I tried to bump my old post on this, but I couldn't, so here it is...
I've taken a lot of Ibuprofen, and after hearing some
negative rumors about it, decided to spend some time
researching its negative effects on skeletal muscle. Its
effects on stomach enzymes are fairly well known, and
sort of irrelevant to this board, but the idea that it may
effect skeletal muscle is of significant concern. Since I
know that several people on the board use it also, I
figured I would post this for you guys as best I could, for
whoever is interested. I found more solid evidence than I
was ready for. As well, I also found that most of these
studies utilized Acetaminophen in the study, only to find
that it actually has a higher rate of muscle building
negation than the Ibuprofen.
1) What exactly is the harm of Ibuprofen(or
acetaminophen) regarding muscle building?
Ibuprofen suppresses muscle protein synthesis. Bad
news, especially since the obvious time for taking an
NSAID or tylenol is post workout and/or the evening after
lifting. These are the primary times we need maximal
protein synthesis.
2) How much Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen is necessary
to warrant concern?
From the data I’ve managed to gather, its fairly clear that
even 1g of Ibuprofen is potent enough to blunt the protein
synthesis response to resistance exercise significantly
enough to be of concern to a lifter. Less than this would
still effect the synthesis, but I haven't found much info on
low doses, i.e. 2-400mg. This is an important point since 1
g/day is an acceptable OTC amount. I personally take a
gram post-training alone sometimes, and before bed as
well. The studies used an analgesic dose and an
anti-inflammatory dose, 1200mg and 2400mg respectively,
of Ibuprofen; or 4000mg of Acetaminophen per day.
3) How does Ibuprofen suppress muscle protein
synthesis?
One way is that Ibuprofen suppresses the synthesis of
substance known as prostaglandins. Unfortunately, these
have a profound effect on muscle growth. Basically, it robs
us of compounds that are an essential part of the muscle
building cycle.
4) How were the studies conducted?
Protein synthesis was measured by PGF2 levels in some
studies. Ibuprofen has no effect on the whole body
protein metabolism measured by the rate of phenylalanine
appearance. The skeletal muscle, however, was effected,
which is our concern. The increased rate of muscle protein
synthesis normally seen 24 hours after high intensity
resistance exercise was extended by the consumption of
Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen at over the counter levels.
The only studies that I’ve found have been short term.
But, logically, a long term study is unnecessary. Sort of like
hitting yourself in the head with a hammer doesn’t get
much better with time. My degree is in philosophy so I
couldn’t explain the biochemical reactions responsible for
this because I certainly don't understand them myself,
but I can post a bunch of sources if anyone wants to check
them out in further detail for themselves.
An interesting thing I found relative to this issue is actually
the role that Glutamine may play.
-Ibuprofen decreases protein synthesis
-Glutamine regulates protein synthesis
-Ibuprofen damages stomach lining with prolonged use
-Glutamine has been shown to actually reverse stomach
damage caused by disease or NSAID use. I haven't been
able to find any information regarding the relative levels of
these compounds to one another, and if its even practical
to consider glutamine a potential remedy, but I'm looking.
I'm sure that realistically it would take very large doses of
glutamine administered IV to make a dent, but maybe not.
I can’t find whether or not this was IV or oral
administration of glutamine, but either way, I think its
interesting.
Next time I take any Ibuprofen, I’m taking a little extra
glutamine anyway.
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