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Taurine supplementation can increase lipolysis and affect the contribution of energy systems during front crawl maximal effort

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Abstract

Taurine can affect the energy system metabolism, specifically the lipid metabolism, since an increase in lipid oxidation may promote carbohydrate savings. We hypothesized that taurine supplementation associated with high-intensity exercise could increase levels of lipolysis, benefiting swimmer performance. Nine male competitive swimmers performed two 400-m front crawl maximal efforts with a 1-week washout, and the athletes received 6 g of taurine (TAU) or placebo (PLA) supplementation 120 min before performing the effort. Oxygen consumption and the contribution of the energy systems were analyzed post effort using a Quark CPET gas analyzer. Blood samples were collected before, and 5 min post the effort for taurine and glycerol analysis. Immediately before and 3, 5, and 7 min post the effort, blood samples from the earlobe were collected to determine lactate levels. An increase of 159% was observed in taurine plasma levels 120 min post ingestion. Glycerol levels were higher in both groups post effort; however, the TAU condition promoted an 8% higher increase than the PLA. No changes were observed in swimmer performance or lactate levels; however, the percentage change in lactate levels (∆[La−]) was different (TAU: 9.36 ± 2.78 mmol L−1; PLA: 11.52 ± 2.19 mmol L−1, p = 0.04). Acute taurine supplementation 120 min before performing a maximal effort did not improve swimmer performance; however, it increased glycerol plasma levels and reduced both the ∆[La−] and lactic anaerobic system contribution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, State University of São Paulo–FCFAR/UNESP, Araraquara-Jaú Highway, km 1, Araraquara, SP, 14801-902, Brazil

    Flávia G. De Carvalho, Milena B. Carvalho, Carla C. Dato & Ellen Cristini de Freitas

  2. Department of Physical Education, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), 24 A Avenue, 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil

    Ricardo A. Barbieri & Ronaldo B. Gobbi

  3. Department of Physical Education, Post Graduate Program in Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1235 Professor Moraes Rego Street, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil

    Eduardo Z. Campos

  4. School of Physical Education and Sports of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo–EEFERP/USP, 3900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-030, Brazil

    Marcelo Papoti, Adelino S. R. Silva & Ellen Cristini de Freitas

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  1. Flávia G. De Carvalho
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  2. Ricardo A. Barbieri
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  3. Milena B. Carvalho
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Correspondence to Ellen Cristini de Freitas.

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De Carvalho, F.G., Barbieri, R.A., Carvalho, M.B. et al. Taurine supplementation can increase lipolysis and affect the contribution of energy systems during front crawl maximal effort. Amino Acids 50, 189–198 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-017-2505-3

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