Effect of Resistance Training with Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC) Supplementation on serum levels of Follistatin and myostatin and Muscle Hypertrophy in Beginner Bodybuilders

The use of resistance training along with dietary supplements are the most widely used methods that improve strength and increase muscle hypertrophy and improve performance in athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resistance training with milk protein concentrate supplementation on serum follistatin and myostatin levels and muscle hypertrophy in novice bodybuilders.

The present study is a quasi-experimental study and its statistical population consisted of beginner bodybuilders aged 20 to 35 years who participated in this study as 40 subjects. Subjects were randomly divided into four groups of exercise - supplement, exercise - Placebo, supplement and control were divided. Subjects from both training groups participated in an eight-week resistance training program three sessions per week. The supplement groups consumed a 30-gram pack of milk protein concentrate daily for eight weeks between lunch and dinner meals and immediately after exercise. Data were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance and correlated t-test.

 The results showed that resistance training with and without supplementation led to a significant increase in serum folate levels (p = 0.001), muscle volume (p = 0.001) and muscle strength (p = 0.001) and a significant decrease. Serum myostatin levels (p = 0.002) were higher than the control group. The results also showed that supplementation of milk protein concentrate without exercise had no significant effect on serum folate and myostatin levels, muscle volume and muscle strength in novice bodybuilders (P <0.05).

Considering the significant effect of resistance training on hypertrophy factors, it can be concluded that resistance training with milk protein supplementation for eight weeks can affect the acquisition of strength and muscle mass of novice bodybuilders.