THE ROLE OF LIPOIC ACID IN MAINTAINING THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of lipoic acid in enhancing athletic performance and modula­ting the antioxidant system in athletes undergoing a preparatory training camp within their annual training cycle. Materials and methods. The study involved 13 male football players (1^st category, aged 18–21). The experimental group (n = 7) received 600 mg of α-lipoic acid orally once daily for two weeks. To assess the effects of α-lipoic acid on lipid peroxidation and physical performance, participants performed a series of functional tests, with blood samples collected for biochemical analysis (capillary blood pH, lactate and pyruvate levels, vitamin E, malondialdehyde, and diene conjugates). Results. Supplementation with
α-lipoic acid resulted in a reduction in malondialdehyde levels (a toxic byproduct of lipid peroxidation); a 12% improvement in physical performance; attenuation of metabolic acidosis; a slight decrease in plasma α-tocopherol concentration, which did not compromise the efficacy of α-lipoic acid in supporting the antioxidant system. Conclusion. The beneficial effects of α-lipoic acid supplementation in athletes are likely attributed to enhanced antioxidant capacity via neutralization of free radicals, thereby preserving cellular integrity, blood pH, and enzymatic activity responsible for pyruvate delivery to the Krebs cycle and electron transfer to the mitochondrial respiratory chain.