Inhibition of citrate lyase may aid aerobic
endurance.
Med Hypotheses 1995 Sep 45:3 247-54
Abstract
Owing to a substantial increase in glucose uptake by working
muscle, glucose homeostasis during sustained aerobic exercise
requires a severalfold increase in hepatic glucose output. As
exercise continues and liver glycogen declines, an increasing
proportion of this elevated glucose output must be provided by
gluconeogenesis. Increased gluconeogenic efficiency in trained
individuals is a key adaptation promoting increased endurance,
since failure of hepatic glucose output to keep pace with muscle
uptake rapidly leads to hypoglycaemia and exhaustion.
Pre-administration of (-)-hydroxycitrate, a potent inhibitor of
citrate lyase found in fruits of the genus Garcinia, may aid
endurance during post-absorptive aerobic exercise by promoting
gluconeogenesis. Carnitine and bioactive chromium may potentiate
this benefit. The utility of this technique may be greatest in
exercise regimens designed to promote weight loss.