Hormonal and metabolic response in elite female gymnasts undergoing strenuous training and supplementation with SUPRO (R) Brand Isolated Soy Protein

Background. This study evaluates the metabolic and hormonal response in eli te female gymnasts undergoing strenuous training and supplementation with S UPRO(R) Brand Isolated Soy Protein. Methods. Experimental design: 14 top female gymnasts (Romanian Olympic Team ), took part in a study to examine their hormonal metabolic profile and to investigate any possible changes resulting from a 4-month program of strenu ous training and daily supplementation with soy protein at a level of 1 g/k g body weight. Gymnasts wtare randomly assigned to one of two groups seven to the Supplemented Group (A) and seven to the Non-Supplemented Group (B), Both groups took part in the same program, wich consisted of strenuous trai ning for 4-6 hours/day (except on Sunday, controlled food intake and supple ments including vitamins and minerals. Group A received a supplement of Spo rts Beverage Protein Mix with SUPRO(R) Isolated Soy Protein (ISP) twice dai ly. Group B received a placebo identical in appearance and flavour, Selecte d parameters were measured before and after the 4-month training program (l ean body mass, fat mass, serum hemoglobin, protein, fats, urea and creatini ne, liver enzymes, serum total calcium and magnesium, immunoglobulins, urin ary mucoproteins, serum T-3 and T-4, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, te stosterone and urinary 17-ketosteroids), Results. Results demonstrated that the Supplemented Group (A) had an increa se in lean body mass and serum Levels of prolactin (p<0.01) and T-4 and a d ecrease in serum alkaline phosphetases (p<0.01). The Non-Supplemented Group (B) had a decreased level of serum T-4 and an increased level of urinary m ucoproteins (p<0.05), Conclusions. Our preliminary conclusions might suggest lower metabolic-horm onal stress in elite female gymnasts under-going strenuous training and who received daily supplementation with isolated soy protein.