AIM: Taurine is considered a semi-
essential amino acid characterized by having various physiological functions in the body that modulate mechanisms of action involved in the
muscle contraction process, increased
energy expenditure ,
insulin signaling pathway,
carbohydrate metabolism , and scavenging
free radicals . These functions are crucial for
aerobic exercise performance; thus,
taurine supplementation may benefit
athletes ' performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of
taurine supplementation on the resting
energy expenditure and
physical performance of
swimming athletes .
METHODS: In a
double-blind study , 14
male swimmers were randomized into two groups the
taurine group (n = 7) and the placebo group (n = 7), which received 3 g per day of
taurine or placebo in
capsules during 8 weeks. Resting
energy expenditure ,
plasma taurine ,
physical performance ,
anthropometry , dietary
consumption were measured and an incremental test was performed to determine their maximal front crawl
swimming performances before and after the 8-week period.
RESULTS: The levels of
serum taurine (p < 0.0001) and
lactate (p = 0.0130) showed a significant increase in the
taurine group; however, the other variables were not different. No changes were observed in the resting
energy expenditure , mean speed performed, and the
anaerobic threshold of the swimmers post-supplementation period.
CONCLUSION: Supplementation of
taurine increased
plasma concentrations of this
amino acid , but did not
lead to significant changes in
food intake ,
rest energy expenditure , and
athletes ' performance. However, the supplemented group presented a higher
lactate production , suggesting a possible positive effect of
taurine on the anaerobic lactic
metabolism .(AU)