Strength Training Parameters in the Edmonton Police Force Following Supplementation with Elk Velvet Antler (EVA)

Brian D. Fisher, PhD (1), Mike Gilpin, MSc. and Dave Wiles, PhD (2)

(1) Faculty of Physical Education & Sports Studies University of Alberta, Edmonton Canada
(2) Edmonton Police Department

Introduction

There is renewed interest in high protein diets among strength and endurance athletes. Research suggests the protein needs for athletes may be increased above the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Passwater and Fuller (1997) estimate that protein needs of athletes are at least 50% higher than the recommended daily allowance. Chemical analysis of elk velvet antler (EVA) has been carried out to determine its therapeutic potential. The main components of EVA are the amino acids glycine, alanine, proline, and glutamic acid. In addition, phospholipids and several minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and potassium) are present (Sunwoo, 1998).

Glycine supplements are popular among individuals seeking strength gains and have been used as an erogenic (sports enhancing) aid since 1940. Chowchillas (1941) first reported that 6 grams of glycine per day for 10 weeks produced large increases in the strength of trained athletes. Others have reported that glycine causes increases in strength because it is the precursor of creatine, which is needed for normal muscle contractions (Gilpin, et al., 1998). Recently, several reports have indicated that glycine increases strength by stimulating the release of growth hormone, with consequent muscle growth. Kasai et al., (1980) found that when human subjects were injected with a small amount of glycine, growth hormone levels increased - a surprising result because the human body produces up to 20 grams of glycine a day. Effects of oral dosages are also impressive.

In one study, 6.75 grams of glycine taken orally, increased growth hormone levels four-fold. Finally, a study conducted by Brakeman and Pfeiffer (1986) showed that when male subjects were given 30 grams of glycine orally over a two week period, human growth hormone levels increased ten-fold.

Elk velvet antler from the deer family has been used as an Oriental traditional medicine for many centuries in countries such as Japan, Korea, and China. While EVA is considered a medicine in Asia, in North America EVA is considered a nutritional food supplement. Various studies have found that by using elk velvet antler as a dietary food supplement, connective tissue healing, immune function, wound healing, free radical scavengers, and erythropoietic activity are enhanced (Kim and Park, 1986; Li and Wang, 1990; Wang et al., 1988).

In the past, nutritional scientists have tested various nutritional supplements on animals and man, usually by inducing disease or trauma, or by producing a severe nutrient deficiency and then treating with the supplement. However, that was the era of minimal nutrition supplementation to cure deficiency disease; i.e., the minimal intake of vitamin C to prevent scurvy, the minimal intake of protein to maintain nitrogen balance in a sedentary person, or the minimal amount of niacin to prevent pellagra. Today, there is a need for an effective nutritional supplement to be used by athletes throughout their strength training program (Lemon et al., 1992). One such supplement may be elk velvet antler because of its excellent amino acid composition and mineral content (Sunwoo, 1998).

At the University of Alberta and the Edmonton Police Academy a unique opportunity existed between a professor of physical education (Dr. Brian Fisher), a strength training specialist (Mr. Mike Gilpin), and an exercise scientist at the Edmonton Police Department (Dr. David Wiles). A study was undertaken involving police recruits who supplemented their diets with EV-1 Food Concentrate (InnerSense International Inc.) during their strength training program with the Edmonton Police Department.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential anabolic (growth promoting) effects of EVA on fitness parameters following a nine (9) week strength training program. Using the design below, we evaluated whether the morphological (i.e., form and structure) and metabolic (chemical and physical processes) properties of muscle, known to be related to the strength training capacities of a muscle, could be favorable influenced by a particular nutritional substance (EVA), and would have anabolic effects on muscle.

Hypothesis

That elk velvet antler experts an anabolic effect and will increase muscle strength or mass, when combined with strength training, when compared to strength training alone.

Objective

To determine the effect(s) of elk velvet antler on muscle strength, mass, and blood plasma markers, following a nine week period, when compared to a placebo strength training group.

