Evaluation of HME Amino Acid Supplement and Beta-Alanine on Strength and Recovery in Trained Male Athletes Aged 18 to 45

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of HME Human Muscle Equivalent, a dietary supplement designed to match the amino acid profile of human skeletal muscle, in trained adult males who are competitive athletes or certified fitness professionals. This pilot randomized controlled trial compares HME to a placebo over 10 weeks, with the main goal of estimating the impact on maximal strength measured by 1-repetition maximum leg and chest press. Secondary outcomes include knee-extension strength, jump height, and subjective recovery measures. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either HME, consisting of a 3 g amino acid powder plus a 50 mg slow-release beta-alanine capsule daily, or an identical placebo. The 10-week intervention has a 2-week supplement-only lead-in phase with habitual training, followed by an 8-week supervised resistance training phase with three sessions weekly. Both groups receive or abstain from creatine supplementation according to baseline use, and blinding is maintained for participants, assessors, and analysts. Throughout the study, participants undergo assessments at Weeks 0, 2, 3, 6, and 10, including strength tests, jump height, muscle soreness, recovery questionnaires, and blinding integrity checks. Dietary intake, training load, and other factors are recorded to adjust analyses. Participants must attend all supervised sessions and complete food diaries using a digital kitchen scale. The trial lasts 10 weeks with careful monitoring of strength and performance outcomes.

HME Amino Acid Supplementation for Strength, Performance, and Recovery in Trained Adult Males