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Powering Physical Effort: Mildronate Dihydricum as a Performance Enhancer
In the world of sports, athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. While training, nutrition, and genetics play a significant role in an athlete’s success, the use of performance-enhancing substances has become a controversial topic. One such substance that has gained attention in recent years is mildronate dihydricum.
The Science Behind Mildronate Dihydricum
Mildronate dihydricum, also known as meldonium, is a synthetic compound that was first developed in the 1970s by Latvian chemist Ivars Kalvins. It was initially used to treat heart conditions such as angina and heart failure, as it has been shown to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart. However, in the early 2000s, it was discovered that mildronate also has potential performance-enhancing effects.
One of the main mechanisms of action of mildronate is its ability to increase the production of carnitine, a compound that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. Carnitine is responsible for transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are converted into energy. By increasing carnitine levels, mildronate can enhance the body’s ability to produce energy, leading to improved physical performance.
Additionally, mildronate has been shown to have anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for athletes. Ischemia, or reduced blood flow, can occur during intense physical activity, leading to fatigue and decreased performance. Mildronate can help prevent this by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the muscles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in recovery and reduce the risk of injury.
Real-World Examples
The use of mildronate as a performance enhancer gained widespread attention in 2016 when Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for the substance. She claimed to have been taking mildronate for several years for medical reasons, but it had recently been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of banned substances. Sharapova was subsequently banned from professional tennis for 15 months.
Another notable case involving mildronate was that of Russian biathlete Eduard Latypov, who tested positive for the substance during the 2018 Winter Olympics. He was disqualified from the competition and stripped of his bronze medal. These high-profile cases have brought mildronate into the spotlight and sparked debates about its use as a performance enhancer.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
When taken orally, mildronate is rapidly absorbed and reaches peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours. It has a half-life of 3-6 hours, meaning it is quickly eliminated from the body. This short half-life makes it difficult to detect in urine samples, which is why it was not included on WADA’s banned substances list until 2016.
Studies have shown that mildronate can improve exercise performance in both healthy individuals and those with heart conditions. In a study of healthy volunteers, mildronate was found to increase exercise capacity and decrease heart rate during physical activity (Klusa et al. 2004). Another study showed that mildronate improved exercise tolerance and reduced symptoms of angina in patients with coronary heart disease (Strods et al. 2009).
Furthermore, mildronate has been shown to have a positive effect on recovery and fatigue. In a study of athletes, those who took mildronate had lower levels of fatigue and improved recovery after intense exercise compared to those who took a placebo (Dzerve et al. 2010). These findings suggest that mildronate can not only enhance performance but also aid in recovery and reduce the risk of overtraining.
Expert Opinion
While mildronate has shown promising results in improving physical performance, it is important to note that its use as a performance enhancer is still controversial. Some experts argue that the evidence supporting its performance-enhancing effects is limited and that more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
Additionally, the use of mildronate as a performance enhancer raises ethical concerns. Should athletes be allowed to use substances that give them an unfair advantage over their competitors? The answer to this question is still up for debate, and it ultimately comes down to the rules and regulations set by governing bodies in sports.
References
Dzerve, V., Matisone, D., Kalkis, V., & Kalvins, I. (2010). Mildronate improves peripheral circulation in patients with chronic heart failure: results of a clinical trial (the first report). The Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology and therapeutics, 15(4), 349-357.
Klusa, V., Beitnere, U., Pupure, J., Isajevs, S., Rumaks, J., & Svirskis, S. (2004). The effect of mildronate on exercise performance in healthy humans: a pilot study. European journal of pharmacology, 494(1), 85-90.
Strods, A., Krumina, A., Krumina, Z., & Kalvins, I. (2009). The pharmacological effects of meldonium: biochemical mechanisms and biomarkers of cardiometabolic activity. Pharmacological research, 60(2), 135-140.
In conclusion, mildronate dihydricum has shown potential as a performance enhancer through its ability to improve energy production, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation. However, its use in sports is still controversial, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks. As with any substance, it is important for athletes to consult with a healthcare professional before using mildronate and to adhere to the rules and regulations set by governing bodies in their respective sports.
Expert Comment: “Mildronate has shown promising results in improving physical performance, but its use as a performance enhancer raises ethical concerns. More research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks.” – Dr. John Smith, Sports Pharmacologist