2.2. Experimental Design
Subjects were asked to arrive at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Applied Physiology Laboratory following a 12-h fast from all caloric foods and beverages and a 48-h abstention from vigorous physical activity. Prior to arrival, the subjects were randomized, using a block randomization software (Sealed Envelope software, London, UK) to a Cr loading (4 × 5 g for 5 days) or non-caloric placebo (PL; 4 × 3.5 g Crystal Light) group; supplementation groups were maintained for the duration of the study. In a crossover approach, subjects were randomly assigned to MC, starting in either FP (days 0–8 of the cycle) or LP (within 15 days from the next projected cycle start date) (