The effects of L-carnitine intake 1500 m run performance and plasma lactate

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of L- carnitine intake on 1500m running performance and blood lactate level. Healthy and well-trained twenty voluntary male athletes participated in this investigation. Subjects were randomly classified in two groups as a Placebo group (n=10) and Carnitine group (n=10). This investigation was performed in two trials as first and last tests. Subjects ran 1500m at each trial and performance times were recorded. Heart rate was recorded in first minute and blood samples were obtained from an antecubital vein following fourth minute at the end of each trial. The Carnitine group received 2gr L-camitine in a citrus drink before 90 minute from last test while the Placebo group received only the citrus drink at the same time. Standardized field and laboratory tests were used to determine the subject's physical and physiological profiles. Statistical analysis was done by using Paired Sample t test. After the end of first and last tests, there were no significant differences between heart rates of two groups. Although there were no differences between 1500m performance times of two groups after the first test, Carnitine group's performance time was found significantly higher than the Placebo group after the last test (P<0.001) Carnitine group's plasma lactate level was found significantly higher than the Placebo group after firs test (PO.001). However, there were no significant-72- differences of plasma lactate levels between two groups after the last test. But, Carnitine group's plasma lactate level was decreased significantly differences between first and the last tests (PO.001). In conclusion, this investigation showed that L-carnitine intake has no effect on heart rate. In contrast, it has provided an ergogenic benefit on blood lactate level and 1500m running performance on well-trained athletes.