. Get the details, including the dose and brand of curcumin used, in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review >>
10/27/2015
Whey Protein and Muscle
As noted in our Protein Review, many studies show that extra protein can help build more muscle and increase strength when resistance training. But, as shown in a recent study in postmenopausal women, just eating extra protein without exercise provides no benefit. Get the details in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>
11/28/2017
Curcumin for Muscle Soreness
Another study was published recently suggesting that curcumin can reduce muscle soreness after exercise. However, the efficacy of curcumin for this use is questionable. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >> (Also see our Top Picks for turmeric and curcumin supplements.)
8/12/2015
Curcumin May Reduce Muscle Pain After Exercise
A small study has reported that curcumin reduced muscle pain after exercise in young, healthy men. Get the details, including dosage, plus more about curcumin for other types pain and our tests of popular products, in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >>
9/25/2018
Extra Protein for Extra Muscle?
Extra protein can boost the increases in muscle strength and size that occur with strength training. But does extra protein help people already consuming adequate protein from their diets? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Protein Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein powders and shakes.)
10/30/2018
CoQ10 & Statin Muscle Symptoms
Can taking CoQ10 reduce muscle symptoms that can occur when taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs? Find out in the recent update to the What It Does section of the CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for CoQ10 and Ubiquinol.)
4/04/2017
Curcumin for Muscle Soreness?
Several studies have evaluated curcumin to reduce muscle soreness, pain, and loss of power after exercise. The most recent study showed little benefit. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the new Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements & Spices Review >>
11/19/2019
When Protein Won't Help
Supplementing with protein can help build and maintain muscle mass, but there are times when it won't help, as demonstrated in a recent study. For details see the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein supplements.
2/10/2018
Protein Enhances Muscle Gain in Young and Old
Consuming extra protein, up to a point, was found to help both younger and older people increase muscle strength and size as part of resistance exercise training. For details see the What It Does section of the Protein Powders Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein powders).
8/18/2018
Extra Protein Can Help Older People
Increasing protein intake can help older people maintain and build muscle — but it's not that simple. Get the details, and read about the latest studies, in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of the Protein Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein shakes and drinks).
10/05/2018
Amino Acids After Knee Replacement?
Does taking amino acids after knee replacement surgery help maintain muscle volume, mobility, and strength? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks in this category).
12/18/2018
Creatine for Older People
Does taking creatine improve muscles in older people? See the results of a recent study in the What It Does section of the Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Pick for creatine).
5/19/2013
Creatine for Fibromyalgia
A new study shows that creatine might have a role in boosting muscle strength in patients with fibromyalgia. Get the details, plus quality ratings for creatine supplements in our updated Muscle Enhancers (Creatine and Branched Chain Amino Acids) Review >>
12/09/2012
Extra Protein Improves Strength
Whether you are trying to add muscle or just maintain it, a new report suggests that additional protein leads to further gains from resistance-type training. The analysis of 22 clinical studies shows that both young and old individuals who received additional protein from supplements or high-protein foods experienced significantly greater increases in muscle mass and strength than those not getting additional protein. Get the details, as well as our tests and reviews of protein powders and drinks, in the updated Protein Powders and Drinks Review (Including Sports, Nutrition, and Diet Products). More >>
3/09/2011
Fish Oil Helps in Chemotherapy
A recent study in lung cancer patients showed that those using fish oil supplementation during initial chemotherapy tended to maintain their muscle and total weight while those who did not lost 5 lbs of weight on average (2.2 lbs of which was muscle). See the Fish Oil (Omega-3) Product Review for more details, including the dosage used. More >>
11/10/2013
Amino Acids Speed Recovery From Knee Surgery
A study of men and women receiving knee replacement surgery showed that taking essential amino acids (including branched-chain amino acids) twice daily before and after surgery reduced muscle loss and speeded recovery. For details, including dosage, plus our reviews of amino acid supplements, see the updated Muscle Enhancers Review >>
11/26/2014
CoQ10 Reduces Statin-Related Muscle Pain
Taking a moderate dose of CoQ10 reduced statin-related muscle symptoms in 75% of patients in a recent study. More details, as well as our tests of CoQ10 and ubiquinol products, are found in the CoQ10 & Ubiquinol Supplements Review >>
1/28/2015
Pea Protein for Muscle
Like whey protein, pea protein is now being used in protein powders. A recent placebo-controlled study compared the two and suggests that pea protein is a viable option for increasing muscle mass. See the details in the Protein Supplements Review >>
11/04/2020
Muscle Cramps from Lack of Vitamin
Painful muscle cramps in an older person resolved after correcting a deficiency in one of the B vitamins, according to a new report. Get the details, and learn which conditions and medications increase the risk of this deficiency, in the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for B vitamin supplements.
