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Beta-alanine supplementation enhances judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes
Caroline de Andrade Kratz1, Vitor de Salles Painelli1, Kleiner Márcio de Andrade Nemezio1
1Laboratory of Applied Nutrition and Metabolism, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Objectives:
In official judo competitions, athletes usually engage in 5-7 matches in the same day, performing numerous high-intensity efforts interspersed by short recovery intervals. Thus, glycolytic demand in judo is high and acidosis may limit performance. Carnosine is a relevant intracellular acid buffer whose content is increased with beta-alanine supplementation. Thus, we hypothesized that beta-alanine supplementation could attenuate acidosis and improve judo performance.
Design:
Twenty-three highly-trained judo athletes were randomly assigned to receive either beta-alanine (6.4gday-1) or placebo (dextrose, same dosage) for 4 weeks.
Methods:
Performance was assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) supplementation through a 5-min simulated fight (randori) followed by 3 bouts of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Blood samples were collected for blood pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and lactate determination.
Results:
Beta-alanine supplementation improved the number of throws per set and the total number of throws (both p<0.05). Placebo did not change these variables (both p>0.05). Blood pH and HCO3- reduced after exercise (all p<0.001), with no between-group differences (all p>0.05). However, the lactate response to exercise increased in the beta-alanine group as compared to placebo (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
In conclusion, 4 weeks of beta-alanine supplementation effectively enhance judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes.
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