Supplementation of beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate: effects on energetic systems contribution during high-intensity intermittent exercise

Author(s)

Rafael Pires da Silva

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Educação Física e Esportes (EEFE/BT)
• Defense date: 2016-08-18

Examining board members

Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior; Guilherme Giannini Artioli; Emerson Franchini; João Carlos Bouzas Marins

• Advisor: Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior

Abstract

Intramuscular accumulation of H+ ions during high-intensity exercise inhibits glycolytic pathway enzymes and impairs several steps in the muscle-contraction process, causing fatigue. It has been suggested that a combined supplementation of betaalanine (through an increase in carnosine concentration) and sodium bicarbonate would increase intra- and extracellular buffering capacity causing synergetic effects on energy metabolism and performance, more than each supplement alone. Few studies investigate the effectiveness of combined supplements during exercise and there is no literature on the effects of this combination on energy system contribution. Therefore, the present study investigated the effectiveness of both beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate alone and together in increasing buffering capacity as well as the potential for modulating energy metabolism and performance during high-intensity intermittent exercise. The study was double-blind and 77 volunteers (aged 38.6 ± 9.9 year, body mass 76.6 ± 8.4 kg; VO2peak 59,3 ± 5,2 ml.kg-1.min-1) were randomly assigned to four groups: beta-alanine (BA; n = 19), sodium bicarbonate (BIC; n = 19), beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate (BA + BIC; n = 20), dextrose (PLA; n = 19). The efficacy of the substances in contributing to energy systems was compared before and after a 28-day period of supplementing 6.4g/day of beta-alanine and of 0.3g/kg of body mass of sodium bicarbonate administered 60 minutes before a cycling intermittent exercise, consisting of 4 sets of 1-minute each at 110% of maximum aerobic power with 1-minute intervals between each set and at an even pace. After 10 minutes of passive rest, performance was measured during a time-trial test in which participants were asked the complete 30 kJ of total work as fast as possible. Blood concentration of pH, bicarbonate, base excess, and lactate were measured before, during, and after intermittent and time trial protocols. The contributions of oxidative and anaerobic alactic (ATP-CP) were estimated based on oxygen consumption and the glycolytic system by the delta of lactate concentration. The energy demand of the intermittent exercises mostly consisted of the oxidative system (45-55%), followed by the ATP-CP system (35-40%), lastly glycolytic (8-15%). The sodium bicarbonate supplement elevated (P>0.001) blood concentration of bicarbonate (~6mmol/L) and pH (~0.06) units in the BIC and BA + BIC groups, generated a high concentration of lactate in the first sets, reflecting the increase in glycolytic energy cost in the first set of intermittent exercise, but was only statistically significant in the BIC group (9.9 ± 7.2 KJ vs 18.7 ± 9.4 KJ; pre vs postsupplementation). Supplementation did not have an effect on the time-trial times between groups or supplement periods (BA -0.5%, BIC -1.4%, BA + BIC -4%, PLA 0%). Supplementing with sodium bicarbonate, both alone and together with betaalanine improved blood acid-base control during high-intensity intermittent exercise resulting in high participation of the glycolytic metabolism, however it did not lead to additional performance (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/13026-5 - SUPPLEMENTATION OF B’ETA-ALANINE AND SODIUM BICARBONATE: EFFECTS ON ENERGETIC SYSTEM CONTRIBUTION DURING INTERMITTENT ANAEROBIC EXERCISE
• Grantee: Rafael Pires da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate