L-CARNITANE SUPPLEMENTATION INCREASES TESTOSTERONE LEVELS AND ANDROGEN RECEPTOR CONTENT

Spiering, B. A., Kraemer, W. J., Volek, J. S., Ratmess, N. A., VanHeest, J. L., Sharman, M. J., Rubin, M. R., French, D. N., Judelson, D. A., & Maresh, C. A. (2005). Testosterone and androgen receptor responses to resistance exercise: Effects of L-carnitane supplementation. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 1245.

Recreationally weight-trained males (N = 10) took L-carnitane supplements or a placebo for 21-days followed by an acute heavy-resistance challenge (4 x 10 repetitions of back squat, bench press, bent over row, and shoulder press). Testosterone concentrations were measured before, during, and after exercise. Post-exercise measures were immediately after exercise and serially every 10 minutes for 60 minutes. Androgen receptor content was measured by muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis 48-72 hours pre- and one hour post-exercise.

L-carnitane supplementation significantly increased testosterone concentrations pre- and post-exercise. Post-exercise androgen receptor content was significantly higher post-exercise only in the placebo condition. Post-exercise androgen receptor content was similar post-exercise for both conditions.

Implication. L-carnitane supplementation increased pre-exercise androgen receptor content and increased testosterone concentrations post-exercise. These responses may promote recovery from resistance exercise.

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