12/06/2020
Do Creatine or BCAAs Boost Strength?
When coupled with resistance exercise, does supplementation with creatine or branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) further boost muscle strength? Find out what separate recent studies showed for creatine and BCAAS in the "What It Does" section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Pick for creatine and BCAA supplements.
10/10/2020
Magnesium for Muscle Soreness?
Can magnesium supplementation decrease muscle soreness after exercise? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for magnesium.
8/21/2021
Omega-7s for Muscle Pain?
Can supplementation with omega-7 fatty acids (from fish oil) reduce muscle pain or inflammation in the body? See what a new study found, and learn if omega-7s have other benefits in the omega-7 section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see how much omega-7 we found in popular fish oil products.
11/29/2019
A Better Form of Creatine?
A relatively new form of creatine may raise creatine levels in the blood and muscle more effectively than the most common form (creatine monohydrate), but it has drawbacks. Learn more in the ConsumerTips section of the Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for creatine.
1/14/2017
Enzymes for Muscle Soreness
A blend of enzymes reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise in healthy men. For details, see the "What They Do" section of the Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review >>
9/30/2015
Inaccurate Yohimbe Labels
Yohimbe supplements contain an active compound, yohimbine, which is an old drug for erectile dysfunction. A recent study found that most yohimbe supplements don't list the amount of yohimbine they contain, and those that do are typically inaccurate — similar to what ConsumerLab.com has found. For more about the study as well as our own tests of products, see the Sexual Enhancement Supplements Review >>
10/08/2019
Fish Oil to Improve Cognition?
See the results of the most recent study of fish oil to improve memory and cognition in the Memory Enhancement section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.
2/04/2020
Problems With Huperzine A
A recent analysis of supplements claiming to contain huperzine A (promoted for memory enhancement) found problems with most products. For details see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Huperzine A Supplements Review. Also learn what clinical studies have shown with huperzine A in the What It Does section and see which huperzine A supplements have been Approved by CL.
8/28/2020
Concern Over Memory Supplement Quality
Many supplements with phosphatidylserine – promoted for memory enhancement -- do not contain their listed amounts of this ingredient, according to a new report. Get details and learn what clinical studies show with phosphatidylserine in our updated answer to the question: Do either phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylcholine help with memory and cognition?
9/17/2019
Omega-3s for Cognition?
Several studies have attempted to boost cognition and memory in healthy people using omega-3 supplements from fish or krill oil. Find out if they succeeded, including a recent study among adolescents, in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
3/22/2022
Fish Oil: Cognitive Benefit in Healthy People?
Does fish oil supplementation improve cognition in healthy people? See what a recent study showed in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of our Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review.
Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
12/09/2020
Too Much Vitamin D
A 2-year study suggests risks with vitamin D at daily doses of 1,000 IU and higher. Get the details in the Muscle, balance and falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
9/14/2021
Citrulline for Strength?
Find out if citrulline supplementation improved muscle strength or endurance in older people in recent study. (This information is in the Citrulline section of our L-Arginine Supplements Review, as citrulline is converted to arginine in the body and it is often sold in combination with arginine).
