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Resistance training with soy vs whey protein supplements in hyperlipidemic males.
Denysschen CA, Burton HW, Horvath PJ, Leddy JJ, Browne RW.
Source Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, State University at New York, Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Most individuals at risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) can reduce risk factors through diet and exercise before resorting to drug treatment. The effect of a combination of resistance training with vegetable-based (soy) versus animal-based (whey) protein supplementation on CVD risk reduction has received little study. The study's purpose was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of resistance exercise training with soy versus whey protein supplementation on strength gains, body composition and serum lipid changes in overweight, hyperlipidemic men.

METHODS:

Twenty-eight overweight, male subjects (BMI 25-30) with serum cholesterol >200 mg/dl were randomly divided into 3 groups (placebo (n = 9), and soy (n = 9) or whey (n = 10) supplementation) and participated in supervised resistance training for 12 weeks. Supplements were provided in a double blind fashion.

RESULTS:

All 3 groups had significant gains in strength, averaging 47% in all major muscle groups and significant increases in fat free mass (2.6%), with no difference among groups. Percent body fat and waist-to-hip ratio decreased significantly in all 3 groups an average of 8% and 2%, respectively, with no difference among groups. Total serum cholesterol decreased significantly, again with no difference among groups.

CONCLUSION:

Participation in a 12 week resistance exercise training program significantly increased strength and improved both body composition and serum cholesterol in overweight, hypercholesterolemic men with no added benefit from protein supplementation.

Very interesting!

Thanks Steelhead! I add weights to my exercise routine in January and have been working out about 4 days a week. Starting Monday I made the decision to join a gym and work out with a co-worker, who was once into body building and pretty muscular. He continues to promote, not only protein (or powders) but supplements. He has suggested I used NO3 and/or a product called Edge (a muscle hardener) sold by Max Muscle. Knowing very little about these sort of supplements and not finding a whole lot of information I am wondering if these are even necessary? My goals are to increase my strength, reduce body fat and basically get into better shape.

No they are not. And good on you for hitting the gym...

Back in the day I bought into the extra protein hype and consumed my share of protein shakes, egg whites, tuna, and a diet high in protein while working out in the gym at least 2 hours a day 6 days a week... All nonsense... and there are many studies which point out how little protein is actually required to build muscle...

My current workout is 1 hour a day in the gym lifting with another hour devoted to HIIT or running, biking, or cycling. With two walks of at least 5 miles every day, and as the weather heats up time in the pool. After 5 months I'm close to being as fit as I have ever been... and much healthier thanks to eating vegan sans added oils and fats 98% of the time...

Main ingredient in Edge

Just another "legal" steroid. Jacking your endocrine system around is just plain dangerous and foolish. Close medical supervision is required IF and only if a clear disease state that sort of thing necessary.

One thing for sure about body building is that there is a huge amount of mythology as well as very dangerous practices out there, always uttered under the guise of absolute, scientific fact. The only muscle hardener is exercise...

Thank you both for the information. I wasn't too serious about the supplements, but I know he will continue to promote them and push for me to eat more protein, which is fine. I am sure I will be pleased with the results I am looking for without these supplements and additional protein.