Chocolate milk outperforms carbohydrates in improving strength as a post workout choice.
The Department of Kinesiology and Health Education at The University of Texas at Austin conducted a first-of-its-kind field-based study, lead by Katelyn A. Born, Erin E. Dooley, P. et al that compared the impact of chocolate milk and carbohydrates alone on athletic outcomes in an adolescent population. The chocolate milk group had significantly greater improvements in composite strength from pre- to post-test at a 12.3% increase in comparison to carbohydrates alone with a 2.7% increase. Chocolate milk had a more positive effect on strength development and should be considered an appropriate post-exercise recovery supplement for adolescents.Results indicated that the sports drink (1205 mL) and water (1184 mL) groups excreted twice as much fluid after 1 h compared to both milk groups (611 and 550 mL). Therefore, milk may be the superior option for retaining fluid and therefore a preferred recovery drink. The combined factors of chocolate milk’s nutrient profile promote the drink as an excellent post-exercise supplement for replenishing muscle glycogen, building muscle, and re-establishing positive fluid balance. Additionally, chocolate milk provides a low-cost, readily available option when compared to other supplements that may provide the same physiological impacts.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 201916:6
