Effect Of Supplementation With Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Enriched With Glutamine Dipeptide On Performance Of Triathletes

Abstract

Glutamine is a popular dietary supplement consumed for purported ergogenic benefits. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in skeletal muscle and plasma, and it comprises over 60% of the total free amino acid pool. In situations of stress, such as intense exercise, the concentration of glutamine in the blood is decreased. Glutamine supplementation has been reported to enhance protein synthesis as well as improve immune function. PURPOSE: The effect of hydrolyzed whey protein enriched with glutamine dipeptide (Gln) supplementation on performance of triathletes was investigated. METHODS: Nine elite triathletes performed two exhaustive exercise trials in one week interval. Thirty minutes before starting a treadmill exhaustive exercise the subjects ingested 50 g of maltodextrin (placebo) or 50 g of maltodextrin plus 4 tablets of 700 mg of hydrolyzed whey protein enriched with 175 mg of glutamine dipeptide dissolved in 250 mL water. RESULTS: During the test, there was no difference in heart rate (190 ± 9 HR/min) and subjective perception of effort when compared the athletes supplemented or not with Gln. There was no difference in the VO2 max due to the effect of Gln supplementation. On the other hand, the % VO2 max increased when compared Gln supplemented athletes (87.22 ± 4.47 %) with placebo group (79.33 ± 4,3 %). CONCLUSION: Hydrolyzed whey protein enriched with glutamine dipeptide supplementation increased the performance of triathletes during treadmill exhaustive exercise. Suported by FAPESP, CAPES, CnpQ