The Effect of Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training and Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lactic Acid Levels in Adult Men at Fitness Centers in Tangerang City
Main Article Content
Moderate-intensity resistance training induces lactate production through the activation of anaerobic glycolysis and represents a strong metabolic stimulus. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant, has been proposed to support mitochondrial function and metabolic recovery during exercise. This study aimed to compare blood lactate responses to moderate-intensity resistance training between trained and untrained adult men who received astaxanthin or a placebo. A randomized controlled experimental study with a mixed factorial design was performed. Adult men aged 18–25 years were classified as trained or untrained and randomly assigned to astaxanthin supplementation (6 mg/day) or placebo for 14 days while performing a standardized moderate-intensity resistance training program. Blood lactate levels were measured at baseline, one week, and two weeks post-intervention and analyzed using repeated- measures ANOVA. Blood lactate levels increased significantly from baseline to week one and decreased toward baseline at week two in all groups (p < 0.001; partial ?² = 0.886). Comparison between supplementation groups (astaxanthin vs. placebo) showed no significant differences in lactate changes over time (time × group interaction, p = 0.595). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between trained and untrained participants in the overall lactate response patterns. Descriptively, untrained participants demonstrated a steeper acute increase in lactate, whereas participants receiving astaxanthin, particularly trained subjects, exhibited a greater reduction from peak lactate levels during the recovery phase. In conclusion, the lactate responses to moderate-intensity resistance training were primarily driven by the exercise stimulus itself.
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