Astaxanthin-, β-Carotene-, and Resveratrol-Rich Foods Support Resistance Training-Induced Adaptation

Abstract

Resistance training adaptively increases the muscle strength associated with protein anabolism. Previously, we showed that the combined intake of astaxanthin, β-carotene, and resveratrol can accelerate protein anabolism in the skeletal muscle of mice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anabolic nutrient-rich foods on muscle adaptation induced by resistance training. Twenty-six healthy men were divided into control and intervention groups. All participants underwent a resistance training program twice a week for 10 weeks. Astaxanthin-, β-carotene-, and resveratrol-rich foods were provided to the intervention group. Body composition, nutrient intake, maximal voluntary contraction of leg extension, oxygen consumption, and serum carbonylated protein level were measured before and after training. The skeletal muscle mass was higher after training than before training in both groups (p p p p = 0.056). Intake of astaxanthin-, β-carotene-, and resveratrol-rich foods supported resistance training-induced strength and metabolic adaptations.

Keywords

• muscle adaptation
• resistance training
• astaxanthin
• β-carotene
• resveratrol