Data published in the European Journal of Sports Science indicated that rehydration with the alanine-glutamine dipeptide during strenuous exercise led to better reaction times in both upper and lower body activities, compared to no.
“These same effects were not apparent when participants consumed the commercial sports drink only, suggesting that the combination of the alanine-glutamine dipeptide enhanced fluid and electrolyte absorption from the gut and possibly into skeletal tissue to maintain neuromuscular performance,” wrote researchers from the University of Central Florida.
The ingredient
Sustamine has continued to gain traction in the US sports nutrition marketplace, with Kyowa Hakko’s fermentation technology delivering glutamine via a dipeptide, which solves the stability issue of this notoriously unstable amino acid. The dipeptide form also offers some distinct, demonstrated benefits in such as enhanced recovery, immune system support, and increased metabolic rate.
The new study suggests that there are also cognitive benefits associated with the ingredient.
Study details
Led by Jay Hoffman, the researchers recruited 12 male athletes to participate in their study. The men performed four endurance trials of various lengths. One trial allowed no hydration, with another consisting of consumption of an energy drink (Gatorade G2). The other two trials included low (300 mg in the 500 mL drink) and high doses (1 g in the 500 mL drink) of Sustamine in energy drinks.
The reaction time test involved pressing buttons as quickly as possible when lit up with either a hand or foot. Results showed that, with no hydration, athletes’ reaction time was negatively affected, while those taking Sustamine saw a noticeably higher number of correct hits.
In addition, the Gatorade along also had a negative effect compared to the high-dose Sustamine group, added the researchers.
“These results are similar to a previous investigation that reported a significantly greater reaction scores in athletes ingesting the alanine-glutamine dipeptide mixed in water compared to when they were dehydrated,” they wrote.
Tests of cognitive function indicated that the energy drink groups performed better than the no hydration group.
“The results of this resent study indicate that when the alanine-glutamine dipeptide is combined with a commercial sports drink the ergogenic benefits are greater than that seen with the commercial sports drink only.”
References: European Journal of Sports Science
Volume 16, Pages 1-8, doi: 10.1080/17461391.2014.969325
“Effect of acute L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine and electrolyte ingestion on cognitive function and reaction time following endurance exercise”
Authors: G.J. Pruna, J.R. Hoffman, W.P. McCormack, A.R. Jajtner, J. R. Townsend, et al.