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Tricarboxylic-acid-cycle intermediates and cycle endurance capacity
Amy C Brown1, Holden S H Macrae, Nathan S Turner
1Dept of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
|January 20, 2005
Summary
This study found that a multinutrient supplement with tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates (TCAIs) did not improve endurance cycling performance or recovery speed in well-trained cyclists. Further research is needed to explore other performance-enhancing strategies.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Sports Science
Background:
- The tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) is crucial for energy production during endurance exercise.
- Supplements containing TCA cycle intermediates (TCAIs) are marketed to enhance athletic performance.
- Limited research exists on the efficacy of TCAI supplementation for improving cycling performance and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a multinutrient supplement containing TCAIs on time to exhaustion during submaximal cycling.
- To assess the impact of the supplement on recovery rate after fatiguing exercise in cyclists.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted over 7 weeks.
- Seven well-trained male cyclists participated, receiving either the TCAI supplement or a placebo.
- Participants underwent submaximal exercise tests (70-75% VO2peak) and recovery assessments.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in time to exhaustion between the TCAI and placebo groups.
- Key performance indicators including respiratory-exchange ratio, blood lactate, plasma glucose, and perceived exertion showed no significant changes.
- Recovery time to fatigue also did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Three weeks of supplementation with a multinutrient containing TCAIs and supporting substances did not enhance cycling performance at 75% VO2peak.
- The supplement did not accelerate recovery from exercise-induced fatigue in this cohort of cyclists.