Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on strength and power performance

Abstract

BackgroundWe investigated the ergogenic effects of betaine (B) supplementation on strength and power performance.MethodsTwelve men (mean ± SD age, 21 ± 3 yr; mass, 79.1 ± 10.7 kg) with a minimum of 3 months resistance training completed two 14-day experimental trials separated by a 14-day washout period, in a balanced, randomized, double-blind, repeated measures, crossover design. Prior to and following 14 days of twice daily B or placebo (P) supplementation, subjects completed two consecutive days (D1 and D2) of a standardized high intensity strength/power resistance exercise challenge (REC). Performance included bench, squat, and jump tests.ResultsFollowing 14-days of B supplementation, D1 and D2 bench throw power (1779 ± 90 and 1788 ± 34 W, respectively) and isometric bench press force (2922 ± 297 and 2503 ± 28 N, respectively) were increased (p < 0.05) during REC compared to pre-supplementation values (1534 ± 30 and 1498 ± 29 W, respectively; 2345 ± 64 and 2423 ± 84 N, respectively) and corresponding P values (1374 ± 128 and 1523 ± 39 W; 2175 ± 92 and 2128 ± 56 N, respectively). Compared to pre-supplementation, vertical jump power and isometric squat force increased (p < 0.05) on D1 and D2 following B supplementation. However, there were no differences in jump squat power or the number of bench press or squat repetitions.ConclusionB supplementation increased power, force and maintenance of these measures in selected performance measures, and these were more apparent in the smaller upper-body muscle groups.

Creatine but not betaine supplementation increases muscle phosphorylcreatine content and strength performance

“…This dissonance in the literature is hard to reconcile but there are some factors that might explain these findings. First, subjects were physically inactive in the current study, whereas in others subjects were at least recreationally trained (Hoffman et al 2009;Lee et al 2010;Maresh et al 2008). Second, the duration of the supplementation protocol was relatively shorter (10 days in the current study versus 14-15 days in the aforementioned studies) and the betaine dose was lower (2 g/day in the current study versus 2.5 g/ Fig.…”

“…Conversely, Hoffman et al (2009) reported gains in strength endurance performance with no changes in muscle power in betainesupplemented physically active subjects. Lee et al (2010) observed improvements in power and force in selected performance measures in recreationally active men, with smaller upper-body muscle groups being the most benefited. In this current study, however, we did not find any ergogenic effect of betaine supplementation.…”

“…In contrast, no differences in power assessments were noticed. Recently, Lee et al (2010) showed that a 14-day betaine supplementation protocol improves vertical jump power, isometric squat force, bench throw power, and isometric bench press force, whereas neither the jump squat power nor the number of bench press or squat repetitions appear to be affected. Based on the aforementioned studies, it is impossible to distinguish in which conditions betaine supplementation would benefit strength capacity.…”

“…The main physiological function of betaine is either as an organic osmolyte to protect cells under stress or as a catabolic source of methyl groups via transmethylation (Craig 2004). Moreover, there is an evidence indicating that the potential ergogenic value of betaine in athletic performance, especially in strength parameters (Lee et al 2010;Hoffman et al 2009;Maresh et al 2008).…”

Acute Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Improves Cycling Time Trial Performance

“…In previous studies, it could only be speculated that the physiological effects of BR consumption were mediated through the systemic reduction of nitrate-derived nitrite to nitric oxide. In addition to nitrate, BR also contains several other potentially metabolically active compounds that might influence the physiological responses to exercise, including betaine, antioxidants, and polyphenols (10,19,23,30). The use of a nitrate-depleted BR as a placebo in this study enabled us to isolate the effects of dietary nitrate from these other potentially ergogenic components.…”