ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8843-8450
Current Organisation
University of KwaZulu-Natal - Westville Campus
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-08-2022
Abstract: Consumption of amino acids L-arginine (L-Arg) and L-citrulline (L-Cit) are purported to increase nitric oxide (NO) production and improve physical performance. Clinical trials have shown relatively more favorable outcomes than not after supplementing with L-Cit and combined L-Arg and L-Cit. However, in most studies, other active ingredients such as malate were included in the supplement. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of consuming standalone L-Arg, L-Cit, and their combination (in the form of powder or beverage) on blood NO level and physical performance markers. A systematic review was undertaken following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42021287530). Four electronic databases (PubMed, Ebscohost, Science Direct, and Google scholar) were used. An acute dose of 0.075 g/kg of L-Arg or 6 g L-Arg had no significant increase in NO biomarkers and physical performance markers (p 0.05). Consumption of 2.4 to 6 g/day of L-Cit over 7 to 16 days significantly increased NO level and physical performance markers (p 0.05). Combined L-Arg and L-Cit supplementation significantly increased circulating NO, improved performance, and reduced feelings of exertion (p 0.05). Standalone L-Cit and combined L-Arg with L-Cit consumed over several days effectively increases circulating NO and improves physical performance and feelings of exertion in recreationally active and well-trained athletes.
Publisher: Academy of Science of South Africa
Date: 10-11-2022
DOI: 10.17159/2078-516X/2022/V34I1A14018
Abstract: Background: The ingestion of dietary supplements and beverages is prevalent in soccer, at the amateur and professional level. The absence of professional advice at non-professional level makes amateur soccer players susceptible to ingesting unsafe supplements. Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of ABC Motsepe League (semi-professional) players in KwaZulu-Natal regarding the use of dietary supplements and beverages. Methods: Three hundred and forty-three soccer players participated in a cross-sectional study. Knowledge, attitudes and practices were determined using a questionnaire. Researchers visited twelve teams. On the day of the visit to each team, information sheets and questionnaires were given to participants. Questionnaires were collected immediately following completion. Descriptive statistics were used, including means and standard deviations, where applicable. Inferential statistics, Chi-square and binomial tests were used to analyse the results. Statistical significance was set at p 0.05. Results: Sports beverages were the most recommended and commonly used, followed by energy beverages. Dietary supplements were the least-known used. Participants used beverages and dietary supplements to assist in providing more energy (67%), improve health (65%) and improve performance (55%) (p .001). Seventy-three percent of participants lacked knowledge about the anti-doping policy (p .001), with 87% having never attended a workshop on the safe use of supplements and beverages, or anti-doping awareness c aigns (p .001). Thirty-eight percent had not heard of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), and 84% were not familiar with the yearly updated World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list (p .001). Of the 59% who did not take dietary supplements or beverages, 75% had insufficient information regarding them (p .001), 66% indicated that dietary supplements and beverages were costly (p=0.001), and 55% indicated they did not need dietary supplements and beverages (p=0.32). Conclusion: There is a need for an educational programme on the safe use of dietary supplements, and sports and energy beverages among KwaZulu-Natal semi-professional soccer players.
Location: South Africa
No related grants have been discovered for Siphamandla Nyawose.