Effect of L-Arginine on the Lactate Response
to Acute High-Intensity Exercise
Troy A. Hornberger
School of Biology & Chemistry
Lake Superior State University



Abstract

	To investigate the effect of L-Arginine on plasma lactate concentration after
an acute high-intensity exercise bout, 6 healthy, normally active men participated
in a randomized double blind experiment. Each subject reported in a fasted state
at the same time of day for two experimental sessions separated by 1 week. For
each session, subjects were administered either a supplement (ARG) or placebo
(CTRL) solution. Per pound of body weight, the supplement solution contained .02
grams of L-Arginine dissolved in  150m1 of Crystal Light drink mix. The placebo
solution contained only the Crystal Light (150m1). After ingestion of the
solution, a absorption-equilibration period was initiated in which the subject
rested. Venous blood samples were taken after this period (pre-exercise) as well
as 10 and 20 minutes post exercise. Immediately following the pre-exercise blood
draw an exercise task was initiated. The exercise task consisted of 3 minutes of
maximum effort cycle ergometry. There was no significant differences, between
the conditions, in total work or heart rate. Plasma lactate in the ARG group was
significantly elevated above CTRL at 10 minutes post exercise. This data indicates
that L-Arginine increases lactate response to a acute high-intensity exercise bout.



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