10/19/2021
Alpha Lipoic Acid for Pain?
Can taking alpha-lipoic acid decrease nerve, muscle or joint pain? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Alpha Lipoic Acid Review. Also see our Top Picks for alpha-lipoic acid.
1/11/2022
Soy Versus Whey Protein
Can soy protein help increase muscle mass and strength as well as the same amount of whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Soy section of our Protein Powders and Drinks Review, which includes comparisons of whey, casein, soy, rice, pea and other forms of protein. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.
7/13/2021
Magnesium for Leg Cramps?
Can magnesium supplementation reduce leg cramps? See what a recent analysis of the data showed for leg cramps in pregnant women. Also see the evidence for use by older men and women in our Magnesium Supplements Review.
Also see our answer to the question: Do magnesium creams, sprays and oils help with muscle pain and cramps? How about supplements?
Also see our answer to the question: Do magnesium creams, sprays and oils help with muscle pain and cramps? How about supplements?
8/10/2021
Vitamin D & Risk of Falls
A recent study showed that high-dose vitamin D may increase the risk of falls for certain people. Get the details in the Muscle, Balance, and Falls section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review.
5/25/2021
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?
Find out if creatine supplements cause hair loss. See the Concerns and Cautions section of our Muscle & Workout Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for creatine supplements.
6/15/2021
Vitamin D May Increase the Risk of Fractures from Falls
Taking doses of vitamin D above the RDA when not necessary may increase the risk of first-time falls with fractures, according to a recent analysis. Get the details in the Muscle, Balance and Falls section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for low, moderate and high-dose vitamin D supplements.
3/14/2021
Fibromyalgia Supplement?
Pycnogenol (French pine bark extract) was recently reported to reduce muscle pain and fatigue in people with fibromyalgia, but how strong is the evidence?
4/09/2021
Vitamin D & Muscle
Can taking high-dose vitamin D improve strength gains from exercise? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D supplements.
3/10/2020
Does CoQ10 Help With Statins?
Many studies have looked at whether or not CoQ10 helps people with statin-associated muscle pain. Read the latest in the What It Does section of the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements.
4/21/2020
Does Protein Powder Affect Blood Flow?
Does supplementing with whey protein isolate affect blood flow through the aorta and to the brain? Find out what a recent study found in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders & Drinks Review. Also learn what effects protein powder has on building and maintaining muscle and see our Top Picks for protein powders.
2/26/2019
Does CBD Cream Help?
Does CBD cream decrease muscle soreness following exercise? Does CBD gel help with knee pain from osteoarthritis? Learn what recent studies have found in the What It Does section of the CBD and Hemp Extract Review. Also see our Top Picks for CBD oils and topical products.
5/15/2018
Casein at Night?
It has been suggested that casein protein be taken at bedtime because it is absorbed relatively slowly, providing a more continuous supply of amino acids throughout the night to maintain muscle. A study recently put this theory to the test. See the results in the Casein section of the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
6/15/2018
Better Bone Broth
How a bone broth is prepared can significantly affect its content of amino acids - building blocks for muscle and collagen, according to a recent study. Learn how to find or make better bone broth in the ConsumerTips section of the Bone Broth Review. (Also see our Top Picks among bone broths.)
1/15/2019
Pea vs. Whey Protein
Which is better for increasing strength and muscle thickness, pea protein or whey protein? See what a recent study showed in the Protein Powders Review. Also see our Top Pick for each type of protein.
2/02/2019
Whey Protein When Bedridden?
Does substituting whey protein for other sources of protein help bedridden people retain muscle mass and strength? Find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders & Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders.
10/22/2019
Does Magnesium Reduce Exercise Soreness?
Can taking magnesium reduce muscle soreness after exercise? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for magnesium supplements.
12/09/2018
When to Take Protein
Supplementing with protein can increase muscle mass and strength more than resistance exercise alone, but the timing of protein consumption can make a difference if you are also trying to improve metabolism and reduce body fat. Get the details and find out what a new study showed in the What It Does section of the Protein Powders, Shakes & Drinks Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products).
