All of this seems fine until we look more closely at the details, in which case we see that the popular research was conducted on a patented carbohydrate extract called Vitargo. Although the control group used maltodextrin made from maize starch (not even waxy maize starch), it was the Vitargo group that showed the superior results –and it was extracted from potato starch (5,6)! In other words, WMS wasn’t even used in these groundbreaking studies, but the performance of the Vitargo has been erroneously attributed to it ever since.

Lastly, you’re probably interested in how a WMS-based Vitargo CGL product got away with referencing potato starch-based studies. As a patented extract, the Vitargo itself (now available through GENR8) can be pulled out of any starch, including: waxy maize, potato, and barley. It’s like extracting casein from milk –you can get it from any variety, but the performance remains.

Conclusions

If you’re like me, you’re probably a little pissed off at the real WMS findings, especially having spent the time and money using this product. But it’s important to remember that we were all fooled by the myth; you’re not alone. Having already destroyed a few big bodybuilding myths, I’ve learned that that the key is to simply adapt and move on, but never forget the lesson.

Raise your expectations. Raise The Barr!

David Barr is widely recognized as an industry innovator and Mythbuster, most recently for his work on developing The Anabolic Index. As a strength coach and scientist, he brings a unique perspective to the areas of diet, supplementation, and training. His research experience includes work for NASA at the Johnson Space Center, as well as studying the effect of protein on muscle growth in the now famous muscle metabolism lab at the Shriner’s Burns Institute. He holds certifications with the NSCA as well as USA Track and Field, and is the Official supplement consultant for Super Human Radio. He can be contacted through his website:

http://www.RaiseTheBarr.net.

References

1. Anderson GH, Catherine NL, Woodend DM, Wolever TM. Inverse association between the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose and subsequent short-term food intake in young men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;76(5):1023-30.

2. Goodpaster BH, Costill DL, Fink WJ, Trappe TA, Jozsi AC, Starling RD, Trappe SW. The effects of pre-exercise starch ingestion on endurance performance. Int J Sports Med. 1996 Jul;17(5):366-72.

3. He J, Liu J, Zhang G. Slowly digestible waxy maize starch prepared by octenyl succinic anhydride esterification and heat-moisture treatment: glycemic response and mechanism. Biomacromolecules. 2008 Jan;9(1):175-84.

4. Jozsi AC, Trappe TA, Starling RD, Goodpaster B, Trappe SW, Fink WJ, Costill DL. The influence of starch structure on glycogen resynthesis and subsequent cycling performance. Int J Sports Med. 1996 Jul;17(5):373-8.

5. Leiper JB, Aulin KP, Söderlund K. Improved gastric emptying rate in humans of a unique glucose polymer with gel-forming properties. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2000 Nov;35(11):1143-9.

6. Piehl Aulin K, Söderlund K, Hultman E. Muscle glycogen resynthesis rate in humans after supplementation of drinks containing carbohydrates with low and high molecular masses. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000 Mar;81(4):346-51.

7. Sands AL, Leidy HJ, Hamaker BR, Maguire P, Campbell WW. Consumption of the slow digesting starch waxy maize leads to blunted and sustained carbohydrate utilization but does not influence energy expenditure or appetite. FASEB J. 2008;22:1089.2