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Dr. Grey AI

Condition

Wrestling Performance

Wrestling performance rests on strength, power, endurance, and technique, plus careful weight management. The evidence is strongest for creatine and caffeine, which are looked at for power, strength, and repeated high-intensity efforts, while beta-alanine has moderate support. Findings on body fat were thinner: beta-alanine showed no clear difference in 37 people, and chromium and zinc results came from very small studies.

Sources: PMID 22270875

Supplements studied
3
Graded outcomes
4
Trials
3
People studied
67

Evidence by supplement

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

3 supplements

Zinc: outcomes studied for Wrestling Performance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Free Testosterone

Small Increase

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect10 people
TestosteroneImproves (the measure goes up)3 studies10 people
Chromium: outcomes studied for Wrestling Performance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Body Fat

Small Decrease

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect20 people
WeightImproves (the measure goes down)12 studies20 people
Muscle MassImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies20 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)20 people
Beta-Alanine: outcomes studied for Wrestling Performance
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Muscle Mass

No effect

NoneNo effect3 studies37 people
Body Fat

No effect

NoneNo effect37 people
Muscular EnduranceImproves (the measure goes up)5 studies37 people
Power OutputImproves (the measure goes up)3 studies37 people

Key findings

  • Free TestosteroneZincImproves (the measure goes up)
  • Body FatChromiumImproves (the measure goes down)
  • Muscle MassBeta-Alanine

The Wrestling Performance Enhancement protocol

2 primary supplements · 3 supporting supplements

  • Creatine Monohydrate3–5 g daily (avoid excessive loading if weight-conscious)
  • Caffeine3–6 mg/kg body weight 30–60 minutes before competition