11/09/2019
CoQ10 for Statin-Intolerance
Many people experience muscle pain from taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. CoQ10 can help reduce this pain, according to a new study. Get the details in the What It Does section of the CoQ10 Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among CoQ10 supplements.
3/21/2020
When to Eat Protein
Some evidence indicates that it is best to distribute protein across meals throughout the day to maximize protein production in muscle. A recent study suggests that there is one meal when protein intake could be higher for nearly everyone, and there is another meal when older people particularly fall short. For details see the When to Take section of the Protein Powder and Drinks Review. Also see our Top Picks for protein powders and drinks.
5/05/2020
Does Too Much Vitamin D Hurt Muscle?
A study among women given moderately high doses of vitamin D found that they lost strength. Further analysis of the data suggests why. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
7/02/2017
Extra Protein Enhances Training
Even among untrained, middle-aged men, adding protein supplementation to resistance training leads to greater improvements in lean body mass (i.e., more muscle) than the training alone, according to a new study. Find out how much protein helped in the "What It Does" section of the Protein Supplements Review. The Review includes our test-based, quality ratings and comparisons of popular protein powders and drinks.
3/26/2019
Vitamin C Blunts Exercise Benefits
If you are trying to build muscle with resistance exercise, go easy on vitamins C and E, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Vitamin C Supplements Review.
6/15/2019
Tart Cherry for Soreness After Exercise?
Can tart cherry juice improve muscle recovery and reduce soreness after exercise? See what a new study found in our update to the question: What are the benefits of tart cherry juice?
7/26/2019
MCT Oil for Strength?
Does adding MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) to the diets of elderly people enhance the benefit they get from exercise? See what a recently published study found in the What It Does: Muscle Strength and Function section of the Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for coconut and MCT oils.
11/12/2019
Help for Jaw Pain?
Can CBD ointment relax and reduce pain in the jaw muscles of people who grind their teeth? See what a recent clinical study found in the What It Does section of the CBD and Hemp Extract Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
7/29/2017
Fish Oil for Endurance
High-dose fish oil may help to increase exercise endurance, according to a new study, adding to evidence of other beneficial effects of fish oil on muscle mass and strength. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.
2/10/2016
Extra Protein Helps During Exercise & Dieting
A study among obese young men found that giving extra protein during a period of dieting and intense exercise caused them to lose more fat and gain more muscle than men to whom additional protein was not provided. Several other recent studies in both young and old individuals have shown significant benefits from additional protein – but only when combined with exercise. Get the details in the Protein Powders and Drinks Review >>
3/17/2018
L-Arginine for Workouts?
A recent study assessed whether taking L-Arginine before a high-intensity workout decreased muscle soreness after the workout. Get the results and more details in the Exercise Endurance and Recovery section of the L-Arginine Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products).
4/29/2018
When to Take Protein
When is the best time of day to take a protein supplement if you want to gain muscle but lose fat? An analysis of over 30 clinical studies involving protein supplementation and resistance exercise recently addressed this question. Get the answer and details in the ConsumerTips section of the Protein Powders, Shakes and Drinks Review. (Also see our Top Picks among protein products).
4/12/2016
Too Much Vitamin D Weakens Legs
In recent months we have reported that giving too much vitamin D to people who don't need it increases the risk of falls. A major study now shows that it also weakens leg muscles — apparently to the surprise of the researchers. Keep in mind that giving vitamin D to people who are deficient in it can decrease the risk of falls. Get the details in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
1/17/2017
Red Yeast Rice Concerns
A review of adverse events associated with the use of red yeast rice products in Italy led researchers to suggest monitoring for signs of muscle and liver injury when using red yeast rice. For more details, see the "Cautions and Concerns" section of the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
9/04/2018
Glutamine for IBS?
