Effects of In-Season (5 Weeks) Creatine and Pyruvate Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance and Body Composition in American Football Players

TLDR

The study examined the effects of creatine, pyruvate, and their combination on body composition and performance in 42 American football players. Forty‑two players were randomized into four groups—creatine, pyruvate, a 60/40 combination, and placebo—and tested before and after a 5‑week supplementation period while continuing normal training. Creatine alone and the combination supplement produced significant gains in body mass, lean mass, strength, and vertical jump power, whereas pyruvate alone had no effect.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to study the efficacy of two dietary supplements on measures of body mass, body composition, and performance in 42 American football players. Group CM ( n = 9) received creatine monohy-drate, Group P ( n = 11) received calcium pyruvate. Group COM ( n = 11) received a combination of calcium pyruvate (60%) and creatine (40%), and Group PL received a placebo. Tests were performed before (Tl) and after (T2) the 5-week supplementation period, during which the subjects continued their normal training schedules. Compared to P and PL. CM and COM showed significantly greater increases for body mass, lean body mass, 1 repetition maximum (RM) bench press, combined 1 RM squat and bench press, and static vertical jump (SVJ) power output. Peak rate of force development for SVJ was significantly greater for CM compared to P and PL. Creatine and the combination supplement enhanced training adaptations associated with body mass/composition, maximum strength, and SVJ; however, pyruvate supplementation alone was ineffective.