Impacts of Arginine Supplements on the Fat Free Mass (FFM) and Anaerobic Power of Weightlifters

The impacts of arginine supplements (arginine and ornithine) on the physical performances of weightlifters are studied in this study. Double-blind, randomized and crossover trial is carried out taking 8 male weightlifters as studying objects. During such trial, the objects are given amino acid supplements or placebos on a daily basis besides normal weight lifting training for 30 days and after an interval of 30 days, they are given the same amount of the same acid supplements or placebos. Then, the body weight, height, FFM, back strength, pedaling strength of lower limbs and anaerobic power of objects using acid supplements were compared. The study indicated that 1) No weight or height change is found, post-test FFM of acid group increased significantly compared with pre-test FFM; FFM of placebo group remain unchanged; 2) Post-test body fat percentage of acid group is lower than pre-test value; body fat percentage of placebo group remains unchanged; 3) There is no difference of back strength and pedaling strength of lower limbs between the two groups; but the post-test max. anaerobic power increased significantly compared with pre-test value while that of placebo group remains unchanged; 4) There is no difference in the average anaerobic powers and power decreasing rates between the two groups. Arginine and ornithine supplements help increasing FFM and max. Anaerobic power, 40mg/kgwt amino acid supplement will not impact the health of the objects.