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Effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on exercise performance.
1Department of Physiological Sciences and Nutrition, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Spain.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Supplementing with L-tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin (5-HT), significantly increased exercise endurance by 49.4% in healthy sportsmen. This suggests L-tryptophan may enhance pain tolerance during strenuous physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Strenuous exercise causes discomfort, modulated by endogenous opioid systems.
- Serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine, 5-HT) influences pain perception via the enkephalin-endorphin system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of L-tryptophan supplementation on endurance and perceived exertion during strenuous exercise.
- To explore the role of serotonin precursor in modulating exercise performance and pain tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy sportsmen completed two treadmill trials at 80% maximal oxygen uptake.
- Participants received either a placebo or L-tryptophan supplement before each trial.
- Measured parameters included total exercise time, perceived exertion, heart rate, and oxygen consumption.
Main Results:
- Total exercise time increased by 49.4% with L-tryptophan compared to placebo.
- Perceived exertion was lower with L-tryptophan, though not statistically significant.
- No significant differences were found in maximum heart rate, peak oxygen consumption, or recovery metrics.
Conclusions:
- Moderate L-tryptophan supplementation can significantly enhance endurance in sportsmen.
- Increased exercise duration may be attributed to enhanced pain tolerance from L-tryptophan.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the impact on perceived exertion and pain modulation.