Effect of Tryptophan Supplementation on the Swimming Performance of Swimmers

Authors : Bahar Saygılı, Asiye Filiz Çamlıgüney

Pages : 356-361

View : 57 | Download : 114

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a 1000 mg tryptophan supplement, used in addition to regular swim training for 8 weeks, on the swimming performance of young male swimmers. Methods: A total of 21 swimmers aged between 16 and 22 years participated in the study. The swimmers were divided into two groups: the tryptophan-supplemented training group (age: 17.36±1.21 years, height: 182.64±7.34 cm, body weight: 73.18±9.68 kg, BMI: 21.88±1.97 kg/m²) and the non-supplemented training group (age: 20.10±1.37 years, height: 182.00±5.79 cm, body weight: 79.80±7.95 kg, BMI: 24.06±1.82 kg/m²). The training group receiving tryptophan supplementation consumed 500 mg of tryptophan twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, for a total daily dose of 1000 mg over an 8-week period. The non-supplemented training group did not receive any nutritional supplements. All athletes completed their routine preparatory training program, consisting of two training sessions per day, 12 sessions per week, with one full rest day each week. Blood samples and 1000-m maximal swimming performance times were collected from both groups twice: once before the beginning of the training period and once at the end of the 8 weeks. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the 1000-m swimming performance and sleep quality of the swimmers in the training group who used tryptophan supplementation (p<0.05). Conclusion: Regular use of tryptophan supplementation for 8 weeks increased swimming performance and improved sleep quality.
Keywords : Ergojenik Destek, Triptofan Suplementi, 1000m Maksimal Yüzme Performans Testi, Uyku Kalitesi.

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