The effects of 4 weeks of an arginine-based supplement on the gas exchange threshold and peak oxygen uptake.
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the daily administration of an arginine-based supplement for 4 weeks on the gas exchange threshold (GET) and peak oxygen uptake. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Forty-one college-aged males (mean age +/- SD = 22.1 +/- 2.4 years) were randomized into either the PLACEBO (n = 20) or ARGININE (n = 21) group. The placebo was microcrystalline cellulose. The ARGININE group ingested 3.0 g of arginine, 300 mg of grape seed extract, and 300 mg of polyethylene glycol. All subjects performed an incremental test to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer prior to supplementation (PRE) and after 4 weeks of supplementation (POST). The GET was determined by using the V-slope method of the carbon dioxide output vs. oxygen uptake relationship. The results indicated that there were significant mean increases (PRE to POST) in GET (4.1%), as well as in carbon dioxide output (4.3%) and power output (5.4%) at the GET for the ARGININE group, but no significant changes for the PLACEBO group (2.5%, 4.3%, and 3.9%, respectively). In addition, there were no significant changes in peak oxygen uptake for the ARGININE (-1.0%) or PLACEBO (-1.5%) groups. These findings supported the use of the arginine-based supplement for increasing GET and the associated power output, but not for increasing peak oxygen uptake during cycle ergometry.
Camic
Clayton L
CL
Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA. cclzmic@unleserve
Housh
Terry J
TJ
Mielke
Michelle
M
Zuniga
Jorge M
JM
Hendrix
C Russell
CR
Johnson
Glen O
GO
Schmidt
Richard J
RJ
Housh
Dona J
DJ
D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D001120:Arginine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001642:Bicycling; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000187:drug effects; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000187:drug effects*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001120:Arginine