LAS VEGAS – Clinical study results for Molecular Nutrition’s (MN) X-Factor arachidonic acid (ARA) supplement shows it builds muscle. Under controlled conditions in the Univ. of Tampa's Human Performance Research Lab, supplementation of ARA for eight weeks significantly increased lean body mass, muscle thickness, strength, and anaerobic power in experienced resistance-trained men.

Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid found in many foods including eggs, beef, chicken and fish. ARA is one of the most biologically important fatty acids; playing key roles in the immune system, memory and learning, bone mineral density, and cardiovascular health.

Here’s how the study was structured. Thirty college-aged men were recruited and randomized into two groups. The first group was given 1,500 mg of ARA daily, and the other an identical-looking placebo. All men followed a periodized resistance-training program for eight weeks. At the end of the study, the group supplementing ARA reported significantly greater gains in lean body mass (3.6 lbs. vs. 0.2 lbs.), according to a press release. They also noticed an 88 percent greater increase in muscle thickness (.47 cm vs. .25 cm), and added significantly more strength to bench press and leg press (110 lbs. vs. 76 lbs.). Lastly, wingate peak anaerobic power was dramatically improved with ARA (78W vs. 28W), a 275 percent greater increase.

Molecular Nutrition is a sports nutrition research and development company.