Glutamine, an amino acid, plays a role in maintaining the digestive tract. Can taking it as a supplement help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Glutamine section of the Muscle Enhancers Review.
5/09/2017
Curcumin and Muscle Soreness
A recent study found a particular curcumin formula helped reduce soreness after exercise – although this has not been the case in other studies with different formulas. Find out what might help you in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review >>
5/20/2015
Vitamin D Strengthens Muscle
In a recent study, a modest daily dose of vitamin D led to impressive gains in leg strength in women who were deficient in the vitamin. Details about this study (including dosage) and other studies of vitamin D, along with our reviews of products, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
3/11/2017
Can High-Dose Vitamin D Backfire?
A recent study found that taking very high doses of vitamin D increases the production of an enzyme which inactivates vitamin D in the body -- which may help to explain why taking very high-dose vitamin D has been linked with adverse effects such as muscle weakness and increased risk of fractures and falls in previous studies. For details, see the "How Much Do You Need?" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
3/11/2012
Strength Improves with Vitamin D
A review of 13 studies found that vitamin D supplements may improve balance and muscle strength, but not gait, among older individuals. See the update to the Vitamin D Supplements Review for details, including dosage. More >>
2/17/2015
Creatine Tested for Parkinson Disease
Taking creatine daily for at least five years did not slow the progression of Parkinson disease according to a recently reported study involving nearly 1,000 patients. For more details about the study, other studies with creatine (for strength, fibromyalgia, etc.), and our tests of creatine supplements, see the Product Review of Muscle Enhancers (Creatine and Branched-chain Amino Acids) >>
3/17/2015
Zinc Lozenges for Colds
A recent review of placebo-controlled studies of zinc lozenges given at the start of a cold shows that they not only shorten the duration of symptoms in the throat, but in the nose and muscles as well. It is critical, however, that the right type of zinc, dose, and dosing schedule be used. Get the details, as well as our reviews of zinc lozenges and supplements, in the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review >>
1/18/2014
Vitamin D Helps Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an inflammation of the muscle and soft tissue which causes pain and fatigue. A recent study found that giving vitamin D reduced the pain associated with fibromyalgia. For details about the dose and target vitamin D blood level in the study, as well as our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >>
7/05/2014
Curcumin Reduces Soreness After Exercise
Taking curcumin before and after intense exercise significantly reduced muscle soreness in young, healthy men, according to a new study. Get the details, including the brand and dose of curcumin used, plus our tests of curcumin supplements, in the updated Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review >>
10/08/2014
Energy Drinks: Athletic Performance & Side Effects
A recent study found that a caffeinated energy drink improved athletes' self-perceived muscle power, but also increased insomnia and nervousness. Get the details in the update to the B Vitamin Supplements and Energy Drinks Review >>
2/11/2022
Omega-3s for Fall Prevention?
Can omega-3 supplementation help reduce falls in older men and women? See what a study found in the Muscle, Strength and Falls section of our Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.
3/01/2022
Does Boosting Protein Intake Help?
Can getting extra protein boost physical function or improve body composition in older people? See what a recent study showed in the Building and maintaining muscle mass section of our Protein Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among protein supplements.
3/22/2022
CoQ10 for Statin Side Effects?
Does CoQ10 reduce muscle side effects of statin drugs (used to lower cholesterol)? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our CoQ10 Supplements Review.
3/31/2022
Quinine for Leg Cramps?
Is quinine (a compound in tonic water) helpful and safe for nighttime leg cramps? Find out in our updated answer about supplements for leg cramps and muscle pain.
4/22/2022
Does mustard help with cramps?
Several CL members have reported that taking mustard has relieved muscle cramps. Find out why this may help in our answer about foods and supplements for cramps.
5/10/2022
Choosing a Tart Cherry Product
Which tart cherry products are best for reducing muscle pain, improving sleep, or lowering blood pressure or cholesterol? Although the evidence is not strong, we identified products with the most evidence behind them in our Tart Cherry article.
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