Effect of the supplementation of thiamine in the lactate concentration in professional soccer players

Introduction: The availability of regulator micronutrients, such as thiamine, can be crucial in the effective use of carbohydrate as fuel energy. Thiamine participates in aerobic glucose metabolism and its deficiency may be associated with muscle lactate increase during the exercise. Objective: This study examined the influence of oral supplementation of thiamine in blood lactate concentration of professional soccer players with adequate dietary intake of vitamin, immediately after exercise. Methods: Ten male players were supplemented with thiamine chloride (1000mg) or water (control), one hour before the team practice. Blood samples were collected immediately at the end of the first half and the end of the second half of team practice, and lactate concentration was determined. Results: In the comparison between the two conditions ( thiamine vs. control), blood lactate values were similar all the sampled times. Dietary analysis suggested that athletes were consuming energy and carbohydrate below this sport recommendation. Conclusion: Oral thiamine supplementation did not affect the lactate levels after a soccer game. However, it is worth noting that the insufficient dietary carbohydrate consumption may have affected the observed results. Additional studies considering especially the nutritional status of athlete are needed.