Taurine supplementation can increase lipolysis and affect the contribution of energy systems during front crawl maximal effort.

Taurine can affect the energy system metabolism, specifically the lipid metabolism, since an increase in lipid oxidation may promote carbohydrate savings. We hypothesized that taurine supplementation associated with high-intensity exercise could increase levels of lipolysis, benefiting swimmer performance. Nine male competitive swimmers performed two 400-m front crawl maximal efforts with a 1-week washout, and the athletes received 6 g of taurine (TAU) or placebo (PLA) supplementation 120 min before performing the effort. Oxygen consumption and the contribution of the energy systems were analyzed post effort using a Quark CPET gas analyzer. Blood samples were collected before, and 5 min post the effort for taurine and glycerol analysis. Immediately before and 3, 5, and 7 min post the effort, blood samples from the earlobe were collected to determine lactate levels. An increase of 159% was observed in taurine plasma levels 120 min post ingestion. Glycerol levels were higher in both groups post effort; however, the TAU condition promoted an 8% higher increase than the PLA. No changes were observed in swimmer performance or lactate levels; however, the percentage change in lactate levels (∆[La-]) was different (TAU: 9.36 ± 2.78 mmol L-1; PLA: 11.52 ± 2.19 mmol L-1, p = 0.04). Acute taurine supplementation 120 min before performing a maximal effort did not improve swimmer performance; however, it increased glycerol plasma levels and reduced both the ∆[La-] and lactic anaerobic system contribution.

Effects of taurine on markers of muscle damage, inflammatory response and physical performance in triathletes.

BACKGROUND: The practice of prolonged exercise with high intensity, as seen in triathlon training, can cause physiological imbalances that might result in muscle fatigue, muscle damage and changes in systemic inflammatory response, thus reduce the athletes' physical performance, therefore, both adequate total caloric and macronutrient intake also the use of a specific ergogenic aid, as taurine supplementation would be an alternative to prevent inflammation and muscle damage. In order to verify the effects of 8 weeks of taurine and chocolate milk supplementation, markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and aerobic capacity were quantified in triathletes. METHODS: A double-blind, crossover, randomized study was conducted with 9 male long-distance triathletes, aged 25-35 years. Supplementation of 3 g of taurine (TAU) or placebo (PLA) associated with 400 mL low fat chocolate milk was performed during an 8-week period. In order to verify the effects of the supplementation protocol markers of muscle damage as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), and inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified, also triathletes' performance was evaluated by exhaust test on a treadmill. RESULTS: It was observed a significant increase in taurine and CK plasma levels after TAU supplementation (P=0.02 and P=0.01, respectively). However, LDH concentrations did not differ significantly after the supplementations performed, and there were no changes in physical performance parameters; anaerobic threshold, perceived exertion, heart rate, and the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: Taurine supplementation did not provide benefits on performance and muscle damage in triathletes.