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

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.

Protein metabolism and physical training: any need for amino acid supplementation?

“…The same positive conclusion was observed after 800 m run [144] and repeated isokinetics contractions [145]. Moreover, association of sodium bicarbonate (10 mg.kg −1 body weight) to ß-alanine supplement (6.4 g day ) is increasing the performance of a Wingate test (4 times 30 s) [146]. However, it must be emphasized that ß-alanine supplementation higher than 10 mg.kg −1 body weight may provoke serious irritations (paresthesis) in some individuals!…”

Dietary sodium citrate supplementation does not improve upper-body anaerobic performance in trained wrestlers in simulated competition-day conditions

“…The data of two recent studies are consistent with this suggestion. Artioli et al (2007) and Tobias et al (2013) studied well-trained judo and jiujitsu athletes and demonstrated significant positive effect of acute (Artioli et al 2007) and chronic (Tobias et al 2013) NaHCO 3 supplementation protocols on PP and MP attained during four bouts of 30-s upper-body Wingate test performed with 3-min recovery periods between the bouts.…”

Effective Nutritional Supplement Combinations

“…Studies published in the past 10 years examining the additive benefi ts of β-alanine and sodium bicarbonate supplementation have been promising. Using similar supplementation protocols (4-6 weeks, 2-6.4 g per day of β-alanine + 200-500 mg of sodium bicarbonate), a number of studies have shown positive benefi ts (although not always statistically signifi cant) in a variety of exercise performance modalities such as 2,000 m rowing performance [ 233 ], cycling capacity [ 231 , 232 ], and high-intensity intermittent upper-body performance [ 236 ]. In contrast, others using similar exercise modalities failed to show any additive benefi t [ 229 , 235 ].…”