Effect of L-citrulline intake on intermittent short-time high-intensity exercise performance in male collegiate track athletes

Abstract

Enhanced exercise performance and anti-fatigue effects following L-citrulline (Cit) intake have been reported in resistance training and endurance exercise, but not in intermittent short-time high-intensity exercise. Therefore, the effect of Cit intake on intermittent short-time high-intensity exercise performance in collegiate athletes was investigated. A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed using nine male collegiate track athletes (age 20.9 ± 1.6 years). Each participant ingested either Cit or a placebo (3 g [grams]/day) for 7 days and underwent Wingate test using a bicycle ergometer on days 0 and 7 performed three times using a pedaling load of 7.5% of the participant's weight for 30 s (seconds) at full power. As for the results, Cit intake significantly increased the change in mean power output, pedaling speed per 5 s, and power output per 5 s (Δday 7 -0) during pedaling as well as the change in oxygen consumption derived by analysis of expired gas. The amount of change in the rate of perceived exertion during exercise significantly decreased, and the amount of change in serum nitrite/nitrate (NOx) (Δday 7 -0) post-exercise was significantly increased compared to that of pre-exercise by Cit intake. These results suggested that Cit intake of 3 g/day for 7 days may have enhanced exercise performance and anti-fatigue effects on intermittent short-time highintensity exercise in male collegiate track athletes.

Eight Days of L-Citrulline or L-Arginine Supplementation Did Not Improve 200-m and 100-m Swimming Time Trials

“…Our findings showed that there was no difference in BLa before or after TTs between groups, which is consistent with previous studies [20,32,33]. In the study of Terasawa et al [3], for both the L-Cit and Pla groups, the amount of NOx, on day 7, at the time of post-exercise significantly increased compared to pre-exercise while there was no difference on day 0 [3]. While we observed no change in BLa after high-intensity exercise with L-Cit supplementation in this study, previous animal studies have reported lower post exercise BLa and ammonia concentration [46], as well as a lower rate of muscle PCr reduction [47] with L-Cit.…”

“…Nitric oxide (NO) is an important physiological signalling molecule for skeletal muscle perfusion, metabolism, contractility, and fatigue resistance [1,2], and it is attracting much interest in sport physiology and nutrition as an ergogenic aid [3]. To date, many studies have shown that dietary NO related supplements, such as nitrate-rich beetroot juice or watermelon juice, enhance athletic performance [4][5][6].…”

“…Moreover, Stanelle et al [29] reported that L-Cit supplementation might cause a slight enhancement in the cycling performance of well-trained athletes. It was also shown that, due to exercise induced muscle damage, L-Cit supplementation can decrease serum creatine kinase concentrations along with increasing recovery [3]. According to some studies, L-Cit supplementation reduces blood lactate (BLa) concentrations and muscle pain 24 h post-exercise [29,30], which might be related to its antioxidant features.…”

Effects of l-citrulline supplementation on nitric oxide and antioxidant markers after high-intensity interval exercise in young men: a randomised controlled trial

“…Estimation of an appropriate sample size was conducted using the G*Power analysis software (25) . Our rationale for sample size was based on a previous study evaluating changes in blood NOx responses to high-intensity exercise after acute L-Cit supplementation in nine young men (18,26) . This study revealed an effect size of 0•4 for the increase in NOx after high-intensity exercise.…”

“…Moreover, Stanelle et al (13) reported that L-Cit supplementation might lead to a slight improvement in the cycling performance of trained athletes. It was also shown that, due to exercise-induced muscle damage, L-Cit supplementation can decrease serum creatine kinase concentrations along with increasing perceived recovery (13,18) . According to prior research, L-Cit supplementation reduces concentrations of lactate and muscle pain 24 h after exercise (13,16) , which might be related to its antioxidant effects.…”