The effects of 4 weeks of an arginine-based supplement on the gas exchange threshold and peak oxygen uptake

Abstract

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.