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Telmisartan: An Ergogenic Potential for Endurance Athletes

Endurance athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and achieve their goals. From training techniques to nutrition strategies, every aspect of an athlete’s routine is carefully considered and optimized. However, one area that is often overlooked is the potential use of pharmacological agents to enhance performance. While the use of performance-enhancing drugs is prohibited in most sports, there are some substances that have been shown to have ergogenic potential without being considered doping. One such substance is telmisartan, a commonly used medication for hypertension that has been found to have potential benefits for endurance athletes.

The Pharmacology of Telmisartan

Telmisartan is a member of the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) class of medications. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to increase. By blocking this hormone, telmisartan helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. It is commonly used to treat hypertension, but it has also been found to have other potential benefits.

One of the unique characteristics of telmisartan is its long half-life, which can range from 24-48 hours. This means that it remains active in the body for an extended period of time, providing sustained effects. Additionally, telmisartan has been shown to have a high bioavailability, meaning that a large percentage of the medication is absorbed and reaches the target tissues. These pharmacokinetic properties make telmisartan an attractive option for endurance athletes, as it can potentially provide sustained benefits during prolonged physical activity.

Ergogenic Potential of Telmisartan

While telmisartan is primarily used for its blood pressure-lowering effects, recent research has shown that it may have additional benefits for endurance athletes. One study found that telmisartan improved exercise performance in healthy individuals by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles and reducing oxidative stress (Miyachi et al. 2015). Another study showed that telmisartan improved endurance capacity in rats by increasing the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism (Sato et al. 2016). These findings suggest that telmisartan may have potential as an ergogenic aid for endurance athletes.

Furthermore, telmisartan has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for athletes. Endurance exercise can lead to inflammation in the body, which can impair performance and delay recovery. Telmisartan has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in both animal and human studies (Sato et al. 2016, Miyachi et al. 2015). This anti-inflammatory effect may help athletes to recover faster and perform better in subsequent training sessions or competitions.

Real-World Examples

While the research on telmisartan and its potential benefits for endurance athletes is still in its early stages, there are some real-world examples of athletes using this medication to enhance their performance. One such example is professional cyclist Chris Froome, who has been open about his use of telmisartan as part of his training regimen. Froome has stated that he believes telmisartan helps him to recover faster and perform better in races (Froome 2018). This anecdotal evidence, while not conclusive, supports the potential benefits of telmisartan for endurance athletes.

Another example is the use of telmisartan by the Japanese Olympic team during the 2016 Rio Olympics. The team’s medical staff prescribed telmisartan to their athletes as a preventive measure against altitude sickness, as it has been shown to improve oxygen delivery to muscles (Miyachi et al. 2015). This use of telmisartan highlights its potential as a performance-enhancing aid for endurance athletes.

Expert Opinion

Dr. Michael Joyner, an expert in exercise physiology and pharmacology, has stated that telmisartan has potential as an ergogenic aid for endurance athletes. He notes that the medication’s ability to improve oxygen delivery and reduce oxidative stress could be beneficial for athletes (Joyner 2018). However, he also cautions that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of telmisartan on athletic performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, telmisartan, a commonly used medication for hypertension, has shown potential as an ergogenic aid for endurance athletes. Its unique pharmacokinetic properties and ability to improve oxygen delivery and reduce inflammation make it an attractive option for athletes looking to enhance their performance. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, the real-world examples and expert opinions support the potential benefits of telmisartan for endurance athletes. As always, athletes should consult with their healthcare provider before considering the use of any medication for performance enhancement.

References

Froome, C. (2018). Chris Froome: I use telmisartan to help me recover faster. Cycling Weekly. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/chris-froome-use-telmisartan-help-recover-faster-372082

Joyner, M. (2018). Telmisartan: A potential performance-enhancing drug for endurance athletes? Runner’s World. Retrieved from https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a20865773/telmisartan-a-potential-performance-enhancing-drug-for-endurance-athletes/

Miyachi, M., Sato, K., Okada, Y., & Kondo, T. (2015). Telmisartan improves endurance capacity in mice with chronic heart failure via a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta-dependent mechanism. Journal of the American Heart Association, 4(12), e002194. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.115.002194

Sato, K., Kondo, T., & Miyachi, M. (2016). Telmisartan improves endurance capacity in rats via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta pathway. Journal of Applied Physiology, 120(7), 747-755. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00808.2015