In Part I of our multi-part review of the 2015 Annual ISSN Conference we take a look at the following presentations: Rick Collins, JD, FISSN, CSCS – Nutrition Law Every Fitness Professional Should Know; Dr. Ralf Jager, CISSN, FISSN, MBA the Gut-Muscle-Axis: Probiotics Flex Their Muscles in Sports Nutrition and Stacy Sims – Dogma of Hydration. Additionally we take a peek at some of the hallway chatter that took place at this year’s conference.

In Part IIb of our ISSN conference review we focus on the following presentations: Jacob M. Wilson PhD and Ryan Lowery BS CSCS (Fat Loss Strategies for Optimizing Body Composition), Jeff Volek PhD RD (The Many Facets of Keto-Adaptation – Health, Performance, & Beyond), and research from Dr. Lonnie Lowery's lab on The Effects of VIA® Instant Coffee on Bench Press Performance: A Gender Comparison.

In Part IIa of our ISSN conference review we shift our focus to the presentations of Day 2. Specific ones highlighted include those presented by Shawn Wells MPH, RD, CISSN & Gabriel Wilson PhD (Leucine, HMB, And Amino Acid Metabolites Support Muscle Growth and Athletic Performance), Mike Roberts, PhD (Molecular Updates on the Effects of Phosphatidic Acid: Muscle Physiology and Beyond), and Brad Schoenfeld PhD, FNSCA (MAX Muscle: A Periodized Approach to Hypertrophy Training).

In Part 1 of our review, we discuss those that fell on Day 1 of the conference. Specific ones include those presented by Juan Carlos Santana, FNSCA (Weight Cutting Strategies for Elite MMA Fighters), Krista Varady, PhD (Alternate Day Fasting – Effects on Health & Body Composition), Darryn Willoughby (Ursolic Acid Supplementation), Mark Tarnopolsky (Creatine – Not Just for Sport), and Steven Orris MS CSCS USAW CISSN (Strength Training and Sports Nutrition for the College Athletes). Additionally I share with you a few tidbits on the expo portion of the event

The ergogenic benefits that creatine has on muscular power and performance is widely known. However, what is less known is the “other” beneficial roles that creatine supplementation may have on health and in clinical settings. In part I of our series, we examine the relationship between creatine and blood glucose management.

In this "Interview with the Expert" we have the privilege of talking exercise, nutrition and supplement research with Jose Antonio, PhD, FNSCA, FISSN, CSCS. In our discussion, Dr. Antonio shares with us his background, the "dangers" faced by researchers interested in supplements and the events that led to the formation of the International Society of Sports Nutritionist (ISSN). Additionally, Dr. Antonio touches popular idiotic notions still held by many today such as "supplement sponsored studies are shady", "the nutraceutical field is an unregulated, out of control industry" and more!

Specific presentations discussed in part II of our 2013 ISSN review include those presented by Dr. Jacob Wilson, PhD, CSCS (HMB, Oral ATP, Phosphatidic Acid), Chris Lockwood, PhD; Mike Roberts, PhD (Comparison of WPH vs. Other Whey Protein Forms: What the Science Tells Us), Hector Lopez, MD (Omega 3 Fish Oil: A Keystone Nutritional Prescription for Athletes) and the keynote address speaker, Frank W. Booth, PhD (Basic Science Research in Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition: Where We've Been, Where We Are and Where We're Headed) & Jason Beam, PhD, CSCS (Effects of Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid on Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Disposal Post Workout)

According to their website, the BBB is an authority on trust that sets and maintains high standards for an ethical marketplace. However, I discovered some surprising discrepancies recently while viewing some BBB business reports.

In Part 1 of our review, we discuss those that fell on the "applied" side of the equation. Specific ones include that presented by Brandon Marcello, PhD (Nutrition Strategies for Stanford Athletics), Alicia Kendig, MS, RD & Jennifer Gibson, MSc, RD (Logistical Issues & Nutrition Strategies for Summer & Olympic Sport Athletes), Paul Cribb, PhD (Nutrient Timing), David Sandler, MS (Research vs. Training Application), Carla Sanchez, IFBB Pro (Creating a Competitive Physique) and Shawn Phillips (The Anatomy of A Successful Supplement). Additionally I share with you my thoughts on "The Art of a Successful Disagreement" and a few tidbits on the expo portion of the event.

Hard training athletes need higher protein intakes. However, does turning your body into a fire breathing protein consuming machine have it's drawbacks. This article checks out some recent discussions on the subject.