DESIGN OF THE STUDY

Sample Population

The researchers in the study chose to use police recruits versus athletes as part of their design because of a greater degree of control with a reliability of the subjects throughout the entire research study. Eighteen healthy male subjects of the Edmonton Police Force were randomly assigned to two groups:

Group A: strength training with supplementation with EV-1 Food Concentrate

Group B: strength training with placebo supplement

The proposed study was submitted for review by the Edmonton Police Academy for the use of human subjects in research.

Interventions

The volunteers were comprised of police recruits who were involvedin the formal training program for police preparation prior to field deployment. Training was performed for 9 weeks because previous research has shown a training response with small hypertrophy (increasing in size) effects with training over a minimum eight week period. The volume and intensity of the training program was varied between a strength training emphasis (<8 reps/set) and an endurance emphasis (>8 reps/set). The focus was on total body conditioning combining both upper and lower body exercises. The recruits trained two times per week; all sessions were monitored and members were encouraged to work to failure on all sets.

Both strength training groups (strength training treatment group and strength training placebo group) performed a combination of free weights and a machine loading system (eg., Nautilus), for four lower body exercises that included the major muscle groups involved in strength training and body building (leg press, knee extension, knee flexion and calf raises) and five upper body exercises (bench press, military press, latissimus pull downs, biceps curls and triceps extension).

Resistance training volumes and intensity were programmed and monitored using a computer software package (BE Software, Lincoln Nebraska). This software allows quantification of resistance training volume and intensity. Mean resistance training volume (total load) was increased 4% every 3 weeks (70 to 79%) and intensity, relative to 1 repetition maximum (RM), was increased 4% every 3 weeks (from 72 - 84%).

Methods and Procedures

Height, weight and the following skinfold measurements were taken: subscapular, triceps, biceps, iliac crest, supraspinatus, abdominal, medial calf and front thigh. Girth measurement of mid-thigh and mid-upper arm was also recorded.

Strength was assessed for all upper and lower body exercises and included a voluntary one RM test and a muscular endurance test performed at 80% of the 1RM.

Venous blood samples (10ml) were taken from the left or right cubital vein for the blood plasma markers of cortisol (stress hormone) and testosterone using a radio-active immunoassay (Incstar). The blood was collected in 10m. vacutainers, allowed to clot at room temperature before being centrifuged for 15 min at 1,500 G at 4 degrees centigrade (purple top, Becton Dickinson and Company, USA), and all plasma samples were frozen at -80 C until analysis of testosterone and cortisol levels were performed. All samples were thawed only once at the time of analysis for testosterone and cortisol, and were done in duplicate. The testosterone and cortisol levels were determined using spectrphotography at a temperature of 30°C. The testosterone normal range is 300-1000 h and 2-15 ug/dl (mean, 8 ug) at 1600 h. In adults, values are not dependent on age or sex (Tietz, 1987).

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was assayed in duplicate in blood serum using a radio immunoassay by extraction (Nichols Institute Diagnostics). Normal ranges are reported to be between 182-780 ng/ml for this age group. All assay work was carried out at the University of Alberta Hospital (Department of Investigative Medicine).

Blood sample collections were made before and after the nine weeks of resistance training between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. The aforementioned data provided a well-controlled assessment of the physiological consequences of concurrent training and EV-1 nutrient supplementation, and provided insights into possible cellular and hormonal factors contributing to changes in muscle function which had not previously been examined in this model system.

Description of Adequacy of Existing Facilities and Equipment

All experimental techniques and procedures were routinely employedin the laboratories at the University of Alberta Hospital. Physiological testing and training were performed in the weight room of the Edmonton Police Department. The testosterone, cortisol, and IGF-1 assays were completed at the University of Alberta Hospital.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of elk velvet antler on muscle strength, mass and blood plasma markers including cortisol, IGF-1 and testosterone. No significant difference between the two groups was found in improvements in muscular strength or endurance performance measures. No significant differences were found in cortisol and insulin-like growth factor 1. Significant increases (five to six times) were found in blood plasma testosterone levels in the elk velvet antler supplemented group (p<0.01) when compared to the placebo supplement group.

