The Effects of Weight Loss and Glutamine-Creatine Supplementation on Peripheral White Blood Cells in Elite Athletes

Background: Regular exercise in mild to moderate intensity can induce immunologic system, but high intensity exercise suppressed immune function. Weight loss is a medical problem in athletes, especially weight categorized sports. Supplements consumption such as creatine and glutamine can increase the performance of athletes, but the effects of these supplements on immune function are not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight loss and the consumption of glutamine and creatine on peripheral leukocyte and its differentiation in elite wrestlers.

  Materials and Methods : This study was carried on 21 elite wrestlers. They were divided into 3 equal groups. Body weight was decreased in all groups during 6 days by similar methods, including limitation of calorie, water consumption and physical activity. The first and second groups consumed glutamine (0.3 gr/kg/day) during weight loss and recovery period, but the second group, received a single dose of creatine during recovery period (0.3 gr/kg) too. The third group was control group with weight loss without supplement consumption. Blood sampling was performed first, after weight loss and after recovery period. The diet during study period was the same in all groups. The data was analyzed by r epeated measures test.

  Results: The mean age and body mass index of athletes were 22.23±2.50 years and 25.8±2.70, respectively. Leukocytes and neutrophils count were increased and lymphocyte and monocyte count decreased after weight loss. These changes were in normal range and were compensated after recovery period. There was no significant difference between 3 groups, although the lymphocyte percentage increased in glutamine group.

  Conclusion: Rising in the leukocytes and neutrophils counts were found during weight loss and recovery period. Although the lymphocyte percentage increased following glutamine consumption, but the complex of glutamine and creatine could not affect WBC changes in subgroups.