Effects of glutamine supplementation on leucocytes number and fatigue after simulated soccer matches in Thai youth soccer players

Abstract

To investigate the effects of glutamine supplementation on leucocytes number and fatigue after simulated soccer matches in Thai youth soccer players aged 15 - 17 years old. Twelve participants were randomized to receive glutamine or placebo drink for 5 days with 2 weeks washout period. On the fifth day, subjects performed the simulation soccer matches (the Ball-sports Endurance and Sprint Test protocol) and blood specimens were collected for complete blood count: white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, ammonia, uric acid, urea and lactate at pre test, immediate post test and 1 h post test. The results showed that subjects received both drinks had the increases of WBC, neutrophils, monocytes, haematocrit, ammonia, uric acid, urea and lactate immediately post test as compared to pre test (p < 0.05). Increases of WBC, neutrophils and urea were maintained after test for 1 hour whereas monocytes, haematocrit, ammonia and lactate were decreased. Some intriguing points were observed at the immediate post test. Although there was no significant different between glutamine supplementation and placebo, glutamine supplementation tended to increase higher than placebo in WBC, neutrophils and monocytes of the innate immune system which was responsible for inflammation process from exercise induced injury. In addition, there was lower blood lactate in glutamine supplementation and significant higher blood urea in glutamine supplementation group, suggesting less fatigue and faster ammonia clearance after simulated soccer matches.