See the full protocol

Shop the evidence-backed picks

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Studies cited

100 studies from PubMed

  1. Chromium in PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisClin Endocrinol, 2019 · PMID 30545267
  2. Beta-Alanine and High-Intensity Exercise Capacity: A Systematic ReviewAmino Acids, 2018 · PMID 29766439
  3. Beta-Alanine Supplementation in Older Adults: A Systematic ReviewExp Gerontol, 2018 · PMID 30155953
  4. Beta-Alanine Effects on Tactical Performance: A ReviewJ Strength Cond Res, 2018 · PMID 29683012
  5. Chromium Supplementation and Metabolic Diseases: Evidence from Clinical TrialsJ Trace Elem Med Biol, 2018 · PMID 29691313
  6. Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Body Composition: A Systematic ReviewBiol Trace Elem Res, 2018 · PMID 30127633
  7. Safety of Chromium Supplementation: Evidence from Clinical StudiesBiol Trace Elem Res, 2018 · PMID 29851414
  8. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Beta-AlanineJ Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2017 · PMID 28548636
  9. Effects of Beta-Alanine on Carnosine Content and Exercise PerformanceMed Sci Sports Exerc, 2017 · PMID 28217944
  10. Safety and Efficacy of Beta-Alanine Supplementation: A ReviewAmino Acids, 2017 · PMID 29114780
  11. Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisDiabetes Care, 2017 · PMID 28425499
  12. Chromium and Insulin Sensitivity: A Review of MechanismsJ Trace Elem Med Biol, 2017 · PMID 29166934
  13. Chromium Supplementation in Depression and Mood Disorders: A ReviewNutr Neurosci, 2017 · PMID 28212054
  14. Chromium Supplementation and Glycemic Control in Diabetes: An Updated ReviewIndian J Endocrinol Metab, 2017 · PMID 28586871
  15. Beta-Alanine Supplementation and Exercise Performance: A Meta-AnalysisBr J Sports Med, 2016 · PMID 27042904
  16. Paresthesia from Beta-Alanine: Mechanisms and MitigationAmino Acids, 2016 · PMID 27600058
  17. Chromium Picolinate in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized TrialsNutr Res, 2016 · PMID 27472929
  18. Chromium Effects on Blood Pressure: A Meta-AnalysisJ Hypertens, 2016 · PMID 27725073
  19. Effects of acute chromium supplementation on postprandial metabolism in healthy young menJ Am Coll Nutr, 2004 · PMID 15310739
  20. The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast on glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, and plasma chromium in elderly subjectsAm J Clin Nutr, 1985 · PMID 3898805
  21. Effects of resistance training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle in older menJ Appl Physiol, 1985 · PMID 9887110
  22. Effects of 28 days of beta-alanine and creatine monohydrate supplementation on aerobic power, ventilatory and lactate thresholds, and time to exhaustionAmino Acids · PMID 16953366
  23. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysisAmino Acids · PMID 22270875
  24. The effect of beta-alanine supplementation on power performance during repeated sprint activityJ Strength Cond Res · PMID 19935102
  25. beta-Alanine supplementation augments muscle carnosine content and attenuates fatigue during repeated isokinetic contraction bouts in trained sprintersJ Appl Physiol · PMID 17690198
  26. Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal Intensity Exercise in Trained Young Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 39032921
  27. Beta-alanine and the hormonal response to exerciseInt J Sports Med · PMID 18548362
  28. Effect of beta-alanine supplementation on the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) during treadmill running: Pre/post 2 treatment experimental designJ Int Soc Sports Nutr · PMID 20482881
  29. Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the onset of neuromuscular fatigue and ventilatory threshold in womenAmino Acids · PMID 17136505
  30. Effects of beta-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training on endurance performance and body composition in men; a double-blind trialJ Int Soc Sports Nutr · PMID 19210788
  31. Effects of twenty-eight days of beta-alanine and creatine monohydrate supplementation on the physical working capacity at neuromuscular fatigue thresholdJ Strength Cond Res · PMID 17194255
  32. Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on body composition: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis.J Int Soc Sports Nutr · PMID 35813845
  33. Six weeks of high-intensity interval training with and without beta-alanine supplementation for improving cardiovascular fitness in womenJ Strength Cond Res · PMID 20386120
  34. Important role of muscle carnosine in rowing performanceJ Appl Physiol · PMID 20671038
  35. β-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysisBr J Sports Med · PMID 27797728
  36. Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Physical Performance in Aerobic-Anaerobic Transition Zones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · PMID 32824885
  37. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on performance and body composition in collegiate wrestlers and football playersJ Strength Cond Res · PMID 21659893
  38. Short-duration beta-alanine supplementation increases training volume and reduces subjective feelings of fatigue in college football playersNutr Res · PMID 19083385
  39. Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on Yo-Yo test performance: A meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 34024507
  40. The effect of beta-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in elderly (55-92 Years): a double-blind randomized studyJ Int Soc Sports Nutr · PMID 18992136
  41. Effect of Carnosine or β-Alanine Supplementation on Markers of Glycemic Control and Insulin Resistance in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisAdv Nutr · PMID 34333586
  42. Fourteen weeks of β-alanine supplementation and HIIT did not improve serum BDNF concentrations and Stroop test performance.Int J Sports Med · PMID 39832765
  43. Effects of chromium supplementation on glycogen synthesis after high-intensity exerciseMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 17146316
  44. Effects of short-term chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and body composition in overweight children: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyJ Nutr Biochem · PMID 21216583
  45. Chromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron statusNutrition · PMID 17291720
  46. Effect of resistance training with or without chromium picolinate supplementation on glucose metabolism in older men and womenMetabolism · PMID 10337851
  47. A pilot study of chromium picolinate for weight lossJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 20192914
  48. Chromium supplementation and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysisJ Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 28595797
  49. The Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 26613790
  50. Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndromeFertil Steril · PMID 16730719
  51. The effect of chromium intake on oxidative stress parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 34710707
  52. Effect of chromium supplementation on hs-CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.Complement Ther Clin Pract · PMID 33321447
