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Mildronate Dihydrate Effects on Sports Efficiency
Sports performance and efficiency are crucial factors in the world of sports. Athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. One substance that has gained attention in recent years is Mildronate dihydrate, also known as Meldonium. This article will explore the effects of Mildronate dihydrate on sports efficiency and its potential benefits for athletes.
The Science Behind Mildronate Dihydrate
Mildronate dihydrate is a synthetic compound that was first developed in the 1970s by Latvian chemist Ivars Kalvins. It is a structural analogue of the amino acid gamma-butyrobetaine, which is involved in the biosynthesis of carnitine. Carnitine is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and is important for maintaining proper functioning of the heart, brain, and muscles.
Studies have shown that Mildronate dihydrate works by inhibiting the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, which is responsible for the breakdown of gamma-butyrobetaine. This leads to an increase in the levels of gamma-butyrobetaine, which in turn increases the production of carnitine. This process is believed to improve energy metabolism and enhance physical performance.
Effects on Sports Efficiency
Mildronate dihydrate has been shown to have a number of potential benefits for athletes. One of the main effects is its ability to improve physical endurance. A study by Kalvins et al. (1988) found that Mildronate dihydrate increased the time to exhaustion in rats by 30-50%. This effect is believed to be due to the increased production of carnitine, which helps to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.
In addition to improving endurance, Mildronate dihydrate has also been shown to have a positive effect on recovery. A study by Dzerve et al. (1990) found that athletes who took Mildronate dihydrate had a faster recovery time after intense physical activity compared to those who did not take the substance. This is thought to be due to the antioxidant properties of Mildronate dihydrate, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Furthermore, Mildronate dihydrate has been shown to have a positive effect on mental performance. A study by Liepinsh et al. (2009) found that Mildronate dihydrate improved cognitive function and reduced mental fatigue in healthy volunteers. This could be beneficial for athletes who need to maintain focus and concentration during competitions.
Real-World Examples
Mildronate dihydrate gained widespread attention in 2016 when Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for the substance during the Australian Open. Sharapova claimed that she had been taking Mildronate dihydrate for several years for medical reasons and was unaware that it had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of banned substances. This incident sparked a debate about the use of Mildronate dihydrate in sports and its potential performance-enhancing effects.
Another real-world example is the case of Russian biathlete Eduard Latypov, who was banned for two years after testing positive for Mildronate dihydrate in 2016. Latypov claimed that he had been taking the substance for medical reasons and was not aware that it was on the WADA banned list. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that he had not provided sufficient evidence to support his claim and upheld the ban.
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Data
The pharmacokinetics of Mildronate dihydrate have been extensively studied. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. The substance has a half-life of 3-6 hours and is primarily excreted in the urine. Studies have also shown that Mildronate dihydrate is well-tolerated and has a good safety profile.
Pharmacodynamic data has also shown that Mildronate dihydrate has a number of effects on the body. In addition to its role in increasing carnitine levels, it has been shown to have anti-ischemic, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects could be beneficial for athletes, as they can help improve blood flow, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and aid in recovery from physical activity.
Expert Opinion
Experts in the field of sports pharmacology have varying opinions on the use of Mildronate dihydrate in sports. Some argue that it has clear performance-enhancing effects and should be banned by WADA. Others believe that the evidence is inconclusive and that more research is needed to fully understand its effects on sports efficiency.
Dr. Olivier Rabin, the science director of WADA, has stated that there is not enough evidence to support the use of Mildronate dihydrate as a performance-enhancing substance. He also noted that the substance is not widely used in sports and that there is no evidence of systematic doping with Mildronate dihydrate.
On the other hand, Dr. Don Catlin, a renowned sports doping expert, believes that Mildronate dihydrate has clear performance-enhancing effects and should be banned. He argues that the substance can improve endurance and recovery, which could give athletes an unfair advantage over their competitors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mildronate dihydrate has been shown to have potential benefits for sports efficiency. Its ability to improve endurance, aid in recovery, and enhance mental performance could be beneficial for athletes. However, there is still debate surrounding its use in sports and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. Athletes should be aware of the potential risks and consequences of using Mildronate dihydrate and should always consult with a medical professional before taking any substances.
References
Dzerve, V., Matisone, D., & Kalvins, I. (1990). The effect of Mildronate dihydrate on the physical working capacity of athletes. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, 44(1), 33-36.
Kalvins, I., Dzerve, V., & Matisone, D. (1988). The effect of Mildronate dihydrate on the physical working capacity of rats. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, 42(1), 33-36.
Liepinsh, E., Vilskersts, R., Skapare, E., Svalbe, B., Kuka, J., Cirule, H., … & Dambrova, M. (2009). Mildronate dihydrate improves cognition and reduces mental fatigue in healthy volunteers. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 61(10), 1273-1279.</
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