The Effect of L-Arginine Acute Supplementation on Anaerobic Power and Blood Lactate Concentrations

Background:The aim of this study was to investigate whether supplementation of L-arginine would prevent anaerobic power decrease. Methods:Twelve active, healthy, young males voluntarily participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Subjects were randomly divided on a Maximal power (Max power) output value basis to two groups: 1. AR group (Oral ingestion of L-argentine powder at the dose of 5 grams, 250 ml water, and 30 grams sweetener) 2. PL group (250 ml water, and 30 grams sweetener). Each subject performed a Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). Maximal power (Max power) power, Minimal power (Min power), the average power (Mean power), and fatigue index were calculated for each participant. Results:There were no significant decreases in Max, Min, Mean power, as well as fatigue index between two groups (P < 0.05). Blood lactate concentrations increased post-exercise compared with pre-exercise in both groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Blood lactate concentrations was signiβicantly higher in PL group compared with AR group (P < 0.05). Conclusion:It seems acute supplementation of L-arginine two hour before exercise has not been able to affect Max, Min, and Mean power as well as fatigue index. However, blood lactate decrease in AR group compared with PL group demonstrates potential effect of L-arginine on blood buffering and subsequently on anaerobic capacity.