Influence of Structured Medium- and Long-Chain Triglycerides on Muscular Recovery Following Damaging Resistance Exercise

TL;DR

This study investigated whether a new type of fat called sMLCT helps muscles recover faster after tough exercise, but found no significant benefits.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel sMLCT formulation and evaluates its impact on muscle recovery after resistance exercise in females.

Findings

No significant condition × time interactions were found for strength outcomes.

Trends for condition × time interactions were observed for torque over 25 ms and peak torque.

sMLCT ingestion did not significantly influence muscle strength recovery after damaging exercise.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Structured medium- and long-chain triglycerides (sMLCT) may be a superior vehicle for medium-chain fatty acid delivery to peripheral tissues, such as skeletal muscle. Limited information is available concerning the effect of sMLCT on muscular performance or recovery after a muscle-damaging exercise protocol. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of a novel formulation of sMLCT on muscular performance and recovery. Methods: Forty female adults (mean ± SD age = 22 ± 3 years; body mass index = 23.5 ± 3.4 kg/m2) were randomized into one of two study groups, placebo control [CON; n = 20] or sMLCT [n = 20], and completed five total visits to the laboratory. The baseline (i.e., pre-exercise) assessments of muscle performance, size, and soreness were compared to assessments immediately following exercise and 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. Results: No statistically significant condition × time interactions were noted for strength outcomes, although trends for condition × time interactions were present for torque over 25 ms (p = 0.06) and peak torque (p = 0.05). Similarly, no condition x time interactions were present for ultrasound echo intensity, the subjective ratings of soreness and pain, thigh circumference, leg volume, and vertical jump performance. Conclusions: Within the context of the current study, the ingestion of sMLCT did not significantly influence the rate of muscle strength recovery following muscle damaging resistance exercise.

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