At a glance
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Acute Supplementation With Beta-Alanine Improves Performance in Aerobic-anaerobic Transition Zones in Endurance Athletes
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating beta alanine for Beta-alanine. Completed, enrolled 12 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The use of beta-alanine (BA) to increase physical performance is widely documented. However, the acute effect of this amino acid on maximal tests in the aerobic-anaerobic transition zone is still uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine the acute effect of low and high-dose BA trials on maximal aerobic speed (MAS) in endurance athletes. We hypothesized that high doses of BA have a greater effect than low doses, both compared to baseline. Twelve male endurance athletes volunteered for the study. The experimental design applied was randomized cross-over, double-blind. Treatment included three 6-minute run tests (6-MRT), the first as a baseline, then randomized 6-MRT with low (30 mg·kg-1) and high (45 mg·kg-1) dose BA trials. The 6-MRTs were separated by 72 hours. The main variable of the study was the distance (m) performed in the 6-MRT. Differences between tests were established through ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests (p \< 0.05).
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
On day 1, all participants completed the 6-MRT corresponding to baseline. Then, on days 2 and 3, each participant performed the 6-MRT with 30 mg·kg-1 and 45 mg·kg-1 of BA (low and high-dose trials, respectively). BA was purchased in powder format from a factory specializing in sports supplements. BA was colorless when diluted in water and had a characteristic taste. This format of BA (powder) allowed personalized dosing for each participant. The research team performed the personalized dosing before the application of the treatment. Between the evaluation days, there was 72 hours difference. The 30 mg·kg-1 or 45 mg·kg-1 BA administration was done with a double-blind method. Thus, on day 2, 50% of the sample performed the 6-MRT supplemented with 30 mg·kg-1 BA, while the other 50% performed the 6-MRT with 45 mg·kg-1 BA. On day 3, those participants who completed the 6-MRT with 30 mg·kg-1 BA now performed with 45 mg·kg-1 BA and vice versa.