L-GLUTAMINE SUPPLEMENTATION: EFFECTS ON ENDURANCE, POWER AND RECOVERY

The purpose was to examine the influence of L-Glutamine on endurance and power. Cardio-respiratory capacity (VO2peak) was determined in 12 men using a cycle ergometer. After 2 days, subjects performed 3 Wingate tests to assess total revolutions (TR), peak (PP) and mean Power (MP); and a time trial to exhaustion (TTE). Two Wingates were conducted before and immediately after the TTE, the third after 24hrs. Subjects were then randomized to either L-glutamine (GLU) or placebo (CON) for 6 days. After 6 days all tests, except the VO2peak, were repeated. There were no group differences for VO2peak, power indices, and TTE before supplementation. Both groups showed a similar drop in power (TR:-22%; PP:-27%; MP:-27%, p<0.001) immediately after the TTE, with incomplete recovery at 24hrs. After 6 days, GLU improved TTE by 3.16 +/- 0.75min (p<0.05) compared to no change in CON. Delta values (Post-Pre supplementation) revealed group differences for TR (GLU: Delta 1.83 +/- 4.79; CON: Delta-5.33 +/- 4.13; p=0.02), PP (GLU: Delta-58.59 +/- 50.52; CON:-Delta 113.67 +/- 63.35, p=0.12), and MP (GLU: Delta 28.93 +/- 75.02; CON: Delta-72.25 +/- 62.14, p=0.02). No effects were noted immediately and 24hrs after the TTE. These findings suggest 6 days of glutamine supplementation does not affect acute recovery ftom exhaustive exercise; but does increase endurance and restores and/or improves power indices.