The D allele at the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-insertion/deletion polymorphism has been associated with an increased risk of developing several pathological processes, such as coronary heart disease and ventricular hypertrophy. Individuals with the DD genotype show a significantly increased left-ventricular mass in response to physical training, compared to the II genotype (which would be associated with the lowest plasma ACE levels) and the ID genotype. The II genotype has been linked to a greater anabolic response. In accordance with a role for ACE in the response to rigorous physical training, a higher frequency of the I allele has been reported to exist among elite rowers and high-altitude mountaineers. Sixty elite (professional) athletes (25 cyclists, 20 long-distance runners, and 15 handball players), and 400 healthy controls were genotyped for the DNA polymorphisms of the ACE, angiotensinogen (Ang) and angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1) genes. Plasma ACE levels showed a strong correlation with the I/D genotype in our population. The I-allele occurred at a significantly higher frequency in athletes compared to controls (P = 0.0009). Gene and genotype frequencies for the Ang and AT1 polymorphisms did not differ between athletes and controls. Since the frequency of the ACE I allele was significantly increased among our elite athletes, we conclude that the ACE polymorphism represents a genetic factor that contributes to the development of an elite athlete.

No abstract

Supplementation with β-alanine is becoming a common practice in high-performance athletes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a one-week high-dose β-alanine loading phase employing a sustained-release powder on preserving the time-trial performance capacity of world tour cyclists during overreaching training. Per day, 20 g of sustained-release β-alanine was administered during one week (7 days) of intensive team training camp in a randomised balanced placebo-controlled parallel trial design, with six participants in each β-alanine (BA) or placebo (PLA) group. A 10-min time trial (10′ TT) was carried out to analyse performance and biochemical variables. Anthropometry, paresthesia, and adverse event data were also collected. Power-based relative training load was quantified. Compared to placebo, the BA improved mean power (6.21%, 37.23 W; 95% CI: 3.98–70.48 W, p = 0.046), distance travelled (2.16%, p = 0.046) and total work (4.85%, p = 0.046) without differences in cadence (p = 0.506) or RPE. Lactate (p = 0.036) and anion gap (p = 0.047) were also higher in the BA group, without differences in pH or Bicarbonate. High daily and single doses were well tolerated. One-week high-dose β-alanine loading with a sustained-release powder blend can help attenuate 10′ TT performance losses of world tour cyclists due to intensive training.

Background: Modifying the Omega-3 Index (O3I) in the elite endurance cyclist is desirable for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects. This case study evaluated the effect of evidence based fish oil supplementation, providing long chain omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on three elite riders taking part in the Tour de France (TdF). Methods: The O3I of three riders was evaluated using a finger prick blood sample at the start of the season. Riders were then advised to consume daily fish oil supplements (NAMEDsport) according to their initial O3I to achieve >8% membrane EPA+DHA.  Follow up blood samples were collected before and after the TdF. Results: At baseline, the O3I of rider one (R1: 6.23%) and two (R2: 6.77%) were categorised as sub-optimal (<8%) whereas rider three (R3: 9.66%) was >8%. Two daily fish oil capsules (1118 mg EPA/458 mg DHA) increased the O3I to in both R1 (8.40%) and R2 (9.69%) by the start of the TdF and this was maintained upon completion of the race (R1: 8.81%; R2: 9.37%). The O3I of R3 (9.24%) was maintained by consuming one daily fish oil capsule (559 mg EPA/229 mg DHA) in the lead up to the TdF and upon completion their O3I was similar (9.52%) despite increasing their intake to two daily capsules during the TdF. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that an elite cyclist, consuming 1-2 daily fish oil capsules, can achieve and maintain a high O3I, in the favour of cardio-protection and anti-inflammation during arduous competition.