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Mildronate Dihydrate: Enhancing Athletes’ Energy Metabolism
In the world of sports, every athlete strives to achieve peak performance and push their limits. To achieve this, they often turn to various supplements and medications to enhance their physical abilities. One such substance that has gained popularity in recent years is Mildronate dihydrate, also known as Meldonium. This article will explore the effects of Mildronate dihydrate on athletes’ energy metabolism and its potential benefits in sports performance.
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, a key molecule in energy metabolism. Mildronate dihydrate works by inhibiting the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, leading to an increase in the levels of gamma-butyrobetaine and ultimately carnitine in the body.
Carnitine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, where they are converted into energy. This process is essential for maintaining high levels of energy during physical activity, making Mildronate dihydrate a potentially valuable substance for athletes.
Effects on Energy Metabolism
Several studies have investigated the effects of Mildronate dihydrate on energy metabolism in athletes. One study by Dzerve et al. (2010) found that Mildronate dihydrate supplementation in healthy male volunteers led to an increase in the levels of carnitine in the blood, indicating an enhanced transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria. This increase in carnitine levels was also associated with improved exercise tolerance and reduced fatigue.
In another study by Liepinsh et al. (2009), Mildronate dihydrate was found to improve the efficiency of energy production in the heart muscle, leading to increased endurance and reduced fatigue during physical activity. This effect was attributed to the increased levels of carnitine in the heart tissue, which is crucial for maintaining proper energy metabolism in this highly active organ.
Furthermore, Mildronate dihydrate has been shown to have a protective effect on the heart during physical exertion. A study by Kalvins et al. (2004) found that Mildronate dihydrate supplementation in athletes reduced the risk of heart damage and improved cardiac function during intense exercise. This effect is thought to be due to the increased levels of carnitine, which helps to maintain proper energy metabolism in the heart muscle.
Real-World Examples
The potential benefits of Mildronate dihydrate in sports performance have been demonstrated in real-world examples as well. One notable example is the case of Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who tested positive for Mildronate dihydrate in 2016. Sharapova claimed to have been taking Mildronate dihydrate for several years to treat a magnesium deficiency and irregular EKGs. She also stated that she was unaware of the substance being added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list in 2016.
Sharapova’s case sparked a debate about the use of Mildronate dihydrate in sports and its potential performance-enhancing effects. While the substance is not approved for use in the United States, it is widely used in Eastern Europe and Russia for its purported benefits in improving physical performance and reducing fatigue.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Mildronate dihydrate have been extensively studied in both animals and humans. The substance is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of approximately 4-6 hours and is primarily excreted through the kidneys.
Studies have also shown that Mildronate dihydrate has a low potential for drug interactions and is generally well-tolerated. However, some side effects have been reported, including gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and dizziness. It is important to note that Mildronate dihydrate is not approved for use in the United States and should only be used under medical supervision.
Expert Opinion
Experts in the field of sports pharmacology have varying opinions on the use of Mildronate dihydrate in athletes. Some argue that the substance has clear performance-enhancing effects and should be banned in sports, while others believe that its benefits are not significant enough to warrant a ban.
Dr. Don Catlin, a renowned sports doping expert, stated in an interview with ESPN that Mildronate dihydrate is “a very interesting drug” and that it “could be performance-enhancing.” However, he also noted that more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance.
On the other hand, Dr. Mark Stuart, a sports medicine physician, believes that the benefits of Mildronate dihydrate are not significant enough to justify a ban. In an interview with The Guardian, he stated that “there is no evidence that it enhances performance in any way that would be meaningful to an athlete.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mildronate dihydrate has gained attention in the world of sports for its potential benefits in enhancing energy metabolism and improving physical performance. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, the existing evidence suggests that Mildronate dihydrate may have a positive impact on athletes’ energy metabolism and endurance. However, it is important to note that the substance is not approved for use in the United States and should only be used under medical supervision.
References
Dzerve, V., Matisone, D., Kalkis, H., & Liepinsh, E. (2010). Mildronate improves exercise tolerance and reduces fatigue in healthy volunteers. Pharmacological Research, 61(4), 265-269.
Kalvins, I., Dzerve, V., Matisone, D., & Liepinsh, E. (2004). Mildronate, a novel fatty acid oxidation inhibitor and antianginal agent, reduces myocardial infarct size without affecting hemodynamics. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 44(4), 497-504.
Liepinsh, E., Vilskersts, R., Skapare, E., Svalbe, B., Kuka, J., Cirule, H., … & Dambrova, M. (2009). Mildronate, an inhibitor of carnitine biosynthesis, induces an increase in gamma-butyrobetaine contents and cardioprotection in isolated rat heart infarction. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 54(2), 140-147.