DISCUSSION

The primary finding of this investigation was that supplementing with EVA enhanced plasma testosterone five to six times above normal mean physiological values for this male age range (Hill, 1997).

Elk velvet antler is comprised of a number of amino acids (including branched chain amino acids), trace minerals, cholesterol, and fatty acids (Sunwoo, 1998). There are a number theories explaining elevated levels of plasma testosterone. One is that the branched chain amino acids may increase luteinizing hormone (stimulus for testosterone production) which in turn stimulate Leydig cells in the testis to produce more testosterone. Second, EVA may prevent the kidney from excreting testosterone and third, EVA may increase the half-life of testosterone. As well, it may blind with sex hormone/binding globulin (SHBG). Any one of these possibilities could increase plasma testosterone levels (Chandler 1994).

Recently, several authors (Carli, 1992; Chandler, 1994; Kraemer, 1998) have reported increased plasma testosterone levels with nutrient supplementation with branched chain amino acids. One explanation why EVA is a good source of accessible protein may be because elk velvet antler remains in its natural state and is not exposed to high heats and acids during its processing stage. Methods of extraction using acids and high heat, common in the health food industry, denature the integrity and configuration of the protein molecule. The most severe damage to proteins by heat and acid extraction methods is the destruction of bonds between pairs and trios of amino acids (Di Pasquale, 1996; Zaloga, 1990). EVA is a rich source of undenatured and retained branched chain amino acids and therefore has high bio-nutrient value (Sunwoo, 1998). This may provide the body with the appropriate amino acids to stimulate the Leydig cells of the testis to increase testosterone production. More research is required to test this hypothesis.

The purpose of the study was to test the ability of EVA to increase the strength and overall fitness levels in male subjects. One explanation for this lack of response is that testosterone alone is not the primary performance enhancing substance (Volek et al., 1997). Kramer (1991) has reported a number of various hormones which must be elevated along with testosterone to achieve this goal. The strength producing mechanisms are not dependent on one single factor (Hill, 1997). Elevated testosterone could be beneficial in those who are testosterone compromised or for males who are undergoing andropause during the later years of life. Testosterone supplementation has been found to be beneficial during the male andropause which adversely affects a wide adversely affects a wide range of physical functions (Shippen, 1998). It is important to note, though this may be the case, it was not the subject or purpose of this research study nor did it form part of the hypothesis. More research is required to determine the efficacy of this proposition.

Elk antler velvet, in contrast to the antlers themselves, is a tissue of high and specialized bioactivity. It is rich in precursors for growth hormone, leutinizing hormone (which stimulates the production of testosterone in the testis) and in prostaglandins (Kamen, 1998). The complex interaction of these potent biologically active substances in man when given ina nutritional supplement will require further detailed studies.

In traditional medicine in Korea, China and Japan red deer antler has had long usage to:
1. Treat impotence in men
2. Modulate the immune system
3. Increase blood production in anemia
4. Improve blood circulation
5. Improve muscle strength and mental alertness
5. Treat infertility in women

 Summary

My preliminary study has been concerned with the elevation of plasma testosterone in male police recruits during a nine-week course of nutritional supplementation with EVA. While muscle strength was not increased, a heightened endogenous production of testosterone as a result of nutritional supplementation with EVA was produced.

This is preliminary research and the authors of this report recommend further studies to substantiate their findings. Therefore, it is with caution we release these results. Asians have used EVA as a traditional medicine for over 2000 years with little evidence of adverse effects. However, inasmuch as the long-term side effects of EVA have not been established in North America, the chronic use of EVA as a nutritional supplement should be made judiciously.

 

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