Beta alanine supplementation effects on metabolic contribution and swimming performance.

2020-01-03
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 17(1)
- Matheus Silva Norberto
- Ricardo Augusto Barbieri
- Danilo Rodrigues Bertucci
- Ronaldo Bucken Gobbi
- Eduardo Zapaterra Campos
- Alessandrou Moura Zagatto
- Ellen Cristini De Freitas
- Marcelo Papoti

PubMed: 32711541
DOI: 10.1186/s12970-020-00365-6

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 13 competitive swimmers
Methods: 6-week, double-blind placebo-controlled study, ingesting 4.8 g.day-1 of β-alanine or placebo
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 6 weeks

Background

Investigations of β-alanine supplementation shows effects on metabolic (aerobic and anaerobic) participation and performance on swimming by a possible blood acidosis buffering. Considering this background, the objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of β-alanine supplementation on metabolic contribution and performance during 400-m swim.

Methods

Thirteen competitive swimmers underwent a 6-week, double-blind placebo-controlled study, ingesting 4.8 g.day^- 1 of β-alanine or placebo. Before and after the supplementation period, the total anaerobic contribution (TAn) and 30-s all-out tethered swimming effort (30TS) were assessed. Anaerobic alactic (AnAl) and lactic energy (AnLa) was assumed as the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and net blood lactate accumulation during exercise (∆[La^-]), respectively. Aerobic contribution (Aer) was determined by the difference between total energy demand and TAn. In addition to conventional statistical analysis (Repeated measures ANOVA; p > 0.05), a Bayesian repeated measures ANOVA was used to evidence the effect probability (BF_incl).

Results

No differences and effects were found between groups, indicating no supplementation effects. Repeated measures ANOVA, with confirmation of effect, was indicate reduce in ∆Lactate (p: 0.001; BF_incl: 25.02); absolute AnLa (p: 0.002; BF_incl: 12.61), fatigue index (p > 0.001; BF_incl: 63.25) and total anaerobic participation (p: 0.008; BF_incl: 4.89).

Conclusions

Thus, the results demonstrated that all changes presented were evidenced as a result of exposure to the training period and β-alanine supplementation doesn't affect metabolic contribution and performance during 400-m freestyle.

Research Insights

Beta-Alanine→Reduced Anaerobic Lactic Energy
No differences and effects were found between groups, indicating no supplementation effects. Repeated measures ANOVA, with confirmation of effect, was indicate ... absolute AnLa (p: 0.002; BF_incl: 12.61),
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
4.8 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Anaerobic Participation
No differences and effects were found between groups, indicating no supplementation effects. Repeated measures ANOVA, with confirmation of effect, was indicate ... total anaerobic participation (p: 0.008; BF_incl: 4.89).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
4.8 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Blood Lactate Accumulation
No differences and effects were found between groups, indicating no supplementation effects. Repeated measures ANOVA, with confirmation of effect, was indicate reduce in ∆Lactate (p: 0.001; BF_incl: 25.02);
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
4.8 g/day
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Fatigue Index
No differences and effects were found between groups, indicating no supplementation effects. Repeated measures ANOVA, with confirmation of effect, was indicate ... fatigue index (p > 0.001; BF_incl: 63.25)
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
4.8 g/day