Abstract
This study examined the effects of acute supplementation with L-arginine and nitrate on running economy,
endurance and sprint performance in endurance-trained athletes. In a randomised cross-over, doubleblinded
design we compared the effects of combined supplementation with 6 g L-arginine and 614 mg
nitrate against 614 mg nitrate alone and placebo in nine male elite cross-country skiers (age 18 ± 0 years,
VO2max 69.3 ± 5.8 ml·min−1·kg−1). After a 48-hour standardisation of nutrition and exercise the athletes were
tested for plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations, blood pressure, submaximal running economy at
10 km·h−1 and 14 km·h−1 at 1% incline and 180m as well as 5-km time-trial running performances. Plasma
nitrite concentration following L-arginine + nitrate supplementation (319 ± 54 nmol·L−1) did not differ from
nitrate alone (328 ± 107 nmol·L−1), and both were higher than placebo (149 ± 64 nmol·L−1, p < 0.01). There
were no differences in physiological responses during submaximal running or in 5-km performance between
treatments. The plasma nitrite concentrations indicate greater nitric oxide availability both following acute
supplementation of L-arginine + nitrate and with nitrate alone compared to placebo, but no additional
effect was revealed when L-arginine was added to nitrate. Still, there were no effects of supplementation
on exercise economy or endurance running performance in endurance-trained cross-country skiers.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 10-15 |
Journal | Nitric Oxide: Biology and Chemistry |
Volume | 48 |
Early online date | 24 Oct 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2015 |
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Oliver Peacock
- Department for Health - Senior Lecturer
- Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism (CNEM)
- Bath Institute for the Augmented Human
Person: Research & Teaching, Affiliate staff