Simultaneus effect of aerobic training and garlic supplementation on resting levels serum of amino transferases in obese men

Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and is underlying cause of liver diseases. Researches indicate that life style modification via changes in physical activity levels and healthy diet can be beneficial for liver function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training and garlic supplementation on serum levels of ALT and AST.

In a clinical trial, forty obese men (BMI>30 kg/m2 ) were randomly assigned into four groups (10 per each) including 1- Exercise+Sepplement (ES) 2- Supplement (S) 3- Exercise+Placebo (EP) and 4- Placebo (P). The subjects received garlic capsule two times per day (each capsule contained 500 mg garlic powder) or placebo (starch) over a period of eight weeks. The subjects in exercise groups performed a supervised progressive aerobic training (3 times a week, %50-%70 HRmax, 20-40 mins) at the same time. Before and after the experimental period body composition analysis was performed and blood samples were taken in a fasting state. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, One-Way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests at the significance level of P<0.05.

The results showed that ALT and AST levels were decreased following 8-week aerobic training (P<0.05). Garlic supplementation also decreased serum levels of aminotransferases (P<0.05). Inter-group differences were seen between exercise groups and placebo (P<0.05).

It can be concluded that aerobic training and garlic supplementation can decreases serum aminotransferases levels; however, garlic supplementation has no additional effect on the effects of exercise.