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Beta alanine supplementation effects on metabolic contribution and swimming performance
Matheus Silva Norberto1,2, Ricardo Augusto Barbieri3,4, Danilo Rodrigues Bertucci5
1University of São Paulo, Medicine University of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. matheus.norberto@usp.br.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
|July 27, 2020
Summary
Beta-alanine supplementation did not enhance metabolic contribution or performance in 400-m swimmers. Training adaptations, not the supplement, drove observed changes in lactate accumulation and anaerobic energy.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Supplementation
Background:
- Beta-alanine supplementation is investigated for its potential to buffer blood acidosis and improve athletic performance.
- Previous research suggests possible benefits for both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic contributions in swimming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on metabolic contribution and performance during a 400-m swim.
- To determine if beta-alanine influences anaerobic alactic (AnAl), anaerobic lactic (AnLa) energy, and aerobic contribution (Aer) in swimmers.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 13 competitive swimmers.
- Supplementation with 4.8 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo, with assessments of total anaerobic contribution (TAn) and 30-s tethered swimming (30TS) pre- and post-supplementation.
- Analysis included conventional and Bayesian repeated measures ANOVA to assess statistical significance and effect probability.
Main Results:
- No significant differences or effects were found between the beta-alanine and placebo groups, indicating no supplementation effect on overall performance.
- However, significant reductions were observed in delta lactate (∆Lactate), absolute AnLa, fatigue index, and total anaerobic participation (TAn) within the supplemented group.
- Bayesian analysis confirmed these reductions with high probability (BFincl > 4.89).
Conclusions:
- Observed improvements in metabolic parameters and performance were attributed to training adaptations over the 6-week period.
- Beta-alanine supplementation did not demonstrate a significant effect on metabolic contribution or performance in the 400-m freestyle swim.
- The study suggests that training stimulus is the primary driver of performance enhancement in this context.
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