PhD student in exercise physiology, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran , mina.sahami@gmail.com
Abstract: (6816 Views)
Background and Aim: Exercise in high altitude and hypoxia decreases aerobic power and increases oxidative stress and lactic acid. Due to the metabolic and antioxidant properties of L-Carnitine, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term L-Carnitine supplementation on endurance performance and cell damage in acute hypoxia. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 16 active men after VO2max measurement in normoxia were divided into 2 groups of supplement and placebo. Supplement group received L-Carnitine and placebo group received placebo (sugar) for 10 days (3 g every day). After eight days of supplementation period, VO2max in hypoxia condition was determined as well as normoxia. Then 1 day after supplementation, individuals participated in submaximal test (60%VO2max for 1 hour). Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 1 hour after recovery for determining lactic acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatin kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: The result showed that short-term supplementation with L-Carnitine had no effect on VO2max (p=0.83), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) (p=0.314) and lactic acid, but it caused significant decrease in LDH (p=0.001), CH (p=0.001) and MDA (p=0.001) after submaximal activity. Conclusion: It can be concluded that short-term supplementation of L-Carnitine doesn’t influence VO2max and lactate, but it may decrease cell damage.
Fariborz Hovanloo, Hamid Rajabi, Ali Kadkhoda Ojan, mina sahami. Effect of short term L-carnitine supplementation on endurance performance and markers of cellular damage in acute hypoxia . pajoohande 2012; 17 (4) :172-182 URL: http://pajoohande.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-1380-en.html