Study: STRONGHOLD: A novel supplement for muscle growth and metabolic health

The importance of building and maintaining muscle is a no-brainer. From skeletal movement to immune health to brain performance, muscle health directly impacts our mental and physical health. 

Today, comprehensive muscle support isn’t just about strength; it’s essential for preserving normal function, long-term metabolic health, and overall wellness. But as we age (or even as we lose weight) our bodies face a lesser-known challenge: anabolic resistance. This natural condition makes muscle tissue less responsive to the signals that normally stimulate growth, like exercise and protein intake. 

As a result, maintaining healthy muscle becomes significantly harder, which can accelerate declines in metabolic and overall health. Stronghold is designed to help counteract this process and support muscle health where it matters most.

Study overview: How STRONGHOLD supports muscle growth and metabolic health

Stronghold is a novel multi-ingredient muscle-support supplement designed to combat anabolic resistance and target the growth and preservation of lean muscle. A recent preclinical study was conducted on the use of Stronghold and its inherent impact on muscle and metabolic health as a nutritional intervention. 

Methods

One experimental group received Stronghold while the control group received water, with assessments performed after one serving of Stronghold or after long-term twice-daily supplementation. (These long-term measurements were taken after 30 days, which generally reflects a span of a few years for humans.) 

Measurements were taken for anabolic signaling, cellular respiration, tissue mass, and fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in the muscle, while fatty tissue was collected and weighed. Assessments of overall metabolic health included blood glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Results

Results of the study showed that Stronghold:

Increased muscle anabolic signaling

One hour after ingestion, Stronghold significantly increased cellular signals in the muscle, regulating protein synthesis, muscle growth and repair, and glucose metabolism.

Greater muscle fiber hypertrophy and lower fat mass

Researchers identified that Stronghold consumption increased muscle mass and reduced fat accumulation, while also displaying significantly greater muscle fiber size than the control group. 

Reduced muscle protein breakdown and improved energy production

A reduction in fasted plasma BCAAs relative to the control group strongly suggests that protein breakdown is significantly lower with long-term Stronghold use. Stronghold consumption also significantly increased cellular respiration, reflecting improved energy production in the muscle.

Increased GLP-1

Stronghold significantly increased levels of GLP-1—an incretin hormone that plays a role in insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation, weight management, and brain health—both after one serving and after a short fast with long-term intake.

Increased short-chain fatty and systemic metabolic response

Additionally, long-term intake increased levels of acetate and propionate, SCFAs linked to a myriad of beneficial metabolic health outcomes.

Study conclusions

In conclusion, this study suggests that taking Stronghold regularly has a significant impact on both short-term and long-term outcomes for improving body composition, muscle maintenance, and overall metabolic health–all relevant factors in anabolic resistance.

Visit unicityscience.org for more information on this study, as well as many other Unicity studies. Head over to ufeelgreat.com to learn more about Stronghold, and try it for yourself!