Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on sprint endurance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation (BA) on sprint endurance at two different intensities. Twenty-one anerobically trained [rugby players (n=4), wrestlers (n=11) and recreational athletes (n=6)] college men participated in a double blind, placebo controlled study. Subjects performed an incremental VO2 max test and two sprint to exhaustion tests set at 115% and 140% of their VO2max on a motorized treadmill before (PRE) and after (POST) a 5 week supplementation period. During this time subjects ingested either a BA supplement or placebo (PLA). Subjects ingested 4g/day of BA or PLA during the first week and 6g/day the following 4 weeks. Capillary blood samples were taken before and after each sprint to determine blood lactate response. Following the supplementation period, no significant group (BA, PLA) x intensity (115%, 140%; p=0.60), group by time (PRE, POST; p=0.72), or group x intensity x time (p=0.74) interactions were observed for time to exhaustion. Similar non-significant observations were made for lactate response to the sprints (group x intensity, p=0.43; group x time, p=0.33, group x intensity x time, p=0.56). It was concluded that beta-alanine supplementation did not have a significant effect on sprint endurance at supramaximal intensities.