LONG-TERM GLUTAMINE SUPPLEMENTATION IN ELITE GYMNASTS

This study investigates the potential benefits of high-glutamine daily supplementation with 1.0g.kg(-1) during 90 days of strenuous training and sport performance. Thirty top female aerobic gymnasts took part in this study, randomly assigned to either the glutamine supplementation (GS group; n=15) or a placebo group (P group; n=15). Both groups had the same program of strenuous training and a controlled food intake. Physical, biochemical and hormonal evaluation included aerobic (maximal oxygen uptake) and anaerobic (total work performed) effort capacity testing, creatine kinase and growth hormone plasma levels measurement. At the end of the study, significant increases in maximal oxygen uptake and growth hormone level and decreases of creatine kinase were observed in the GS group (p < 0.05), suggesting a better oxidative metabolic activity of the skeletal muscles cells during training. Anaerobic capacity did not change significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, supplementing the diet of top female aerobic gymnasts with high-glutamine wheat protein isolate improved significantly their aerobic performance with less muscle damage during training and a better post exercise recovery.