Evaluation of the effects of acute taurine supplementation on aerobic physical performance in active young adults

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport 2024-09, Vol.24 (9), p.1177-1185
• Main Authors: Camarotti, Frederico, Dos Santos, Wlaldemir Roberto, Damasceno, Vinicius De Oliveira, Da Costa, Marlene Salvina Fernandes, Feitosa, Rubem Cordeiro, Sacramentos, Henrique Silva, Campos, Eduardo Zapaterra, Paes, Pedro Pinheiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerobics; Anatomy; Cross-sectional studies; Energy; Energy drinks; Exercise; Human Body; Informed Consent; Measurement Techniques; Medical Evaluation; Metabolism; Muscle contraction; Physical Activities; Physical education; Physical fitness; Physiology; Questionnaires; Research Design; Spirometry; Time; Ventilators; Volunteers; Young adults
• ISSN: 2247-8051; 2247-806X
• DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2024.09242

Taurine, a prevalent amino acid in the human body, plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and cardiorespiratory muscles. Recently, taurine-based energy drinks have been promoted as ergogenic aids that may enhance athletic performance. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. This study aimed to assess the impact of acute taurine supplementation on maximal oxygen consumption, ventilatory thresholds, and total time to exhaustion in active young adults. The research used an experimental design featuring a cross-sectional, crossover, randomized, and double-blind approach. For the level of physical activity and readiness to practice physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) were used, respectively. Data were collected from 20 volunteers (11 women and 9 men) through a progressive cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) conducted in the Ergospiratory Laboratory of the Department of Physical Education at the Federal University of Pernambuco (DEF-UFPE). After familiarization with the test, the volunteers were randomized and performed 2 tests, with supplementation of 1g of taurine or placebo in identical capsules 1 hour before and separated by an interval of 7days (washout). The results showed no significant differences in time to exhaustion (Δ = 1.4%; p = 0.352), VO2 PEAK (Δ = 6.0%; p = 0.158), and ventilatory thresholds - VT (VT1 Δ = 3.9%; p = 0.381 and VT2 Δ = 2.7%; p = 0.486) between the taurine and placebo groups. However, the group that received taurine showed a slight advantage compared to the placebo group. It is concluded that the acute ingestion of 1 g of taurine one hour before a CPET did not result in significant improvements in VO2 PEAK, ventilatory thresholds, or total time to exhaustion. Future studies may explore different dosages, forms of taurine ingestion, and include assessments among subjects with varying levels of physical fitness.