  53. Chromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialAnn Nutr Metab · PMID 26279073
  54. Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetesDiabetes Care · PMID 16873787
  55. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialDiabetes Care · PMID 17303791
  56. Effects of chromium brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, blood carbohydrates, and lipids and minerals in type 2 diabetic patientsBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 21170603
  57. The influence of chromium chloride-containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialMetabolism · PMID 16784965
  58. Antioxidant effects and insulin resistance improvement of chromium combined with vitamin C and e supplementation for type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Clin Biochem Nutr · PMID 19015754
  59. Chromium supplementation does not improve glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profile: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of supplementation in subjects with impaired glucose toleranceDiabetes Care · PMID 15735214
  60. Characterization of the metabolic and physiologic response to chromium supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitusMetabolism · PMID 20022616
  61. Chromium supplementation shortens QTc interval duration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAm Heart J · PMID 15990745
  62. Role of chromium supplementation in Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Nutr Biochem · PMID 12550067
  63. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with poorly controlled, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in an obese Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialDiabetes Care · PMID 16505499
  64. Influence of chromium-enriched yeast on blood glucose and insulin variables, blood lipids, and markers of oxidative stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitusBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 16632892
  65. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetesDiabetes · PMID 9356027
  66. Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA1C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetesJ Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 21570271
  67. The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast supplementation on glucose tolerance, serum lipids and drug dosage in individuals with type 2 diabetesSaudi Med J · PMID 11376359
  68. Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 33783683
  69. Beneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical studyJ Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 26302914
  70. Potential antioxidant effects of zinc and chromium supplementation in people with type 2 diabetes mellitusJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 11444416
  71. Antioxidant effects of chromium supplementation with type 2 diabetes mellitus and euglycemic subjectsJ Agric Food Chem · PMID 14995150
  72. Effects of resistive training and chromium picolinate on body composition and skeletal muscle size in older womenInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 12187613
  73. The effect of chromium picolinate on muscular strength and body composition in women athletesJ Strength Cond Res · PMID 11710399
  74. Effects of chromium and resistive training on muscle strength and body compositionMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 8775366
  75. Chromium picolinate effects on body composition and muscular performance in wrestlersMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 9861607
  76. The effects of chromium and copper supplementation on mitogen-stimulated T cell proliferation in hypercholesterolaemic postmenopausal womenClin Exp Immunol · PMID 11966762
  77. Effects of niacin-bound chromium and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic subjects: a pilot studyJ Med · PMID 11508317
  78. Lack of effect of chromium supplementation on mental state and body weight in people with schizophreniaJ Clin Psychopharmacol · PMID 16974208
  79. Effects of carbohydrate and chromium ingestion during intermittent high-intensity exercise to fatigueInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 11099374
  80. A 2-year, open-label pilot study of adjunctive chromium in patients with treatment-resistant rapid-cycling bipolar disorderJ Clin Psychopharmacol · PMID 17224731
  81. Effect of supplementation with chromium picolinate on antibody titers to 5-hydroxymethyl uracilEur J Epidemiol · PMID 9794131
  82. Chromium picolinate supplementation for overweight or obese adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 24293292
  83. In patients with HIV-infection, chromium supplementation improves insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trialCurr HIV Res · PMID 20163347
  84. Chromium picolinate for insulin resistance in subjects with HIV disease: a pilot studyDiabetes Obes Metab · PMID 18190429
  85. Effects of chromium picolinate on food intake and satietyDiabetes Technol Ther · PMID 18715218
  86. Chromium supplementation for menstrual cycle-related mood symptomsJ Diet Suppl · PMID 24237190
  87. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory trial of chromium picolinate in atypical depression: effect on carbohydrate cravingJ Psychiatr Pract · PMID 16184071
  88. Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trialBiol Psychiatry · PMID 12559660
  89. Chromium picolinate does not improve key features of metabolic syndrome in obese nondiabetic adultsMetab Syndr Relat Disord · PMID 19422140
  90. Chromium effects on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in persons at risk for diabetes mellitusEndocr Pract · PMID 20634174
  91. Improved cognitive-cerebral function in older adults with chromium supplementationNutr Neurosci · PMID 20423560
  92. Chromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patientsJ Clin Psychiatry · PMID 10221284
  93. Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Lipid Profile: an Umbrella of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Biol Trace Elem Res · PMID 36376714
  94. A double-blind, randomized pilot trial of chromium picolinate for binge eating disorder: results of the Binge Eating and Chromium (BEACh) studyJ Psychosom Res · PMID 23751236
  95. Resistive training and chromium picolinate: effects on inositols and liver and kidney functions in older adultsInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 15467101
  96. Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Heliyon · PMID 37539255
  97. A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the role of zinc supplementation in ameliorating physical and psychological manifestations of premenstrual syndrome in young females.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 40435711
  98. Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Physical and Psychological Symptoms, Biomarkers of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Young Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 31154571
  99. Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trialJ Obstet Gynaecol Res · PMID 28188965
  100. Effect of zinc supplementation on markers of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation among prepubescent children with metabolic syndromeMetab Syndr Relat Disord · PMID 21028969