Resumo

RIBEIRO, Fernando  e  TEIXEIRA, Vitor Hugo. Menthol - the refreshing ergogenic. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2019, n.18, pp.54-59. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2019.1810.

Increased body temperature is one of the major factors contributing to fatigue and decreased performance in sporting events. In consequence, body cooling methods have been investigated to counteract the rise in temperature and enhance performance. In this context, evidence has been accumulating that menthol intake may enhance sports performance through various non-thermal mechanisms, notably through its ability to activate cold receptors and reduce heat perception during intense exercise. Other possible mechanisms include increased expired air volume, decreased perception of cardiopulmonary effort, analgesic and CNS stimulating effects. In general, oral menthol administration seems to improve endurance exercise performance in hot and humid environments, mostly at the end of a competitive event. Menthol appears to be safe at the concentrations commonly used in studies that observed ergogenic effects with this compound. However, by allowing exercise to be prolonged beyond normal thermal limits, menthol supplementation may interfere with the arise of physiological protective responses against rising body temperature. Meanwhile, it is necessary to test the effects of higher menthol concentrations on performance and confirm its safety in athletes.

Palavras-chave : Ergogenic; Endurance exercise; Menthol; Sports nutrition,; Cold receptors; Thermoregulation.

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