Additive effects of beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate on upper-body intermittent performance

Author(s)

Tobias, Gabriel ^[1] ; Benatti, Fabiana Braga ^[1] ; Painelli, Vitor de Salles ^[1] ; Roschel, Hamilton ^[1] ; Gualano, Bruno ^[1] ; Sale, Craig ^[2] ; Harris, Roger C. ^[3] ; Lancha, Jr., Antonio Herbert ^[1] ; Artioli, Guilherme Gianinni ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Lab Appl Nutr & Metab, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Nottingham Trent Univ, Sch Sci & Technol, Biomed Life & Hlth Sci Res Ctr, Nottingham - England

^[3] Junipa Ltd, Newmarket, Suffolk - England

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Amino Acids; v. 45, n. 2, p. 309-317, AUG 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 51

Abstract

We examined the isolated and combined effects of beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) on high-intensity intermittent upper-body performance in judo and jiu-jitsu competitors. 37 athletes were assigned to one of four groups: (1) placebo (PL)+PL; (2) BA+PL; (3) PL+SB or (4) BA+SB. BA or dextrose (placebo) (6.4 g day(-1)) was ingested for 4 weeks and 500 mg kg(-1) BM of SB or calcium carbonate (placebo) was ingested for 7 days during the 4th week. Before and after 4 weeks of supplementation, the athletes completed four 30-s upper-body Wingate tests, separated by 3 min. Blood lactate was determined at rest, immediately after and 5 min after the 4th exercise bout, with perceived exertion reported immediately after the 4th bout. BA and SB alone increased the total work done in +7 and 8 %, respectively. The co-ingestion resulted in an additive effect (+14 %, p < 0.05 vs. BA and SB alone). BA alone significantly improved mean power in the 2nd and 3rd bouts and tended to improve the 4th bout. SB alone significantly improved mean power in the 4th bout and tended to improve in the 2nd and 3rd bouts. BA+SB enhanced mean power in all four bouts. PL+PL did not elicit any alteration on mean and peak power. Post-exercise blood lactate increased with all treatments except with PL+PL. Only BA+SB resulted in lower ratings of perceived exertion (p = 0.05). Chronic BA and SB supplementation alone equally enhanced high-intensity intermittent upper-body performance in well-trained athletes. Combined BA and SB promoted a clear additive ergogenic effect. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/17059-2 - Effects of beta-alanine supplementation combined or not with sodium bicarbonate on intermittent anaerobic performance
• Grantee: Guilherme Giannini Artioli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 10/12302-3 - EFFECTS OF BETA-ALANINE SUPPLEMENTATION COMBINED OR NOT WITH SODIUM BICARBONATE ON ANAEROBIC PERFORMANCE OF UPPER LIMBS
• Grantee: Gabriel Cardial Tobias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 10/11221-0 - Artificial elevation of muscle buffering capacity: effects upon muscle performance and function and underlying mechanisms
• Grantee: Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants