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Sex differences in plasma amino acid and fat free mass responses to military training
Author(s) -
Pasiakos Stefan M,
Margolis Lee M,
Karl J Philip,
Rood Jennifer C,
Cable Sonya J,
Williams Kelly W,
Young Andrew J,
McClung James P
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1013.1
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , fat free mass , fat mass , muscle mass , amino acid , chemistry , body weight , biochemistry
Diet, exercise, and energy status influence amino acid (AA) availability and contribute to the regulation of skeletal muscle mass. Whether altering these factors through training influence plasma AA levels and the maintenance of muscle mass in young adults has not been determined. This study assessed body composition and plasma AA levels in US Army recruits (n=209, 118 males, 91 females, 23 ± 5 yr) at baseline and every three weeks during basic combat training (BCT). Body weight decreased in men but remained stable in women during BCT (sex‐by‐time interaction, P < 0.05). Fifty‐eight percent of recruits gained fat free mass (FFM) during BCT, with more ( P < 0.05) females (88%) gaining FFM then males (36%). Total plasma AA levels increased ( P < 0.05) during BCT, with greater ( P < 0.05) increases observed in females (17%) then in males (4%). Essential amino acids (EAA) and branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) levels were increased ( P < 0.05) in females but did not change in males (sex‐by‐time interaction, P < 0.05). Independent of sex, changes in EAA and individual BCAA levels from baseline were associated ( P < 0.05) with changes in FFM, with greater ( P < 0.05) increases in AA concentrations observed for those who gained FFM. This data demonstrates the differential FFM and plasma AA responses to military training in males and females. Supported by USAMRMC.